A Scouser in New York - Simon's food tour of the Big Apple

“I don't drink coffee, I take tea, my dear
I like my toast done on one side”

Sting

Sting reflecting on Quentin Crisp’s culinary tastes back in 1981, however, 44 years on in 2025, culinary offerings in New York still have their own distinctive place in the culinary world. It is a place you must immerse yourself in to enjoy the overall experience. There is no place like it.

Even since my last visit 7 years ago, when I visited several eateries, I was excited to see what may have changed in the old Big Apple.

Chicken, Chips and a DJ Set

First stop: Raising Cane’s in the heart of Times Square. Queue out the door and a 20-minute wait. Proof, if needed, of its popularity. Inside, it was quick, friendly service and a simple menu that delivered. Most punters went for the “three-finger combo”: crispy chicken fillets in their signature batter, crinkly fries, and a punchy “house sauce” that tasted like a super-seasoned Marie Rose. Background music? Not your average soundtrack—a full DJ set blasting Studio 54 bangers.

It made me think… at MKM Stadium and Eco-Power Stadium, chicken strips are always a strong seller. Maybe there’s something in creating signature sauces that give our fan food that extra local flair. We will let you know what we come up with in the development kitchen!

Cheesecake? Don’t Mind If I Do

Just about managed to squeeze in a visit to Junior’s Cheesecake Bakery. A Double Oreo Chocolate Cheesecake with Oreo base, creamy chocolate centre, topped with crumble and biscuit. Officially sharable, but honestly, who’s sharing?

Hard Rock Mornings & Musical Guitars

Forget Breakfast at Tiffany’s—mine was at the Hard Rock Hotel. Crispy bacon, sunny-side-up eggs, Lyonnaise potatoes, toast, and endless cups of coffee (or “Joe”, as the locals say). All enjoyed in the company of Paul Stanley’s Ibanez guitar, Chris Stein’s Blondie-era six-string, and Bob Dylan’s twelve-string Martin. Heaven.

Indie Coffee and Ramen Streets

Wandering downtown, I stumbled upon a lovely little spot, Joe Coffee on East 13th. A rare double flat white in NYC, but a worthy detour just for the aroma. After a visit to the Guitar Center, I found myself walking through Chinatown where I discovered a Korean ramen vendor. Their takeaway chicken ramen was authentic, satisfying, and exactly what I needed.

Dinner, NYC-Style

Dinner back at Junior’s Times Square had me fooled. I thought I was ordering light to leave space for dessert. I was wrong. A wet salt beef brisket sandwich on sourdough with mushroom gravy, chunky fries, and apple sauce arrived in mountainous form. Delicious, but beat me completely. Still managed to make room for a slice of strawberry cheesecake, though.

Eggs with a Side of Show Tunes

Ellen’s Stardust Diner was next. Known for its Broadway-singing waiting staff, I was told to expect a queue, and they weren’t wrong. But the queue was managed with expert precision. Within minutes I was sat down, tucking into maple-cured bacon, fried eggs, sourdough toast, and cup after cup of Joe, all soundtracked by live renditions of musical theatre classics. A must-visit.

Sweet Treats and Southern Heat

After a wander around the Broadway Museum, I needed a pick-me-up. Carlo’s Bake Shop didn’t disappoint with a superb crème brûlée pastry and a latte, followed by a coffee cheesecake I couldn’t resist.

Dinner brought a southern twist: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. It wouldn’t be right to skip the Clam Chowder and biscuits, followed by a punchy Jambalaya. I even helped out a nearby school group with a quiz answer, which earned one of them a free drink.

Grand Central Goodbyes

My final morning began—unsurprisingly—back at Ellen’s Stardust Diner for round two. Pancakes, crispy bacon, and another endless stream of coffee. Then it was off to Grand Central Station’s Food Hall where the aromas of unpasteurised cheese, fresh bread (the pumpernickel was a personal favourite), seafood, and market-fresh fruit were a sensory overload in the best way.

Before heading off, I paid a final visit to a favourite NYC haunt: Pershing Square Café, right across from the station. One last indulgence: their famous warm homemade apple pie, served with vanilla ice cream and cream. Pure nostalgia on a plate.

New York, you were a blast. A melting pot of old favourites, emerging trends, and a few unexpected culinary moments. Can’t wait to return and see what’s next on the menu.