Samyan 🍜: Quick Thai food pickup just below my house. It was decent, but definitely lacked that sweet and spicy balance I love.

Tacos Lupita 2 🌮: Never tried this iconic truck before, and I will absolutely be returning. An insane amount of meat, multiple sauces, and genuinely the best birria taco I have had from a truck.

LUYA Omakase & Wine Bar 🍣: Went for omakase, and it was good, but the nigiri was weirdly small and the flavours were ones I have had before. The wine flight was great though! I forgot how much I love orange wine.

Last Crumb 🍪: Unnecessarily priced cookies in Williamsburg that were, of course, banging. I tried the chocolate chip sea salt and cinnamon roll flavours, and could not stop eating them. Perfect balance of soft and crunchy.

Shu Jiao Fu Zhou 🥟: Had the pork dumplings with cabbage and chive. Cabbage won. I will be returning here when I am hungover, so bring cash. Nothing crazy, just solid and like $5, which for NYC, god damn.

Shenanigans:

Baby’s All Right 🎶: Went here for the Justine Skye concert. Definitely want to come back for a night out. Sexy, groovy vibe without being pretentious. Curious what the space is like without a concert.

MoMA PS1 🎨: Finally went to one of these events, and it reminded me so much of London. Outdoor venue with levels, all about the music and artsiness, disgustingly expensive drinks, you know, the usual. The actual museum was terrible, so do not buy a ticket for the art.

Honey’s 🍸: Been meaning to go here for a bit. Honestly loved it and will definitely return. Perfect loungey night out. The DJ is kind of there and there is a small crowd, but there are also people dancing, no drinks line, a downstairs dimly lit area, and a rooftop that is well lit. Great white Negroni, nothing else I need.

Kodawari Ramen Tsukiji 🍜: Started off the trip here. I had actually been before, but I did not realize that each restaurant in the chain focuses on a different meat and overall vibe, so this one was fish. Obviously, I went with the lobster. This place is always awesome. They have created a full fish market vibe inside, complete with the sounds of one playing throughout the restaurant and fake blood splatters from the “fish.” Very cool.

Chez Julien 🍗: Favourite restaurant we went to on the trip. Classic French cuisine, but it really hit the spot. We went for truffle pasta, whole roasted chicken, tuna tartare, and a few other things, alongside a Pouilly Fumé or Sancerre, I cannot remember lol. Beautiful outdoor seating, boujee but not pretentious for French food.

Nobisan 🍣: Quick stop for temaki in Le Marais. Honestly, a little underwhelming but decent. Sadly, we have some great temaki bars in NYC, so it is tough to beat, and it was weirdly empty when we went.

Omusubi Gonbei 🍙: Onigiri shop. Love, love, love. WE NEED THIS IN NYC. There actually is a Japanese market near me that has onigiri, which I now need to try. So well priced, so yummy, and the perfect rice, seaweed, and fish ratio.

Em Sherif 🧆: I believe this exists in London too. Lebanese food, and not much to say from my perspective as a nut allergy girl, but yes, the Middle Eastern crowd was definitely here.

Matsuhisa 🍣: Sexy Japanese food. I think it is connected to Nobu, and the menu certainly felt like it. All the classics, wasabi gin cocktails, incredibly fresh fish, yummmmyyyy.

Sips:

Le Comptoir Bachaumont 🥂: Had a Kir Royale here, because when in Paris. The sun was hitting us perfectly at 6 PM, so obviously we sat outside. Thin stemmed, stunning glasses. Very Paris.

Danico 🍸: Met Ms. Nickie for drinks here. Initially, the restaurant felt a little stale, but then we discovered the back room, which had a bar, and suddenly, it was vibes. The kind of cocktail list where every drink has about 10 ingredients. The drinks were good, nothing life changing, but the vibes were immaculate.

CHUN YANG TEA Pyramides 🧋: Solid bubble tea. Brown sugar. No notes.

Cha Ching:

Korean Cosmetics Rivoli 🧴: Jesus, we went hard as a family here. Personally, I went for the Medicube yellow turmeric mask and the rom&nd Zero Velvet Tint in Fizz. I already know the mask slaps. We will see about the lip stain.

