I ♥ NY

I realized earlier that the URL of my blog isn't exactly right. I live in the greatest metropolis in the world, but I rarely go on what could be termed "escapades". I mostly stay within a 20-block area that spans about six avenues. The idea of going to midtown makes me shudder. I've done the touristy Times Square bit, and my hatred of obscene amounts of people makes me (and pretty much every other New Yorker) avoid midtown as much as possible.

But while midtown is the most obvious destination for tourists, I really enjoy knowing some of the "local" things about NYC. I'm not a native urbanite, but I've been here for long enough to discover some of the hidden gems in this area.

The biggest plus to living on Union Square is Trader Joe's. It's right on my block, literally just steps from the front door of my building. This is the only TJ's in Manhattan, and I'm so glad that I live so close to it. The thing that always shocks people when they go into TJ's for the first time is the line. It really is ridiculous, curling through aisles throughout the entire store. Even if you're just trying to pick up a few things, don't expect to spend any less than half an hour there (and that's on a lucky night). But it's worth the time commitment. It's the cheapest grocery store I've found in this area, and the quality of their products is incredible. It's very organic- and vegetarian-based, but they do have a decent poultry selection. Plus, the vibe there is really fun. All of the employees wear Hawaiian shirts, and I've never encountered one that wasn't friendly and super-helpful. I'd love to work there (I have prior grocery store experience!) but the application process is crazy, and they really only want full-time people. Sigh. Maybe someday!

Another recent find is Dogmatic, which is on 17th between USWest and 5th (thanks, Richie!). This is a really specialized place, but they've got some of the best chicken sausage I've had in a long time. The mac and cheese leaves something to be desired, but they put the sausages with a cheese sauce inside a little bread tube. It sounds weird, but chicken sausage with tomato basil feta sauce was excellent.

Patsy's pizza is some of the best around, in my opinion (side note: I just found out today that Grimaldi's is coming to Manhattan! To the old church on 6th in Chelsea! Oh happy day!). It's super-cheesy and not too thin, plus they're not too heavy on the sauce. I like a 2:1:2 cheese:sauce:crust weight ratio, and they're pretty spot-on at Patsy's.

I really like being so close to the Angelika Theater as well. I saw Slumdog Millionaire there before it was so popular, and it really was an excellent experience.

There's a little cafe called Paradis that I pass every day on my way to class. I've never stopped in (because I'm always late!) but the smell that comes from there is divine. Maybe one of these days I'll get up early and stop for a scone or something.

There's always the usual spots, but it really is nice to be able to feel a little bit like a tourist sometimes, too. That's what's so great about living in NYC!