Tag: nyc

the NEW YORK list: the essentials

CharlieLeave a comment

Am I a New Yorker yet? Of course not. I still have a few more years to go before I can redeem that title. But with 355 days of living in this city, it truly has become my home. I now know where not to go! *Apologies in advance if my early NY lists were a little surface level* However, I do promise that I’ll never take you to Chelsea Market. So the ESSENTIAL things I’ve learned (with some local gems to explore) in list formation are below. “Unleash the beast” as Darren Arnofsky said before traumatizing me with mother!

  1. The coffee scene is DIFFERENT. I dreamed of wonderful, huge coffee shops filled with inspiration. But with limited seating and no Wi-Fi, you’ll find me hidden away at Le Pain. Oh, how I love their huge tables. Yet for “good-make-your-bones-vibrate” coffee, swing by Happy Bones.
  2. Apartment hunting is 1,000 times easier when you live in the city. StreetEasy‘s push notifications will also become your best friend. My #1 tip: pick your neighborhood, be willing to sacrifice washing machines, and if you like it, put down that deposit.
  3. Truly anything can happen when you step out your door each morning.
  4. Book Culture is actual heaven.
  5. Even when you could totally take the subway, jump into a cab every so often. Nothing is better than giving your feet a break, staring up at the skyscrapers and clearing your head. Cue some good music too.
  6. I can’t believe I’m giving you my secrets. But my favorite restaurants right now are Cotenna, Emmett’s, Joseph Leonard, Kazunori and Café Frida. For dessert, Treathouse.
  7. My guilty pleasures: buying new jeans (probably at The Kooples), watching Siesta Key and SoulCycle. So, even in 355 days, not everything has changed.
  8. Avoid Midtown like the Plague. Unless you are seeing a show or doing that thing where you get a paycheck every few weeks, run away.
  9. The escalator at the Public Hotel is a neon-dream. Their rooftop and warehouse space create quite the spectacle.
  10. One of the first places I discovered in NY and a place I stumbled upon last Friday night is Better Days. This low-key hot spot is the perfect place to unwind, feel like a rockstar and meet some new friends. If I told you where it was, what would be the fun in that 😉

Always say yes. Rent a Citi bike. Put yourself out there. Find confidence in everything you do. Just don’t let NY change you.

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the NEW YORK list: summer in the city

CharlieLeave a comment

WELL, It’s SUMMER in New York City. And it has been pretty, pretty cool (lifestyle and temperature wise). 10 things on my mind related to summer in the city (and somewhat not related) below. List formation, here we GO:

  1. Back on a dark day in May, I woke up at 4:00 AM to scathing heat. 2 fans made no difference. A cold shower and 12 hours later, I found my new best friend at Lowe’s. God bless the AIR CONDITONERs of the city. *Who would have guessed Lowe’s would show up on tLoC?!* 
  2. God bless HAIM.
  3. Caliente Cab. The Facebook viral video with the GIANT margaritas was a LIE, but it’s my new favorite spot. Just don’t be that person taking a picture of the giant margarita over the patio. Eat enchiladas for days.
  4. People in New York LOVE the Hamptons. AND YES, I’m totally hoping to be one of those people who go every weekend one day. Yet, NO ONE is HERE on the WEEKENDS now. Sooooo…Explore that CITY. Heck, DATE the CITY if you feel so inclined.
  5. I really like living in the Upper West Side. Sure, I sometimes feel like an old man reading in Riverside Park, BUT have you seen the tree-lined STREETS?!
  6. I’m adding “GIF Wizard” to my resume. That and “taco connoisseur.” I’m undecided on “music video enthusiast.” Please let me know your thoughts.
  7. YOGA, man. Who would have thought?! Sure, I’m tumbling over and I have no clue what a chaturanga is or does, but I’m learning. And I like sleeping on the floor.
  8. It hit me about 6 weeks ago, but this list maker LOVES new york.
  9. I just went to TAOS, NEW MEXICO!!! I’ll make a list soon…A sneak peek: TAOS knows how to make mouth-watering french fries. Spoiler: “the TRIP list: TAOS” is basically “the FRENCH FRIES list.” Muhahaha.
  10. I’m still learning a lot about life. And that’s COMPLETELY okay. At the end of the day, the best part about summer has been sharing stories with new and old friends over drinks, dinner, and/or dessert on many sidewalk patios. OR on that Brooklyn Barge (low key the coolest place to hang all summer long).

