Welcome to the City That Never Sleeps: Arrival in New York

Our weekend adventure kicked off with a redeye flight to the bustling streets of New York City. Our first stop was Kazunori, known for pioneering the hand roll trend. This iconic eatery opens its doors at 11:30 AM, perfect for an early lunch, and offers a delightful dining experience for sushi aficionados.

As part of our culinary journey, we couldn't miss Magnolia Bakery at Grand Central Terminal. Known for its world-famous banana pudding, this sweet treat lived up to its reputation. Tucked inside the food hall, it's a little oasis of indulgence right amidst the hustle and bustle of commuters shuttling through this iconic station.

Luxurious Stay at Andaz Fifth Avenue

Our home for the weekend was the Andaz Fifth Avenue, conveniently situated in Midtown near Bryant Park and the New York Public Library. We luxuriated in the loft suite, feasting upon the beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural light to flood in. With complimentary snacks and drinks, a king bed, and the tallest shower one could imagine, this suite captured the quintessential New York apartment feel with an added layer of opulence.

Exploring Iconic Landmarks and Hidden Gems

A visit to New York wouldn't be complete without experiencing its renowned landmarks. With guest passes to the Empire State Building courtesy of my aunt working there, we marveled at the city views that stretched beneath us. Radio City Music Hall was buzzing in anticipation of the Tony Awards, heightening the electric atmosphere of the city.

Coffee lovers, take note: New York City's coffee scene has endless delights. Our rainy walk to % Arabica rewarded us with their potent coffee offerings, and our stop at Blank Street Coffee proved just as rewarding, with delicious seasonal matchas.

Culinary Adventures in the City

We met our family in KTown at BCD Tofu House, for soon tofu. For a slice of classic New York, Prince Street Pizza is renowned, though the line can be daunting. Leon's Bagels was the perfect spot for a classic New York bagel, topped with the most delectable herb and garlic cream cheese.