This is my favorite time of year. When the leaves start changing colors, when I get to add an extra layer of clothing, or a warm scarf but yet I don't have to worry about bundling up so much that I add an extra twenty pounds of clothing before going out to grab a bagel. I love being able to bundle up on the couch with a pumpkin spice latte and a piece of perfectly ripe, warm apple pie. Fall is a transitional period when everything says goodbye until spring and in New York fall is absolutely beautiful. Here are some ways to enjoy the season!
My diet definitely changes when I the seasons change, one major thing I notice: ALL OF MY FOOD IS ORANGE. Pumpkin, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, amber beer and pumpkin spice lattes. Yes they are a whole food group in their own. Luckily, some of the absolute greatest restaurants and chefs are in New York City, so when I have a slice of pumpkin pie (even from a diner) it is some of the best pie (next to my own, which is pretty amazing….when I cook) I’ve ever tasted.
Enjoy the seasonal flavors that are peaking through your dishes when you start to order around the city and try some of these:
Butternut Squash Soup
It isn’t as salty as tomato soup but it shares the same texture and richness. Ordering a bowl with a nice glass of wine and a dollop of cream is a heavenly little treat.
Josie’s East Side isn’t just a place for butternut squash soup but everything on the menu is impeccable. Start with the soup and continue from there…
Josie’s East Side isn’t just a place for butternut squash soup but everything on the menu is impeccable. Start with the soup and continue from there…
Pumpkin Pie....OBVIOUSLY.
My mouth starts salivating when the thought of pumpkin pie pops into my head. I’m a freak for pumpkin pie….I even buy extra cans of it during the fall just so I’m stocked through the year in case I ever get the urge to throw together a pie. I’d have to say it’s fairly difficult to mess up a pumpkin pie, texture is easy, cinnamon and whipped cream are essential…it all comes down to the crust. The crust can’t be too burnt or too soft….thus far New York City knows how to make the PERFECT pumpkin pies. Breathe in the nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger….ahhhhh.
Tip:
“When you die if you get a choice between regular Heaven and Pie Heaven, choose Pie Heaven. It may be a trick, but if it’s not…..MMMMMMM BOY.”
Ok….I have the ability to eat an entire pumpkin pie on my own, so when I found the miniature pumpkin pies I didn’t have to worry about weight gain, guilt or unnecessary binging. Yay!
Ok….I have the ability to eat an entire pumpkin pie on my own, so when I found the miniature pumpkin pies I didn’t have to worry about weight gain, guilt or unnecessary binging. Yay!
Roasted Nuts
The first time I ever tried nuts from a street vendor in the city was after a long night boozing with some friends. They were shocked and horrified that I had never tried such a “delicacy.” Though they are around all year long, they are definitely a fall type food. The smell alone will make you nostalgic for the days of fall; rolling around in the bright colored leaves, sipping cider and carving pumpkins. Because the roasted nuts come from street vendors there isn’t a specific spot to grab them, look anywhere within a five block radius and you will find some!
Pumpkin Spice Latte's
Look at it, I mean is it even necessary that I say anything about that beauty above??? A little bit of nutmeg and liquid pumpkin pie topped with a heaping mound of whipped cream…...Um, I like to make it a point to drink one of these everyday during Sept. and Oct. I’d even skip a meal for one. Venti please. Though Starbucks has the best pumpkin spice lattes (in my opinion) many other coffee shops are catching on to the fall trend.
Enjoy some fall activities!
Lederhosen
39 Grove St. New York, NY 10014
So you can’t make it to Germany for Oktoberfest???? Hm, bummer (I’m going, but I don’t want to brag…) you may as well find a place that’s as close to Germany as possible to welcome fall! Lederhosen has traditional German beers and food AND an outdoor garden beer garden similar to those you’d find in Munich. If you’d like to bust out your own lederhosen, please be my guest. Send us pictures.
Visit an apple orchard!!!
Though the city is beautiful in the fall sometimes we all need to get away. Take a trip outside on a weekend, bring your favorite basket and stock up on perfectly ripe pickins’. Apple’s, though they aren’t orange, are also a major staple in fall foods….bake an apple pie, or make homemade apple cider. Plus how often do you get to channel Johnny Appleseed? Never. So go play!
What better time to start shopping for new scarfs, rain boots, jackets and fuzzy sweaters than now? I like any excuse to shop and the transition into fall is a really great one. Whether you’re looking to just keep your neck warm or you’re searching purely for fashion purposes New York has street vendors and store lined streets with all the gear you’ll need to stay warm as the weather gets a bit chilly!