Agatha 💍: Cute minimalist jewellery store, mainly gold, but I picked up a silver necklace with a circular pendant and some diamonds. Not much else to the store, but everything was well priced.

R.E.M. Beauty ✨: Bought the R.E.M. Beauty liquid eyeshadow in Comet!!! Very excited to use this for festivals or anything artsy, honestly. The glitter is perfect.

Soho Warehouse⁠ 🌴: Why was this one of my favourite Soho Houses? It actually felt like a members club. It had a Hollywood scene in the best way. Not one person seemed straight, and everyone was wearing the brightest shorts and bikinis imaginable. Also, one of the best penne alla vodkas I have had in a long time.

Guisados⁠ 🌮: NOW that is a spicy taco. I got the pork and beef tacos. The beef was mid, but I asked for level three, the highest spice level, on the pork taco and oh my god, unbelievable. I could not feel my lips for an hour, but it was absolutely worth it. Also, that god damn hibiscus agua fresca needs to become more widely available. I would drink that all day, every day.

Wake & Late⁠ 🌯: This is the classic breakfast burrito spot, and wow, it lived up to the hype. Very simple and honestly on the smaller side, but breakfast burritos are all about the ratios. The egg to potato to bacon to cheese ratio was perfection, all wrapped in one of the softest tortillas imaginable.

Cha-Ching:

Offe Market⁠ 🛍️: Bought a wildly patterned one piece swimsuit and a claw clip shaped like a slice of toast. I am so quirky. Lol. Very well priced, and the whole place felt very Brooklyn, or I should say, very Echo Park.

Erewhon⁠ 🥤: Yo, this was not as expensive as I expected. There were maybe two items that made my jaw drop, but otherwise, NYC is completely on par, which is honestly a joke. They are promoting Ozempic by making groceries this expensive, I swear to god.

Shenanigans:

Sherman Oaks⁠ 🎉: Got to experience an LA house party in the Valley. Truly unforgettable, and honestly more fun than I expected. Whilst I did not have a single conversation where I learned something profound, I had several where I laughed until my stomach hurt, and honestly, that was good enough.

Silver Lake Flea⁠ 🛒: We went on a 33 degree day, which was definitely a mistake. Also, someone please explain why there are only portable toilets and no actual bathrooms. Every stall felt exactly the same, so it was surprisingly difficult to thrift when none of them really had their own personality.

Playground LA⁠ 💃: Finally got to take a dance class here. I was absolutely exhausted, so I did not dance particularly well, but it was still such a cool experience to be in the studio where so many of the dancers I grew up watching trained.

Persephones 🥪: Will absolutely be returning here. The ciabatta made my eyes light up. Perfectly soft, perfectly sauced. Such a cute little breakfast and lunch takeaway spot, and the ideal way to kick off Island Time.

The Yellow Kittens 🌮: Whilst the tacos were not quite NYC level, the atmosphere, the drinks, and the views more than made up for it. Informal and charming, with TVs showing sports, great cocktails, and a beautiful view over the water.

Aldo’s Bakery 🥐: Carly’s dad used to work at the rival bakery, so walking in here was probably a bad idea from the start. Unfortunately, our “truffles” were just as disappointing.

The Old Post Office Bagel Shop 🥯: A really solid bagel spot. Hearty, soft, well toasted bagels with generous fillings. They also sold Liquid IV, which I thought was a nice touch. Surprisingly, one of the best matchas I have had in a long time.

Winfield’s 🍽️: Carly’s parents took me out to dinner here, which was incredibly sweet. The evening started with a few mishaps, including a drink being spilled, but the food was genuinely incredible. I am still thinking about the chocolate cake.

The Oar 🦞: Had to get the lobster roll, obviously. It absolutely lived up to expectations. The lobster was so tender and meaty. I genuinely do not understand why anyone chooses to eat it cold, but anyway.

