Category: NYC & Living

Food, travel, reviews, lifestyle

NYC Weekday Lunch Deals by Borough

I have been doing research on this recently, going through menus and deal listings across the boroughs to find where the actual value is hiding. Here is what I found, organized by type.

French Prix Fixe: More Than You Would Expect for the Price

A French prix fixe lunch is one of the better known deals for people who work in Midtown, but most people do not realize how far the value actually goes. A fixed price gets you two or three courses during a midday window on weekdays. The rooms tend to be calm. The food tends to be real restaurant cooking, not a pared-down lunch version.

Here are the spots that stood out in my research.

Restaurant	Neighborhood	Deal	Hours
Paname Petite Brasserie	Midtown East (2nd Ave & 56th St)	2 courses $23 / 3 courses $26	Daily, noon to 3pm
Boucherie West Village	West Village (7th Ave South)	3 courses $33	Mon to Fri, 11am to 4pm
Red Eye Grill	Midtown (7th Ave)	2 courses $32	Weekdays only
Copinette	Midtown East (1st Ave & 50th St)	3 courses $34	Mon to Fri, noon to 3:30pm

Paname is the standout value on paper. Three courses for $26 in Midtown, with a menu that includes escargot, crab cakes, chicken paillard, and creme brulee. That is not a discounted menu. It is just an honest price for a French restaurant that wants to fill seats at lunch.

Boucherie gives you the widest window, 11am to 4pm, which creates real flexibility for either a late morning or early afternoon meal. Three courses includes soup or salad plus a main like mushroom ravioli or croque monsieur.

Copinette runs a strong three course menu with crispy tortellini, grilled branzino, and pappardelle ragu. Steak frites is available as a $15 supplement if you want to go further, but the base menu already looks like more than you paid for.

Pizza and Italian Casual: The Everyday Lunch

This is where the range gets wide. New York has hundreds of Italian spots running weekday lunch specials. Most of what I found lands between seven and fifteen dollars and includes a drink. The best of them are genuine meals, not just filler.

Here is what the menus show across the boroughs.

Restaurant	Neighborhood	Starting Price	What Is Included
Big John’s Pizza and Pasta	Queens Village, Queens	$4.75	Daily rotating hero or pasta special
Sicily’s Best Pizzeria	Bushwick, Brooklyn	$7.00	Pasta or burger with fries, 11am to 4pm
Michelangelo’s Pizzeria	West Brighton, Staten Island	$8.50	Wrap, gyro, hero, or personal pie with soda or water
Dino’s Pizzeria	Riverdale, Bronx	$9.00	Hero or pasta with mini wedge, soda, and fries or salad
Plaza Pizza	Staten Island	$9.95	Entree with drink
Joe’s Pizza and Pasta	Woodhaven, Queens	$9.99	Pasta, entree, or panini with drink, 11am to 3pm
Genesis Pizza	Flushing, Queens	$10.40	Hot hero, pasta, or wings with fries and free soda
Bklyn Pizza	Bushwick, Brooklyn	$11.56	Heroes and pizzette, 11am to 3pm
Bari’s Pizza	Staten Island	$12.00	Entree with drink
Rosebank Pizza	Rosebank, Staten Island	$13.50	Wide selection with a can of soda
Goodfella’s Brick Oven	Hylan Blvd, Staten Island	$16.00	Entree with side salad and beverage, 11am to 3pm

Big John’s in Queens Village is the most remarkable thing on this list in terms of pure value. Their menu shows a different special every day of the week. Monday is meatball hero. Tuesday is chicken. Wednesday is eggplant. Thursday is sausage. Friday cycles back to meatball. Specials start at $4.75. In 2026, in New York, that number is striking.

Dino’s in Riverdale posts a $9 all in lunch that bundles a mini wedge, a soda, your choice of fries or salad, and a full hero or pasta. That combination of price and completeness is harder to find than it should be.

Genesis in Flushing lists hot heroes, baked pastas, or wings with fries and a free drink at $10.40 across the board. The menu is long and the pricing is consistent, which is usually a good sign.

What Makes a Lunch Deal Worth It

Not every lunch special is actually a deal. Some are just the regular menu with a fountain soda added at the same price as ordering them separately. Here is what separates a real deal from a dressed-up regular order.

