Turning 26…in New York!

25th January 2018

By Sophie Jackson

It’s no secret to anyone that knows me – I’ve been dreaming of going to New York for as long as I can remember. The iconic skyline, world-famous shopping, too many restaurants for you to try in a lifetime and endless things to do in a city that never sleeps… what more could a girl want?!

Excitingly, a trip to Philadelphia had been arranged early last year to meet a new member of the family, due to arrive in November. The perfect opportunity had arisen to tick off a lifelong adventure on my bucket list!!

My boyfriend and I sandwiched a three-day trip to New York in between our time in Philadelphia (I’ll save that for another blog!) which, when I think about it now, still can’t believe I got to experience!

We took the train from Philadelphia station early Sunday morning to arrive in New York just in time for a little birthday brunch…

Sushi Samba New York 1

Sushi Samba New York 2

Sushi Samba New York Cocktails

Starting with quinoa pancakes, brazil nut butter, blueberry compote, maple syrup and whipped cream…

Sushi Samba New York Brunch

…and lobster eggs Benedict with miso balsamic dressing.

Sushi Samba New York Brunch 2

Followed by an almost-too-pretty-to-eat sushi platter.

Sushi Samba New York Brunch 3

And dessert which was tiramisu (the best I’ve had!) and blueberry and matcha mochi ice cream.

Sushi Samba New York Brunch 4

We walked off brunch all the way to 5th Avenue where we took full advantage of the continuing Black Friday sales!

No birthday would be complete without cake and an alternative that I’d be more than happy to welcome would be, absolutely anything from the menu at Max Brenner’s Chocolate Bar! I was lucky enough to experience this place when I was in Australia a few years ago. Everything on the menu is based around something chocolatey and considering I’m a chocoholic and it was my birthday, well there was no better excuse to be ridiculously-over-the-top indulgent!

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar New York

We opted for dark and milk chocolate (critical dipping decisions, as I’d learnt from previous experience that white is far too sickly – I’m clearly worried about over-indulging at this point!). Our things-for-dipping consisted of strawberries, marshmallows, a homemade Twix bar, waffle with strawberries and cream, a creme brûlée crepe and a mini hibachi for toasting to your heart’s content!

Suitably stuffed and feeling high on life (and sugar!) we left Max Brenner’s to find that the day was turning into night and everywhere was glistening into life. 

Trip to New York

We made our way to the hotel, dropped our bags and headed straight back out to Times Square.

Trip to New York 2

Trip to New York 3

New York Times Square

New York Times Square 2

Trip to New York 4

New York Pizza

New York Pizza 2

New York Times Square 3

New York Times Square 4

A dazzling start to being 26 and a birthday I’ll never forget!