Quick Trip to NYC

Quick Trip to NYC

Walking for graduation on Sunday, flying to NYC on Monday morning to find your first post-grad apartment… what’s new!?

While Shir ventured on an educational adventure to Munich, Germany, I walked across stage to graduate from the University of Florida Warrington College of Business. Unfortunately, Shir wasn’t able to walk with me, but she was off on her own amazing adventure! Our lives have always been hectic days with lots to see and do and, already, post-grad life is no different.

After graduation on Sunday morning, I hopped on a flight to NYC the following day with my mom (s/o to our day 1 supporter!) to start my apartment search in NYC. And trust me, finding an apartment in the city is no easy task. Luckily, me and my roommate, Carli, found the perfect spot that we can’t wait to call home!

mom & I ready for an early flight!

Our first two days in NYC were packed with appointments at different apartment buildings, but it turned out to be super efficient and a successful trip! To choose the place with the perfect rooftop views, massive lounge areas, in-unit laundry machine, or normal sized bedroom?! There were so many things to take into consideration, but luckily my roommate and I were able to decide on the perfect place on the third day, after taking into account everything that we had seen. Now, we both have more insight on how the apartment hunt really works in New York!

While in the city, of course I had to check out a few popular cafes and restaurants that have been on my NYC foodie bucket list (yes, you know that Shir and I each have a running list of places to check out!).

Ruby’s

We stumbled upon this cafe after a long morning of apartment hunting and it was much needed! The servers are very friendly and Australian-inspired food is to die for. We recommend getting the Chicken Avocado and the Quinoa Bowl. You know it’s good when you visit here twice in a span of three days for lunch!

Upland NYC

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a picture of our fabulous meal because my pure exhaustion and hunger from a long day of apartment hunting took over! I was familiar with Upland from a previous time that Shir, a few of our friends and I went to the Miami location. I knew that this would be a good spot to take my mom and made a reservation for our first night.

The decor of the NYC location matches its Miami vibes, but in a slightly smaller venue. The menu featured different items but the same amazing quality of food. We started off with the five lettuce ‘caesar’ salad, which I highly recommend! We actually decided to order it after seeing the people next to us enjoying it. This salad featured super fresh lettuces and watermelon radish with an light caesar dressing. For the entree, my mom got the flaxseed crusted cod and I got the chili roasted green circle farms chicken – both amazing as well! Warning – the chicken comes with an actual chicken leg & foot sticking up for decoration… definitely an interesting sight!

By Chloe

For any NYC local or frequent visitor, you know By Chloe. This cafe, with multiple locations around the city, offers amazing vegetarian/vegan options with incredible flavor. I knew that I had to take my mom here to show her what all of the hype was about and she loved it!

I got The Greek salad, my mom got The Guac Burger, and we split the Air Baked Sweet Potato Fries. I think the fries were my favorite part of the meal! By Chloe might be a better place to visit for lunch, but definitely had a smaller crowd around dinnertime.

Cafe Clover

I heard about this seasonal, organic restaurant from one of my favorite NYC food bloggers, rachlmansfield, and added it to my list of restaurants to check out (you know that Shir and I have a long list of places to try out in Manhattan!).

After booking a reservation for 8:30pm and having to wait about 15 minutes for a table, the hostess offered a free drink on the restaurant. Being lovers of Pinot Noir, my mom and I chose the French selection, as per the recommendation of the bartender. It was fabulous!

The manager came over once we were seated to apologize for the wait as well and, after learning that I was a recent college grad, threw in a free appetizer, another glass of wine and a glass of prosecco to conclude an amazing meal. These extras were too nice and really made the night feel special!

Sweetgreen

I can already tell that this is quickly going to become one of my favorite lunch spots! Sweetgreen has an awesome selections of salads and warm bowls, and even the option to create your own bowl – my favorite! The portions are pretty big and come in a takeaway container, which is perfect to save the leftovers for that night’s dinner.

I chose a quinoa, kale and arugula salad with roasted chicken, carrots, watermelon radish (if you know, you know) and cucumbers, which turned out feeling like a never ending bowl of kale!

 

Overall, this trip was a lot of running from place to place, quick decisions, and yummy food. I can’t wait to share with you my next chapter in NYC! Keep up with us to hear more about our summer adventures across the globe.

XX,

Jamie 

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