Cha Ching:

Shore Vintage 🛍️: I did not do any damage this time, but on my last visit I bought two sweaters that I absolutely adore. It also reminded me that I really need to get back into my thrifting era.

Breeze 🥟: Chinese food in Greenpoint. Kind of disappointing. The cocktails were not great, and whilst the food was good, it was not great. I think I would come back for the happy hour, stick to the dim sum, and order a basic cocktail or well drink. The atmosphere was also just fine. I have had much better Chinese food at Antidote or Nin Hao.

Frijolores 🌮: Went here for happy hour. Super authentic food, with really good tacos and interesting cuts of meat like heart and cheek. The cocktails were unbelievable, and the happy hour deal was honestly insane. Also in Greenpoint. Not much of an atmosphere, but definitely one of those if you know, you know spots.

Gelatoville Gelateria 🍨: I had not had gelato since Milan because I genuinely thought nothing would compare. I went for the dark chocolate and coffee combination. The serving size was very America coded, but the flavours were absolutely bomb.

Knori Handroll Bar 🍣: Hand roll bars almost always hit, but this was not my favourite. Whilst the happy hour value was once again fantastic, I would not come here after 6:30 PM. If you are paying a similar price, I think Kazunori or Bondi are both better. No atmosphere whatsoever, but quick, easy, and still hits the spot.

The Snail 🐌: This seems to be one of the newer hip spots. Drew and I only came for the Sticky Toffee Pudding. It was packed and walk in only, with a very sexy Brooklyn crowd. It almost felt like where DJs go before heading to a set. Martinis everywhere, loud conversations, packed tables. The Sticky Toffee Pudding was decent, not the best I have had, but still good. I would definitely come back to try the rest of the menu.

Misi 🍝: I feel like this was one of the most talked about Italian restaurants in NYC, so we finally went and conquered it. The drinks, service, and atmosphere were all great. It feels like the kind of place where you should order whatever the waiter recommends rather than choosing blindly from the menu. A fantastic date spot, and much more modern than your classic Italian restaurant, which I really enjoyed.

Aurora 🥂: Went here for brunch. It was not anything particularly special, but it definitely did the job. The space itself was beautiful. We arrived during a torrential rainstorm, and the restaurant felt like a greenhouse, so we got to watch the rain while catching up over mimosas.

Taqueria St Marks 🌮: Okayyyy, I get the hype. Ten dollar strong margaritas with really, really good tacos. I will absolutely be returning. We also only waited about 30 minutes at 8:30 PM on a Saturday, which is pretty impressive. Authentic, packed, delicious, great value, and a fantastic server. Dingy in exactly the right way.

Sips:

Ms Alice 🍸: A newer Lower East Side spot that I had been wanting to try. I think the air conditioning was broken the day we went, which did not help, and my drinks were balanced quite poorly, so I was not really a fan. Thankfully, the company made up for it.

Mad Radio 🎧: A Williamsburg club spot I had been meaning to try. The crowd is good and the space is cool, but it was way too packed when we went. They are trying to bring Bushwick energy into Williamsburg, which does not entirely work for me. That said, the original venue is in Miami, so I understand what they are going for.

Bar Milagro 🍹: Came here for drinks before the rest of the night. The happy hour was absolutely worth it, and the waitress was on her first shift, so she even gave us a few extra drinks. Not much of a destination vibe, but happy hour runs until 8 PM on Fridays, which is amazing. The Negroni and spicy margaritas were balanced perfectly.

Hibernian Swift 🍺: Came here to meet up with people, but I actually did not drink. Surprisingly, it was not too crowded, so we could properly chat and grab a cute table. If you are into beer, I would definitely recommend it. Otherwise, there is not much else to say.

Nosh:

Antidote 🍜: Really good Chinese food in a lively restaurant. Similar to Nin Hao in the Clinton Hill area, with plenty of spice in the best way. The interior is sexy while still feeling relatively casual. This place has also put me on a serious lamb kick.

Rokunana 🍣: Japanese food in the Lower East Side. It was good, but more fine than fantastic. The temaki was actually fabulous, while the nigiri and rolls were solid but nothing particularly memorable. The starters were also decent, but nothing special. The vibe was pretty much nonexistent.

