Warburg Blog

I don’t now who is in bigger trouble, me or my customers.  Either between appointments or at the end of a few hours of looking at potential homes to purchase I inevitably suggest an espresso to discuss what we have seen.  That is how we found Gina La Fornarina ( a new food spot on 73rd and Amsterdam) and of course they sell bomboloni (Italian cream filled donuts).   Do yourself a favor and have one next time your on the UWS.  It makes everything better including the small but workable kitchen in the last apartment we saw.  Happy eating…..

In 2 months I move to Broadway and 76th street.  I was worried for a minute because the new kitchen is smaller than my current one.   Then I remembered that in NY size doesn’t matter when it comes to kitchens.  No matter where you live in NYC good food is everywhere and if you have a small kitchen then walk out your door and the world of food awaits you.  In my new neighborhood you can have afternoon tea and delectable scones at Alice’s Tea Cup, amazing spicy hot chocolate at Jacques Torres, anything from a pig at Salumeria Rossi, gelato at Grom, falafel at Soom Soom, a burger and concrete at Shake Shack and of course a hot dog and papaya drink at Gray’s Papaya to name a few.   I’m in trouble…..

When I first became a broker 12 years ago there were areas in the city you couldn’t convince customers to move to for various reasons.  One of the reasons was the ability to walk out your door and find a good place to eat or run out late at night for some groceries.  Well times have changed and I challenge you to find a neighborhood in the city where good food can’t be found at almost any hour of the day.  Delis now carry gourmet and health food products.  Four star chefs sell their food out of vans all around the city.  You can buy authentic dumplings, waffles, artisanal ice cream, and cupcakes to name a few just by following the moveable feasts on Twitter to see where they are parked at that very moment.  It is such an amazing time to be living in NYC.  You can find the food your craving and then if you have an iPhone (which I don’t) you can download the app “Around Me” and find the nearest Warburg listing.  What a difference 12 years makes….

Four years ago when I was looking for a rental near my daughter’s preschool I walked into Georgia’s, a cafe and pastry shop on 89th and Broadway.  While waiting for the broker to meet me and show me a classic six in a prewar building across the street, I had a croissant and a cappuccino.  I was sold on the apartment and I hadn’t even seen it yet.  Call me crazy but I pick where I’m going to live based on how close good food is.  I’ve spent 4 years eating real french croissants but sadly its time to move.  This time I know that food will be part of my apartment hunt.  When I found a classic 6 near Fairway, Citarella, Zabar’s, and the coconut croissants at Cafe Margot (hidden in The Ansonia), my decision once again was made.    I love to cook and i love to eat and so I find myself selling homes and discovering new restaurants and gourmet food shops in the process.   I’m off now to take measurements at the new rental and who knows, maybe I’ll pick something up for dinner at Citarella…