What to look for	What to avoid
The price is lower than ordering items separately	A regular entree plus a soda at the same total price
The special is available consistently throughout the week	Specials that disappear seasonally or change without notice
A drink is included, not just listed as an add-on	A drink listed at an additional charge that erases the savings
The window is long enough to eat without feeling rushed	A 90 minute technical window with obvious table-turning pressure

The pattern in my research is that the best deals come from restaurants using lunch to fill seats during slower hours. French spots use prix fixe menus to attract the midday crowd. Pizza shops run specials to compete with fast food. The ones that do it honestly tend to also be the ones where the food and the room reflect some actual care.

My Current Top Picks by Category

Category	Pick	Why
French prix fixe	Paname Petite Brasserie	Three courses for $26 in Midtown including dessert
Budget Italian	Big John’s, Queens Village	Daily rotating specials from $4.75
Midrange Italian	Dino’s Pizzeria, Riverdale	$9 all in with salad, soda, and a full entree
Upscale casual	Goodfella’s, Staten Island	$16 with salad and drink from a brick oven
Best time window	Boucherie West Village	11am to 4pm, which gives you real flexibility

This list will keep growing as I find more worth adding.

February 25, 2026

Three Martini Lunch – Manhattan

What matters in a three martini lunch spot:

You need to be able to get in early. You need to be near transit. You need a martini program that takes itself seriously. And you need a room that signals this is a real meal.

After comparing research from multiple sources, I kept coming back to five places.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

1221 Avenue of the Americas at Rockefeller Center

This place opens at 11:00 AM on weekdays, which immediately puts it ahead of most competitors. The room is a three story space with floor to ceiling windows looking out at Rockefeller Center.

The martini program is confident. They do classic dry and dirty martinis with quality spirits, and their bar menu has a lunch bundle that pairs a martini with oysters, Caesar salad, and fries for $39. That is a smart entry point if you want to pace yourself before ordering heavier plates.

I would come here for the filet medallions or the tuna poke bowl. You can wear a suit without feeling overdressed, and you can get out quickly if you need to. The E train to JFK is close, and Penn Station is a short walk for Newark or Long Island connections.

Cost for three martinis and a full meal runs $160 to $300 depending on what you order.

Le Rock

45 Rockefeller Plaza

Le Rock also opens at 11:00 AM on weekdays, and it has the most developed martini program of any place on this list. They call it Martinis Maison, and it includes a Reverse Martini, a Gibson, a Vesper, a Dirty, and a 50/50. Each one is $24.

This is a French brasserie, so the food skews toward steak frites, filet au poivre, sole meunière, and an omelette with caviar. The room has arched skylights and Art Nouveau touches. It reads as polished without being overly formal.

Le Rock does not lean on steakhouse tradition. It is doing its own thing, and it does it well. Three martinis plus an entree and maybe a starter will run you $150 to $260.

The location in Rockefeller Plaza makes airport access straightforward.

The Dynamo Room

2 Pennsylvania Plaza above Penn Station

The Dynamo Room opens at 11:30 AM for lunch, Tuesday through Thursday only. That narrow window is worth noting.

What makes this place different is the mini martini option. You can order a mini Gibson, Dirty, Vesper, or Cosmo for around $12, or go standard for $22. If you plan to have three martinis at lunch, the mini format lets you enjoy the ritual without losing your afternoon.

The food is steakhouse leaning with a raw bar, hanger steak frites, and an express lunch menu. It sits on top of Penn Station, so if you are headed to Newark or JFK via train, this is the most convenient choice.

Three minis and a meal will cost you $120 to $220.

The Grill

99 East 52nd Street in the Seagram Building

The Grill does not open until 11:45 AM, so it misses the early window. But it is still here because it is the closest thing left to the original three martini lunch.

This is the space that used to be The Four Seasons. The room is midcentury with dark wood and tableside service. The martinis come freezer cold in crystal decanters, made with a house blend of Plymouth and Tanqueray gins, vermouth, and spring water. They also do variations like the Tuxedo and the Kangaroo if you want vodka.

The signature move is the prime rib carved tableside.

The dress code is real. Three martinis and lunch will cost $250 to $400, and you should book weeks in advance.

The Bar Room at The Modern

9 West 53rd Street at MoMA

The Modern opens at 11:30 AM daily. It is adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art, and the room is casual elegant.

The martini here is made with a gin blend, blanc vermouth, and Alsatian kirsch. It is more composed than a classic martini. The food is seasonal contemporary American. You come here when you want sharp execution without feeling weighed down afterward.

The dress code is business casual. Three martinis and a meal will run $150 to $260.