Gooey on the Inside 🍪: Do not go. Massively overpriced. Think Chip City style cookies, but somehow worse. Far too sweet and absolutely not worth it.

Gertie 🥯: Another Clinton Hill spot that really disappointed me. I was so excited for the smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel, but it fell flat. The cream cheese lacked flavour and had an odd texture, the salmon was not lox and was not particularly good, and while the bagel was boiled well, it was toasted poorly. The only standout was the Bloody Mary, which is actually the first Bloody Mary I have ever enjoyed.

Tom’s Restaurant 🥞: Classic brunch spot energy. Nothing particularly fancy, but the interior has a certain charm. The pancakes, however, were incredibly soft and definitely the highlight.

Upon the Palace 🥟: Went here for Kate’s Chinese food buffet. Unfortunately, I did not grab enough dumplings early on, and by the time I realized, everyone had moved on to the main courses. The restaurant itself is cute and intimate while still feeling elevated for Chinese food. The drinks were interesting too. The watermelon flavour was a poor choice on my part, but the margarita mix itself was actually very good.

Mekong BK 🍜: As I drank my pho, my nostrils were dripping simultaneously, which is usually a good sign. A solid Vietnamese option that offers great value and tasty food. Nothing particularly groundbreaking, but definitely worth a visit. It feels much more like a proper restaurant than your typical divey Asian spot.

Sips:

Dick and Jane’s 🏀: Went here for the Knicks final, and honestly, the atmosphere was only as good as it was because of the game. That said, they popped champagne when the Knicks won, which was pretty iconic. The projector setup was also surprisingly solid.

Golden Years 🍹: Fantastic outdoor seating. Spacious, elevated, and still somehow feels like a beer garden. My friends had complaints about the bartender, but the spicy margarita tasted great to me.

Concrete Shoals 🌉: So cool. Definitely an Instagram spot, but deservedly so. It feels like a little island tucked between Brooklyn and FiDi. The drinks seemed good, the food was mid, but the atmosphere is so charming that it is worth the visit. It barely feels like New York.

Shenanigans:

All Seasons Bodywork Montague 💆‍: Got a 30 minute muscle therapy massage here for $37, and it was absolutely worth it. Slightly shady vibes, sure, but genuinely one of the better massages I have had for the price.

Lincoln Center Outdoor Performance 🎭: Went for a Kathak performance here. The musicians and live instruments were fantastic. I had not been to an outdoor performance in NYC yet, and it reminded me that I need to make it over to Little Island for one soon.

Sips:

Between the Bridges ☀️: Outdoor drinking spot with food truck vibes. Somehow served the best birria tacos I have had in London. The Pimm’s was not particularly strong, and unfortunately it was during a heatwave, so we were definitely melting.

Light Bar + Dining 🍸: This used to be a classic post work drinks spot for me. I still really enjoy it, although this visit was less successful as I was so ill that I did not actually get to drink.

Shoreditch House 🏙️: A classic. I have too many good memories tied to this Soho House. Walking back in genuinely made me miss London.

Nosh:

Cocoro Marylebone 🍣: Very well priced sushi in the middle of Central London. Authentic enough that I had to take off my shoes, with lots of selection and innovation while still feeling true to the classics.

Hawksmoor 🍮: Only went here for the STP, Sticky Toffee Pudding, duh. It was a solid 7 out of 10. Not much of a vibe otherwise.

Bone Daddies 🍜: London ramen chain that I had somehow never tried. Actually really good. Intense flavors, soft noodles, and great meat. Exactly what you want from a comforting bowl of ramen.

Bistro Freddie 🍷: Classic French food. It was not exactly worth it, but it was still pretty good. The fact that I cannot remember the dishes in detail is probably not a great sign. Then again, I am not the biggest fan of French cuisine anyway.

New York Section: May 12th to 17th

Sips:

Iona 🍺: Outdoor drinks with an old timey British pub feel at the entrance. The negroni was surprisingly good for what is essentially a beer spot. The outdoor space was fine, although it felt a little dirty.

