The light in New York City never ceases to inspire. Walking around early on a sunny morning and looking at the rays of light dispersed through the windows of tall buildings makes me want to scream "New York, I love you!" over and over again.

Perfect cocktails, chicken fat rice, and a REAL fireplace. One of the coziest spots in Greenpoint, particularly in the winter. Its "off the beaten path" location keeps out the bridge and tunnel goons, so you're likely to meet actual locals. Good for dates, solo thinking, or a small group. 

Roll N Roaster is a fast food place in Sheepshead Bay that has been open since 1971. Get the roast beef sandwich with cheese and a bottle of Moet champagne (not joking).

CAP Beauty has reached a cult-like status amongst New Yorkers who try to live their lives a little more like Gwyneth Paltrow, and a little less like Lindsay Lohan circa 2007. But you don’t have to be a health nut to appreciate the natural beauty store’s mission to bring a carefully selected range of products and brands that are actually kind to our bodies to consumers.

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.