New York City
New York is one of those places that holds a special place in my heart—my family settled there after immigrating from Jamaica, so it’s like a second home. Most of our time is spent hanging out in my Grandma’s Bronx living room, but when we make the trek into Manhattan, it’s just as magical every time.
Our trips to the city always start with the familiar walk to the number 2 train, heading into the heart of NYC. On day one, my sister picked Sam Gold’s Romeo and Juliet, a modern twist on the Shakespearean tragedy. While I enjoyed it, I realized that I’m more of a musical lover than a traditional play fan. Hell’s Kitchen by Alicia Keys really sealed that for me—it was such an engaging story. As an actor myself, I was in awe of the preparation to pull off a Broadway production, and it’s the kind of dedication I hope to bring to my own career. Next up, my Broadway pick: Hadestown! Can’t wait.
Aside from the shows, we also hit up some cool spots in the city. Here are a few highlights:
First Things First! COFFEE - Ground Central
I’d been dreaming about grabbing coffee in the city, and Ground Central did not disappoint. I’m super picky about my coffee, but this place nailed it! I went with my go-to vanilla oat milk latte, served hot to match the brisk weather. Highly recommend it to all my coffee-loving friends.
Next Things Next! FOOD - The Meatball Shop
Deciding on food is always a struggle for my family. Since we were on a tight schedule to make it to the Broadway show, we had to think fast. The Meatball Shop’s happy hour saved the day with an $8 half lasagna and salad deal. We enjoyed our food and made it to the Shubert Theater just in time to watch Hell’s Kitchen.
Last Things Last! NYC Pizza
It’s a family tradition to get a big pepperoni pizza every time we’re in New York. Usually, we visit the pizzeria in Pelham, but this time we switched things up and revisited Three Boys From Italy. We used to frequent them when I was a kid but rumor had it that they burnt down but they are back. The pizza was just as good as I remembered—must be something in that East Coast water!
Honorable Mention: Sleepy Hollow
Exploring the Northeast has long been on my list, with destinations like Massachusetts and Maine calling to me. However, our day in Sleepy Hollow provided a delightful taste of what the region offers in autumn. I invited my sister to join me for a leisurely coffee and stroll around this charming town along the Hudson. Having lived in Arizona and the San Francisco Bay Area, I rarely experience the beauty of changing seasons, so the vibrant fall foliage was a rare treat. Although we didn’t try any restaurants or local shops, the atmosphere alone—especially in October—was truly captivating.