Nosh:

the AM THAI Williamsburg 🌶️: Really, really good Thai food. Authentic, small, and packed with options, all at a very reasonable price. One of those places where everything on the menu sounds appealing.

Dinner Party 🍷: Small plates restaurant, but more worth it than most based on cost alone. Aesthetically, one of the best spaces I have seen in NYC. Candles, tablescapes, and a woodsy atmosphere throughout. Also had the best orange wine I have had since moving to New York, Kiki and Juan Orange 2023.

Shenanigans:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute 👗: Quite packed, but a great way to experience the “fashion is art” theme directly from the institute itself. Some of the outfits were genuinely impressive, although nothing completely blew me away. Lots of interesting perspectives on body image and self expression.

I have forgotten how to dress for the city in 30 degree weather. I am basically rotating between my Euro summer clothes and my London summer outfits, which still somehow require sweaters and jackets. But it is only the beginning, and I still have months to remember how to style myself for this sexy season. Also did some shopping, so Saturday features a new hat, and Sunday features my new top and skirt :) We love Gap clearance sale!

Another good season of music. Started this playlist April 15th and have been building it since. Placing my favorites hyperlinked below.

New Songs:

1. Man I Need by GianMattus 🎧: What a banger. If you like any of the Jersey mixes, this is for you. It takes a song that was honestly lacking in its boogie ability and completely transforms it into a game changer.

2. Stay Over by Onlyfriends ☀️: A really smooth house and garage track. Very much a summery tune made for situationship land.

3. Trust Issues by Kay Moss 💥: Probably my favourite song in the playlist. I am a sucker for a house track with a female vocalist, a strong drop, and unexpected beats, and this hits every pillar perfectly.

4. Right Back by Karlee Girl ⭐: I love anything connected to Katseye, and this song hits every spot. You can dance to it, sing to it, act dramatic to it, anything really.

5. Illuminate by Jessie Reyez, Elyanna, and FIFA Sound 🌅: I am so curious about the production of this song because FIFA is obviously involved, but it still has such a strong blend of Jessie Reyez and EDM. Another banger for the summmaaa.

6. What’s Done Is Done by Jorja Smith 🖤: Jorja Smith has a lot of great music, but only a few tracks really make you want to move. This release is definitely one of them.

Oldies but Goodies:

1. Check by Flo 🔁: Oldie but a goodie. Obviously made its comeback because of social media, but honestly, it still holds up.

2. Double Sided Girl by Casandra 💃: This has a bit of a Tyla style beat to it, but it is another housey female vocalist track with some español, which we love. Another little summer whine song, if you get me.

3. Rio De Janeiro by Tropkillaz and Sango 🎉: Love me some Brazilian and Portuguese sounding tunes. Recently found this one, and it is taking me right back to carnavaalllll.

4. Dividends by FS Green, Dave Nunes, and Karen Nyame KG ✈️: Recently discovered this album, and it is honestly fantastic. I think the whole thing is worth a listen, especially for a car ride or a flight.

Haven’t danced in a while… Went to James Kho’s class with my friend Brianna. The musicality of the choreography was awesome, with lots of triplet beats that really came together once the music started. With all the running I’ve been doing, I thought my stamina would be better, but it was truly pathetic. I literally could not breathe after doing the 30 second combo twice. I also need to work on retaining the second half of the choreography better.

Mayflower 🍸: This felt like a Fort Greene and Clinton Hill staple. All the older millennial couples were coming here to start off their Friday evening. The drinks were bomb, the balance in the pickle martini was perfection. The space is quite aesthetic and dark, with limited outdoor seating.

Twins Lounge 🎯: Loud bar with pool and darts. CASH ONLY, rude. I feel like there are other bars in New York that do the game bar concept better, but if you live in Greenpoint... sure. However, that spicy marg was perfect. Spicy and strong.

Good Bar 🍹: Cute bar that actually has to go drinks. Mix of outdoor and indoor space, and the drinks were all really good.

