๐ญ๐ NYC on a Budget? YES, You Can! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐๐
Small Bites Radio has been named Top Hospitality Shows on the Planet from 2020โ2025, #Bluejeanfood.com named Top Philadelphia Best Philadelphia Lifestyle Blogs and Websites from 2021-2025, Best Philly Food Blogs and Websites 2023-25, Top Philly Food RSS Feeds 2024-2025, nominated by Metro Philly Newspaper 2022-25 Best of Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment, and WINNER of Metro Philly Newspaper Best of Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment in 2023 and 2024.
You donโt have to break the bank to have an unforgettable time in the Big Apple โ I just spent a few amazing days in New York City, and between Broadway magic and incredible eats, it was everything you’d hope for and more โ without the crazy price tag. ๐ธ๐
โจ First, let’s talk Broadway:
NYC Broadway Week is happening September 8โ21, and itโs the perfect excuse to see a world-class show at a serious discount โ 2-for-1 tickets! ๐๏ธ
๐ญ I highly recommend checking out Stranger Things: The First Shadow โ a gripping, visually STUNNING theatrical experience that blends mystery, suspense, and mind-blowing effects. A must-see for fans and newcomers alike.
๐ดNow onto the food โ because NYC is just as much about the flavors as it is the lights:

๐ญ Little Island Hot Dog Stand โ NYC, NY Grabbed a quick bite while exploring Little Island Park, and even the hot dogs here were on point. Simple NYC-style dogs with that perfect snap.


๐ฅ Zoralie (Hell’s Kitchen) โ NYC, NY A FANTASTIC no-frills, cash-only Dominican spot. I had the baked and stewed chicken with arroz, beans, and plantains โ so hearty, comforting, and flavorful. Feels like home cooking in the best way.

๐ฑ i-Taste Express (Midtown) โ NYC, NY Donโt sleep on this little spot. Crazy cheap combo meals that are surprisingly good โ perfect if you’re catching a show or sightseeing nearby and want a fast, satisfying bite.

๐ถ๏ธ Jasmineโs Caribbean Cuisine (Times Square area) โ NYC, NY The jerk chicken here is ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ. Full of flavor and spice, with that island-style warmth. A great sit-down spot with good vibes and even better food.

๐ฅช Mercado Little Spain โ Jamรณn & Queso โ NYC, NY Had the Jamรณn Ibรฉrico sandwich, and WOW. Salty, savory, and totally satisfying. This whole market is a hidden gem โ Spanish flavors, fun energy, and great for grazing.

๐ฅฏ Good Morning Breakfast Food Truck (Midtown) โ NYC, NY Grabbed an overflowing turkey bacon, egg & cheese bagel from this street cart and it was everything you want in a NY breakfast โ hot, messy, and totally delicious across the street from Virgin Hotel NYC.

๐ฆ Milk Bar โ Stopped here for a soft serve dessert (hello cereal milk flavor!), and it did not disappoint. Sweet, nostalgic, and just the right size.

๐จ Gelatoville Gelateria Coffee & Bakery (Hellโs Kitchen) โ A delightful little spot with house-made gelato, fresh pastries, and coffee. I had a scoop of gelato and it was creamy, flavorful, and super authentic. Whether you’re looking to cool off or just treat yourself, Gelatoville hits the sweet spot.
๐ก Pro tip: Mix high and low. A little Broadway here, a little street food there, and youโve got a weekend thatโs both budget-friendly and totally unforgettable.
๐ NYC doesnโt have to be expensive to be amazing โ explore the neighborhoods, eat like a local, and soak up the showbiz energy.
๐ Celebrate the city thatโs always making history โ and right now, you can do it for less.

๐ฉธ๐ New Release Alert โ Just in Time for Halloween! ๐๐ฉธ
In NYC we were also howling with excitement to celebrate the release of Fang ‘n Claw, the thrilling new middle-grade series by Richard DuBois, published by Young Dragons!
๐บ He’s one full moon away from becoming the monster he fears…
Seventh grade is rough… especially when you’re a werewolf. Every full moon, 12-year-old Carl Lamont becomes something wild, dangerousโand hunted. After a tragic accident forces Carl and his dad to flee to the one place his mom warned them never to goโBlairstown, New JerseyโCarl discovers that starting over isnโt as easy as it seems.
๐ฒ The woods whisper secrets.
๐ท People are disappearing.
๐๏ธ Something is watching…
Carl’s not the only werewolf in townโand the others donโt follow the rules. Faster. Stronger. Hungrier. They’re coming for him, for his friends, and for anyone who gets in their way.
If Carl wants to survive, heโll have to stop hidingโฆ
and start hunting.
๐ท๏ธ Perfect for fans of spine-tingling suspense and supernatural thrills, Fang ‘n Claw is the ultimate Halloween read for brave young readers (and adventurous grown-ups too)!
๐ Grab your copy nowโbefore the next full moon rises… ๐พ
Click this link to purchase – https://a.co/d/bnJ8clb or CLICK HERE
#FangNClaw #RichardDuBois #YoungDragonsPublishing #WerewolfReads #HalloweenBooks #MiddleGradeHorror #SpookySeasonReads #NewRelease #NYCBroadwayWeek #NYConABudget #StrangerThingsOnStage #EatLikeALocal #NYCFoodie #HiddenGemsNYC #SupportLocal #DominicanEats #CaribbeanCuisine #StreetFoodGoals #BroadwayMagic #AffordableNYC #NYCAdventures
Again, in 2024, Small Bites with Donato Marino and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com was blown away by winning the Best of the Best in the Philadelphia Region Arts & Entertainment category out of 80,000 votes tallied in total through Metro Phillyโs Best of Philadelphia for 2024. Truly appreciate everyone who voted for us. We would be thrilled if you voted for us again in 2025.
As usual donโt forget to listen to the #1 listed โFood Radio Show Philadelphiaโ and the #1 listed โFood Radio Show South Jerseyโ Small Bites Radio. For a list of guests who have appeared on the show and more information click below:
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