I've often traveled to New York City, which is unlike any other city in the world. I've dreamed of an extended stay in this amazing city, however, I never envisioned it would occur during the harshest winter months. My stay occurred while I attended a 7-week course at the Natural Gourmet Institute. The culinary and recipe development program was outstanding. While not in class, I loved getting lost in this endless city. It's no surprise that I ate my way through the city. I'd like to share the many photos from my stay, and the places that I so enjoyed. It is by no means an extensive guide to NYC, but my personal experience and a list of the many wonderful things this city has to offer.

I joined an amazing group of ladies at the Natural Gourmet Institute for a 7-week course. Dawn Perry, who has worked with Martha Stewart, Bon Appetite Magazine, and Marley Spoon taught the class. The Writing for Food Media and Recipe development course ended with our selected dish being photographed by Epicurious Photo Editor Chelsea Kyle.

Off site field trips included a tour of the Bon Appetit test kitchen in the Conde Naste offices located at One World Trade Center.

Blind baking pastry dough was one of the many techniques I learned while in class.

My neighborhood grocery store, Garden of Eden was the best store a girl could have.

Being a professional student, fun weekend activities included classes such as Momofuku Milk Bar Birthday Cake and Truffles class.

There's an endless selection of restaurants as well as restaurant supply stores. DBGB Kitchen and Chef Restaurant Supplies, located across each other, kept me busy for hours.

Pier A was a great new find. The oyster selection would end my cravings for New Orleans oysters on the half shell.

What's not to love about mid day snacks of pâté, apple slices and crusty bread? The Whynot Bistro was our destination for this mid day treat.

NYC has more sweet creations than you can imagine. The candy display at Le District, and the Easter sweets at Ferraras was more than I could handle. Dinner at David Burkes Fabrik was exceptional when executive pastry chef, Zac Young, personally served our dessert one evening.

When it comes to over the top dessert creations, Gramercy Tavern is your spot. Not only is this restaurant filled with elegant, lush foliage, a James Beard Award winning Chef, it has a staff that is incredibly passionate while providing impeccable service.

Gotta love a restaurant that sends you off with a little something sweet for the following morning. Confession, I ate them that same evening. Thank you Del Posto.

Four & Twenty Blackbirds is a pie shop in Brooklyn that sells pie by the slice as well as whole pies. A pastry box can only hold four of their generous slices. The menu changes seasonally and is worth the trek to Brooklyn. Steps away from this bakery is Cut Brooklyn. I have splurged on Joel's handcrafted knives and continue to add to my collection. Cut Brooklyn is a must!

The art junkie in me enjoyed viewing art everywhere from rooftop artist to the Frick Collection.

Until next time New York!

Listed are some of my favorite places, old and new. Again, it is by no means an extensive guide to NYC, but my personal experience and a list of the many things I enjoyed.

Rise and Shine

Balthazar

Breads Bakery

Dough

Sarabeths

Monument Lane

Chalait

Milk Bar

Mid Day Eats

BG at Bergdorf Goodman

Cafeteria

Il Bastardo

Rosas Mexicano

Saks Cafe

Saltie

Fogo de Chao

Le Singe Vert

Freds at Barneys

Nougatine

Pier A

Epicierie Boulud

Whynot Bistro

Dinner Time

A Voce

ABC Kitchen

Beauty & Essex

Del Posto

David Burkes Fabrick

DBGB

Gramercy Tavern

Jean Georges

Koi

Mercer Kitchen

Santina

Not Just Any Food Hall

Eataly

Le District

Todd English Food Hall The Plaza Hotel

Chelsea Market

Why is there always a line... I have to check it out

Feraras Gelataeria

Morgensterns Fine Ice Cream

2 bros pizza

Vivi Bubble Tea

Take a Stroll

Union Square Green Market

Showplace Antique Center

Artist and Fleas

Highline

The Frick Collection

Shops Groceries and Kitchen Supplies

Garden of Eden

Fairway

Whole food

Bowery Kitchen

Chef Restaurant Supply

NYC Cake Supply

Fish Eddies

ABC Home

Unique Finds

Jewelry & Smalls, Showplace Antique Center, Gallery #214

Sheri's Vintage Collections NY Shoplace, Gallery # 30

Dora Marra for Headress NY, Chelsea Market @ Artist and Fleas

Mood Indigo Showplace Antique Center, Gallery 222

Olde Good Things

Learn Something New

Institute of Culinary Education

Momofuku Milk Bar Baking Classes

Natural Gourmet Institute

NY Food Walking Tours

Treat Yourself

BloBar

Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf Astoria

John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman

Spa Belles

Soul Cycle

Ydelicacies Guide to NYC