Cover Pocket List to New York City by Joey Osmeña | Photo: Jermaine Ee / Unsplash
Pocket List to New York City by Joey Osmeña | Photo: Jermaine Ee / Unsplash
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How did NYC deepen Joey Osmeña’s love for wine? We find out his top tips for experiencing New York
New York—the Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. It is a mecca of cultural diversity and innovation, known for its fast-paced, cut-throat lifestyle that many dream of and most buckle under. There is an undeniably addictive energy that comes with New York City. Each neighbourhood—and every street, for that matter—houses a selection of eye-catching concepts and a refreshing array of flavours, from the robust to the subtle.
When it comes to the world of F&B, New York is ripe with talent and brimming with potential. If a restaurant or bar can make it in New York City, it has passed what some say is the ultimate test.
Joey Osmeña, co-owner of Tatler Best Spotlight restaurant Bombinos Bodega, has a special place in his heart for the great city of New York. This big, bold metropolis helped him fall in love with wine and laid the foundation for the bustling career in hospitality that he has today.
In this series, Pocket List, our community shares five essential recommendations from a destination of their choice. Now, we turn to Osmeña for his insider tips.
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“I took my master’s degree in New York in 2017 and worked there for a couple of years afterwards. While living in the city, I fell deeply into wine and, more importantly, into enjoying wine with others. The sheer availability of great bottles, places, and occasions made it something that easily became part of almost daily life. What follows is a list that reflects my wine journey in the city, and the places where I forged some of my happiest memories," he shares.
Above Joey Osmena in New York City
Joey Osmena in New York City
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Central Park
Above Joey Osmena's guide to New York City
Joey Osmena's guide to New York City
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On any day without rain or freezing temperatures, Central Park is undoubtedly one of the best places to enjoy wine in the city. My wife and I spent countless weekends on banigs with friends, discreetly pouring and sipping wine from filled Hydro Flasks while we talked, laughed, and lingered until the sun went down (or the wine ran out).
Hamido Seafood (Astoria, Queens)
Above Joey Osmena’s guide to New York City: Hamido Seafood
Joey Osmena’s guide to New York City: Hamido Seafood
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An Egyptian neighbourhood paluto spot with a generous seafood selection—including my favourite plate of sardines—that serves rice! With a BYOB policy and a wine shop across the road, Hamido makes for one of the most satisfying long lunches you can have in the city. After eating, take a long walk to the Noguchi Museum to ride out your buzz, then hop on the nearby ferry and enjoy views of the East River.
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Wu’s Wonton (LES)
Above Joey Osmena’s guide to New York City: Wu's Wonton King
Joey Osmena’s guide to New York City: Wu's Wonton King
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Another BYOB spot that I was introduced to through members of my school wine club, it also serves as something of a canteen for wine industry folk. And I don’t just like it because it's BYOB—it legitimately serves some of the best Cantonese food in the city. Don't miss the fried whitebait with a dab of red vinegar.
Astor Wines (NoHo)
Above Joey Osmena’s guide to New York City
Joey Osmena’s guide to New York City
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This is my wine mecca in the city. It probably has the widest and deepest wine selection I’ve ever seen, and I credit the shop with a huge part of my wine education (and monthly expenses). Beyond the classic regions, they stock bottles from places like Georgia and Mexico, alongside countless other interesting producers and styles. Extra points, too, for being employee-owned.
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NYC Rooftops
Above Joey Osmena’s guide to New York City: Rooftop sunsets in Manhattan
Joey Osmena’s guide to New York City: Rooftop sunsets in Manhattan
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There’s something enchanting about spending time on a rooftop in the city. My wife and I were fortunate to have one in our building where we regularly hosted friends once the weather warmed in spring and throughout the summer into autumn. When you visit, find—or make—a friend with roof access, gather a crew and an assorted mix of bottles, put on your favourite playlist, and notice how the amber sky complements the colour of the wine in your glass. This is guaranteed to become a core memory of your NYC experience.
