What the hell I do in NYC

I love coming to New York for work. First off, traveling is fun (most of the time), and it is especially fun when all my girlfriends work in fashion and get to be here at the same time as me. However, I don’t want to confuse you or feed into the misconception that the fashion industry is glamorous because it is so NOT! Between lugging two 100+ pound bags, constant talking and walking for three straight days, changing hotels 2+ times, and Coterie set-up and breakdown I’m not gonna lie…it’s exhausting.

However, the nights are generally reserved for meals with friends. This trip I was lucky enough to try some new places and of course visit favorites. I’ll keep it brief, but basically here is my breakdown of restaurants I visited and my review on each.

Buddakan: One of my best friends introduced me to this place during one of our early NY trips and I make a point to eat here at least once during my trip. On the weekend it is near impossible to get a reservation but the bar/lounge area serves the entire menu and there are full tables to sit at. The edamame dumplings are out of this world. The miso drizzle on top if soft and warm, while the inside of the dumpling cannot even be properly worded…it’sthat delicious. The signature cocktails are mainly sake based but still delightful to sip. Be careful, they don’t taste like alcohol.

Eatery: A new spot for me. However, I loved it so much I dined here twice in one week. The veggie burger is the perfect meal, just make sure to add goat cheese and avocado. The atmosphere is laid back but fun–good music, cute waiters, eclectic menu, decent wine.

Leadbelly: Although I didn’t eat here, the mixology is impressive. My cocktail was almost too spicy to finish but I can assure you once I got through one the second and third went down a lot easier. This place is tiny but if you can snag a seat (or piano bench) you will be happily sitting amongst the chambray-clad men and women of NYC looking lovely.

Rosa Mexicana: For being a chain, I am extremely impressed. The truffle ceviche was TO DIE FOR. The guacamole and sangria were freshly made, and my fish tacos had slivers of pickled beet that were the perfect compliment to the buttery fish. It was the perfect Sunday night dinner with friends.