Going vegan these days is pretty darn easy. There are so many options everywhere and legitimate ones too. Attempting a vegan diet/lifestyle 10 years ago was a miserable task. The options were ordering food at restaurants without all the fun stuff on them like cheeseless pizza or just having some steamed veggies or make something yourself at home which was basically the same options.
Oddly enough in a city famously known for its BBQ and where everything has meat on it, it has the best vegan restaurant. The Beer Plant is all vegan and you wouldn’t know it if you weren’t told. Yea, it’s that spot on. Their brunch menu was something to look forward to every weekend. They have continued service with take out during quarantine and as an added bonus – brunch menu everyday all day!
The Beer Plant has been featured on the food networks list of best vegan restaurants in the country and we would say it’s one of the best restaurants overall and not just for being vegan.
Single and celebrating Galentine’s Day? Deeply in love looking for a romantic evening? Or going on a Tinder date? We’ve got you covered! Everyone seems to scramble last minute to figure out plans for February 14th. Don’t break a sweat because we have some suggestions for you.
First off we’d like to address how Austinites seem to love this Hallmark holiday while the East Coast has a very cynical outlook on it. They’re just happy it falls on a Thursday this year so it doesn’t ruin their weekend. So to help out the New Yorkers on this pink and red, heart-shaped holiday, we have the fun, the romantic, and the trendy spots for you.
NYC:
Museum of Sex – Let’s start with the fun/cheesy one. It’s a museum of inappropriateness and lots of giggles. Ummm… and they have a bar. You bet they have a Valentine’s Day special. It’s a bit steep at $105 per ticket and I can’t really justify it so maybe just buy the $20 general admission and go to Eataly after. Also, Shake Shack and Tacombi are nearby.
Venchi – Your Willy Wonka Dreams have come true with the largest chocolate waterfall in North America. Newly opened and the hottest spot since the Nutella Cafe, this Italian sweet shop will wow you and give you diabetes all at the same time. Serving gelato, crepes, coffee and of course lots of chocolate.
Winter Village – Want an activity? Head to Bryant Park for some ice skating. If you think ice skating is lame or you just don’t feel like face planting that evening, they have bumper cars for the rink. That’s right – bumper cars! They have tons of shops and food options as well – all instagram worthy. If you’re getting too cold in this polar vortex, go grab a warm seat at the enclosed bar called The Lodge.
LROOM Cafe – Treat yo self with the finest latte – a 24k Gold Latte that is. It’s called the “Bling Bling Honey Latte” and it’s made with edible glitter and kicks golden milk made with turmeric to the curb. What started as a flower shop, has added a cafe with beautiful concoctions almost too pretty to eat (aka perfect for instagram.) They’ve created pastries, waffles and drinks made to resemble floral arrangements. We recommend this place for the single ladies where you can get something better than flowers and jewelry – *edible* flowers and jewelry.
1803NYC – This was added to the list because it’s NYC’s hottest restaurant right now. Newly open with a New Orleans’ vibe and a strong culinary scene that’s creating tons of buzz. Get more than dinner and drinks, stay for the live Jazz which is making a huge comeback these days appealing to younger crowds.
PHD – A pop up roof top bar with an interesting acronym but actually stands for Penthouse at the Dream. We have a soft spot for The Dream. We’ve been going there since we looked old enough to be there. Now the Dream has a great new rooftop which you can never have enough in any city.
NYC is pretty iconic – some of the most amazing movies are filmed here such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Even if you’ve never watched the movie, you’ve at least heard of it. The funny thing is, you can’t actually have breakfast at Tiffany’s…. until now! Tiffany’s finally opened The Blue Box Cafe at their New York flagship store on Fifth Avenue.
This was exciting news to anyone and everyone who loves Audrey Hepburn and it even brought excitement to emotionless New Yorkers. So you can imagine reservations are hard to come by considering locals and tourists want in. Already a popular tourist destination as you see people walking the streets with that famous little blue bag. Tiffany’s had to implement a reservation system to accommodate the huge demand for their small cafe. They specifically state you cannot sell your reservation. Even after a year of being open, it’s near impossible to get a table. So how do you get in?!
Here’s where we step in to guide you. I warn you – it’s not easy but we have pointers. Also, the hard work is totally worth it! The food and ambiance are spectacular and it’s an iconic moment you will have in NYC.
1.) You can only get a reservation on Resy.com – Go to the Tiffany’s website where they give you their specific link. Click “make a reservation” and it will bring you to their reservation page on Resy.
2.) Setup an account on Resy and link your Credit Card beforehand. Do this the night before. You will need your credit card to hold your reservation which is common at popular NYC restaurants. They also have a $25 cancellation fee. (Lame but whatever. You know you won’t cancel.)
3.) Everything is booked up a month in advance. Go to the reservation calendar and see what the next available date is to book. Calculate what day you want your reservation and what day it will open up.
4.) Reservations will open at 9am daily and book up instantly. This is no joke! Even if you go on the website at 9am on the dot and have your reservation all set, by the time you hit the button to book it, it’s sold out. There are no guarantees and no holding your reservation. So set your alarm and get ready!
Tip: You will have to try multiple times. If you don’t get a reservation at 9am that day, you have to wait until the next day at 9am to get the following open date.
Tip: Try for uncommon times. Best is to book on a weekday in the evening. Weekends and mornings are the hardest to come by. Don’t count on at 10am reservation for a Saturday. Try for a Wednesday at 5pm.
Tip: You will need determination. Don’t quit if you can’t get a reservation even the first 3 times.
Recap: Setup an account on Resy the night before. Calculate when your reservation date will open. Set your alarm for when reservations open at 9am. Book an unpopular time. If you do not succeed, try again because it will happen and it’s so worth it. God speed!
The Pineapple Life 