It was a rainy morning in Connecticut when three adventurous families, armed with umbrellas and high hopes, finally set out on a food adventure we had been planning for months. As we debated the trip while the rain poured down, the weather app optimistically showed no signs of rain in NYC. So, with a shrug and a laugh, we decided to trust the app and head out.
We parked our cars in Stamford, took the metro to Grand Central, and instantly transformed into wide-eyed tourists in the bustling city.
Our initial plan was to kick off the day with a visit to Ten Thousand Coffee, a Korean-inspired café. But, as anyone who knows New York City will tell you, the streets have their own plans for you. The tantalizing aroma from The Kati Roll Company, offering mouthwatering Indian street food, was too enticing to resist. Originally, we planned to visit The Kati Roll company later in the day, but the siren call of the spicy, tangy achaar Kati roll and perfectly steamed momos was impossible to ignore. The combination of flavors and textures in a kati roll is nothing short of a taste explosion.
Next, we made our way to 10000 Coffee. This café’s modern minimalist design, with natural wood accents and soft lighting, created a warm and inviting atmosphere. We felt like we had stepped into a cozy little haven. The story behind the café is as rich as their brews: founded by passionate coffee enthusiasts from South Korea, the owners dedicated 10,000 hours to perfecting their coffee-making skills. That’s more dedication than we’ve ever shown to anything, including binge-watching our favorite shows! Their signature iced einspanner, a luxurious Korean-inspired coffee drink with layers of fluffy cream, ice, milk, and espresso topped with bittersweet cocoa powder, was a hit. We sipped it slowly, savoring every decadent layer. The espresso cream latte, with its light coffee flavor, was another favorite. Clearly, these folks knew their coffee.
After our caffeine fix, our next stop was Joe’s Pizza. Joe’s Pizza, a New York staple offering classic American-Italian cuisine, is an absolute gem worth every bit of its fame. Despite the long queue of about 30 minutes during lunchtime, the wait was more than justified. For $30, we got a full pizza that was truly worth every penny. We joked about how it’s the best “waiting in line” experience we’ve ever had. Adding to its allure, Joe’s Pizza has been endorsed by numerous celebrities, boosting its popularity even further. And who can forget its iconic appearance in the Spider-Man movie, where Peter Parker himself worked as a delivery guy. This blend of fantastic food and pop culture significance makes Joe’s Pizza a must-visit.
As the day progressed, the weather pulled a dramatic twist, and it became very hot. We wiped our brows and laughed about the fickle nature of city weather. Our foodathon continued, and our next stop was Los Tacos. Los Tacos, specializing in Mexican cuisine, is a must-try spot in Manhattan. The chicken tacos were incredibly delicious, and their drink, Jamaica, was a refreshing must-try. Despite a short 5-minute wait in line to place the order, the vibrant location and friendly, helpful staff made the experience delightful. The Jamaica drink was a savior for the warm day. Highly recommended for taco enthusiasts! From Los Tacos, we walked to Central Park to get some rest.
The kids and ladies headed off to the famous Carousel, a delightful ride that brought out their inner children. Meanwhile, the husbands embarked on a mission to Liberty Bagel, known for its classic New York bagels. We had heard about their rainbow bagels and couldn’t wait to try them. Liberty Bagel did not disappoint. The rainbow bagels were a visual treat and tasted just as fantastic. The cinnamon bagels were equally delightful, especially when paired with their sweet cheese options. The Oreo cheese was a standout favorite, making our taste buds dance with joy.
As the day ended, we returned to Grand Central, reminiscing about our adventure. The city welcomed us with open arms and full plates, leaving us with cherished memories. Boarding the metro back to Stamford, we knew this was just the beginning of many more foodathons to come. By the end of the day, we had walked more than 15,000 steps! Back in Stamford, we decided to cap off our food journey with a taste of South Indian cuisine at Saravanaa Bhavan. This restaurant is a haven for lovers of South Indian food. We indulged in their fantastic pongal, sambhar vadai, tasted the soft idlis and crispy dosas, and ended the meal with a nice, strong filter coffee.
Whatever culinary delights you might explore, South Indian cuisine stands at the top for me, and Saravanaa Bhavan in Stamford is a must-visit.
Quick Tips for Future Food Explorers in NYC: 1. Trust Your Nose: Sometimes the best plans are the spontaneous ones. If a delicious smell beckons you, follow it! 2. Be Patient: Popular spots like Joe’s Pizza might have long lines, but the wait is worth it. 3. Stay Hydrated: On hot days, refreshing drinks like the Jamaica at Los Tacos can be lifesavers. 4. Embrace the Journey: Whether it’s a sudden downpour or a sweltering heatwave, every twist and turn adds to the adventure. 5. Mix It Up: Try a variety of foods and don’t shy away from unique options like rainbow bagels or Korean-inspired coffee drinks.
Grand Central Terminal to Grand Central Terminal foodathon map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UZwknpSVJLJiwsUJA
Happy exploring!
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