New York City

New York CityNew YorkUnited StatesNorth America
Written By Isabelle Charley

“I came here for what was supposed to be a vacation and never left! It’s become my home.”

I first visited Felix Roasting Co. because I’d seen photos of it. Designed by leading interior designer Ken Fulk, Felix cafes elevate the coffee shop experience in a way the photos only hint at.

Isabelle Charley, who’s held various roles in operations and front of house at Felix, shares her Filter for New York City. The only thing I would add to her recommendations is Felix itself—it’s quite the experience and really must be visited.

Filter: How did you come to Felix Roasting Co. and New York City?
I’ve been living in New York for about 5 years now. I grew up mostly in Tokyo, and moved to Los Angeles for university. After graduation I spent a year in Colorado, and then decided to go on a one-month trip to New York. While I was here, I applied to a few jobs thinking it could be an interesting experience. I began working at Felix when it had just recently opened, and I’ve pretty much been with them ever since!

Even though I came here not knowing anyone, I simply fell in love with this city and have made many wonderful, lasting friendships. In short, I came here for what was supposed to be a vacation and never left! It’s become my home.

I love the spontaneity of daily life here—you may leave the house with one errand to run, and end up having a totally unexpected night out with friends. Each day is a potential adventure with endless possibilities. 

Filter: What are some of your favorite adventures around the city?
I love to walk around the city without a particular plan or place in mind—sometimes I’ll just pick a neighborhood I’ve never been to before and explore it. I also love spending time in the beautiful parks, and this summer I went to many salsa dancing events throughout the city.

Several of the areas that I’ve really enjoyed stumbling upon are in Queens. Walking along 74th and Broadway in Jackson Heights, you’ll find a strip filled with Indian food and stores. I especially like walking through a grocery market called Patel Brothers, then getting a bite to eat and some delicious chai at Ittadi Garden and Grill. Close by on 77th and Woodside Avenue, there’s a street filled with Thai restaurants and markets. I’ve always loved Thai desserts, and Khao Nom has an amazing selection. Finally, if you take the 7 train all the way to the end you’ll arrive in Flushing, which is always a fun place to discover new places to eat. One of my go-to spots is the New World Mall food court.

One of my absolute favorites is the charming atmosphere in Boerum/Cobble Hill. First I stop at Court Pastry Shop for some delicious cookies (I recommend the amaretti powdered sugar macaroons). Then I walk up and down Court/Smith street. I almost always stop at Sahadi's, a Middle Eastern grocery store. They have a great salad bar combo for lunch, and the tabbouleh reminds me of my childhood summers at my grandparents' house. Depending on my mood I might pop by Barely Disfigured for a cocktail, or head to Cobble Hill Cinemas for a movie to end the evening. 

Another hidden gem is the Hungarian Pastry Shop. Take a book, but you’ll probably end up just people watching. It’s one of the few places where I find both the indoor and outdoor seating equally enjoyable. From there you can walk to Morningside Park, which is just beautiful to walk through.

Filter: What’s one other coffee shop you love there?
I’m a big fan of Hi-Collar in the East Village. It’s inspired by Japanese kissatens, which are usually small, locally owned coffee shops with a retro feel. I love their attention to detail, and whenever I’m feeling homesick for Japan it’s a comforting spot to visit. My favorite place to sit is at the bar.

Filter: Your friend is visiting for the weekend from out of town—what’s definitely making your to-do list?
I would take them to the Union Square Farmers Market because it’s always filled with seasonal flowers and is just a fun atmosphere for tourists and locals alike. Then for lunch, we would go to either the classic diner Joe Junior, Ramen Danbo (my favorite ramen spot in the city), or Somtum Der for Thai. For drinks Fanelli Cafe always has a great ambiance, as well as Decibel in the East Village. If we’re looking for a late-night bite, we would go to Woorijip in K-town, possibly followed by tea at Tour Les Jour.

Filter: What in NYC is worth the hype?
Central Park, the museums, New York in the fall, and Los Tacos No.1! Just the other day I had a picnic in Sheep Meadow followed by a game of beach volleyball. In the past I’ve tried my hand at roller skating and even met a group of roller skaters who have been skating there for over 40 years! Start at the Met or Guggenheim, have a coffee at Cafe Sabarsky in the Neue Museum, and then head to Central Park for a stroll.

Filter: What do you like to do to escape the city?
It depends on the time of year. In the summer I enjoy going to Fire Island, which is a LIRR train and ferry ride away. I love it because in just about 2 hours, you’re in a completely different environment from the city. You’ll definitely want at least one overnight there, so plan accordingly! In the fall, I like taking an occasional day trip up to Tarrytown to experience that cozy, small town feel. It’s accessible by train and quite walkable once you’re there, so it’s the perfect day getaway.

Filter: Anything else we should know?
Take advantage of the ferries! In the summer, you can take one from the Wall Street pier all the way to the Rockaways. Ride it back during sunset, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch the most magical Manhattan skyline. I also like taking the Staten Island Ferry, which is underrated in my opinion—you get a view of the Statue of Liberty and a boat ride for free! If you want to make a little trip out of it, walk to Enoteca Maria once you arrive in Staten Island. It’s a truly unique restaurant where grandmothers from all around the world cook food from their country on a rotating schedule. You can check their website beforehand to see who will be cooking that day. 

Filter: What’s your favorite thing about New York City?
I love that anyone can come here and feel like they are truly part of the city, no matter your background or where you're from. The energy you feel on the street—it's like no other city I've been in. You hear people say it, but it's absolutely true. I love it.
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- Just the Links -

Isabelle Charley
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