How to choose

If you need to be in and out by noon because of a flight, go to Del Frisco’s or Le Rock. Both open at 11:00 AM.

If you are based near Penn Station and headed to Newark or JFK, go to The Dynamo Room and order the minis.

If you want the most serious martini program, go to Le Rock.

If you want the full classic experience and cost is not a concern, go to The Grill.

If you want excellent food and drinks in a more contemporary setting, go to The Modern.

A note on booking

Book two to four weeks ahead for weekday lunch slots, especially Tuesday through Thursday. The Grill requires advance reservations. Le Rock and Del Frisco’s fill up quickly at 11:00 AM. The Dynamo Room only does lunch Tuesday through Thursday, so check the schedule.

All of these places operate primarily on weekdays. Confirm hours directly before you go, because seasonal adjustments happen.

February 22, 2026
Dallas Casual Dining: The 2026 Consensus Picks
What three independent food experts would agree on if they merged their reports into one list of top recommendations.

Barbecue
- Cattleack Barbeque (Farmers Branch), Smoked Brisket. All three experts rank this at or near the top. Limited hours, salt-and-pepper rub, post oak smoke.
- Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q (Allen), Al Pastor Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Two experts highlight this dish specifically. Smoked pork belly with pineapple and achiote glaze.
- Pecan Lodge (Deep Ellum), Brisket and Sausage Platter. Got fresh attention in 2026 through the American Airlines partnership. The two-meat plate with mac and cheese is the go-to order.
- Hurtado Barbecue (Dallas Farmers Market), “El Jefe” Platter. Brisket, ribs, sausage, and Mexican street corn. Built for sharing.
Tex-Mex and Tacos
- Fito’s (multiple locations), Taco de Trompo. All three experts name this one. Spit-roasted pork on a corn tortilla with onions and cilantro, full meal under $10.
- Herrera’s Oak Cliff, Combo No. 1A. Cheese enchilada, tamale, beef taco, and bean tostada. Straightforward Dallas Tex-Mex.
- Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch (DFW locations), Beef Fajitas. The consensus pick for fajitas, with fresh tortillas.
- Las Palmas Tex-Mex (Uptown), Queso and Cheese Enchiladas. Multiple experts flag the garlic-herb queso as one of the best shareable starters in the city.
Vietnamese
- Ba Lee (Carrollton), Grilled Pork Bánh Mì. All three experts agree on this. In-house processed meats on a crusty baguette, around $6.50.
- Phở Xóm (Carrollton), Phở Tái Lăn. A 14-hour bone broth with wok-fried beef in beef tallow and garlic. Northern Vietnamese preparation that’s hard to find elsewhere.
- Lua Kitchen (Garland), Bún Chả Hà Nội. D Magazine’s 2026 standout for grilled pork and meatball noodles.
American Classics
- Keller’s Drive-In (multiple locations), No. 5 Double-Meat Cheeseburger. Every expert includes it. A 1960s carhop drive-in with poppy-seed bun burgers starting at $4.99.
- Roots Chicken Shak (Plano, Legacy Hall), “The Big Bird” Sandwich. Chef Tiffany Derry’s duck-fat fried chicken sandwich, under $10.
- Aunt Irene’s Kitchen (South Dallas), Fried Fish Sandwich or Black Box Seafood Boil. The $10 fish sandwich works for lunch. The $35 Black Box (crab, shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes) is the bigger commitment.
February 20, 2026
Five Recommended NYC Counter-Service Dumpling Spots

I live in the East Village, and I have spent the better part of three years eating dumplings at counter-service spots across New York City. Some of what I write here comes from personal experience. The rest comes from research, reading, and talking to people who eat dumplings more than I do. I will be clear about which is which.

This is not a comprehensive guide. It is a record of five places that show what a dumpling can be when every detail is attended to.

The five spots

1. Shu Jiao Fu Zhou, Chinatown

This is my favorite dumpling spot in New York City. I have eaten here many times, and it is awesome every single time.

They specialize in northern style dumplings with paper thin wrappers that puff when steamed. The pork and chive filling is so well seasoned that you do not need sauce. The dumplings are juicy, almost to the point of being soup dumplings, but they hold their shape.

Six dumplings cost three dollars. You can also buy a bag of fifty frozen dumplings for twelve dollars.

2. White Bear, Flushing

White Bear is a takeout window with a menu of thirty four items taped above the counter. Everyone orders the same thing. Number six. Wontons in chili oil.

