An Epic 26-Hour Food & Fun Journey in New York City: Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and More!

Friends, last week I embarked on a thrilling, albeit brief, adventure to the heart of New York City. A whirlwind 26 hours, but what an absolutely fantastic time it was! It had been a couple of years since my last visit to this iconic metropolis (you can check out a fun recap of my previous trip to NY with my husband), and I was incredibly excited to return, even for such a quick turnaround. My arrival was greeted by a rather dreary, rainy day, setting a somewhat muted tone initially. However, the city truly cleared up and sparkled beautifully the following morning. Just look at that magnificent, clear blue sky!

The primary purpose of my expedition to the Big Apple was an incredibly exciting one: to attend an event hosted by Fisher Nuts, featuring none other than… Chef Alex Guarnaschelli! Yes, you read that correctly. The renowned Chef Alex, a familiar face from the Food Network, was the star of the show. It was an immense honor and a genuine treat to have the opportunity to hear her speak and observe her culinary artistry as she prepared several delightful recipes for us. Her presence was captivating; she was incredibly witty, a masterful storyteller, and exuded a profound passion for food that was truly infectious. I particularly loved listening to her insights on her culinary journey, her deep affection for ingredients, and the wonderful self-compassion she grants herself when recipes don’t quite go as planned. Can’t we all relate to that universal kitchen experience? It’s a comforting reminder that even professional, celebrity chefs encounter challenging days in the kitchen, and that’s perfectly acceptable. The key, as she emphasized, is to simply keep on cooking and enjoying the process! Her approach to food felt so authentic and natural; she spoke of finding inspiration by frequenting local markets, letting seasonal produce guide her creations, and trusting her instincts for what looks and feels right. I left feeling utterly inspired by her philosophy and talent.

This exclusive event took place at her exquisite restaurant, Butter, which provided an elegant and inviting backdrop for our culinary exploration. The food served was nothing short of amazing, a true testament to Chef Alex’s skill. Among the many delectable dishes, her Walnut and Fontina Macaroni and Cheese stood out as an absolute showstopper. I genuinely couldn’t stop thinking about this particular dish long after the event concluded. It was incredibly savory, rich, and deeply satisfying – a truly grown-up twist on classic comfort food, elevating it to gourmet status while retaining its comforting essence. I wholeheartedly believe this would be a magnificent recipe to share with friends and family during the upcoming holiday season, offering a sophisticated yet universally loved option.

Our comprehensive tasting menu showcased a diverse array of wonderful recipes, all expertly crafted by Chef Alex Guarnaschelli. Each dish highlighted the versatility and deliciousness of nuts in various culinary applications, a perfect fit for Fisher Nuts. A few of my absolute favorites from the impressive spread included:

Walnut Stuffed Cherry Tomato Halves: These tiny bites were bursting with flavor, offering a delightful combination of fresh tomatoes and savory walnuts – an ideal appetizer.

Grouper with Almond and Asparagus: The almond crust provided a fantastic texture and nutty depth to the flaky grouper, perfectly complemented by tender asparagus.

Spicy Walnut and Chickpea Hummus: This unique hummus offered a wonderful kick of spice and the rich earthiness of walnuts, making it an addictive and flavorful dip.

For those eager to recreate these culinary masterpieces or explore more of her brilliant work, you can discover a wealth of other fantastic recipes created by Chef Alex directly on the Fisher Nuts website.

The event itself was gracefully hosted at Butter, which conveniently shares a connection with the Cassa Hotel. I had the pleasure of staying at the Cassa Hotel, and I found the rooms to be exceptionally clean, comfortable, and well-appointed. It’s certainly a place I would happily choose for future stays in the city.

The remainder of my incredibly short yet fulfilling time in New York was dedicated to exploring the city’s dynamic energy and indulging in its diverse culinary scene, all in the wonderful company of a few of my dear blogger friends. I truly cannot overstate what a special treat it is to connect with these incredible individuals in person. Many of us have built strong relationships online, “knowing” each other for years through our shared passion for blogging, yet we rarely have the chance to meet face-to-face, or perhaps only on a handful of occasions. These real-life connections truly enrich the experience.

(Pictured: myself, Jenny, Rachel, and Carrian – sharing smiles and memories)

That evening, we ventured to Chelsea Market, a place I had always heard rave reviews about but had never experienced myself. It quickly became one of my all-time favorite spots – a true paradise for any food lover! The market is an exquisite tapestry of unique shops, vibrant eateries, and specialty food vendors. There was so much to see, taste, and choose from; every corner offered a new temptation, making it an utterly delightful sensory experience.

