I still remember my first day trip to New York. As luck would have it my guide was a culinary enthusiast who believed in discovering place by its cuisine. I was amazed at the variety of cuisines available. My first trip to New York was like a mini world culinary tour. I started my day with delicate French pastries at Jaqques Torres Chocolate shop. As I enjoyed the scrumptious pastries and sipped the most wicked hot chocolate of my life, I wondered if they day could get any better. Little did I know that I was in for a big surprise.

After the heavenly breakfast, we wandered into China Town and spent the morning haggling with vendors selling everything fake from $ 20 Rolex watces to Gucci handbags to Chanel Perfumes! I had worked up an appetite after all that handbag and watch shopping and walked into Green Bo (which by the way remains my favorite restaurant in China Town till date) where I ate a plate of the most delicately flavored dumplings .

After the heavenly breakfast, we wandered into China Town and spent the morning haggling with vendors selling everything fake from $ 20 Rolex watces to Gucci handbags to Chanel Perfumes! I had worked up an appetite after all that handbag and watch shopping and walked into Green Bo (which by the way remains my favorite restaurant in China Town till date) where I ate a plate of the most delicately flavored dumplings .

Later I found myself on the number 7 train to Jackson Heights, where I walked around streets lined with stores that sold everything Indian under the sun – jewelry, clothes, groceries, phone cards and of course the most aromatically spiced food! Just when I thought I could eat no more, I ate the best and I mean finger lickin’ tender and deliciously spiced BEST chicken tikka of my life at Kebab King! WOW, at the end of the day I was elated and not to mention very very full! And yes, I was also in love…with New York! There truly is no other city like New York! In the months to come, I discovered many neighborhoods and many unique restaurants. From soul food in to Arros Con Pollo, from cheap eats to fancy meals, the city has to offer something to the most discerning of palettes. This is one city where you could eat every single meal of the day in a new restaurant for over a year and yet you will find new places to try! There is no cuisine that is not found and accepted in New York. It sure is a melting pot of cultures.