I moved to New York shortly after September 11, twenty-three years ago. Due to that tragic event, I arrived with no job, a mortgage on my first apartment, and very few connections. But somehow, it didn’t matter – I was pursuing my dream of living in NYC.
A Look Back at 23 Years
I was raised in the Midwest, but I made the decision at the mature age of 8 years old that I was going to live in New York when I grew up. This life decision was made on a rare family vacation exploring the East Coast with my parents and brother. Besides Washington D.C., another city close to my heart, New York was on the agenda. There are two major moments I remember from that trip. First, my dad bought me this Flash Dance-inspired ripped green New York muscle sweatshirt. I wore that sweatshirt to its very last thread for years. Secondly, as we walked around the city taking in the buildings and probably being those tourists in Times Square, I remember a level of awe that has rarely been matched in my life since. Looking back on it now, my dad must have been in awe as well. He said to me that only the best people, the top people in the world, could make it in New York City. In that moment, I knew that I was going to live here one day.
Remembering September 11th
It’s befitting that our annual ode to New York lands this year on September 11th. Out of tragedy and hardship, we saw what our city was made of on September 11, 2001. In the days, weeks, months, and years that came afterward, the city came together in one of the most beautiful displays of humanity and kindness. We showed the world what we were made of, and the resilience and drive that makes us who we are as New Yorkers. That is, after all, just a few of the superpowers of New York. It’s twenty-three years later, and it gives me faith in humanity that people all over the world still remember. So many people felt like a New Yorker that day. For me, New York is, and always will be, the greatest city on earth.
I Love You, New York
New York is the place where my Type A thrives, yet living here gives you a sense of humility and perspective as well. As they say, there’s always someone richer, prettier, and thinner than you. That realization can put you in a continuous cycle of dissatisfaction, or give you a strong sense of self. I know that living in New York has done the latter for me. I am grateful every day that I can make it to New York City, and it turns out my dad was right all those years ago. If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. So yesterday, today, and tomorrow, I love you, New York. You’ve turned out to be one of the great loves of my life.
Wishing you a beautiful September,
Christine Drinan, Founder
What’s on My NYC List
I travel the world exploring culture and food, but we have some of the best restaurants in NYC. This is what’s on my circuit this fall, and of course, you’ll see many of these reviews on our NYC coverage.
Classic Fall Restaurant Standbys
Polo Bar
Marea
Avra Madison
Milos
The Grill
After-Work Bar Scenes
425 Park
The Grill
Lever House
The Terrace at Aman New York
New Places on the List
Beefbar
Sendo Sushi
On My Radar to Try
Cafe Zaffri
Clemente Bar
Le Veau d’Or
Manuela
Places to Order In
Harry’s Table by Cipriani
Juice Generation
Pressed
Two Wheels