Cafe Ballerica 💃: I really liked this vibe. It was loud and casual while still feeling organized on the ground floor, and then downstairs had a dancey, clubby space. Obviously it became overpacked at one point, but not too badly.

Bar Blondeau 🌆: Very nice Williamsburg and Greenpoint rooftop at the top of the Wythe Hotel. Drinks were quite good, and the view is genuinely great, not restricted like most New York rooftops.

BierWax 🍺: Funnily enough, this space has a cocktail and vinyl vibe, but is definitely beer heavy when it comes to the menu. Dark and sexy inside, with a large outdoor space in the back.

Nosh:

Nin Hao 🥢: Some of the cleanest feeling Chinese food I have had in the city. It hit every spot flavor wise, but I did not feel too sick after overeating. The lamb chops were especially memorable. The inside is very bright, but still works nicely for dinner.

Taqueria El Chato 🌮: Not one of the best tacos I have had in the city, but still satisfying and heavy on the protein.

Le Crocodile 🍷: French cuisine and yummyyy. It has a proper bistro vibe inside, and the servers had that formal energy without being annoying. We really ate through most of the menu and honestly enjoyed all of it, especially the desserts.

Showa Era Izakaya Ramen Sushi 🍜: Solid, cheaper Japanese option near Midtown. Good ramen, good sushi, could not really ask for more. The restaurant has an intense, slightly chaotic vibe, but for a quick meal, it absolutely hits the spot.

Vert Frais 🍵: Japanese cafe with soufflé pancakes and matcha brunch items. The matcha French toast and salmon ikura bowl were my two favorite dishes. Perfect if you have a group craving hangover Asian food while still wanting a more Western brunch situation. No reservations, and not even a leave your name system.

Shenanigans:

The Devil Wears Prada 2 🎬: So I am going to rate her a 7.5 out of 10. As a standalone movie, it was highly entertaining, maybe a little too much overacting, but beautifully shot for a big cinema release. Good acting, poor love story, fun plot. However, as a sequel, while it delivered entertainment from the characters, it did not quite have the wow factor of the first. Tough bar to hit though.

Brooklyn Paramount 🎤: Went here for the Cobrah concert, and such a cool venue. Kind of like O2 Academy Brixton or KOKO in London. Perfectly packed, great sound system, easy to see the artist even from far away, and the crowd was wireeedddd.

LoHi 🎧: Technically this is a rooftop, however we went to the sixth floor of the building, which was essentially a concrete pillar surrounded DJ set done by Cobrah and her friends. It was one of those Brooklyn experiences I felt I moved to NYC for... so it hit.

L’Industrie Pizza 🍕: Worth the hype. Drew and I were very, very happy with our slices. The burrata was also impressively fresh, and the different flavors are unique and genuinely appealing. We were about fifth in line on a Sunday at 7 PM, which I think is pretty great.

Eileen’s Cheesecake 🍰: I had this cheesecake for the first time ten years ago, and it is just as good. We tried the salted caramel one, and it was fabulous.

Four & Twenty Blackbirds 🥧: Sanam got the chamomile buttermilk and salted honey pies from here. I think the salted honey might be one of the best things I have ever eaten.

Jazba 🍛: Went here for Indian food, and well, there was not one but two cockroaches in the bathroom, so enough said.

Shinn West 🍣: I am a big fan of value omakases, and this one was very worth it. Each bite was genuinely great, even the more basic ones like salmon or fatty tuna had an exciting twist. I was unbelievably full after, which is not always the case with these sets.

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot 🍲: A very worth it hot pot experience. It is all you can eat, and well, we ate. We did pork and beef and were able to do both hot pot and Korean barbecue at the same table. The loud music was hilarious and we were fully vibing. Still curious if there is a date friendly hot pot spot in the city, because this might be one of the least sexy meals to exist.

Shenanigans:

Radio City Music Hall 🎤: Went for Akaash Singh’s Generational Trauma tour. I had never been before, and it really does feel grand and exciting. While it feels a little old, it has that old school, larger than life energy.

