5 Things to eat and drink in NYC to be invigorated
It’s true that Ideoli Co-Founders George Stroumboulis and Chris Hartswick travel around the globe, visiting country after country to connect with our partners, and check on production runs and client installations. But they also spend plenty of time in the United States, visiting state after state and city after city, making connections and ensuring projects are running smoothly. And, of course, they never fail to get invigorated by the many cultures and people they encounter along the way.
New York City, perhaps the greatest city in the world, just happens to be the city where Ideoli was founded. So, it’s no secret it’s one of George’s and Chris’s favorite places. And, who can blame them? Manhattan has a rich history and a diverse population that melds a variety of exciting cultures.
One of the original 13 colonies and states of the United States, New York state was the site of one of the first major battles of the Revolutionary War and several of the nation’s forefathers were born here. In the 19th century, New York City– once the capital of the U.S.– was one of the primary ports of call for immigrants arriving in the US, with the iconic Statue of Liberty welcoming them to our country.
Today, the state’s gross economic product exceeds that of most of the countries around the world. Even after suffering the deadly terrorist attack of 9/11, New York City is still the center of this country’s economy, and remains the world’s financial and cultural leader, setting popular trends in fashion, art and food.
Speaking of food, George and Chris never pass up the opportunity to enjoy the pleasure of sampling the city’s wonderful food and drink, which are available on every city block. It’s what keeps them invigorated throughout the year.
Here is a list of the top five things they suggest you eat and drink while in New York City:
1. Pizza
From family-owned pizzerias that have been around for decades to hipster artisanal pizza restaurants, the pizza they serve in New York City cannot be duplicated anywhere (except maybe in Italy). Try a slice from John’s of Bleecker Street or Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, which has a number of locations.
2. Bagels
The city’s other iconic food is bagels. Some say it’s because of the water, but whatever it is, New York City bagels are the best anywhere. For a real treat, try one with lox and scallion cream cheese from Russ & Daughters on East Houston Street.
3. Street Meat (Hot Dogs)
When you’re hungry for lunch, just stop at one of the many corner street eateries or street vendors to grab a hot dog for a quick, affordable and satisfying meal. Choose from toppings such as traditional sauerkraut (available at most hot dog stands) to more specialty varieties at these eateries: Gray’s Papaya (2090 Broadway), Crif Dogs(113 St. Marks Place) and Schaller’s Stube (1652 Second Avenues).
4. Acai Bowls
If you’re looking for healthier options for breakfast, lunch or a snack, or if juicing is more your thing, then look no further than an acai bowl, one of the city’s latest food trends. It’s basically a thick, rich smoothie that can be topped with any combination of foods, including oatmeal, fruit or peanut butter.
5. Manhattan (Drink)
For a cocktail that truly embodies the essence of New York City, you have to try a Manhattan. Rumored to have been created by a bartender at the famed Manhattan Club in the late 1870s, this cocktail is seeing a bit of a revival lately. And why not? It’s classic and sophisticated, and blends whiskey (or bourbon) with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters. Here’s to New York City!
George and Chris are continually inspired and invigorated by the many different people they meet and the cuisines and cultures they discover in New York City– a place they’re proud to call home.