The wrappers are thin, almost translucent, with a soft chew that yields immediately. They do not tear. They do not stick to each other.

The filling is pork and vegetables, balanced and juicy. But the chili oil is what really makes White Bear what it is. It is bright, sharp, and layered. The pickled vegetables add crunch and acidity. The scallions add freshness.

I am somewhat sensitive to chili oil, and even I went back.

3. North Dumpling, Lower East Side

Workers fold dumplings at a table in the back. Another worker fries them in batches and delivers them to the front counter, still crackling.

I have had North Dumpling many times, and it is really good. The wrappers are medium thick. They develop a crust on the bottom that shatters when you bite into it. The inside stays chewy. The filling is ginger forward, bold, and porky.

Ten dumplings cost four dollars. The consistency is ironclad. The turnover is so high that every order feels like it just came off the line. I do not think it quite reaches the level of Shu Jiao Fu Zhou, but for the price, it is hard to beat.

4. Vanessa’s Dumpling House, Chinatown

Vanessa’s has been open since 1999. It has multiple locations.

The wrappers are thick, but tender. They hold up to steaming or frying without becoming gummy. The filling is chive heavy, uniformly fresh, and dependable.

It is not quite at the level of the top three spots on this list, but it is still a good option. Consistency across years and locations counts for something.

5. Tasty Dumpling, Chinatown

I have not tried Tasty Dumpling yet, so this ranking is based on research rather than personal experience.

It sits across from Columbus Park on Mulberry Street. The dumplings are reported to be small, ribbed, and darkly flavorful. The wrappers are said to be surprisingly delicate for a spot at this price point.

Four dumplings cost two dollars. The portion is designed for snacking, not for a full meal. Multiple sources note that the dumplings do not travel well. It is on my list to try soon.

A note on other strong contenders

I have not had a chance to try Wei Mei Xian in Sunset Park yet, but I have heard great things. The wrappers are said to be nearly translucent, and their version of xiao long bao reportedly crosses into steamed bun territory.

Jin Mei Dumpling on Henry Street offers fifteen dumplings for five dollars, and it is pretty good if you like volume. The flavor profile is unusual though. The filling tastes almost like ground beef or ground pork mixed with some kind of chili seasoning. If that sounds appealing, it is worth a trip.

I have heard good things about Super Taste on Eldridge Street as well, but I have not had a chance to try it yet. They are known for deep fried dumplings with aged black vinegar.

Same goes for Fried Dumpling on Mosco Street. I have heard it is a historic spot and still satisfying, but I have not been able to get there yet.

February 20, 2026

The Best OvRride Snowboard Resorts Near NYC: A 2026 Ranking for Intermediate Riders

If you live in New York City and rely on the OvRride bus to get to the mountains, you know the struggle. You want fresh snow, wide trails to practice your carving, and a stress-free day. But the 2025-2026 season has been wild. We have seen everything from freezing cold snaps to unseasonably warm spells. Plus, with big companies buying up local resorts, the crowds have changed.

For an intermediate rider (someone who can link turns but isn’t ready for steep ice) picking the wrong mountain can ruin your day. We analyzed the top bus destinations to rank them based on what actually matters to you. We looked at snow quality, crowd levels, and whether the travel time is worth it.

Here is the definitive, ranked guide for the NYC intermediate snowboarder.

How We Ranked These Mountains

We ignored the marketing hype and focused on the reality of a day trip from Union Square. Here is our criteria:

Uncrowded Trails: You need space to turn without fear of collisions.
Snow Quality: We prioritize soft snow over ice because it is safer for learning.
Intermediate Terrain: We looked for “carving blues” which are wide, consistent trails that aren’t too steep.
The Commute: We weighed the total time of the trip against the quality of the experience.

Note: This guide is optimized for weekday trips. Weekends in the Northeast are almost always crowded regardless of where you go.

1. The Winner: Belleayre Mountain (Highmount, NY)

The “Hidden” Gem of the Catskills

For the 2026 season, Belleayre Mountain is the clear winner. Unlike the corporate resorts nearby, Belleayre is state-run and feels more like a park than a business. It is relaxed, friendly, and focused entirely on the riding experience.

Why It Wins on Snow

Belleayre sits in a unique spot that often gets the “Catskill Cloud” effect. This means it frequently gets more natural snow than neighboring mountains. It also has a high ridge that protects the trails from the wind. This keeps the snow soft rather than stripping it down to the icy base.

