I'm in a New York state of mind...

In anticipation of my upcoming trip to the New York City this weekend, I figured I'd get a jump start on this week's Friday Favorites. Or I guess you could call this a make-up Favorites since I didn't get a chance to post any last week.

My Favorite things about New York

Fantastic Food - I think my absolute favorite restaurant in New York is Perilla down in Greenwich Village (and not just because the chef is also my favorite Top Chef from the first season of the Bravo reality show.) Oh no. He just happens to make some awesomely scrumptous food! But it's not just the fancy stuff that tickles my taste buds. Little holes in the wall like Queen of Sheba Ethiopian restaurant on 10th Ave also have a special place in my heart. In my opinion, the smaller place, the fewer the people that can be served at any given time which usually means more care and attention can be made to every dish prepared. And that results in some yummy food!

Fantastic Nightlife - Whether it's strolling through Times Square at midnight or having a cocktail and enjoying the view from the AVA lounge on the roof the Dream Hotel, there is always something to see and do in the city.

Fantastic Transportation - I must admit, I have never used the bus system in New York, but you just can't beat the 10 minute subway ride from Midtown to Greenwich Village.

Fantastic Wildlife - Well I guess this can be interpreted in more than one way, but I was really referring to such spots as the Central Park Zoo and the Bronx Zoo.

Fantastic Shopping - Need I say more?? Although most of my city shopping is of the "window" variety.