I honestly complain about new york more often than not, but the unexpected pockets of joy during last week’s chaotic visit reminded me of the attributes i love in the love/hate relationship i have with the city

first up is the mystery that comes with popping up at different spots in the city with no expectations and just going with the flow. things were so busy I didn’t look up the spot before showing up like I usually do. so I had no idea the the russian tea room was so ornate and intricate. it kind of didn’t feel real? absolutely gorgeous.

also silly me thought these tins were actual caviar. i had to accept that i was fooled as intended but also appreciated the cheekiness of the crispy chocolate pearls cosplaying as caviar

playing dress up is fun. something about being dressed up in new york with close friends and family to celebrate a big moment makes you realize that you’re living in an actual movie.

if you’re around, check out fade exhibition at the studio museum harlem through sept 6 2026, featuring my favorite artist Taj Poscé whose work is pictured below

this night involved an outfit change, running across the city in the rain between bars and yapping over shared fries at 1:30am. i recommend nobody told me in upper west side for a chill vibe, chill playlist and good food. and drinks

it wouldnt be new york without getting a (beef) BEC, am I right?

this day also involved gallery hopping in chelsea, grabbing a bite at chelsea market then heading to the world trade center for open studios

the night wrapped up at buddakan which??? i was so reluctant to go (it was someone elses choice not mine) and am lowkey feeling ashamed to be sharing this because my association with buddakan brought up memories from when i was 19 and buddakan being the go-to-feeling-grown spot in philly. but i admit, the new york location certainly has its own identity separate from the philly location. i enjoyed my meal, service was great and i highly recommend the oxtail dumplings (we added 2 additional orders after devouring the first)

another pocket of joy was walking through the city past dream hotel and having to do a double take at the quirky architecture. def plan on staying here in the future solely because of this moment. and also because i stayed at their property in LA a couple years ago and had a great time so all the more reason to check this one out

the day kicked off with an intimate celebration. then involved grabbing a quick slice that i burned the roof of my mouth eating and have no regrets. unfortunately no photo evidence of this one. but i will argue with anybody that new york pizza is the BEST.

the best part came after taking a nap in the car ride to brooklyn…we somehow ended up popping a bottle of champagne in a random jamaican spot while eating a beef patty between coco bread (i don’t even drink but this called for an exception) also, was I dreaming?

then going next door to cafe erzulie where friends linked up and we danced into the night to afrobeats/amapiano/dancehall/reggae/baile funk/latin/etc/etc/etc

and just when you thought the night couldnt get any better, it ended w a chopped cheese from across the street. i could only handle one bite bc my pizza was still on my stomach but im glad i got that in

brought it home by planning to meet up for lunch but stumbling into the 2nd st food festival which i had no idea was happening. i love surprises so i was geeked to walk into this, i felt like it was coordinated just for me

couple art stops before the train

train ride home involved a stop at mamaan for their almond croissant latte (half sweet) and a pastry i have no idea what it was but they said it usually sells out and they had one left so i convinced myself it was waiting for me. a messy train ride home but v worth it

finally, home sweet home back in baltimore. hungry and too tired to cook we swung by our go to spot for our version of a comfort meal to wrap our travels in a bow. marta did not disappoint

you made it this far! i wrote this at midnight last night and had no idea where i was going with it so thanks for following along. i’d say my appreciation for new york grew this much after this trip *squeezes thumb and index finger so close together that the naked eye would perceive them as touching* i now feel inspired to maintain an open mind and think positively even if i am visiting the most chaotic, nerve wracking and questionably-smelling city