The Best Trails for Carving

The layout is perfect for learning. The upper mountain features wide, rolling blue trails that don’t get too steep suddenly. The standout run is Dot Nebel. It is incredibly wide and allows you to lock in big, sweeping turns. Another favorite, Deer Run, offers a long, peaceful cruise. You rarely find dangerous intersections here.

The Trade-Off

The only downside is the distance. It is about 135 miles from NYC. The bus ride usually takes around 3 hours each way. However, the superior snow and lack of crowds make the travel time a smart investment.

Verdict: The best experience available. The extra travel time pays off with better snow and empty trails. Aim for a Wednesday trip for a private mountain feel.

2. The Runner-Up: Hunter Mountain (Hunter, NY)

The Industrial Snow Giant

Hunter Mountain is the heavyweight of the region. It is famous for its snowmaking power. If nature doesn’t provide snow, Hunter’s massive automated system will cover the mountain in hours. It has fast lifts and a big lodge, but it comes with a chaotic atmosphere.

The “Hunter North” Strategy

If you go to Hunter, you must be strategic. Stick to the Hunter North expansion. This area is newer and served by a high-speed 6-person lift. The trails are wide, straight, and usually much less crowded than the main face of the mountain.

The Warning

Avoid the main summit trails like the Belt Parkway if you can. It is a famous intermediate run, but it gets so much traffic that it often gets scraped down to ice by midday. It can feel like a highway during rush hour.

Verdict: A strong backup option with great lifts. Stick to the Northern side to avoid the ice and crowds.

3. The Vertical Challenger: Blue Mountain (Palmerton, PA)

Big Vertical, Long Day

Blue Mountain offers the highest vertical drop in Pennsylvania. This means you get long, sustained runs that let you get into a good rhythm. Trails like Razor’s Edge are excellent for practicing technique on a consistent slope.

The Logistics Problem

The issue here is the commute. While it looks close on a map, the bus route through New Jersey and Pennsylvania traffic is brutal. A typical day trip can last 13 to 14 hours from departure to return. That is a lot of time on a bus for Pennsylvania conditions.

Verdict: Great terrain with long runs, but the 14-hour travel day makes it a tough sell compared to the Catskills.

4. The Sleep-In Option: Camelback Mountain (Tannersville, PA)

The Midday Advantage

Camelback has one unique feature which is the schedule. You can catch a “Midday” bus that leaves Union Square at 10:30 AM. If you hate waking up at 5:00 AM, this is your only real option.

The Reality Check

Because you arrive late, you ride late. Camelback has night lighting, but riding at night often means riding on hard surfaces as the temperature drops. The resort is also very commercial and attached to a massive waterpark. Expect loud crowds and a busy base area. The snow on the main trail, Nile Mile, is deep but often gets pushed into piles of sugar and ice.

Verdict: Choose this only if you need to sleep in. It is a lifestyle choice rather than a performance choice.

5. The “Gym” Option: Mountain Creek (Vernon, NJ)

So Close, Yet So Icy

Mountain Creek is the closest option at just 47 miles away. It serves as a local gym for riders who just need a quick fix. However, its low elevation means it struggles with the weather.

Why It Ranks Last

The snow here often melts during the day and freezes at night. This creates “boilerplate” ice that is unforgiving for snowboarders. The main intermediate trail, Horizon, acts as a funnel for the whole mountain. It is often packed with people which makes it a stressful obstacle course rather than a fun run.

Verdict: Only go here if you absolutely cannot spare the time for a longer trip. It is convenient, but the ice and crowds are difficult for learners.

Summary Comparison

Resort	Uncrowded Score	Snow Quality	Travel Ease	Best For
1. Belleayre	10/10	9/10	6/10	Best Overall
2. Hunter	8/10	7/10	6/10	Fast Lifts
3. Blue Mtn	7/10	6/10	6/10	Long Runs
4. Camelback	5/10	5/10	8/10	Sleeping In
5. Mtn Creek	4/10	3/10	10/10	Short Trip

Final Tips for Your Trip

Watch Out for Plattekill: You might hear about a cool indie mountain called Plattekill. It is awesome, but it is usually closed Monday through Thursday. Don’t book a weekday trip there without checking the schedule.
Bring Low-Light Goggles: The light in the Northeast is often flat and gray. Yellow or pink lenses will help you see the ice patches before you hit them.
Hydrate: The bus ride is long and dry. Drink plenty of water to avoid leg cramps on the ride home.

