Summer in New York City (+Ideas for Out-of-Town Guests & Guide to NYC Pizza)
Summer, frequent guests and the joys of Brooklyn.
When you move to New York City, two things seem to happen.
You (actually) move to New York City
Your friends move too (out of the woodwork)
The introvert in me feels compelled to tell you that I never knew how many friends I had until I moved to New York City.
Seems like everyone is eager to visit the Big Apple, especially during the summer months.
Well, that or the holidays.
Today let’s stick to the guests that grace you during the long, warm hot summer days. What to do with aunt Gertrude? What to do with humidity?
Here’s my take.
What you need to know about NYC Pizza
Every proper NYC trip must start with pizza in mind.
Pizza seems to be the vessel that keeps folks coming back to the city. You’ll hear people say things like “I swear there’s something in the water” or “even a pizza from a gas station tastes better in NYC.”
But — as you know — that simply can’t be true. Not all pizza is created equal.
More importantly, you should know the difference between the styles of pizza on offer in NYC.
Coal fired: Coal oven pies are usually sold whole and come out with a delightful char. These pizzas tend to have flat crusts with a satisfying bite, typically served with light sauce and toppings.
Did you know? Coal-burning ovens are grandfathered in NYC, meaning the only way for a new restaurant to have one is to inherit it from the previous owner. As such, wood-fired pizzas are becoming more popular. The biggest difference between the two ovens is that coal burns at a higher temperature than wood — so coal-fired ovens provide a crispier crust and more enhanced char.
Classic New York Slice: The iconic slice of pizza most folks think of when they visit NYC. These joints sell pizza by the slice (and whole pies too). Slices are thicker than coal oven pizzas and are typically served on a paper plate with napkins in hand. Fold, eat, repeat.
Neapolitan: Typically served as personal pies, not by the slice. This pizza style has a soft (almost soupy) center with a chewy texture. Expect droopy slices bursting with flavor (when done right).
I’ve tried 40+ joints and narrowed down a list of my personal favorites, here.
Cocktails at Dante
Happy Hour at Dante tends to be a highlight for my out of town visitors, which is why I highly recommend it. Especially if you’re lucky enough to snag an outdoor table at the MacDougal location on Friday afternoons when a live jazz band serenades boozy locals and tourists alike.
Dante has two locations (both in the West Village) and offers two happy hour specials at each.
The MacDougal location runs $10 Negronis daily from 3-5pm
The Hudson St. location runs a $10 Martini Hour daily from 3pm to 5pm
Relax at a brewery
You know the drill, some breweries are better than others— here’s a roundup of the best breweries in NYC (based on firsthand experience).
The gist of it is this: when it comes to vibe, Brooklyn’s breweries can’t be beat. We recently stumbled upon Finback brewery and have returned twice since.
Great beer, great service, great vibe — what more could you ask for?
Another strong contender is Strong Rope Brewery in Red Hook, the view of the Statue of Liberty can’t be beat and the brews are top-notch.
Dinner at Frank’s
Brooklyn has no shortage of charming restaurants and wine bars, but Frankies Spuntino stands a mile above the rest.
The Cavatelli with Hot Sausage & Browned Sage Butter has no business being that good. Oh, and the Red Wine Prunes & Mascarpone dessert? Well, a moment of silence is all I can offer.
If Frankie’s is too busy (usually is) pop into the wine bar next door, Frank’s.
I’ve made a habit of Frank’s (so healthy, I know) because aperitivo at this gem feels like slipping into an evening in Rome. I find it irresistible.
As much as I want to keep this place a secret, I’m not in the business of gatekeeping great wine bars and great food. Enjoy!
Well, my friends, that’s all I have for you this week.
Same time, same place next week?