Will travel for food is my guiding principal. This can mean a destination vacation eatingat least three meals a day in an effort to have it all, or spending a day or some part of it exploring a neighborhood closer to home (wherever that happens to be). One of my new NYC favorites is High Street on Hudson in the West Village (and their irresistible breakfast bialys above). 

High Street on Hudson is open for  breakfast, lunch/brunch and dinner, seven days a week. For those in need of instant gratification, there is a coffee and bakery counter by the entrance – bet you can’t eat just one!

The room is light-filled and spacious with comfortable seating – just the place to enjoy a long leisurely meal with friends — or coffee, a delectable pastry and the paper.

Everything is prepared in house and they had me at the house made condiments (form and function at their best). The open kitchen is a thing of beauty as well and the smell of fresh baked goods permeates the entire restaurant.

The service is friendly, engaging and helpful which is good since the decision making process can be overwhelming. In fact, the entire operation reminds me of my favorite LA spot Gjusta and that’s high praise indeed.

I have other favorite restaurants nearby,  including Red Farm, many of the vendors at Chelsea Market and Untitled at the Whitney. While you are in the neighborhood, be sure to check out the new home of the Whitney Museum and its wonderful collections.

The fabulous High Line –a 1.45 mile linear park — is a great place to work off some of those inevitable extra calories.   Blue Bottle Coffee has a seasonal stand on the High Line if a little caffeine is in order (re-opens in April).

See New York City State of Mind for some cultural highlights of my most recent visit and stay tuned for more.