Food is the main focus of our express train, which is travelling to New York today. The train arrives at Platform 1 of Gastronomic Delights Station and makes all stops – except Bad Service, Spoilt Mood and Suffering Stomachs. It’s worth mentioning that boarding with a stuffy nose is strongly discouraged – the aromas of delicious dishes will accompany us the entire trip.
Attention, the train is ready to depart. Are you ready? Then let’s go!
A gastronomic tour of two vibrant New York City neighborhoodsKatz’s Delicatessen
And here’s the first stop.
We arrive in Manhattan and head to a legendary restaurant inspired by Jewish cuisine.
It’s been around for over 100 years and has secured such a special place in the hearts of Americans that it’s been featured in numerous films and television shows. For instance, the famous scene with Meg Ryan in the romcom When Harry Met Sally… was filmed here.
- Pastrami sandwich~30 $
Daniel
This place hosts sumptuous dinners of the highest calibre – the kind that begins with a greeting in French from the cloakroom attendant (if Zagat’s review is to be believed). The bar here is also excellent, offering intriguing cocktails.
The chef, Daniel Boulud, is considered one of the best in the country. Conveniently, the menu includes tasting sets as well as a section for vegetarians. All of this comes served in beautifully designed interiors, of course.
- Pennsylvania-style duck~70 $
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Let’s get down to earth and savour some simple yet irresistible Mexican food – tacos, burritos, and a variety of salads. This isn’t your typical fast-food joint. Although it’s still technically fast food, the meat used is said to be sourced from better conditions than in most chain restaurants.
True, everything comes at a price – and not just a monetary one. It’s nearly impossible to eat without getting messy, since the dishes are famously juicy. Even the vegetarian options, which are also available.
And the best part? Everything is assembled right in front of you, like at Subway. You can customise your perfect meal.
- Standard burrito~12 $
Joe’s Shanghai
Meanwhile, let’s take a little detour and land in China for a couple of hours. Located in Chinatown, this is a fantastic place to gather with friends or family.
But be cautious when eating the legendary dish – steamed xiao long bao dumplings – as the hot, flavourful broth inside the delicate dough can easily scald an unsuspecting diner.
Famous artist Robert Zimmerman even drew a cartoon depicting the rise in non-dangerous, yet still unpleasant, incidents involving careless dumpling handling. Stay vigilant!
- Xiao Long Bao~14 $
Bleecker Street Pizza
Before we know it, we’ve ended up in Italy. Some even claim that this spot serves better pizza than in Rome itself.
In any case, the pizzeria has been recognised as the best in New York – and for three consecutive years. Whether you trust food journalists or the word of everyday foodies, this place is worth a visit.
- Nonna Maria’s Pizza~30 $
Piccola Cucina Estiatorio
Thankfully, Italy doesn’t end there. Suddenly – oh miracle! – we’ve found ourselves in a Sicilian fish market. We can confidently say the food here is just as delightful. The wine list is excellent too, even honoured by Gambero Rosso magazine.
Despite the modest decor, the cuisine is refined and creative. The staff are warm, and the service is top-notch.
- Pasta trofie (spirals) with squid ragout, pistachios and truffle~27 $
Angelina Bakery
Back to America, and back to bustling Times Square. Right in front of us stands the city’s best bakery according to critic Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who holds three Michelin stars.
Wait – are we back in Sicily? It turns out the bakery is also inspired by the homeland of Chef Tony Park. Once again, New York food becomes a passport to the world.
In addition to exquisite desserts, they also serve Roman pizza and Italian bombolone doughnuts. A must-try!
- Cheese focaccia~9 $
Glace NY
What would a food journey be without ice cream? Here they serve stylish and charming desserts in paper cups – very convenient. And just one look at them, as noted by the New York Times, is enough to make you drool.
Some of the toppings are unexpected, yet expertly balanced in terms of flavour. The house speciality? Festive mint s’mores – a classic American dessert of toasted marshmallows.
You can even add a whimsical character called Mr Chocolate.
- S’more~14 $
- Mr Chocolate~1.5 $
Oh, I hate to disappoint you, but this is the final stop on our express train. Food and New York – it’s a combination that lingers in memory long after the last bite. So don’t despair: the impressions and aftertaste stay with you.
At least, we hope so. The train is returning now – but who knows what culinary adventures await next?
Bon voyage!
Jack Hunter / Unsplash
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