The *Perfect* Saturday in NYC

Unfortunately yesterday I had to say goodbye to my parents after the best few days here in the city. It was so great to have them here, although we were missing my sister. Since my dad and I won’t be home for Christmas, it was nice to get some quality time in, but it made for a sad goodbye!

We packed so much into the few days that they were here, I’m going to do a few detailed posts on all of the restaurant spots that we hit so keep an eye out for one this week!

Saturday was absolutely a stand-out day for all of us. I really did my best to plan it perfectly, taking lots of recommendations from the girls and my co-workers. I know a lot of people will be visiting New York in the run-up to Christmas, but since the Euro is so weak against the Dollar at the moment, shopping is extra expensive! I would HIGHLY recommend spending a day the same way that we spent Saturday, so here’s the run through!

We started the day with brunch in Bubby’s in Tribeca. This was a trek to get to for us, but it was so worth it. You have to go early since they don’t take reservations. We arrived at 10.45am and if we had been 5 minutes later we would have been waiting for a table for about 45 minutes! My mum and I ordered the Eggs Benedict and my dad got the House Breakfast, we also shared pancakes between us. They were the fluffiest, most delicious pancakes that I’ve ever tasted. This was the most incredible meal I have had in years – honestly! I cannot recommend this place enough – it’s an absolute must.

We went from Bubby’s to the train station and made the short journey across the Hudson river to Hoboken in New Jersey. The views were nothing short of amazing. It’s a side of the city that you really don’t see unless you leave it. It was so refreshing to get away from the hustle and bustle and just enjoy the silence on the green looking out onto the city.

We were all still way too full after Bubby’s, but we visited Carlo’s Bakery (from Cakeboss) anyway, and the queue was out the door! It smelled incredible – but we couldn’t fit in another bite after brunch. I will be back to try something for sure!

After a quick nap and change of clothes we got going again. We went back downtown to the Meatpacking District. This part of town is really popular for going out – there’s a lot of cool bars around here! We started off with a drink in Le Bain, if you saw my Instagram yesterday, you will understand why we were blown away by the views. The Freedom Tower is the real focal point. This place is actually really worth the visit and the overpriced drinks!

From Le Bain, we crossed the road to Fig & Olive. I had booked the table about a week in advance to be safe, but I’m sure booking a few days prior is safe enough! We couldn’t have asked for a better meal. The menu is so reasonable price-wise in comparison to other restaurants, and when you factor in the setting and the service, it’s worth every penny!

We started out with the Crostinis which were delicious. My Mum and I went for the Seafood Paella, my Dad got the Provence Roasted Chicken, and my boyfriend Conor got the steak – they were all 10/10. We got fondants for dessert and they were equally as perfect!

After dinner, we stopped by the Brass Monkey which is only a couple of blocks away. I had been here last Summer and was dying to go back. It’s such a cool bar so definitely worth a look if you are in the area! It’s so nice in the Summer when the terrace deck is open.

And finally, the part of the night that my Dad insisted that I include in this post, was the visit to Insomnia cookies. This place is like nowhere you will have been to before. A freshly baked cookie shop that stays open until 3am AND delivers! There’s one two blocks from our apartment, it’s a blessing and a curse!

This weekend was brilliant, I loved being a tourist for a few days. I’m so sad now that my parents have gone home, it’s 100% the biggest downside to moving away and experiencing this unbelievable city.

Niamh x