February 16, 2026

Báhn Anh Em Has the Best Bahn Mi Bread I’ve Ever Eaten
Late Thursday night, hunger hit hard, and I finally gave in to weeks of curiosity about Báhn Anh Em, a Vietnamese sandwich spot I’d been eyeing for a while.

The verdict: Must go. This is the best bahn mi bread I’ve ever had, and I’m absolutely coming back for more.

Why This Bahn Mi Stands Out

Here’s what made this sandwich exceptional:
- The bread is revolutionary. It’s significantly lighter than typical bahn mi baguettes, with an airy interior and just the right amount of crust.
- Generous meat portions. They don’t skimp on the pate, pork floss, head cheese, or any of the traditional bahn mi proteins.
- Textural complexity. Crispy vegetables, soft rice noodles (which create an interesting rubber band effect on biting), and multiple protein textures all work together.
- Flavor layering. Lemongrass, Thai basil, slightly sweet house mayo, acidic pickled vegetables, and rich meats create a balanced bite.
- The takeout hack works. The place is packed to the entry door like sardines, but ordering takeout lets you skip the wait and just grab your food.
One friction point: Good luck getting a table.

The Star, the Original Recipe

The Bread Changes Everything

Most bahn mi bread is dense and chewy. It serves as a vehicle for the fillings, but it can also overpower them. The house-baked baguette here flips this dynamic completely.

The bread is light and airy on the inside with a delicate crust on the outside. It’s sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart, but it doesn’t dominate the bite. This lighter approach lets every ingredient shine. I can actually taste the lemongrass, pick up the sweetness in the mayo, and appreciate the freshness of the Thai basil and cilantro without fighting through a thick bread barrier.

I’ve had plenty of bahn mi sandwiches over the years, and the bread has always been good but never remarkable. This is the first time the bread itself has been the standout component of the sandwich.

What’s Inside the Sandwich

Báhn Anh Em loads their bahn mi with traditional ingredients, and they don’t hold back on portions:
- Pork floss in generous amounts
- Pate that comes through in almost every bite
- Head cheese and other classic bahn mi meats
- Rice noodles in lighter amounts, creating an interesting textural element
- House mayo applied perfectly (not too much, not too little, with a subtle sweetness)
- Shredded carrots and julienned cucumbers for acidity and crunch
- Thai basil and cilantro for freshness
- Lemongrass adding aromatic complexity
The rice noodles are an unexpected addition that I haven’t seen in most bahn mi sandwiches. They add a unique element: when you bite down, they stretch and pull, creating a rubber band effect that adds to the overall textural experience. It’s unusual but it works.

The Flavor Balance

What makes this sandwich work is how well everything balances. You get the acidic bite from the pickled vegetables, a touch of sweetness from the mayo, rich fattiness from the pate and meats, and bright freshness from the herbs. Every component has a role, and nothing overpowers anything else.

The fat from the meats and pate cuts through the acidity of the vegetables. The herbs provide freshness that keeps the sandwich from feeling heavy despite all the rich ingredients. The light baguette ties it all together without adding unnecessary weight.

That balance seems simple but requires attention to proportions. Too much mayo and it becomes greasy. Too many pickled vegetables and it’s too sharp. Too much bread and the whole thing becomes stodgy. They get the ratios right.

The Takeout Strategy

The restaurant is absolutely packed. It looks like chaos from the outside.

Order takeout. You walk in, grab your sandwich from the counter, and you’re out in under a minute.

It worked perfectly for a late Thursday night when I just wanted to eat good food without dealing with crowds.

When Bread is So Good It Makes You Stop Mid-Bite

The first bite delivered immediate satisfaction. I immediately stopped moving for a second to focus on what I’m tasting. The bread was softer than I expected, almost pillowy. The flavors came in waves: herbs first, then the richness of the pate, then the bright acidity of the pickled vegetables cutting through.

Not life-changing, but genuinely excellent in a way that made me wish I’d tried this place sooner. The sandwich reset my baseline for what a bahn mi should taste like.

I’m already thinking about when I’ll go back.
January 29, 2026
Wayla Thai Restaurant NYC
I went to Wayla, a Thai restaurant in New York, on a Saturday night with a group of friends before meeting up with more people at a bar.

Is Wayla Worth It?

Go, but skip Saturday nights. The food is legitimately excellent. That fried branzino alone is worth the trip. However, the weekend crowd turns the whole experience into a chaotic numbers game that undercuts what could otherwise be a really special meal.

