I dunno how I've lived in NYC all my life without buying Dave Blackstone's popcorn until last fall,…read morebut it's been a game-changer - every flavor we've tried is delicious (my own go-to is the New York Mix, the single best cheese-and-caramel combo I've ever had), and he's ruined every single other kind of popcorn for me, from stovetop to microwave to air-popped to movie theater. He's also a terrific guy and fun to talk to... but man is he good at what he does. His popcorn is great for any day of the year, but if anyone is catching up on nominated movies or having an Oscar party this month, this is who you wanna call.

Been going to 1800 popcorn for some years now. Dave Blackstone is very friendly, always kind, love…read morethe truck, tried multiple different flavors throughout the times. Honestly the best popcorn I've ever had in my life. Have no complaints whatsoever. Will continue to go here. New chocolate flavor is delicious. Would highly recommend if you're on UWS.

The America Gourmet falls into the "Corner shop" category…read more Despite not having much room to sit down and eat at, it is understandable that there is limited space. Now what really serves as the cherry on top is the amazing food that is served here. Anything you can think of: chicken, rice, muffins.

A handy deli right near our hotel. They have a nice self-serve hot bar and more menu items that…read morethey can serve and make for customers. Also a nice selection of drinks, chips, and pastries. We were able to get our kid some hot, fresh macaroni and cheese to go. Good stuff.

I love the Grand Central market and never missed the opportunity to pick up some goodies when I…read moretake the train in or out of Manhattan. This time around, I stopped for cheese and picked up two blocks for a fun night in including SwissRaqulet, which looks fantastic. Another stop for some turmeric at the spice store. Then over to the bakery for a loaf of rye with sunflower seed and peasant style sourdough. Well, they're a snuck in a pan su chocolate for the train ride home. Can't forget my daughter who took care of things in my absence so a quick stop to the candy shop for pecan clusters, then a race to the finish on Metro North Hudson line.

The Grand Central holiday market is always fun to stroll through and soak in the festive spirit…read more It's filled with a wide variety of vendors--jewelry, artwork, doggie items, and lots of unique gift ideas you don't see everywhere else. I really enjoy browsing and admiring so many of the items, though I do wish the pricing were a bit more accessible. There are plenty of things I'd love to buy... just not quite within my not-so-deep pockets. That said, the market is worth visiting, especially during the holiday season when it's here. Even if you don't buy much, it's a great place to wander, people-watch, and feel a little extra holiday cheer. I just can't fathom going into my purse for the items. Maybe you can?

Big store with a decent food bar and dining area. Great view of Bryant park…read more Bathroom line gets long during the day. Smoked salmon options are limited. Well stocked on other options. If you're looking for quick in and out check out the little shop on the right as you walk in.

By far my least favorite WFM in the city. It's a small store so don't expect a wide range of…read moreproducts or choices. They technically have 4 "salad bars" but usually only 2 are running. There is a lot of seating upstairs, however. I usually find my experience disappointing or lackluster. It doesn't quite feel like a Whole Foods The layout is also confusing an bizarre. You'll walk in circles. Like items are not held together. For example there were some hummus downstairs and some upstairs. It wasn't fun going to both locations to find the brand/flavor I wanted. The downstairs is prepared food mostly with a lot of beverages, a few dessert type options and more drinks than you can imagine.

Picked up a gift box and was very satisfied. Woops is conveniently located in the Port Authority…read moreBus Terminal, where everyone going into that portion of the terminal will see it. The kiosk is nicely adorned and the staff member is very friendly. Woops has a wide assortment of macarons and you'll even receive a legend, in order to help you distinguish which macarons are in the box. Every single macaron that I purchased was enjoyable, wasn't flaky, and  a good size. I highly recommend Woops and know, that you will enjoy every item that you will select.

I'm a macaron snob so I'll always compare any macaroon I put in my mouth with the quality of…read moreMacaron cafe of NYC. This place sells average to below average macarons. Only reason I got some was because the Macaron cafe of NYC has been closed down since the onset of the pandemic with what seems like no future in site to return. Sadly Whoops doesn't cut the mustard when it comes to these difficult treats to make and certainly not worth the price of admission that they ask for. Staff is super nice as I joked about getting a refund if the treats weren't up to snuff. If you're really desperate for a taste of a macaron then grab one but I'd find a better spot to get your fix if you can wait.

