April 15th, 2008 - Goodbye New York and Hoboken

My friend Diana, who lives here in Los Angeles, read that moving to a new place is one of the most stressful life changes anyone can make in their life. I have to agree. Though I am happy with my choice to move here, it has been an up and down roller coaster of emotions. Today, when I woke up, I actually felt like I was still in a dream. Reality hit when I was trying to navigate the traffic under the 405 underpass on Wilshire Blvd.

I certainly miss New York and Hoboken. I know I will be more comfortable with not being there over time, but right now I could really go for a Fiore’s sandwich or maybe a frosty brew down in the Village or at South Street Seaport.

So, with that, I am going to give my “Top Ten” things in Hoboken and New York. Now, remember, these are my “Top Ten” things, so tough luck if you think I am wrong.

Hoboken - Top Ten Things, in no particular order:

1. Fiore’s Mutz - The best Mozzarella this side of Italy.
2. La Isla - I could eat their Cuban sandwich everyday.
3. Helmer’s - Bratwurst and Beer, what could be better?
4. Maxwell’s - Great live music from big name acts, on Washington St.
5. St. Ann’s Feast - A good time AND a Beer Garden!
6. Chickie’s - Characters and great food, and right across the street from my old place.
7. Diana’s - I’d like the breakfast special please, extra bacon.
8. Biggie’s - Clams and Beer, and great cheese steaks.
9. 1st Street Bars - This is where the real drinkers hang. RIP McSwiggin’s - well at least until they rebuild you.
10. Karma Cafe - Indian food

Now, there are a thousand other great things in Hoboken.. these were just my favorites.

New York - Top Ten Things, in no particular order:

1. Burger Joint - The best burgers in New York.
2. MoMa - An amazing Museum of Modern Art.
3. Central Park - Goes without saying.
4. American Museum of Natural History - I could spend days there.
5. Metropolitan Museum of Art - Same deal here.
6. Corner Bistro - The second best burgers in New York.
7. The Village - Filled with fun places and good food.
8. Washington Heights - You have not seen latin flavor until you go there.
9. South Street Seaport - This is in honor of my buddy - Jimmy.
10. Murray Hill and Grand Central Station area - This is because I worked here, and I miss it.

So, now I need to discover the places I would put on my “Top Ten” list in LA. Anyone have any suggestions? I went to the Applepan (Awesome), Moonshadows (Hey Britney), The Beer Garden in Venice (Thanks Del), and I would say they rank high so far. But, I have only been here a little over two weeks (Don’t drink the double Margaritas at Cabo - they are potent), I might be quick to judge. Now that I am “back in the game”, I will be writing much more. Peace Bitches, it is time to have a beer.