Wayla’s Saturday Night Chaos

Wayla is down a flight of stairs, and the second you descend, you are hit with how packed it is. Dark and narrow with servers sprinting between tables, plus a frazzled host trying to manage a bottleneck at the entrance because some group ahead of us forgot to make a reservation. I gave my name and got shuffled through the main dining room, which is actually quite nice. It is cozy and railroad style while stretching way back through half the block. But that is not where I ended up.

Emergency Tent Patio Setup

They walked me outside to the patio where they have set up these plastic emergency tents. I am talking the kind you see at a marathon finish line for race EMTs. They are just randomly scattered around with no real cohesion to the layout. It felt like they were jamming in as many people as possible rather than creating an actual dining environment. I was not getting “charming outdoor seating” but rather “overflow holding area.” Not cozy. Not what you want when you are paying good money for Thai food.

Attentive Service at Wayla

The server was attentive from the jump. They took my drink order immediately and walked us through the menu while happily answering questions. That mattered because Wayla’s menu is extensive. There are lots of spicy options and lots of non spicy options, which I appreciate. Thai food can be intimidating if you are not used to the heat levels, and they have clearly thought about accessibility without dumbing anything down.

The Whole Fried Branzino (Larb Pla Tod)

I had looked it up on Perplexity beforehand, and everything pointed to the whole branzino (larb pla tod). I am usually skeptical of whole fish in restaurants because it is so easy to overcook, and you end up with dry, flaky nonsense. But this one is fried, and frying is more forgiving because the batter insulates the protein and keeps it juicy.

When it arrived, the presentation was wild. The fish is arranged in this spiral, almost like it is protecting the meat. The bones are already removed, which is a huge relief because picking through bones mid meal is always annoying. The execution was spot on:
- Light, crispy batter that was not heavy or greasy
- Meaty, substantial fish with more texture than your typical fried cod or fish and chips haddock
- Perfectly seasoned, still juicy and tender
- Chunked into nuggets for easy eating
But the real genius is the lime vinaigrette pooled at the bottom of the plate. You dip the fried fish into it, and it cuts right through the richness of the batter. Fresh, aromatic, and quintessentially Thai. That balance of crispy, fatty fish meeting bright, acidic dressing is what makes the dish special.

Wayla’s Menu Quality and Price

Food came out fast. Everyone liked what they ordered. The quality is undeniable, and you can taste where your money is going. This is not cheap, but it is not a rip off either.

Best Times to Visit Wayla

I would go back. I liked it. But I would be strategic about timing. Saturday night Wayla is too much. It is that specific New York restaurant feeling where you are just a reservation number rather than a guest. The chaos, the tent city patio, and the harried staff all add up to an experience that is more stressful than enjoyable, even when the food delivers.

For a group of four heading out to meet more people afterward? It worked. It was a solid pre bar dinner. But I am not rushing back. That said, I can absolutely see myself craving that branzino in six months and making a Tuesday or Wednesday reservation to get the full experience without the weekend circus.

The Wayla Experience

There is this specific sensation at overpacked New York restaurants where the energy tips from “buzzy” into “suffocating,” and Saturday night Wayla lives right on that edge. You are sitting under a plastic tent that feels temporary and almost apologetic while servers sprint past and voices blend into a low roar. It is not unpleasant, exactly. It is just relentless. You are aware the whole time that the restaurant is operating at maximum capacity and that you are part of a tightly choreographed rotation designed to turn tables.

But then the food arrives, and for a few minutes, none of that matters. That first bite of the branzino is crispy, hot, and perfectly seasoned. When paired with the sharp lime vinaigrette, you suddenly understand why people put up with the chaos. It is a reminder that even when the experience around the meal is compromised, the meal itself can still be worth showing up for. The memory I am left with is not the tent or the crowd or the stairs. It is the taste of that fish and the quiet satisfaction of knowing I had found something genuinely good in the middle of all the noise.
January 21, 2026
Luthun Excels

I wanted a really good meal. I felt restless and wanted an evening that would pull me fully into itself. I asked AI what Redditors thought was the most delicious meal they had eaten in the past couple of years, and one place came up repeatedly: Luthun. It was in my neighborhood, and I realized I had walked past it without ever going in. I decided to change that and walked over.

