My great friend Amanda and her awesome boyfriend Neil are taking a long vacation to  NYC and Montreal!  They have a calling card full of great musical acts to witness.  Also, Amanda quit smoking two months ago so she will need things to do other than, you know, stand outside and smoke.  I surf the internet too much and have a food rolodex in my head as annoying proof.  Amanda and Neil live in Asheville, NC and this is very important from a food perspective because they can always get their hands on fresh produce and N.C. staples, like barbeque.  So I’m ommitting these food trends from the list.  But hey, there is apparently a place called “Pies and Thighs” under the BQE in Brooklyn that will serve you chicken biscuits and collards if you find yourselves suddenly and inexplicably homesick. Here is a list for Amanda and Neil about restaurants and other food related activities that I recommed, based on what others have recommended.  Haha.

City Bakery

3 W. 18th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue, Flatiron District

Near Subway Stops: 4,5,6,L,N,Q,R,W at 14th Street

I’ve hear great things about this place.  It’s won awards for its breakfast, weekend brunch and veggies.  It’s also relatively cheap, $8 – $15.  It looks like it is open from 7:30 – 7:00 and brunch is served all day on the weekends. They are famous for their pretzel crossaint,  I know it sounds strange but it is supposedly divine. 

Pearl Oyster Bar

18 Cornelia St. (near Bleecker St.)

Near Subway Stops: A, B, C, D, E, F, V at 4th Street, Washington Square

 This place is FAMOUS, a little pricey $18 – $27, but oysters are in season so why not.  Lunch from 12 – 2:30 and dinner from 6 – 11:00 closed on Sunday.

 Vegetarian Dim Sum House, Chinatown

24 Pell Street

Take the N, R, of 5th Street train to Canal Street Station

Open from 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. 7 days a week. Cash Only.

I’ve heard amazing things about this place, and as with all dim sum you can either drop a forturne or be choosy with the menu and grab a few cheap options.  I hear great things about the mock duck.

 Bahn Mi Saigon Bakery

138 Mott St. between Grand and Hester. Open Tues. – Sun. 10 – 7.  This is also close to the Canal Street Station.  They have a vegetarian option for Amanda, but Neil should try this one. . .

Shake Shack

This is the burger shack in Madison Square Park (not Central, oops) that comes with a jalapeno popper inside. They are open from 11 – 11 and here’s a picture of the burger in question. . .

Good lord, that looks good.

Okay, now on to Brooklyn!

This bar is not to be messed with, they have cask ale for crying out loud. The owners also opened a barbeque place across the street “Fette Sau” that is supposed to be awesome, but once again, why bother eating barbeque in NY when your coming from NC.

Marlow and Sons I love this website, this place also has oysters, though I don’t see them on the menu. 

Vegan Fast Food At Foodswings on Grand St. in Brooklyn.  I hear great things about something called a “tank shake”.  I dare you to get the Vegar Pu-Pu platter.

Queen’s Hideaway by what I gather from message board chatter, this place is a well kept secret and the website gives you very little information (but look at it anyway because it has a helpful little map). I know it’s BYOB and the lady who runs it is from Portland, OR and this place has been really well received.  Here is a more helpful review.

Whew, I’m exhausted and very hungary.  I’ll post some Montreal links tomorrow.  I’m so jealous excited for you two!  Also, Amanda Smith is the best thing since sliced bread (food blog pun intended) so cheers to that too!