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VYinLA's avatar

I haven’t yet lived there but it has become my favorite escape. We frequent the same non-touristy spots to enjoy a few moments of recognition and “welcome back!”s, providing a delightful glimpse of what it could be like to be a New Yorker.

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Antonina Pattiz's avatar

That’s such a special way to experience the city! I agree, finding those familiar pockets where you get recognized is something else -- it makes a difference! Now I have to ask: do you have a favorite restaurant/bar? I'm all for supporting local spots and it seems like you found some gems!

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VYinLA's avatar

It starts with my usual ride and hotel, where I sleep so well I don’t want to go out! I love Bird Dog for their biscuits & sausage gravy. My fave splurge is champagne, crab cocktail, steak and cheesecake at the bar at Gallagher’s on 52nd. (Theatre geek so usually around there!). And ginger bread pudding at Blue Ribbon Sushi for Columbus Circle! Yum…

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Anthony P's avatar

What a fabulous article!

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Antonina Pattiz's avatar

Thank you!

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Susan Burns's avatar

My father grew up on the Lower East Side & that feels like home, even though I grew up in the Midwest. I get so emotional going to Yonah Schimmel and Russ & Daughters.

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Antonina Pattiz's avatar

That’s beautiful—it's amazing how a place can feel like home even if you didn’t grow up there yourself. The Lower East Side carries so much history -- Yonah Schimmel and Russ & Daughters are time capsules! I bet your dad has stories for days!

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clarice pinheiro's avatar

I feel like I'm actually in NY every time I read your articles. Thanks for the experience!

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Antonina Pattiz's avatar

Makes me so happy to hear that, thank you!

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jbrsc's avatar

Being a child of the 90s, I grew up with TV series and movies always set in NY. So, when I finally got to see the city for the first time, I felt like I already knew it before and that made me embrace it as my home as well.

Greetings from Argentina and thank you for sharing your life in the best city in the world

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Antonina Pattiz's avatar

That's such a beautiful way to experience New York! There’s something magical about seeing the city in real life after growing up with it on screen—I had a similar experience.

I love that it felt like home to you right away. NYC has a way of welcoming everybody. Thank you for sharing!

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