What’s the most beautiful thing about New Yorkers? We do whatever the hell we want to do. When you wake up every morning with the world at your fingertips, it’s difficult not to succumb to the urge to do and try everything at your disposal. If you ask any New Yorker “what do you like to do,” chances are they will give you a mile-long list of answers, either in alphabetical order or listed on a scale from 10-1, best to worst. As New Yorkers, it’s nearly impossible for any of us at VPM to tell you everything that we love to do in New York City. So, at the very least, we thought we’d share with you a few of our favorite things to do:
Jessica Mayo, Account Executive
What I need to wake up in the morning: Coffee from Puerto Rico called El Coqui. My sister (in Puerto Rico) sends it to me if I can’t find it around here because I cannot live without it.
My go-to Saturday afternoon spot: I’m a skincare junkie, and I think Koreans have the best skin ever, so I always go to K-town to look for products. My favorite store is called The Face Shop. Check it out, it’s very inexpensive.
When I need to let loose or relax: You can find me walking around Chelsea during the day; it’s such a fun area to stroll around. I also love going out to Barcade on 24th Street.
Ariel Markowitz, Director of Creative Services
What I need to wake up in the morning: Gym, shower, and a cup of the best/worst coffee from Bonjour on 39th and Madison.
My go-to Saturday afternoon spot: Brunch in the West Village, usually at Jeffrey’s Grocery or Ruby’s Café in Soho. If you can get me a reservation at Sadelle’s, holler at me —I would love to spend every Saturday eating there.
When I need to let loose or relax: I need to start my Saturday off at Pon de flo, a Caribbean dancing class offered by Crunch in Union Square. It’s so awesome; it immediately puts a smile on my face. I also love watching Indie films at Sunshine Cinema when I want to wind down and relax.
Anik Ghose, Social Media Strategist
What I need to wake up in the morning: Coffee from Peter Pan, a small donut shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. They have some of the best coffee in the world, and their donuts are irresistible.
My go-to Saturday afternoon spot: This small Thai restaurant in Midtown, called Kare Thai. They have an unbelievable lunch special — for $7.00 you get an appetizer and entrée, plus an extra 10% off if you pay cash. Their happy hour specials are good too if you like Singh beer!
When I need to let loose or relax: I prefer a light cardio jog going up from 57 St. to 110 St. in Central Park, or a good game(s) of pool always hits the spot. Dandana in Queens is one of my favorite places to go when I need to let loose. It’s a great hookah bar that offers some exquisite Middle Eastern cuisine. You have to go to experience it.
Meg McConnell, Specialty Printing Manager
What I need to wake up in the morning: Coffee from the deli on the corner downstairs (Bonjour on 39th and Madison). Whatever it is they brew up, it’s the best.
My go-to Saturday afternoon spot: I’m always in the East Village, whether it’s for daytime or nighttime activities, but sometimes I venture over to South Slope for the bar scene.
When I need to let loose or relax: Yoga to the People in Midtown offers an incredibly, relaxing hot yoga class.
Emily McNally, Director of Marketing
What I need to wake up in the morning: A shower and either tea or coffee depending on my level of tiredness – green tea if I’m somewhat functional, Colombian coffee if I’m struggling.
My go-to Saturday afternoon spot: I’m pretty much always down for tacos; Tacombi in Flatiron is my favorite. I also love brunch at Westville in the East Village. The egg scramble sandwich is the best, on a portuguese muffin — it’s worth the extra dollar.
When I need to let loose or relax: Exercise is definitely the best stress reliever for me, particularly running, although I don’t do it as often as I should. Other than that, I like to listen to music, catch up on TV shows, and just be outside if the weather is nice.
Don’t forget: we’re giving away our first Village Gold prize– 2 tickets to see Disclosure at MSG on October 24th– this Friday!
See how to enter here.