Inside, the space was clean and contemporary, with an open kitchen that immediately set the tone. The staff greeted me, took my reservation code, and asked what I wanted to drink. Everything moved easily and with intention. They asked where I was coming from, and the conversation unfolded naturally. When the sommelier joined me, he asked what I liked to drink and listened closely.

I chose to order wine as the meal progressed. I started by asking for high acidity and strong minerality. He brought a wine from Argentina that felt sharp and focused, and it set the pace for the evening.

For the next course, I asked for a skin contact wine. The bottle he selected opened slowly, with a light smokiness and depth that revealed itself over time. It stayed present throughout the course and worked closely with the food.

With the beef, I ordered a medium-bodied red with high acidity. It carried the dish cleanly and completed the arc of the wines. I ordered a digestif at the end, which closed the meal quietly.

The food was consistently excellent. The lightly fried scallops stood out most, cooked precisely and rich in texture. The sauces throughout the meal were balanced and composed, supporting each dish without pulling focus. A frisée salad treated with liquid nitrogen brought a crisp, fleeting texture that added interest to the course.

What stayed with me was the clarity of the experience. The food, the wine, the pacing, and the room all felt guided by a steady point of view. The evening held together from start to finish.

I left feeling settled. I had come in wanting a great meal, and I walked out with the sense that the time had been well spent. It was one of the best meals I have had in New York, and it stayed with me in a quiet, lasting way.

January 18, 2026
Living in NYC: Recommendations from Year One

This isn’t a “best of New York” list. It’s a set of things that made day-to-day life here noticeably better after a year of trial, error, and mild overcommitment.

Live somewhere walkable, even if it costs more.
Being able to walk to coffee, groceries, bars, parks, and friends changes how often you actually use the city. Central neighborhoods beat “nice but remote” ones. If you can walk most places, the city feels smaller and calmer.

Optimize for your daily radius, not your weekend fantasies.
It’s tempting to pick a neighborhood based on where you might go. Pick based on where you actually end up going on a Tuesday night. Your regular routes matter more than edge cases.

Say yes early, then get selective later.
The first six to nine months are for sampling. Go to things. Accept random invitations. Use social apps if that lowers friction.

Don’t confuse busyness with connection.
New York makes it easy to be socially full but relationally thin. That’s normal. The goal isn’t more plans, it’s seeing the same people again without effort.

Let the city regulate you instead of pushing against it.
You don’t need to extract everything from New York. You don’t need to “do the most.” Some weeks are loud. Some are quiet. Both count.

Walk as much as possible.
Walking is the cheat code. Transit is efficient, but walking teaches you where you actually are.

Expect housing to be temporary, and don’t panic about it.
Month-to-month living feels unstable until you realize that flexibility is the feature.

Spend money on access, not status.
Pay for things that reduce friction: proximity, convenience, time.

Use the city instead of escaping it.
Ironically, living here reduced my urge to travel.

Accept that NYC won’t give you direction.
A city is a container, not a compass.

If New York works for you, it’ll feel like a place that quietly supports a lot of different lives at once, including yours.

January 14, 2026
Sushi Lin Park Slope Omakase

Sushi Lin Park Slope is an easy recommendation and a place I would gladly return to. The space is clean, calm, and inviting, and the service is consistently attentive without feeling rushed. Water was always topped off, and the staff were genuinely friendly and professional throughout the meal.

The sushi stands out for its quality and composition. The nigiri feels intentional rather than formulaic, with combinations that go beyond a standard omakase. The salmon with tomato was the clear standout. It was an unexpected pairing and genuinely excellent. The uni was fresh and deeply flavorful, the salmon across the board had a rich, buttery texture, and the scallop was especially smooth and luxurious. Overall, the fish quality was outstanding.

I ordered the 10-piece omakase with a hand roll, and nearly every bite delivered. The only miss was a small tuna tartare bite on a cracker with cucumber. It was fine, but far less interesting than the rest of the meal.

Great fish, thoughtful execution, and strong service make Sushi Lin Park Slope a reliable choice for high-quality sushi in the neighborhood.

this one was just ok

Excellent Uni flavor

Skilled Chefs

Smooth and buttery Sushi

Cool Stoneware

January 12, 2026
Hudson River Pathway

I recently went on a walk from the George Washington Bridge near 175th St in Manhattan down the path all the way to 96th. The path doesn’t follow the Hudson the entire way, but overall it’s a lovely walk. It’s quiet, especially in January. And there’s a surprising amount of nature for being Manhattan.

January 11, 2026