Karasu is our neighborhood go to for a chill date. It's a cozy, well-lit space with excellent cocktails and a small Japanese menu. The tonkatsu is amazing, and perfect for sharing because nothing says romance like a fried pork cutlet.

Luhring Augustine did a good job of converting an old warehouse/storage facility into a blue chip commercial art gallery that stages four shows of contemporary art per year. Which means you can catch museum quality shows in an unlikely spot, away from all the Chelsea pomp, and it actually has friendly staff, instead of a cold gallerina sat behind a desk pretending to be on the phone.

One of my all time favorite shops. They have amazing succulents at reasonable prices. It's always a pleasure to stop in and see what they've got that day. Ched, the owner, is not only extremely knowledgeable but totally hilarious. Every plant has been personalized and anthropomorphized.

MoMA PS1 is one of the largest art institutions in the United States dedicated solely to contemporary art. It is located in the Long Island City neighborhood in the borough of Queens, New York City Visiting the Art Book Fair usually happening in September is one thing - but the place itself is a great other! During the summer-months of July and August the so called Summer-Warm-Up each Saturday takes place there as well! The Picture shows the James Turrell "Meeting".

Mekelburg's is equal parts hipster bodega, bar and sandwich haven. I always go for the cheese counter, the babka and the late night fried chicken sandwich, which is hands down one of the best I've had in NY.