Weekly Recap: April 21-27
Spring has officially sprung in New York City, and with it, the energy levels have skyrocketed. This past week felt like a full reawakening — the streets were buzzing, the sidewalks were packed, and the sunshine finally pushed us all outside. Here’s everything I got up to during one of the most electric weeks yet:
Banzabar: My Favorite NYC Mocktail So Far
I'm slowly but surely curating the ultimate list of the best mocktails in New York City (see last week’s post)— and this week's discovery is going to be hard to beat. Banzabar, tucked away above Freemans in the Lower East Side, absolutely stole the show.
I ordered The Souk, a mocktail packed with vibrant spice and surprising depth. It was hands-down the best non-alcoholic drink I’ve had in the city so far — sophisticated, layered, and anything but boring. Highly, highly recommend.
📍 Banzabar | Lower East Side
Buzzing Around the Lower East Side
After Banzabar, I couldn’t resist wandering the LES. The weather was perfect — people dining outdoors, art galleries spilling onto the sidewalks, and pop-up shops full of life. This is precisely why I love New York in the spring: it feels like the whole city breathes again.
I also finally made it to Attaboy, a speakeasy that’s been on my list for ages. There's no menu — just a quick conversation with the bartender, who customizes your drink. While my mocktail was solid, Banzabar still holds the crown.
📍 Attaboy | Lower East Side
A Night at The Plaza and The Met
Thursday took me somewhere I hadn’t been in forever: The Plaza Hotel. I attended a special event there, and stepping back into that grand, iconic space reminded me how magical NYC can be.
But the true highlight of the week? Seeing The Barber of Seville at The Met. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it completely blew me away. It was hilarious, beautifully staged, and endlessly entertaining. I would see it again in a heartbeat.
🎭 Pro tip: If you're considering dipping your toes into opera, start with The Barber of Seville. It's accessible, light-hearted, and just pure joy.
Restaurant Hits (and Misses)
This weekend was filled with good food and even better company, but not every spot hit the mark:
87 Ludlow: A trendy LES restaurant that's a little more vibe than substance. I didn’t try much of the menu, but based on the small sample size and the overall atmosphere, I probably wouldn’t rush back.
📍 87 Ludlow | Lower East Side
Thai Diner: Always a classic. I brought my mom and aunt here for brunch, and while I adore their food, I do wish the brunch menu were a touch longer. Their Spicy Tamarind Margarita is elite, and the roti sandwiches are always a win. I’d skip the French toast next time.
📍 Thai Diner | Nolita
Quarters: Stopped by this sleek Tribeca spot for a drink — super vibey, polished, and chic. Very Tribeca in all the right ways.
📍 Quarters | Tribeca
96 Tears: If you find yourself in the East Village on a Saturday (and it's feeling a little too chaotic), this spot tends to be a calmer, more bearable option.
📍 96 Tears | East Village
Le Crocodile: Ended the weekend with a trip to Williamsburg's Le Crocodile. Classic, elevated, and just a really beautiful place to grab a meal. I’ll definitely be back.
📍 Le Crocodile | Williamsburg
Final Thoughts
It was one of those weeks that made me fall in love with New York City all over again — the kind of week you wish you could bottle up forever.
As the city wakes up for the season, I'm so excited to keep sharing all of the places, flavors, and experiences that make it feel so alive. Stay tuned — next week is already shaping up to be just as exciting.