New York City is like a great big slice of a movie. It is like a sweet cake garnished with sparklers and tinsel. The town simply entertains you in the most marvelous way nearly every single day. Living and working here in the Big Apple creates moments of magic. I live and breathe in that illuminating power as a proud New York resident.
I have found the ideal form to be in my own neighborhood of Yorkville. It is a special region of Manhattan with a southern boundary at East 79th Street and a northern point of East 96th Street. It goes from Third Avenue and over to the East River. Just adjacent is the Upper East Side, which is known around the globe for its luxurious sophistication and proximity to Central Park.
Yorkville is one of the most densely populated city subdivisions in the world. The saucy soup found in the melting pot of the neighborhood is not splashy, but rather warm and welcoming. The line between Yorkville and Upper East Side blends perfectly to create a recipe that stirs up delicious fun.
I spend a lot of my professional time working in other parts of the city as a comedian, host, and actor. It is a thrill to hit up the other unique parts of town where there is non-stop action and things happen in that rapid New York City minute way that is meaningful to many.
One of those special places for me is in Greenwich Village at the landmark Stonewall Inn. This is the world-famous gay bar and recreational tavern at 53 Christopher Street that is an important part of American history. It was the site of the 1969 Stonewall riots, which led to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for rights in the United States. When the riots occurred, Stonewall was one of the relatively few gay bars in New York City. Now, it stands as a powerful symbol of equality and pride.
I am honored to host a series of live comedy shows here such as “Jimmy and His Box of Crayons.” The lineup is always stacked and full of laughter with the next one coming to the stage in January.
When I head home to my apartment in Yorkville, I find time to decompress from a show or a film shoot very easily. Relaxing after work and experiencing the greatness of the neighborhood demonstrates to me time and time again that New York City just has a lot to offer that goes beyond the famous places to visit.
In New York City, Yorkville and the lower 70s portion of the Upper East Side is the place to be for great food and ideal ways to experience the way real people live daily. You can sit in a quaint restaurant for a nice dinner or walk to the East River with a slice of pizza for lunch. It all is a wonderful way to spend a day. Here are my favorite places to stop by to get that same euphoric experience.
Delizia 73 1
374 1st Ave., New York, NY 10021
Classic Italian food is found here where they serve delectable, freshly prepared cuisine. Their motto is that they have been treating customers like family since 1983. It is a combination of nostalgia and perfect food. From pasta to calamari and hot hero sandwiches and even pizza slices, there is something for everyone. I especially love their Shrimp Francese. It is not on the menu, but they will make it if you ask.
Oslo Coffee
422 E 75th St, New York, NY 10021
This wonderful and cozy outlet offers espresso drinks, cold-brewed coffee and other beverages using its own roast. Oslo Coffee opened over 20 years ago and has evolved to become a respected establishment with a name that is synonymous with the best coffee in New York City – their own coffee, roasted in their trusty small-batch Probat roaster. Premium coffee beans come from farmers who use ecologically and socially sustainable practices, helping to support a healthy ecosystem and provide a fair living for their workers.
Inès Upper East Side
419 E 74th St, New York, NY 10021
This wonderful neighborhood cafe serves exceptional coffee and scrumptious food in a delightful setting. Sitting at 74th Street between 1st and York Ave, it is popular in the neighborhood and is a snug spot offering espresso drinks and creative light bites along with wine and beer. I love the cozy vibes and at night the wine bar hosts an exceptional setting. It is where you see neighborhood characters come out in full force to sip from the glasses served up by the super kind and helpful staff.
