The 'Best Ofs' NYC

While New York hasn't been the most welcoming city, I have been lucky enough to have a few friends willing to share their secrets. One such friend is Josephine.

We met when I moved into our minuscule NYU apartment, the summer of my Junior year. At the time I was interning 4 days a week and exploring New York every other day. She was a student, working as part of the freshmen initiation programs. She is from the same area as my ex (boyfriend at the time), and we had an immediate connection. After 2 weeks she was moved to another dorm where the freshmen would be, but we managed to remain in touch. We started weekly Sunday brunches as an excuse to get together, try new restaurants, and stay in touch.

We stayed in touch throughout our Senior years, and when I got back last September, we began our brunch traditions again. We rarely try new places anymore, but we like to rotate, so we never tire of a menu or neighborhood. Our conversations often include boy friends, ex-boyfriends, good books, puppies, and the occasional political discussion, complimented by french fries, sugary treats, coffee, and tea.

Today was no exception. We ate at Mission Cafe, a San Fran inspired cafe in the East Village, and then wandered over to Washington Square Park. We continued to wander our way through the West Village, all the way to the river, wind our way back East again, and stop for gelato along the way. It was the kind of day I remember having in Europe...

What I owe to Josephine is her incredible knowledge of the city. While I can wander around for hours on my own, I do not know all of the local venues, best cheap eats, or directions. She is always full of fantastic suggestions and knows where to find everything! In a city this big, I'm not sure what I would do without such a fantastic tour guide and friend. Even if I do have to leave in May or June, I'm almost positive my Sunday brunches will be what I miss most.

Best Of NYC (with Josephine):

Brunch: Penelope, Friend of a Farmer, and Mission Cafe

Shopping: Made Well, Buffalo Exchange, and Beacon's Closet

Activities: Tea Time at Podunk or Alice's Teacup,

Central Park, Washington Sq. Park, Hudson River Park,

and movies

Company: a good friend, or at the very least someone with a decent sense of humor