Well-Fed and Highly Opinionated

The past two weekends have been full-on adventures, hopping between Boston and New York City, spending time with people I love and discovering new spots—even right in my own city! My parents visited a few weeks ago, and we filled our weekend with food, drinks, and adventures in the freezing cold.

Then this past weekend, I headed to NYC to see my best friends Kevin and Michael, which, of course, meant eating, drinking, and exploring some amazing spots along the way. Olympic-level eating and drinking? Yeah, I’d be standing on the podium with a champagne bottle in hand. (caviar bumps and martinis not included)

Here’s a run-down of the restaurants in both cities and my hot takes you didn’t ask for but desperately need:

Boston Adventures on a Plate:

Thinking Cup, Newbury St

I hadn’t been here since I moved to Beantown in 2019, but it was a perfect refresher of what a cute, fun spot this is! Great coffees, breakfast options, and fairly priced. And yes, if you think you saw me ordering a turkey sandwich at 9:30am—you definitely didn’t! A must-try coffee place if you’re wandering around Newbury.

Boston Public Library: Courtyard Tea Lounge

This quickly became a favorite! Our family friends brought my parents and me to the library’s cozy, vintage little bar. Think library-esque vibes, cool cocktails, and small plates. It gave us a peek at the best parts of the library—honestly, who would’ve known?

Banks Seafood, Back Bay

Classy moment for the Banks! Seafood to die for, appetizers you’ll be dreaming about, and a spicy margarita that started my newfound obsession. The Banks is perfect for a Back Bay stop to get your fill of seafood. Bonus: the bathrooms are super vibey.

New York City Eats:

The Naked Pig and Rosa Mexicano

Shoutout to $40 margarita pitchers at The Naked Pig for happy hour! A fun, casual spot to kick off the NYC weekend and prep the stomach for dinner. We loved this place.

Rosa Mexicano, UES

Piggybacking off that, Kev and I hit up Rosa Mexicano for dinner. Sure, it’s a chain—but it’s not like an Arby’s, I promise! Delicious food, classic Mexican twists on cocktails, and guac that’s for sure mandatory. Always a staple when we’re in NYC—and yes, I’m picky about Mexican food, so you know this gets the Charlotte seal of approval.

Shaken Not Stirred:

A cute cocktail bar just down the street from my Hayes boys—perfect for pre-dinner drinks. Dimly lit, lots of room for me to gesticulate wildly after one cocktail, and bartenders who know the drill. Full cocktail list, and they’ll make anything you can dream up—vibes 10/10.

Canto, West Village:

This may have gone down as one of my all-time favorite NYC spots. Frozen espresso martinis, the fabulous chicken sandwich, and my personal favorite—the Yellowstone Drink (a bourbon x tequila concoction that will have you calling all the contacts in your phone). Seriously, amazing food and vibes. Pretty sure Taylor Swift goes here too!

Fumo, Upper East Side:

Classy Italian restaurant in the heart of the UES with grade-A service. If you see our favorite waiter Dexter, tell him we love him! Pizzas, chicken parm, mozzarella sticks, and cocktails that hit every time.

Our sweet waiter, Dexter, at Fumo!

Did we eat our way through NYC? You know it! These past few weeks have been a nonstop food and drink adventure—and honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. So much fun discovering new spots (and revisiting old favorites). If you ever find yourself at one of these gems, consider it officially recommended by yours truly.

Happy eating,

Chart

xoxoxoox