 

the RESTAURANT list: new york city

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Half a year, a lot of bagels, and 10 restaurants approved by The Lists of Charlie.

  1. Maison Pickle in the Upper West Side  – Brunch. Brunch. Brunch. BUT also their biscuits, Eggs Benedict, fresh OJ, and the impeccable chicken, bacon, and pancakes. Yes, you read that right. Chicken. Bacon. Pancakes.
  2. By Chloe in West Village – Dairy-Free people REJOICE. MAC AND CHEESE YOU CAN EAT. That is low key the bee’s knees. Their beet ketchup is also the move.
  3. The Wayfarer in Midtown – Just two blocks south of Central Park, it’s the perfect breakfast bite. Their avocado toast is five raised hands emojis. Also, french toast.
  4. Joanne Trattoria in the Upper West Side – A quick cab ride from my apartment and steps from Lincoln Center, this family-owned, Italian restaurant has the best Spaghetti and Meatballs you’ll ever have. They also have a snazzy wine collection and bring your table Pellegrino.
  5. Nobu Fifty Seven in Midtown – Uma Thurman stole my table. Yet, I dream about their ponzu shrimp all day, every day. More private than the TriBeCa location, it’s got celebration all over it. My Nobu Rule: trust the waiters and BALL OUT.
  6. Dos Caminos in Meatpacking – It’s no Meso Maya, but for New York, it will suffice. Order your drinks on the rock and prepare to eat about 143255 chips and 124 bowls of their medium salsa.
  7. Artichoke Pizza in Chelsea – After you’ve danced the night away in Meatpacking, stumble uptown to this pizza place for your 4:00AM slice. The portions are HUGE, so don’t be like me, order breadsticks AND a whole pizza and think you can handle it.
  8. Vandal in the Lower East Side – It’s a blast. A BLAST. Their food is CRAZY good. The atmosphere is electric with energy and you’ll impress all your friends by finding this hotspot. Churros for the win.
  9. Sweet Chick in the Lower East Side – You’ll have a religious experience. Kanye and Drake play while you eat the best Chicken and Waffles you’ve ever had. Also order the mashed potatoes.
  10. Van Leeuwen’s Ice Cream in Williamsburg – Just bless. the. ice. cream. gods.

If you need some more specific recommendations, always feel free to contact me!

What’s next to try on my list? Well, I’m glad you asked: Miss Lily’s (the one on 7A), Fig & Olive, Grammercy Tavern, Black Tail, Kazu Nori, and Tsurutontan.

the NEW YORK list: broadway

Charlie4 Comments

One SUPER thing about living in Manhattan is the easy access to all of the FANTASTIC Broadway shows. If you’ve read the MUSICAL list, you know I’m all about some good theatrical expression. So far, I’ve seen 7 shows on the Great White Way since moving here. While MOST of them have been brilliant, some fell a little flat. SO, what show should be next to see on your list?! WELL…this list should help you out.

Dear Evan Hansen // La La Land’s composers take their skills to Broadway. It’s a mix of Next to Normal and Spring Awakening. It’s also the most challenging and beautiful piece of theatre I’ve ever seen. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW WORLD. You’ll probably cry.

Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 // It’s whimsical, exhilarating, ludicrous and completely glorious. Some “War and Peace” plot lines infused with Russian accents make for the perfect combination.

CATS // Are you serious Charlie?!…YEP. I AM. The revival running right now is invigorating and sharp with each movement. It’s the cleanest show I’ve ever seen. AND I’m a DOG PERSON. BUT I STILL 100% approve.

Miss Saigon // This limited run will give you chills all through Act One. Act Two moves a little slow, but the tremendous set design makes up for it. It’s classic Broadway and terribly depressing, somehow making Les Misérables and Aida look like child’s play.

What about the three other shows you saw?! Eh, don’t worry about them. Plus all of the shows I saw back in high school closed (RIP Spiderman: Turn off the Dark). I’m only trying to GIVE YA THE BEST. So what’s next on my list to see?

Sunday in the Park with George // All I’m hearing is BRAVO and BRAVA. I’m trying to get tickets this weekend, so stayed tuned to my Instagram to see if I find my way back to Times Square (gah) for this limited engagement.

Anastasia // MORE great reviews and that word of mouth is spreading like wildfire about this show. Having just opened in previews last week, I’m curious to see how this one measures up.

