Although I grew up in a small New Jersey suburb located a mere twenty minutes outside of New York City, this is the first summer that I am spending the majority of my time in the city. Most areas of the city offer almost every well-known restaurant or sandwich shop I can wrap my brain around within walking distance. In the area around our office, for example, you can find a Subway, Quiznos, Jamba Juice, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse and a Cosi without walking more than five blocks in any direction (not to mention there is a Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks on almost every corner). Although I most certainly do not purchase lunch and coffee everyday (I am still a poor college student, after all), I found myself constantly gravitating towards places I am familiar with.

One day, I realized that I could find an Olive Garden back at home, up at school or in almost any town across America. I was missing out on the many fabulous dining opportunities that can only be found here in New York City. With that being said, I have made a personal goal to stay away from chain restaurants (no matter how delicious they are) and try my best to experience the unique dining the city has to offer. Over the course of the summer I have tried some great new restaurants that were absolutely delicious. Some of my favorites were Pomodoro Rosso on the Upper West Side, Gemma at The Bowery Hotel on the Lower East Side and Ninja New York in Tribeca.

Ninja New York

Gemma at The Bowery Hotel

So, I encourage you to try to steer away from what you’re already familiar with and be a little more adventurous. Rather than running to the closest Subway for lunch, why not try the local deli across the street. Good, bad or ugly it’s a better way to fully experience all of what New York City has to offer.

Chelsea