My whirlwind week in New York City
Familiar haunts and new places for beauty, music, workouts, and food
For some weird reason, every time I return to New York, I book my schedule chock-a-block to match the frenetic energy of the city.
Running around like a headless chicken encapsulates what this city is all about.
As soon as I land and book my Uber/Lyft from LGA/JFK, the familiar cortisol spike hits … and I’m back, baby!
After spending 2 years in London, in 2011 I returned to the New York City and stayed for a decade, until 2021 when I relocated to Miami.
I sometimes wonder, “If I could do it all again, what would I change?”
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This may be an unpopular opinion, but I’d definitely want a car my second go-round.
At least then I could visit Flushing, Queens, more often for authentic Chinese and Taiwanese dim sum and cuisine.
Perhaps I would also go upstate and out east more; it’s pretty magical how a simple 45-minute drive north of Manhattan surrounds you in nature and trees.
Meanwhile, one car or Hampton Jitney/Ambassador ride 2 to 3 hours out east and you’re in the glorious Hamptons or Montauk, far from the madding crowd, untouched in a safe and affluent bubble.
Maybe that’s why the walls of the concrete jungle closed in—because I couldn’t get out enough! 🤔
Alas, each time I visit New York, I squeeze every little bit of excitement I can into my allotted time—planning for all the things that make the city quintessentially “New York” for me.
As for fitting in, I have no problem looking like I never left.
Here’s how, in late February, I spent a fun-filled week in New York, with beauty, music, fitness, and delicious food as the main themes.
Here’s how I spent one week in New York
Where I stayed
New York is not an inexpensive place to visit, so any relief in the form of decent lodgings at a decent price are rare.
Especially if you choose to stay in my old neighborhood of NoMad (north of Madison Square Park), which has been on the up-and-up post-Covid and where most 4 to 5 star hotels will run from $250 to upward of $850 per night.
It's smack dab in the middle of the city and super convenient to all subway lines.
I loved living in NoMad. I was in the middle of the action, among coffee shops, trendy restaurants, and walking distance to client offices and boutiques in the Flatiron area along 5th Avenue.
NoMad also now boasts the biggest Whole Foods in Manhattan, at the corner of 27th Street and Madison Ave.
It only made sense that I pick my old neighborhood while trying out a new home sharing service called Kindred.
Now that short-term rentals are effectively banned in Manhattan, AirBnbs are technically illegal.
This means most tourists must go back to booking hotels, or go rogue on black market AirBnbs and claim awkwardly that you are “guests” or “friends” of the host, if pressed.
Kindred reminds me of how AirBnb started: as a legitimate home sharing and swapping service. However, with Kindred, one main caveat is that you must also list your own house (or a property you own) if you want access to Kindred properties around the world.
To become a member you must submit your home’s photos or a video walkthrough for acceptance.
I imagine the approval criteria depends on aesthetics, available workstations, and geographical location.
With Kindred, you only pay for cleaning services and a service fee, which can result in huge savings over hotels and even AirBnbs.
As a new member I was given 5 free nights, so my total was around $320; not bad for a NoMad high-rise condo.
If you’d like to submit your home on Kindred you can expedite your application and get free credits with my referral code SHI.CHE (you must use my referral code).
How I got around
By subway and bus
In New York, taxis and Ubers seem to get ever more expensive by the day.
I mostly relied on public transport by bus and subway.
However, proceed with caution on the latter; you will encounter the growing homelessness problem as well as even closer encounters with smells of the turd kind.
For personal safety reasons, I also have self-imposed curfews and won’t ride subways alone after 9 p.m.
As for the bus, I love it! Here’s why I love riding MTA busses:
Above ground: You stay above ground, and you practically get a free sightseeing tour. It may not be the fastest option because, traffic, but it’s mostly a pleasant experience
More drop-off points: It takes you straight to hyper local intersections in specific neighborhoods. There’s also less walking in general, versus walking to subway stops and navigating below ground
No tourists: There are little to no tourists, because tourists may find the bus system a bit daunting. These days, Google Maps makes it fairly easy to decipher which bus to take.
As long as you hop on one that’s headed in your general direction, that’s a win (though I can’t speak to Google’s accuracy of bus times and ETAs).
Remember, many buses follow the same general routes directionally; just hop off before you pass your destination
By foot
Part of the fun of New York is walking, discovering, and feeling all the neighborhoods … just walking two to three blocks in one direction can land you in an entirely different neighborhood with a unique culture and vibe.
Music shows and concerts
The Prize Fighter Inferno at Webster Hall
How lucky that I was able to witness this rock duo, comprised of my lovely friend Chondra Echert Sanchez and her husband who also happens to be the lead singer of rock band Coheed and Cambria.
Pantera at Madison Square Garden
One of my all-time favorite metal bands, Pantera, was playing a reunion tour and it would be their first time playing Madison Square Garden.
I’d purchased “Meet & Greet” tickets by accident, but they ended up being totally worth it.
The first time I saw them, I was 16-years-old, and I caught a pick thrown by the late guitarist Dimebag Darrell.
It was a spectacular show—one I’ll never forget.
Beauty consults and treatments
Hair consult: I first wrote about Harklinikken (“hair clinic” in Danish) last year, and it was time for my regular check-in at their beautiful Flatiron location; their nightly serum helps with hair thickness and growth
Haircut: I’m a little embarrassed to say I still get my hair cut in New York, but hey, if I’m going, then why not?
My friends at Double Q Salon specialize in Asian hair styles and colour, so pay Sam or King a visit if you have similar hair textureVisit to Dr. Lanna’s: My fave for beauty treatments, I tried Morpheus 8 microneedling in my neck area to address some stubborn neck bands which I’ve had since my early 20s. It wasn’t too painful and I’m curious to see any results
Where I ate
There are too many delicious restaurants in New York City to count, and you are spoiled for choice.
But, here’s where I ended up eating throughout my stay:
The Smith, Nomad: If you need a reliable breakfast/brunch spot, The Smith is your reliable go-to
Tim Ho Wan: From Hong Kong, probably some of the more authentic dim sum you can get in the city, close to the NYU campus
Sant Ambroeus, SoHo: Always fun people-watching; mix 2 parts euro trash with 1 part euro chic; try the vitello tonnato or the veal milanese sandwich
Dominique Ansel Workshop: Maker of the original cronut and the perfect croissant, too
Shinzo Omakase: This new omakase concept offers a 1-hour seating with a 13-course omakase meal, and all for $69. Fresh and tasty 🍣
Dons Bogam: The best KBBQ in town as well as a mainstay for popular Korean dishes
Sundae’s Best: Delicious ice cream in K-town with an assortment of vegan and regular flavors
Yemen Cafe: I went to Brooklyn to eat here. Let me repeat, I went to Brooklyn 🙄 But it was on a chef friend’s invitation so who was I to argue. Turns out Yemeni cuisine is quite delicious
Where I worked out
54D: I attended 2 fitness classes at a new workout program called 54D.
Boy, I wish I knew what I signed up for, because this was the toughest class-based workout I’d experienced in a looong time and it was sooo worth it!Prepare to get killed in circuits of running, crunches, jumping, weights, boxing, squats, and sit-ups.
Basically everything you hate to do, but made more fun in a class environment with drill sergeant coaches and great music.
General observations
Do I love visiting New York?
Abso-fucking-lutely.
Do I miss living there? Nah.
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Until next time,
Shindy
On Instagram + TikTok
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Reading this reminds me I’m due for a NYC trip!
Unbelievable! Your meticulous research, thorough planning, detailed information,and reading all while loving the photos made me feel like I was back visiting NYC!