Hamilton // Okay, don’t roll your eyes at me. But, I haven’t listended to the soundtrack yet. I just know that “ELIZA” melody. I’m all about going in blind to see a show and then being blown away. Listening to the soundtrack is the biggest spoiler. One day I’ll get in to see this one. Probably not anytime soon, but I’ve heard you should try and go.

 

the LIFE list: the THINGS of 2016

Charlie1 Comment

What in the world Charlie?! the THINGS of 2016?!

YEAH MAN. Basically a list of all the things in 2016 that are 💯% approved by the LISTS of CHARLIE. In 2015, I would have said kale, Kit & Ace, SHOWTIME’s The Affair and Pizza Hut’s $10 dinner box. What’s good in 2016?! Oh yeah. These 10 things:

  1. TV this YEAR has been crazy, stupid awesome. From Westworld to Insecure to Black Mirror to The Affair (yeah it’s still that good). Binge away world, binge away.
  2. Biscoff Cookies because you can actually get an ENTIRE SLEEVE OF THEM at your local grocery store. No need to hoard them from your flight attendants or steal them from sleeping neighbors on the plane.
  3. Stan Smith sneakers. Hands down the coolest shoe known to man in 2016. Sorry Mr. West. Keeping them all white is still a struggle, hence my third & fourth pair.
  4. SoulCycle gets your FEELING ALIVE. Hugs are better than drugs. But sometimes SoulCycle is better than hugs. I tapped it back for this first time in January and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
  5. Coachella doesn’t need an explanation. It’s just heaven on earth. Zella Day. The 1975. Grimes. Anderson Paak. SIA. Plus also those surprise guests.
  6. Moleskine Planners because I customized mine with “sup” instead of my initials. Also because “hey, what’s up, hello” wouldn’t fit.
  7. Walk through Walls by Marina Abramovíc aka the best BOOK I’ve read in years. A memoir of Abramovíc’s life as a performance artist filled with creative inspiration on actually every page. I used two highlighters on this one.
  8. SPENDING ALL MY EXTRA CASH ON LATTEs and ESPRESSO SHOTS in search of that best cup of coffee. Who takes the cake?! Alfred Coffee in Los Angeles, Houndstooth Coffee in Dallas, Thou Mayest in Kansas City and Bluestone Lane in New York City.
  9. POST-GRAD LIFE because adulting can actually be quite fun.
  10. La La Land is MARVELOUS. HAND THEM ALL THE OSCARS NOW. Just go see it and prepare to be blown away. You’ll start smiling 30 seconds in and won’t stop until you’ve left the theatre. Or maybe you won’t stop smiling ever 🙂

the LIFE list: fall in NYC

CharlieLeave a comment

WELP I’ve now been living in NEW YORK CITY for over two months. And let me tell you: I freaking LOVE it. Who would have thought this California-dreaming, ripped-jeans wearing dude would like the cold so much. For one, it hasn’t been that cold, I still wear ripped jeans, and who doesn’t love FALL in the city. So what have I learned so far?! Guess what?! I’m telling you in a list:

  1. It can take a while to adjust to that NY hustle. But once you do, It’s AMAZING.
  2. Get exercising!! Endorphins are great. Elle Woods was right. Whether its spinning at your favorite studio (hey SoulCycle Bryant Park), running through your favorite park (Hi Riverside Park), or lifting some weights at your local gym (YO Equinox), just do it.
  3. Never turn down a co-worker for that 3PM coffee. We all could use an extra cup.
  4. Flip on that “outgoing” switch and meet some new people. There is NOTHING wrong with “stealing” a few of your friend’s friends to hang on the weekends.
  5. EXPLORE the CITY. Whether it’s that really DOPE Bon Iver show you can’t stop thinking about OR spend a Saturday at the museum. *I really don’t think I’ll ever stop finding new things about this city*
  6. The grocery store may be intimidating, but just don’t try going on a Sunday at 5:00PM. Joining the La Croix trend is also inevitable.
  7. My new favorite hobbies?! Reading on the subway AND seeing movies on rainy Thursday nights. UPDATE: The Secret Life of Pets is still the best movie of 2016. Sorry Manchester By the Sea :/
  8. Can we just take a moment of silence for the insane Westworld Finale?! … Cool. Thanks. Glad we did that.
  9. Stay grounded in who you are and STOP worrying all the time. Just Do YOU. I’ve already met a few people who have let the NEW YORK LIFE get to their head. Don’t let it be you. No one will want to go get coffee with you at 3PM. Yikes.
  10. Finally, ALWAYS be kind. You never know when someone will make your day.

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