Ep 3. New York City, New York

Giada's Weekend Getaways is a travel and food show where the acclaimed chef and cookbook author Giada De Laurentiis takes us on a journey to different cities across the United States and explores the local cuisine and culture. In season 1 episode 3, Giada travels to the bustling city of New York, New York.

The episode begins with Giada arriving in New York City through Grand Central Terminal. She talks about how New York is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world and how she always finds something new to discover every time she visits there. Giada then hops on the subway to head to her first destination, the Lower East Side.

In the Lower East Side, Giada visits Russ and Daughters, a century-old Jewish deli famous for its smoked salmon, bagels, and cream cheese. Giada talks to the owners, Niki Russ Federman and Joshua Russ Tupper, and learns about the history of the deli and the traditional Jewish foods they serve. She tries their signature dish, smoked salmon on a bagel with cream cheese, and describes it as "the best bagel and lox she's ever had."

Next, Giada meets up with her friend, Chef Amanda Freitag, at The Bowery Hotel. They talk about the vibrant restaurant scene in New York and how it's constantly evolving. Amanda takes Giada to her favorite restaurant in the city, Blue Ribbon Brasserie, where they try classic French dishes like escargot and beef bourguignon.

Afterward, Giada visits the Meatpacking District, a trendy neighborhood full of designer shops, high-end restaurants, and art galleries. She stops by Chelsea Market, home to some of the best food vendors in the city. Giada samples different types of food including empanadas, tacos, and gelato and raves about the variety of flavors.

Giada then heads to Times Square, one of the busiest and most popular tourist destinations in the world. She talks about how even though it's always crowded, there's a certain energy in the air that makes it one of her favorite places to visit in the city. She meets up with a local tour guide, Max Federman, who takes her on a walking food tour of the area. They visit famous spots like Junior's Cheesecake and Carmine's Italian Restaurant, and Giada tries some iconic New York dishes like pizza and cheesecake.

Finally, Giada ends her trip with an unforgettable experience - a helicopter ride over the city. She admires the stunning views of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park from above and describes it as a "once in a lifetime experience." She reflects on her trip and how New York always manages to surprise her with its endless culinary delights and cultural experiences.

In this episode, Giada showcases the diversity of New York's food scene and explores some of its iconic landmarks. Her enthusiasm and passion for food and travel make this episode an enjoyable watch for anyone who loves discovering new cuisines and cultures.