Our first Content Collaboration! With who? Daily Secret — the definitive guide to discovering the best things life has to offer, revealing a personal and intimate side of the most desirable and top emerging destinations throughout the world. I’d say New York City definitely qualifies…
NY GOOD FOOD CRAWL
48 hours of eating food that’s good for the planet
BY ANNE LINDLEY
New York City equals high-quality dining. And we’re not talking about restaurants with white tablecloths where you need to reserve months in advance. We mean scrumptious food that is prepared and served with utmost respect for the ingredients, the Earth and all the people involved. If there are white tablecloths, so be it. Why these picks? Simply put, they’re irresistible. And together they make the most mouth-watering 48 New York hours we can imagine.
DAY 1
9 a.m. — The Smile
THE SMILE VIA WEBSITE
There’s no better way to start the day in New York than at a below-ground café in an 1830s Federal-style townhouse. The brick walls and wood accents of The Smile’s Bond Street spot make a cozy venue for an intimate breakfast, one where you’d imagine running into your best neighborhood friends over a morning latte. The scrambled eggs with sourdough toast and lightly dressed arugula salad is simple, savory perfection. Feeling sweet instead? Give in to the creaminess of the steel-cut oatmeal with coconut milk and fruit. Simplicity is delicious.
26 Bond St.
1 p.m. — Roberta’s
ROBERTA’S VIA FACEBOOK. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEIDRE SCHOO
These days, a visit to Brooklyn is mandatory. As is some pizza munching. So combine the two and inhale some local flavor at Roberta’s, a pizzeria with its very own rooftop vegetable garden. The Margherita pizza is one of the best, but if you’re up for something new go for the Peacha Peacha with mozzarella, guanciale, peach, pickled shallot and mint. And while we know it’s a pizzeria, the pasta will blow your mind. So get one of each and share with the table. (In retrospect, better get two pastas … you don’t want to start a fight.)
261 Moore St., Brooklyn
8 p.m. — Gramercy Tavern
GRAMERCY TAVERN VIA FACEBOOK
Gramercy Tavern is known for its hospitality and dedication to local farms. Sitting in the tavern, as opposed to the more formal dining room, allows you to order from the constantly changing à la carte menu. We adore the raw and roasted vegetable appetizer, a feast for the eyes and taste buds — it’s as if a vegetable garden appears on your plate. Follow that with whatever fish they’re serving that day and you’ll remember every bite for the next six months. Plus, you’ll feel as though you were treated like a real person. Your soul and stomach will thank you.
42 E. 20th St.
DAY 2
10 a.m. — Russ & Daughters Café
RUSS & DAUGHTERS CAFÉ VIA WEBSITE
Don’t think we’re holding out on you: 48 hours in New York is not complete without the perfect bagel. Nor is it complete without a visit to Russ & Daughters Café, the modern and authentic continuation of NYC’s iconic Russ & Daughters Appetizers. After more than a century of doing business at this brick-and-mortar, it’s clear this place is run by experts. Order the Classic Board and enjoy your bagel with Gaspe Nova smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion and capers. Sit at a booth and be sure to take a peek into the open kitchen.
127 Orchard St.
2 p.m. — Victory Garden
VICTORY GARDEN VIA FACEBOOK
Afternoon sweet tooth after your savory morning? Head over to Victory Garden for some fresh goat’s milk soft serve. You and your lactose-intolerant friends will not be disappointed by the tang and flavors that this shop has to offer. The milk is made from goats raised on fresh grass and hay without any hormones or antibiotics, and is locally sourced from Side Hill Acres in Candor, New York. Don’t play coy with a small, because you’re going to want more: Get a medium-size cup with the Tangy Goat Milk and Salted Caramel flavors, and top it with the house-made sesame halva topping.
31 Carmine St.
5 p.m. — Talbott & Arding Cheese and Provisions
TALBOTT & ARDING CHEESE AND PROVISIONS VIA FACEBOOK
After two days in the city, you might feel the urge to escape upstate. Take the Amtrak to Hudson and you’ll be just a few blocks from Talbott & Arding, where you’ll find the best in cheese, prepared foods, provisions and baked goods by co-owners, Mona Talbott (previously of Chez Panisse) and Kate Arding (previously of Neal’s Yard in London). Let Kate recommend a cheese, order fennel and toasted quinoa salad from the case, and pick a savory cheese tart and a couple of chocolate walnut cookies from the bakery counter. Take your goodies to go and enjoy an early dinner while wandering Warren Street.
323 Warren St., Hudson, NY
Or … 7 p.m. — Serevan
SEREVAN VIA FACEBOOK
If you’d rather have a sit-down dinner north of the city, take the Metro North railroad up to Serevan in Amenia. In an old farmhouse with an abundant garden, chef/owner Serge Madikians will serve you one of the most uniquely delectable and relaxed fine-dining meals you’ll ever have. Want to talk fresh and locally sourced? Chef Serge is also a pilot, and flies himself to Cape Cod in order to bring back the best seafood possible for your dinner. Order the warm squid salad with apples and frisée to start, followed by the chicken Bastilla on a bed of wilted romaine. And don’t forget dessert: The baklava is required.
6 Autumn Ln., Amenia, NY
All of these good food spots were discovered on Foodstand, the good food community that lives in your pocket. Download the Foodstand iPhone app to meet the community sharing how to be a better eater every day. Sign up with the invite code: ANNE.
Anne, Content Editor for Foodstand, spends her time between Connecticut/New York and Sun Valley, Idaho. When she’s not writing about good food or cooking in the kitchen, Anne can be found hiking in the mountains, shopping at a farm stand, or eating in a local restaurant. You can follow her food life at AnneFood.