As someone who’s eaten their way through a lot of New York City’s Michelin‑starred restaurants over the years, Atera might have just moved to the top of my fine dining list. Honestly, the three‑star spots are okay—which is probably the snootiest thing I’ve ever said out loud. Don’t get me wrong, three‑stars absolutely have stand-out […]

New York City, Travel, US Travel

March 19, 2026

Atera NYC Review: This 2‑Michelin Star Might Beat the 3‑Stars

Handwritten personalized place card at Atera NYC, a detail that sets the tone for the tasting menu experience

If you want the best afternoon tea in Brooklyn, skip the hotels in Manhattan. Head instead to Brooklyn High Low and its sister space, The Parlour — two tea rooms that sit a short walk apart in Prospect Heights and Park Slope. Together, they make a compelling case that the city’s most charming tea experience […]

New York City, Travel, US Travel

March 18, 2026

Brooklyn High Low: Why The Best Afternoon Tea in Brooklyn

The Grand Vanderbilt afternoon tea service at Brooklyn High Low, featuring three tiers of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and desserts

An NYC City Hall elopement is rarely about spectacle. For most couples, it’s about efficiency and getting on with the part of the day that actually feels like them. From a photography perspective, the moments can start slow, but then move fast in an instant. Every moment still matters. I’ve documented City Hall elopements that […]

Couples, Event Photography, New York City, Photo Spots

January 7, 2026

Documenting the Day of an NYC City Hall Elopement

A couple doing their nyc city hall elopement holds their ceremony ticket.

Hidden on Cornelia Street in the West Village, Palma is one of the most beautiful restaurants in New York City. It literally takes your breath away the moment you walk in! Inside, it feels like stepping into a small Italian villa filled with candlelight, flowers, and a sense of intimacy that makes it a natural […]

Couples, Event Photography, New York City, Photo Spots

January 7, 2026

Palma NYC, Room by Room | A Local Photographer’s Guide

Palma nyc Event Photography

If you’ve ever wondered whether a weekend getaway from New York could feel like a full vacation, this guide proves it’s possible. Chicago is less than a two-hour flight from NYC and makes for the perfect quick weekend trip or even a 24-hour adventure if you’re short on time (or trying to save on hotels). […]

Travel, US Travel

October 7, 2025

Weekend Trips from NYC: A 24-Hour Chicago Itinerary

Slow shutter drag shot of downtown Chicago.

Tucked away in the Sierra Blanca Mountain range, Ruidoso, New Mexico, might not be the first place you think of when planning a mountain getaway. At an elevation of 7,800 ft., this small village of only 8,000 residents is a hidden gem destination just waiting to be discovered. As an out-of-state traveler from New York […]

Travel, US Travel

August 23, 2025

Ruidoso New Mexico Travel Guide After Floods & Fires

Ruidoso's famous mural.

Booking a hotel in New York City isn’t cheap. I often get asked for budget-friendly hotels right on Fifth Avenue or overlooking Central Park, but that’s just not realistic unless you’re ready to splurge. The beauty of New York City is that you don’t have to stay in Midtown to get great views or access […]

New York City, Travel, US Travel

August 7, 2025

Where to Stay in NYC: Luxury to Mid-Range Hotels

The Ludlow Hotel is a recommended hotel in this NYC hotel guide for every budget.

If you’ve been searching for a fine dining experience in New York City, let me introduce you to Jungsik, a 3-Michelin-starred restaurant tucked into a sleek, understated space in Tribeca. This modern Korean restaurant offers a signature tasting menu for $325 per person, with wine pairings available from $200-500. Having recently dined here myself, I […]

New York City, Travel, US Travel

June 24, 2025

What It’s Really Like to Experience Jungsik New York

If you’re planning a trip to San Juan and looking for a hotel that blends history, beachside relaxation, and proximity to San Juan’s cultural highlights, the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is a renowned beachfront property in Puerto Rico that blends historical charm with resort-style amenities. Situated on Isla Verde Beach, it offers guests a […]

Caribbean Travel, Travel, US Travel

June 3, 2025

Is The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel Worth Staying At?

Exterior of Fairmont El San Juan with a pink sunset.

Looking for free salsa or bachata dance lessons in New York City? This guide to free salsa and bachata in NYC shows you where to dance outdoors all summer (and into fall). Having lived in New York City for 15 years, I’ve watched the cost of just about everything go up, but my love for […]

Event Photography, New York City

June 1, 2025

Where to Find FREE Salsa & Bachata Lessons in NYC (2025 Guide)

Free salsa dance lessons in Domino Park.