A place for when you only have a day and your soul needs the smell of an ocean breeze and to feel sand between your toes. You can watch all the craziness of Coney Island from across the water.

If you're far up in Greenpoint and need caffeine + snack, Bakeri is my spot (I say "bake-ery", others say "bach-ery"—I still vote the former). Known for their baked goods—both savory and sweet—it's the perfect spot for a coffee meeting, small breakfast, or a solo book read. There's one large communal table in the center, plus a few two-tops and decent counter space—one of the rare cafes with enough room that it's rarely packed (except saturday!). 

I made my decision to move to New York when biking over the pink bridge one afternoon in early fall 2010. I feel like it’s the perfect bridge – with it’s view over Manhattan its great for walks, either visitors coming for the first time, old friends and first dates. I also love exercising running over it – and as a bonus looking at all the graffiti and writings and people passing by.

Great mid-eastern food in Chelsea/Flatiron/NoMad/whatever you call that area.

The Family Store is the best Mediterranean food you can get in New York City. That is all.