“Yeah I’m out that Brooklyn, now I’m down in Tribeca..Right next to DeNiro, but I’ll be hood forever. I’m the new Sinatra and since I made it here I can make it anywhere,yeah they love me everywhere. I used to cop in Harlem, hola Domincanos.”
This year I spent my birthday in the Big Apple! It wasn't my first trip but it was definitely a whirlwind where I jumped from Harlem, SoHo, Chelsea to Brooklyn. Here is my fantastic itinerary.
Accommodations: Hosted by my bestie and his sweet boxer, Chloe in Harlem World New York: Cost: Free Ninety-Nine!
Day 1
Double Dutch Espresso Cafe- Harlem, New York: Great local gem, rustic and just a cool sea of MacBooks. I love to visit local coffee shops when I visit different cities. No pics though! I guess I slammed my cappuccino down in seconds.
Apollo Theatre Amateur Night- Harlem, New York- Dream come true the legendary Apollo Theatre! I watched Showtime at the Apollo as kid and enjoyed joining in with the boos and jeers when amaetuers weren’t up to par. Unfortunately, I went on the wrong amateur night. There was no booing allowed as the “amateurs” were doing a tribute to Broadway. Sadly all the acts were talented and hardly amateurs so no one would have deserved to be boo’d even if it were allowed that night. There's always next time.
Cost: Around $40/ person for second row seats
The Legendary Apollo Theatre
Barawine: Local Harlem winebar…Nothing to write home about as I can’t think of anything remarkable to write about this place, Nice decor?? Sort of reminds me of Adesso in Piedmont (Oakland, CA). If you are in Oakland, check out Adesso.....Note to self "consider writing post about Adesso."
Day 2 (My Birthday)
Subway over to “The New Museum”. Worth a visit as it’s Manhattan’s only museum dedicated to contemporary art. Neighborhood: Lower East Side Cost: $16
Laduree- Famous French Luxury Bakery
Neighborhood: SoHo
Who needs birthday cake when you can have macaroons!!
Walked the high line- NYC had some annoying weather. It was freezing the day I arrived but luckily on my big day the weather was beautiful and spring-like. As such, it was a lovely day for walking the High Line (Highline Park). Highland park is an elevated park which runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District and I believe it ends somewhere around the West side Yard. Excuse me if that’s not completely accurate.
Cost $ Free Ninety Nine!!!
After lunch and an early evening workout we headed over to the Comedy Cellar for the 8pm show. The comics were funny enough but nothing that had me in stitches enough where I care to go into great detail here. However, I would say this is a traditional “throw-back” comedy club and definitely a great way to spend an evening. It’s best to make a reservation ahead of time. Reservations are free. Cost: Thursday night $14 + 2 drink minimum.
We left the Comedy Cellar and went to The Spotted Pig for my birthday dinner. Warnings: They do not take reservations and there is a long wait (estimate we received was hour and a half but it didn’t seem that long). However, there are wine bars in the area where you can wait it out and they will call you when they are ready for you.
I ordered the Seared Mackerel with Sweet Potato Mash & House Pancetta and Shoestring fries as a starter! I was very pleased!
I loved the unique, eclectic decor. Great food and great vibe! Definitely worth a visit.
Neighborhood: West Village
Cost: Free Ninety Nine!!! My bestie treated me as it was my bday!
Michelin stars: 1
Day 3
On my third day in NYC we took the subway to Brooklyn to visit the Brooklyn Museum. This was the highlight of the trip! Stay tuned for Welcome to New York Part 2. Hellooooo Brooklyn!