During Valentine's Day, I took someone with me to Royce' Chocolate for her first-ever tasting, and…read moreit was the highlight of the day. The service during the tour was great. She never thought chocolate and potato chips would make such a great pairing. The flowers made the scene more pleasant, and I couldn't be happier that she left with a gift basket. The place has a feel that honestly resembles a jewelry store. This location makes it seem like you're picking out a ring or something special, but really, you're just choosing your favorite piece of candy.

Delicious chocolates, although they're a little expensive. Nice and clean inside. Close to Bryant…read morepark and Grand Central station. They give samples usually without asking, but for this one the girl didn't. She didn't seem happy, didn't smile once, and wasn't very welcoming What's odd is they ask for a tip when checking out. Don't get it. Tip for what? Checking someone out and handing them a sample? I asked for a sample and the toothpick she took to give it to me fell on the counter. She picked it up and used it anyway instead of just throwing it out. Weird. Hopefully the counter was clean

SERVICE - located near union square…read more- quaint interior with wooden decor that gives it a cozy vibe - seating available for solo diners or small groups though tables can be close together - outlets available towards the back of the cafe - drinks made relatively quickly - ambiance good for solo working or catching up with a friend MENU - cafe drinks and some pastries with a focus on chocolate - plant based/vegan milk alternatives available - average price FOOD - dark chocolate mocha with almond milk (7/10): this place is known for their chocolate so I wanted to get something that had dark chocolate for the deepest chocolate flavor. The drink had a good mix of chocolate and coffee where neither was overpowering the other. I tasted a hint of salt in the drink which was enjoyable initially but also slightly confusing as I was not expecting salt in my bitter sweet drink. The texture was okay, though it could have been thicker. WOULD I GO BACK? Maybe. I liked the concept and would want to try more drinks before making a final judgement.

Came here on a search for great hot chocolate in the area and was not disappointed. Each time I…read morecome I mean to branch out and try other flavors, but the hazelnut hot chocolate flavor is too good. I had never had a boureka before. I recommend staying to eat it there instead of taking it to go because these guys will heat it up in the oven and serve it to you with tomato and yogurt if you don't take it to go. I've had the cheese boureka and the Spinach and cheese boureka, and both are delicious. They have a meat one (beef) that I haven't tried yet. It has not been crowded the times I visit on weekend mornings. They have a bunch of books on their back wall that you can read while you enjoy your food, which is a nice perk.

I have only tried their cheddar, better butter, and jalapeño flavors of popcorn. Whenever I do stop…read moreby, I stick to the better butter flavor. It's a classic and definitely beats all the other flavors. The staff are very friendly, and you are allowed to get samples of the popcorn before making your selection. I usually go here for their Dippin' Dots now. Personally, I recommend you skip the bucket sizes because it is A LOT of popcorn. Unless you plan to regularly visit to reuse your bucket, then go for it. I got a large bucket and never brought it back with me to reuse.

Was really happy when I saw this place open their popcorn is so good. My favorite is the $10 bucket…read moreof caramel popcorn. You can also do half and half. Enjoy!

I was walking home and noticed this candy shop, so I thought I'd stop in and check it out. Instead,…read morewe were met with a surprisingly rude response and told to wait outside because we "didn't know the policy." The problem is that there was nothing posted on the door or anywhere visible explaining any policy at all. It was a pretty disappointing first impression. I had every intention of buying candy, but after that interaction I decided to take my business elsewhere.

This place completely misses the point of what a candy shop should be…read more We came here specifically as a fun birthday stop for my nieces, expecting an interactive "pick-your-own" experience. Instead, we weren't even allowed inside and were told to point at what we wanted so staff could get it for us. When we said we'd never been there before, we were told to "take a quick look" and then decide. It was awkward, unwelcoming, and honestly just strange. We left without buying anything. We went to Bon Bon's instead, which was friendly, open, and exactly the experience we were expecting.