We had 19 hours and no restaurant reservations during winter in New York City – just enough time for another New York quickie. That could be a recipe for a culinary disaster, but, with a little creativity, we ate well without breaking the bank.
During our weekend in New York City, we got around from downtown to uptown and east side to west side. Even without reservations, we ate some of the best NYC food at restaurants helmed by the likes of David Chang and Thomas Keller.
We also enjoyed great burgers from one the nation’s hottest burger chains. The weekend was a lot of things but it wasn’t definitely a disaster.
Momofuku Ssäm Bar
Our first meal of this New York quickie of a weekend was a late dinner at Momofuku Ssäm Bar in the East Village. We bellied up to the bar at 11 pm without a reservation or a wait.
After ordering our libations (a penicillin cocktail for Mindi and a glass of red wine for Daryl), we ordered some food to share. Of course, we had to start with the pork belly steamed buns. The simple yet succulent buns are a classic that must be ordered with every meal, at least by us.
We loved the perfectly rendered duck with crispy skin and colorful, seasonal flavors like dried cherries and barley.
Our favorite dish of the night had to be the spicy pork sausage and rice cakes served with broccoli and Sichuan peppercorn. The intense heat level was not a problem for us, and our taste buds tingled with a pleasant burn as we finished the meal.
We almost left without dessert, but the lovely manager surprised us with the Concord grape sorbet with black sesame, miso and Thai basil. Despite the busy description, we loved every bite of this modern take on PB&J. Thank you Kate!
Momofuku Ssäm Bar is located at 207 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003.
Hudson Hotel
For our one night in the city, we stayed at the Hudson Hotel due to its close proximity to both the Time Warner Center and Central Park. The location of this hotel can’t be beat, and we dug the hotel’s trendy vibe inside.
The Hudson Hotel is located at 358 W 58th Street, New York, NY 10019, United States.
Bouchon Bakery
After a great night’s sleep in our upgraded room (thank you broken heater!), we moseyed over to Time Warner Center for coffee and a light bite at Bouchon Bakery. If we closed our eyes, it was like we were back in Napa Valley.
Or was it like we were back in Las Vegas? Either way, it was a sweet way to start the morning.
Bouchon Bakery is located at Ten Columbus Circle, Third Floor, New York, NY 10019.
Central Park
Despite the polar vortex (brrrrr), we had to take a walk in Central Park – partly to burn off some of the yummy breakfast and partly to revisit the scene of the crime. You see, it was just over seven years ago that we got engaged on a nearby bench in Central Park. Ah, memories.
Umami Burger
After our stroll down memory lane and with the help of the A train, we were quickly in the West Village for lunch at Umami Burger. We had been wanting to try this LA burger joint that has made its way east and an invitation from our sister/sister-in-law Amy sealed the deal.
The burgers didn’t disappoint, especially when paired with truffle fries and sophisticated glasses of red wine. It’s not every day that you can get drink 2011 Heidenboden Rot with your Burger Royale, but maybe it should be.
Discover the world’s best burgers.
Umami Burger has multiple locations including one at NYC’s Brookfield’s Place.
Eataly
After lunch, we walked up to Eataly to join the hordes of Saturday shoppers. We couldn’t leave empty-handed, so we left the Italy-based food emporium with a bottle of wine to enjoy later.
Eataly is located at 200 5th Ave New York, NY 10010.
Joe Coffee
As our short time in New York came to an end, we had just enough time to stop at Joe Coffee to grab cappuccinos for the road.
Joe Coffee has multiple locations. We drank our ‘joe’ at the one located at 405 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011.
Fun Fact
Everywhere we ate in New York during this weekend has locations in other cities. Joe Coffee even has locations in Philadelphia. Globalization isn’t always a good thing, but this time we made it work for us. That’s our kind of a New York quickie.
Hungry For More In NYC?
Check out the the city’s best bagels, donuts, pizza and other must eat foods.
About The Authors
Daryl & Mindi Hirsch
Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on their website 2foodtrippers. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.
Original Publication Date: March 5, 2014
Elaine
Thursday 4th of September 2014
I've been to all the places you mentioned! Our apartment building was close to the Hudson Hotel so that was our neighbourhood. The pics are making me miss it!
Stacey Veikalas
Wednesday 20th of August 2014
Oh MY the Bouchon Bakery and Umami Burgers looks amazing. Did they have cheesecake? I soo miss NY Style cheescake and American Hamburgers living in Europe OH YUM someone just wrote me and asked me where to eat in NY they are heading there in December - I will for sure point them to your blog! That is a lot of food in 19 hours ~ I would be so right there with ya!
Dave Cole
Tuesday 12th of August 2014
All of this in 19 hours??!! The Bouchon baked goods look amazing, very jealous that you started your day there. I've never tried an Umami burger, but am definitely headed to the Village for one when I'm home.
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Tuesday 12th of August 2014
This is why we walk a lot when we travel!
Red Hen
Monday 10th of March 2014
A visit to New York is on my bucket list. After reading all this and seeing those great pics I can't wait to get there!
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Wednesday 12th of March 2014
Let us know when you plan your trip so that we can give you some suggestions.
ourhappyjar
Thursday 6th of March 2014
This post makes me want to go back to New York for some good eats! There's been news that Eataly will open up a new location here in Toronto, but it probably won't be for a few years!