@Wiz_Kaleifa's Guide to Chelsea
Readers, its the beginning of the month, which means it is time for a new Freckled Foodie & Friend's Favorites guide. For the second guide, we are featuring one of my dear friends and favorite accounts to follow, Molly, from @wiz_kaleifa. Check out all of her recommendations for her 'hood within NYC, Chelsea. We hope you enjoy!@Wiz_Kaleifa's Chelsea Guide
Place to order a strong cocktail: When in search of a good cocktail, I need two things: a crafty bartender and an unbeatable ambiance. La Piscine at Hotel Americano's rooftop delivers on both accounts. In my opinion, this is the most underrated rooftop in the city. With clear views of the Empire State Building, Hudson River, and Chrystler Building, La Piscine is an oasis complete with a quaint pool and comfy booths. The watermelon margarita will have you doing happy dances, and the tuna tostada is the perfect complement.
Best burger: I am admittedly not the biggest burger gal, but I cannot pass up Bareburger for its organic, grass-fed meat and crispy sweet potato fries. If you're looking to keep it healthy, just get your burger of choice in a collard wrap. Best. Meal. Ever.
Parents are in town: If you're looking to ball out on your parents' dime, then defintiely lure them to Del Posto, an incredible Italian joint across from Chelsea Market. You're definitely going to have to dress up for this excursion, but the branzino will definitely be worth the effort. Great winter spot for a steak and glass of red wine. If you aren't looking to bankrupt your parents, I would suggest taking them to Red Cat. I admit the ambiance leaves a lot to be desired, but the food will blow you away. I love the Arugula and Parmesan Salad and the All-Natural chicken. Bonus? They're on Caviar, too.
Date night that involves getting dressed up: I am a huge fan of Tia Pol for date night, or any night for that matter. This tiny little hole-in-the-wall offers some of the best tapas outside of Spain. My favorites are the tortilla espanola, the croquetas and the chorizo. Honestly, you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. Plus, it's not going to break the bank.
Date night where I can still wear leggings: Seamore's is my go-to casual weeknight spot. It's quick, reliable, and has a fun, youthful vibe. If you're a seafood lover, you're definitely going to be a fan. And you MUST get the tuna poke tacos. Basically my two favorite foods wrapped up into one delicious package.
Girl’s night out: Where do I even begin with Cafeteria? This place has been a Chelsea staple forever, which is always a good sign. You step into this bright, chic eatery and immediately feel like you're on the set of Sex and the City, which makes it the perfect spot to catch up with your friends over a strong cocktail. I get the crispy calamari salad every time, and I would venture to say it is my favorite dish in all of New York City. Salty, sweet, spicy, and crunchy- thank me later.
Takeout without feeling like garbage: Westville sometimes feels like a restaurant I dreamt up in my head. It's a mix of the Whole Foods hot bar (but 10x more appetizing), your mom's cooking, and Dig Inn (minus all the greasy oil). Whenever I want takeout, it's the first place to pop in my head. It's quick, delicious, and doesn't leave you feeling weighed down or bloated.
Ultra-health focused: Citizens of Chelsea is one of those places you can go and close your eyes, point to something on the menu, and know it will be amazing. There is not one dish at this place I wouldn't recommend. But, I will tell you to definitely get the chia pudding, because I feel like that is an often-overlooked dish, and theirs is to die for. Bonus: all the waiters are really cute Australians ;-)
Sweet treat: I am a self-proclaimed ice-cream connoisseur and when I tell you that Ample Hills is the best ice cream in the city (maybe even the world), I am not over-exaggerating. The ooey gooey butter cake will haunt you in your sleep - it's that good.
Al things brunch: If I am going with my friends or on a date, I always visit Cookshop because there is something on this menu for everyone. You can find a healthy kale and eggs bowl, or load up on chicken and waffles. And if you don't order the kale bloody mary, you'll be sorry. If I am going out to brunch with my family, I always hit up Fred's Restaurant at Barney's. I get the chopped chicken salad every single time.