Sips:

Marylou 🍸: Quick drinks here, always a good vibe and quite chill. The waitress was kind of rude for no reason, but the drinks really hit. I had a dirty vodka martini and a mezcal negroni, and both were perfectly balanced.

Wiggle Room 💃: On a Thursday night, this seems to be the move. My friends went on a Friday and said it was not a vibe at all. We went on a queer night, and I think all of us had one of the best nights out we have had in a long time. There were performances every hour, the bar was easy to access, and overall just great energy. Also, a bubble machine.

Little Rebel 🍸: So there was a group of people at this bar at 9:30 PM watching Happy Gilmore together. They had drinks, were sitting at a booth table, and had collectively chosen to put on this film and watch it at a bar rather than at someone’s house. First time I have not liked what technology is doing to my generation, it was a bit sad to watch.

Weather Up 🍸: A great outdoor drinks spot in Prospect Heights. Fantastic happy hour, with genuinely good cocktails, not just well drinks, and a beautiful European style outdoor space.

Tonage:

Brian Watkins Tennis Center 🎾: Friends planned a tennis day here. If it is a really warm day, I would go here again since it is near the water. The day was actually quite fun, and the courts are nice and spread out, plus there are twelve.

South Oxford Courts 🎾: Been playing here with Sanam and Aidan. The courts are not the best, and there are only two, but we have never had to wait behind more than one person.

I do not know what happened to music this winter, but gosh, I listened to almost nothing. It was unbelievably depressing. No one released anything I truly liked. Of course, the TikTok music persisted, but that barely kept me going.

Anyhow, we have now started the new Spring 2026 playlist here:

New Songs:

1. Dreams - Coco & Breezy, Hadiya George

2. Medicine - Chanel Tres

3. Back to You - Sunday Scaries, Emi Grace

4. If you want to party, come over to my house - Fcukers

5. Runway - Lady Gaga, Doechii

6. Ricota - Zulan, Debians

Oldies but Goodies:

1. Look Easy - Kaytranada, Lucky Daye

2. Over Me - Cabu, Gabby Nacua

3. Tyrant - Kali Uchis, Jorja Smith

4. Fergalicious - I love Mom, Lawya

5. All I Can Say - Ama

6. Praying for You - Neema Nekesa

7. Insensitive - Tamera

Not sure if you can tell, but colour and spring are clearly back. I am starting to realise that whether I wear my arch correcting shoes or bunion correctors, my body hurts regardless. So it may be time to return to being stylish, comfort aside.

Raye’s New Album:

1. Where is my Husband? (but like duh)

2. Goodbye Henry (feat. Al Green)

3. Joy. (feat. Amma & Absolutely)

4. The Whatsapp Shakespeare

5. I Hate the Way I Look Today

Bellaire’s New Album:

1. Sunshine is Coming

2. Close to Me

3. House Jam Number 3

Justine Skye’s New Album:

1. Heart Attack

2. Just a Girl

3. Pop It

4. Oh Lala (feat. Kaytranada)

5. Yap

Deux Chats 🍸: Birthday drinks tingsss. A dozen or so friends and I sipped here. The drinks were fantastic, they do martini towers, and they have some good food as well, but definitely go for the drinks. Very sexy vibe, it feels like you are in Europe, just with American accents.

Good Room 🎶: This place has a lot of potential. It sits between going out in Bushwick and Manhattan. The bar, entry, sound system, and space lean Bushwick, but the crowd, bathrooms, and actual ability to dance feel very Manhattan. They need to define their niche a bit more clearly.

Batemans 🍸: Went here for a quick drink before dinner. Strong but good martinis. A perfect spot for a date or an actual conversation, though slightly expensive.

Bar Bianchi 🍷: This feels like Felix but on the east side. Essentially an outdoor drinking spot for international students, just not in west Manhattan. Overrated in my opinion, though there is plenty of outdoor seating.

Baya Bar 🥤: A non alcoholic smoothie moment. I generally dislike buying smoothies out, and I was unwell that day, so this was a pass.

The Belfry 🍺: A cozy bar for a group of friends to meet. It feels like a good post drinks spot and has a happy hour. A booth would work well for six to eight people.

