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Eat Like a Local at City Kitchen NYC

Eat Like a Local at City Kitchen NYC

You’d be hard pressed to find many locations in New York that can impress locals just as easily as they draw in tourists. But City Kitchen at the Row NYC hotel isn’t the typical foodie hot spot.

That much is apparent when you first step in and observe the warm and communal atmosphere of this bustling food hall. The space is a nod to the classic working kitchens of yore, with a mix of modern and industrial décor elements like white marble tile, Italian glass chandeliers and leather counter stools punctuated with pops of ambient neon light that, on the whole, create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere where chatting with strangers is more likely than not.

The ever-flowing stream of patrons City Kitchen draws in can tell you much about the destination. Its Times Square location situated within Row NYC has made it a hub of epicurean activity for both locals and tourists looking to indulge in boast-worthy New York City cuisine that’s swiftly served. Indeed, City Kitchen is one centralized commissary where patrons can kick back in a kinetic environment and have a quintessential Big Apple foodie experience.

Note that City Kitchen is a far cry from the typical Times Square eatery where chain restaurants and fast food reign supreme, and there’s painfully little in the way of authenticity. Instead, it’s a destination offering a quicker way to enjoy signature dishes from a number of popular New York City dining venues. Don’t know what you’re in the mood for? Are members in your party all craving something different? No problem, as this easy-to-access location is a great place to sample some of the city’s tastiest culinary offerings from a wide range of vendors.

With seven vendors to choose from, City Kitchen caters to any and all tastes, which is just one of the many reasons it has quickly become a premier location for dining in the area. There’s delectable sushi and other Japanese fare provided by local favorite Azuki (I highly recommend the seafood shumai dumplings); to-die-for ramen bowls, my current obsession, from Kuro Obi—Ippudo’s quick-serve spin-off; roasted duck shawarma and other Mediterranean delights from ilili Box; masterful Mexican fare from Gabriela’s Taqueria, where the grilled skirt steak and homemade house vinaigrette dressing will knock your socks off; decadent lobster, crab and shrimp rolls and clam chowder all doing New England proud; and beer and burgers courtesy of Whitmans New York. For a specialty coffee or for dessert do not, and I mean do not, miss out on Dough where you can indulge in a donut about three-times the size of the regular iteration and available in delightfully inventive form like the Dulce de Leche with Toasted Almonds, Hibiscus, Passion Fruit with Cocoa Nibs and Mocha Almond Crunch among the more traditional options.

From this one uber-convenient and decidedly elevated dining depot, you can sip and savor from an array of revered restaurants representing some of New York City’s most esteemed edibles—not just the trendiest restaurants and dishes, but rather those that embody the very spirit and diversity of native NYC. Just step into City Kitchen to feel, and eat, like a local.

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***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

About The Author

Merilee Kern

Merilee A. Kern is a good life connoisseur who keeps her finger on the pulse of the luxury marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points – the affordable to the extreme. The best of the best across all product, service and travel categories are detailed in her exclusive column “The Luxe List” that reaches millions of affluent consumers each month through multiple syndication channels. An array of top-tier online and print media outlets publish Merilee’s Luxe List feature content. With this highly marketable and adaptable Luxe List brand, Merilee is also a regular on air contributor with FOX5 and XETV Channel 6 (The CW) in San Diego where she serves as a “gift guru” and consumer product trends expert. She also serves as a national Satellite Media Tour (SMT) spokesperson. Merilee holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a marketing specialty and a Bachelor of Science degree, both earned from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She also received “Marketing on the Internet” certification from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Merilee is currently a member in good standing with Luxury Society, the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Travel Writers Alliance, the San Diego Press Club, and the National Association of Professional and Executive Women (NAPEW). Merilee is the very definition of a renaissance woman: a savvy entrepreneur, media personality, author, journalist, publicist, athlete, health advocate, and proud mother of 2.

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