Culinary Highlights: Where We Dined and Delighted

Los Tacos No. 1 — Oh my goodness, these tacos are the epitome of authentic Mexican street food. The flavors were incredibly vibrant and fresh. I wholeheartedly recommend trying the Adobada Taco, featuring succulent marinated pork in a smoky, subtly sweet adobo sauce. I’ve been dreaming of recreating that exquisite sauce ever since!

Friedman’s Lunch — This spot quickly became a favorite! We loved its warm, inviting atmosphere, characterized by long wooden community tables that foster a friendly and convivial vibe. The staff was incredibly welcoming, contributing to an all-around great experience. I savored a lovely glass of wine and, together with my friends, we shared a delectable B.L.A.T. (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Tomato), perfectly seasoned Rosemary Herbed Fries, and sweet, crispy Sweet Potato Fries. Everything was incredibly delicious and satisfying.

Fat Witch Bakery — It was such a joy to explore the city with Jenny, who truly is the queen of sweets and possesses an uncanny ability to sniff out the best dessert spots! We made a delightful stop at Fat Witch Bakery to indulge in some of their renowned brownies, with a particular highlight being the “Snow Witch,” their exquisite blondie. The shop itself was incredibly charming and whimsical. I made sure to bring a few of these delightful treats home to share with my family, extending the sweet memories of our New York adventure.

After a day filled with exploration and gastronomic delights, I think we finally managed to master the art of hailing a cab by the end of the evening – a quintessential NYC experience in itself!

The following morning dawned truly glorious. The rain had completely vanished, leaving behind a crisp, invigorating air (a bit brrr, but wonderfully refreshing) and a sky that was an astonishing shade of brilliant blue. It was the perfect backdrop for a final few hours of city exploration.

I had initially planned to simply head to the airport for my flight, with no specific activities scheduled for the morning. However, fate intervened in the most delightful way when I unexpectedly ran into Kristin, from Iowa Girl Eats, right in the lobby of our hotel. She was excitedly on her way to Rockefeller Center to witness the grand delivery of the massive Christmas tree! “Um, how cool is that?!” I thought. Given that we were just a few blocks away, we spontaneously decided to venture out together, coffees in hand, to catch a glimpse of this iconic holiday spectacle. It was a fantastic opportunity to get to know Kristin better during the hour we spent exploring. I’ve been a longtime reader of her blog, and we share a connection through our baby (now toddler, I suppose!) boys being around the same age. I genuinely admire her recipes and her down-to-earth approach. She proved to be just as warm and approachable in person as I had imagined – truly good people!

After walking Kristin back to the hotel so she could make her flight, I decided to grab some breakfast at Pret A Manger. I absolutely LOVE the concept of this place; I had noticed their numerous locations dotted around the city. It’s brilliant: fresh, healthy, and perfect for grab-and-go meals – seriously excellent quality. I had enjoyed a delicious soup from there the day before, so I was eager to see what they offered for breakfast. Kristin had also shared a tip about a lovely park nearby, Bryant Park, so I picked up my breakfast and took a pleasant stroll a few blocks over to discover it.

My delightful Breakfast from Pret A Manger included a flavorful Southwestern Breakfast Wrap and a refreshing cold-pressed green juice — a truly great start to the day!

Bryant Park is an absolute gem. It truly felt like a serene nugget of paradise nestled amidst the vibrant chaos of the city. I cherished eating my breakfast peacefully under the towering trees and then taking a leisurely stroll around its perimeter. They were already set up for their enchanting winter festival, complete with numerous charming booths and a bustling ice-skating rink, adding to its festive appeal. It’s such a cool and invigorating place to visit and explore if you find yourself in the area – a perfect urban oasis.

New York City is endlessly fascinating, and I always experience a profound sense of nostalgia whenever I visit (having lived in Mount Vernon, NY, until I was 10 years old, the city holds a special place in my heart). While the relentless busyness and constant motion of the city can sometimes make my head spin, there’s an undeniable, unique, and truly interesting vibe that permeates every corner. For those who, like me, enjoy people-watching, New York offers an unparalleled, endlessly entertaining spectacle – a constant stream of diverse stories unfolding right before your eyes.

While it’s always invigorating and fun to get away and experience new places, there’s truly nothing quite like the feeling of returning home. This is especially true when returning to warm and sunny Florida in November, a delightful contrast to the crisp New York autumn. 🙂

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

(A special thank you to Fisher Nuts for graciously sending me to this incredible event. I am proud to be in a long-term partnership with Fisher Nuts and will continue to share delicious recipes utilizing their high-quality nuts on my blog as part of their esteemed Fresh Thinker Network.)