The Grafton 🏈: Lewis Capaldi told me he liked my jacket here, which was a moment. As for the place, it has good outdoor seating if you enjoy watching sports, though inside it leans very college bar.

Cerveceria Havemeyer 🌮: Great happy hour for very spicy margaritas, and a solid taco happy hour as well. Not entirely my vibe, but they have nailed their Mexican cerveceria concept.

Nosh:

Godunk Thai 🍜: The food here was genuinely very good, though the drinks were underwhelming. It felt like a cleaner, more thoughtful take on Thai food, with less of the usual basics on the menu.

Sailor 🍷: This felt like what I imagine Brooklyn was in the 2010s. Cool, slightly niche, everyone with a story. The food was good, though not mind blowing. I was also drunk off one martini here for about three hours, which says enough.

High Tide 🌉: A beautiful tourist spot for classic drinks right under the Brooklyn Bridge. The food was fine, but this is very much about the view.

Lords 🥞: A British brunch spot. The sticky toffee pancake has not left my mind since. The mains were also strong, the overall vibe was great, and you could likely walk in easily as a pair.

Four Horsemen 🍷: Not as impressive as the hype suggests. I think I am a bit over the small plates era, and this felt overpriced. The wine was excellent, but the food was not the best I have had. Still cute, and the ever changing menu is a plus.

Theater:

Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Brooklyn 🎬: Finally tried this cinema chain. Slightly amusing experience, I got my popcorn in a steel Indian bowl. Otherwise, it is a standard cinema where you can order food directly to your seat.

St Ann’s Warehouse 🎭: Went to see the theatre dance piece Scorched Earth here and it was phenomenal. I have never seen theatre and dance combined in a way where dance felt like the dominant art form. The story, acting, talent, choreography, set, music, and overall artistry were all exceptional. A reminder to fully take advantage of what New York has to offer.

Hudson genuinely surprised us. The town leans heavily into its food scene and artsy identity, from galleries to somewhat absurdly expensive shopping, though there were also more chaotic characters than anticipated. Overall, it made for a genuinely lovely weekend getaway.

Nosh:

Via Cassia 🍝: Our first dinner and a very strong start. Italian, done really well. The drinks were eclectic and not strictly Italian, the kale salad had a fantastic truffle vinaigrette, and we went for the squid ink pasta and the bucatini all Amatriciana, both excellent. Saucy, cheesy, and still felt authentic. We finished with the tiramisu. Great energy, with an upscale feel that never tipped into being too formal.

Hudson Diner 🍳: A classic diner, just slightly more refined. Smaller portions and a touch more intention in the flavours. The food was solid, but at the end of the day, it is still a diner.

The Hereafter 🍷: One of the best dinners I have had in a while. Excellent tapas, with the steak tartare being a standout. We ate and drank very well here. It has a pub like atmosphere, but elevated in a way that makes it feel special.

Circles 🥯: Possibly the best bagel I have ever had. It is an unassuming spot you might easily walk past, but the bagels were incredibly fresh, perfectly boiled and toasted. I had one with salmon, cucumber, shiso, chili crisp, and smoked salmon, and it was genuinely perfect.

Alcoholic Sips:

Padrona 🍸: A cool bar with genuinely unique and strong cocktails. Great for a quick drink, not over the top, but still very well done.

Hudson Brewing Co 🍺: Set in a warehouse style space with darts, shuffleboard, and multiple televisions all playing different sports. We joked that the entire town was here. The beers were good, though I am not much of a beer person, so I mostly enjoyed the atmosphere and company.

Maker Lounge 🕯️: An incredibly sexy lounge. Ideal for drinks and small bites. Very intimate, perfect for a girls night or a date. The drinks were excellent, though there are no reservations.

Kwafee:

Mel the Bakery ☕: This came highly recommended by everyone, and I have to say it was just decent. The coffee was fine, the pastries were good, but nothing particularly memorable. They did have a nice selection of niche condiments and oils though.

WYLDE ☕: A solid coffee option. Not much else to say, but it does the job well.