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Zia has been working in New York City since 2003, and made the move across the river from New Jersey in 2008. Her life, career and friends are here; she lives in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, works in Midtown East and enjoys hanging out in the East Village, Fort Greene and Prospect Heights. Zia also moved to the city because it has so many different faces and so much to offer: “I'm a firm believer that you can live here for 50 years and still be surprised by the City.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Grab a drink with friends, catch one of the many concerts happening around town, explore neighborhoods in the outer boroughs, find new bars and restaurants, ride around Brooklyn, kayak in the Hudson River ... the list goes on.
If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
Daniel Craig. Other than the fact that he's yummy, seeing his reviews on Places would give me insight about his tastes and interests, and clue me into more cool places to check out.
Do you have any pets?
I have Mona, an awesome Calico who loves belly rubs and Russian classics.
What's your favorite Google event you've been to and why?
NYC Nacho Bus! Why? Nachos and drinks + party bus + Nachos New York + Google Places crew — you can do the math!
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| Zia at the NYC Nacho Bus tour. |
Candy, sweets, desserts … you get the idea. Or, a late night out with friends, dancing until 6 a.m., followed by breakfast at Yaffa Cafe or Odessa.
We love Odessa — good call! Care to share some of your other local favorites with us?
Klong - I've been going to Klong for nearly five years, and each time is better than the last. Inexpensive with a nice decor, I've taken many native New Yorkers as well as out of towners here, and all have loved it! The food is consistently good, and the serving sizes are more than adequate. I recommend the chicken wings and the green curry puffs, both are amazing. Not much to say about the seafood since I don't eat it, but I've heard great things about the firecracker shrimp appetizer, as well as the chicken and shrimp dumplings. You have to try the Phuket After Rain drink at least once. Not only is it "pretty," it's super good. I'm in love with and am partial to the tamarind chicken dish, but also like the spicy holy basil dish, and the best friend loves the Klong Pad Thai.
Blue Owl - I go here about once a month and love the cocktails (I've had pretty much every drink on the menu). On Wednesday they have happy hour till midnight, and the bartenders are great! Definitely check it out, sooner rather than later!
Habana Outpost - I love this place during the warm season! Tasty margaritas, amazing tacos and sweet corn, great crowd/vibe, and a commitment to environmental justice and sustainability — Habana is a real treat. During law school, you could catch me here at least every other week, and now I try to make it at least once a month. If you haven't been, you need to go PDQ, before it gets cold out and they close up shop for the winter.
Cottage Restaurant - I've been a regular here for more than eight years, and thus is one place I know I can bring friends and they'll leave satisfied. The food is good and never too greasy, and there's great people watching if you get a table at the window. Oh, did I mention the free vases of wine they give you? Come here before catching a show at the Beacon, hitting up the bars in the 80s, or just because!
Yaffa Cafe - Yaffa is my go-to late night spot. Open 24 hours, you can go here for a nice summer brunch, or stop by at 5 a.m. after dancing the night away. Either way you'll have great eats and good service. The sandwiches are delicious, the soups yummy and the hummus fresh. Don't forget to leave space for dessert!
Posted by Esther Brown, Manhattan community manager
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