NYC has a ton of great places, and I claim to be no influencer who knows the best of NYC. This list is a collection of places that I've enjoyed and hold some meaning for me.

Favorite Bakeries and Coffee Shops

• Cotton Bean, Crown Heights:
  • I lived around the block and this place had my heart. They are run by a Japanese family that lives in the unit above. The Japanese know how to make a place cool live-in and cool. They attract all the hipsters of the block, but it's still low-key. I love their hazelnut pretzel pastry.
• Radio Bakery, Greenpoint:
  • I enjoy all their sourdough sandwiches, especially the smoked salmon and the sweet pea one. The chokehold this place has on NYC bakery scene is well-deserved, although the Prospect Heights location is strangely more crowded than the original Greenpoint location.
• La Cabra, Soho:
  • I've only been to it twice, and everything was great.

Favorite Restaurants

• Ba Xuyen, Sunset Park:
  • Best bahn-mi in the city. Get classic or roast pork. Extra spicy.
• Lucky Vegetarian, Sunset Park:
  • Get the mahogany fried rice. I don't know what crack they put in that.

Favorite Bars

• Judy's, Sunset Park:
  • My favorite low-key bar in my neighborhood.