First let me just say that keeping up with a blog is no joke! It’s a serious commitment, like caring for children, or walking your dog. Okay, not really, but it does take time and dedication.

I recently made a visit back home to New York. Before moving to California, I lived in New York for ten years, both in Long Island and New York City, going to college, commuting on the railroad and experiencing the good, bad and ugly of all of it. But, one thing I absolutely love about New York is the great food everywhere you go. Here are some of the great places I went during my visit. Take some notes and try them the next time you’re in town!

Long Beach, New York

Green Juice & Far From The Madding Crowd

Mom’s Herb Garden

Mom’s Basil!

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria 980 Franklin Ave Garden City, NY 

My first Grimaldi’s experience was with my college photography teacher. We were on a class photoshoot in Brooklyn and afterward he took us a group of us to Grimaldi’s. My life was never the same! The pizza crust is thin and the toppings are delicious no matter what you choose. Unfortunately the infamous location under the Brooklyn Bridge has closed, but there are a few more locations around the New York area! This is a must try for authentic New York style pizza! [www.grimaldispizzeria.com]

Eggplant Delight Pizza

Bingbox Snowcream 125 2nd Ave, New York, NY

Welcome to the wonderful world of Korean desserts. I can’t even begin to describe how unique and amazing this was, so you’ll have to just try it. Snow cream … imagine shaved ice so light, dry and fluffy, it looks like glitter and tastes like heaven, but then melts in your mouth like ice cream. Yes, it’s that good, with a wide variety of flavors and toppings, this is by far the coolest dessert I’ve ever had! [www.bingboxsnowcream.com]

Matcha (Green Tea) Bingbox with Strawberries, condensed milk drizzle & Mochi AND Taro Bingbox with Mochi, condensed milk drizzle & Nilla Wafers.

Oaxaca Taqueria 250 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY

O.M.G. Tacos. This place is the closest to authentic mexican tacos I’ve had in the states. They have a large menu, but the tacos are to die for! If you get the three-taco special, it’s served with rice & beans, and they’ll give you chips, guacamole and salsa. I LOVED this place, and there are 14 locations around New York, so there’s no excuse not to try it! [www.oaxacatacos.com]

Horchata (drink), Carnitas Taco (Braised Pork), Pollo Guisado (Chicken), Camaron (Spicy Shrimp)

Someday I’ll post my top ten must-have eateries in New York, but for now, I’ll leave you with these three unique finds, in hopes that you’ll get to try them too, if you haven’t already!