If you’re like me you may be looking more on the trendy side, unfortunately trendy sometimes means expensive if you’re shopping around Soho. That being said, if you’re searching for a great fall/winter jacket the money is well worth it. New York isn’t very kind in the winter so you’ll want to splurge on something that you can wear ALL the time, but also a jacket that looks nice going from the office to after dinner drinks or Sundays in the park.
If you’re like me you may be looking more on the trendy side, unfortunately trendy sometimes means expensive if you’re shopping around Soho. That being said, if you’re searching for a great fall/winter jacket the money is well worth it. New York isn’t very kind in the winter so you’ll want to splurge on something that you can wear ALL the time, but also a jacket that looks nice going from the office to after dinner drinks or Sundays in the park.
AUTUMN IN NEW YORK
Autumn in New York Why does it seem so inviting Autumn in New York It spells the thrill of first-nighting
Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds In canyons of steel They’re making me feel – I’m home
Its autumn in New York That brings the promise of new love Autumn in New York Is often mingled with pain
Dreamers with empty hands They sigh for exotic lands
Its autumn in New York Its good to live it again
Autumn in New York The gleaming rooftops at sundown Oh, autumn in New York It lifts you up when you run down
Yes, jaded rous and gay divor‚es Who lunch at the Ritz Will tell you that its divine
This autumn in New York Transforms the slums into mayfair Oh, autumn in New York You’ll need no castles in Spain
Yes, lovers that bless the dark On the benches in central park Greet autumn in New York Its good to live it again
Autumn in New York
Sweet Potatos! In ANY form
Sweet potato’s are one of my very favorite foods, I just happen to enjoy them the most when they are in the form of FRIES. I feel less guilty eating them than I would eating a Biggie sized order from McDonald’s. The color is perfect for the season, not to mention they’re perfect for picking when it’s fall….which means, anything sweet potato will taste better now than ever before!
A lot of people are opposed to “bar food,” this is a complete mystery to me. I happen to think you can find some of the best food at bars. Originally I started out ordering a nice large brew and a side of jalapeno poppers (did I mention I rarely watch my diet? Oh yeah. Mentioned.) when I decided to switch up the order, I was very pleased. Order an amber ale and the apricot chipotle roasted chicken as an entree, it may change your thoughts on “bar food.”
A lot of people are opposed to “bar food,” this is a complete mystery to me. I happen to think you can find some of the best food at bars. Originally I started out ordering a nice large brew and a side of jalapeno poppers (did I mention I rarely watch my diet? Oh yeah. Mentioned.) when I decided to switch up the order, I was very pleased. Order an amber ale and the apricot chipotle roasted chicken as an entree, it may change your thoughts on “bar food.”
Baked Acorn Squash
I didn’t really know what to expect the first time I tried the baked acorn squash. Little did I know that after I tried it I would add it into “list of foods I’d eat if I ever had to choose a last meal.” Baked acorn squash is quite simple to make. It’s sweet, semi-healthy, filling and can be dressed up for a little bit of a “foodie” aspect if you’re trying to impress people at a dinner party.
Take some time to enjoy the leaves! Roll around in them, let them get stuck in your hair, create a huge pile and hurl yourself at full speed on to it. Rolling in leave, no matter what your age, is good for the spirit. Take advantage of the park, CENTRAL PARK, since it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL during this time of year. Nowhere else compares.
Central Park, one of the most famous parks in the world, was built by Frederick Olmstead and Calvert Vaux in 1873. To...
Central Park, one of the most famous parks in the world, was built by Frederick Olmstead and Calvert Vaux in 1873. Today, the 835-acre urban park contains several artificial lakes, walking trails, two ice-skating rinks, restaurants, a carousel and the Central Park Zoo. The park is located in the Upper Westside of Manhattan and is visited by nearly 25 million people annually.
Play chess in the park!
San Gennaro festival!!!
That’s right, I’m a good Italian girl so I have grown up going to the San Gennaro festival my whole life. I didn’t even know WHAT it was until recently, all I knew was that there was incredible pizza (like that above), sausage and peppers, music, and proud Italians. Every family event of mine looks like an episode of The Sopranos (minus the guns) and the San Gennaro festival is that times five thousand.
You’re definitely going to need a box of Kleenex. A large box at that. Even though the movie may set you into a melancholy mood, the scenery and the love story is beautiful.
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