french bakery, direct from paris. you may already have discovered it for yourself. i'm happy just to walk away with a baguette and enjoy it in the nearby park.

until 1963, JFK international airport was named Idlewild, and this is where this bookstore takes its name. travel-related, but not limited to travel books.

you may have very well discovered it already. enthusiastic staff and as would be expected, a wide variety of cheeses! also, an educational facility on site.

you'll end up debating the best ramen places until the day you leave new york. ippudo is almost always crowded, but it's also always good, lively, and vibrant.

i go out of my way for sunrise mart for japanese groceries, fresh udon, ramen, and they have a decent supply of fresh fish, candies and teas. on second floor.

no groups larger than 4. go midweek, best when snowing, at window seat! it's too popular so who knows how long it will stay? enter through yokocho, go upstairs.

a great, noisy, dingy filipino spot to get a meaty slab of pork to go with your side of pork. approved by pinoy friends though they say queens options are best.

beloved italian pastry shop with a café on the side. echoes of 1940s urban italy. crowded, informal, old-fashioned and may not be around for much longer.

very, very old school jewish east village. you don't go for the food, though it's not bad (a bit greasy), but you go for a glimpse of an era that's fading fast.

another wonderful neighborhood spot. gets crowded on weekends. it's unpretentious comfort fare: tagines, roasted tomatoes with halloumi, couscous, egg dishes.

i really only go here for brunch, maybe once or twice a year, unless there's a german football match i'd like to see. the farmer breakfast is by far my fave.

part store, part museum: if you are searching for video game history, consoles, japanese imports, etc., then here you go. beware: lot of the items NOT FOR SALE.

from 1832, a multi-level home for events and exhibits about life in 19th century new york. fine garden in the back. interesting contrast to LE tenement museum.

many lovely meals here. informal, modern though rustic italian space. small dishes, long meals, relaxed conversations. more formal sister restaurant next door.

i choose this over the Russian & Turkish Baths on 11th street. both places special, but great jones is calm. hot baths, cold dips, sauna, steam room. love it!