In today’s feature, we interview journalist, frequent traveller, and fashionista Sarah Williamson, who discusses her life in the concrete jungle of New York.

If you don’t already know, one of my best friends has tackled the world and lived outstandingly on different continents, succeeding in her career. I’m very proud to have interviewed Sarah about her life in New York and her career, which was once supposed to be in law. Sarah is well-known for her role as a foreign correspondent (living in Ukraine for 6 months during the current war with Russia), Journalist and Senior Producer (Well known for working on i24 in Israel) and TV host/Correspondent on a national American network.

So, Sarah, what brought you to New York, and can you tell us about what you do for work?

After spending five years living in the Middle East, I moved to New York. I was offered a job by a national news network that I couldn’t pass up. It was an opportunity to level up in my career. New York City is essentially the capital of journalism, so I feel very lucky to be here.

What are your top tips for people visiting New York and navigating their way around the city?

The best parts of New York are * AWAY * from Times Square. Most hotels are located in the Times Square area since it’s a tourist hotspot, but that’s all it has—tourists. If you want to experience New York, move away from there, as no local would ever set foot in the Times Square vicinity.

New York City is * VERY * expensive, and all the sightseeing really adds up. You can buy passes like CityPass or New York Pass that allow you to see attractions at discounted rates. There are also several budget hacks you can do to see things, like taking the free Staten Island Ferry right past Lady Liberty! 🗽

Before living in NYC, you travelled and lived in many other places. Where else have you lived? Tell us about some of your favourite countries or cities you’ve visited.

I have been to 45 countries; however, there are two that always draw me back time and time again: Israel and Kenya. Both of these places have it all!

If you love to party at night and spend the days at the beach, all while surrounded by the world’s most attractive people, Tel Aviv, Israel is the place for you, and the food there is EPIC! Of course, there’s the whole “Holy Land” aspect of Israel if that’s your vibe (Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, etc.), but it’s not mine, so I recommend going to Jerusalem for a day trip and then enjoying the rest at your leisure.

In Kenya, Nairobi is a melting pot of people from all over the globe. Some of my best friends are Kenyans I met 13 years ago, and we’re still very close to this day. I think Kenya has it all. If you like hiking, you have Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro. If you’re a beach bum, the Kenyan coast is one of the most beautiful seascapes you can set your eyes on. If you’re a yogi, there are many great islands to do yoga retreats. Don’t miss out on a safari in the Masai Mara!

How did you enter your job as a journalist and kickstart your career? If you weren’t a journalist, what would your ideal job be?

I was always torn between being a lawyer and a journalist. I went to law school because you must have a law degree to practice law, although you don’t technically need a journalism degree to be a journalist. While I was in law school, I became obsessed with long-form journalism. I bought myself a camera with all the bells and whistles and started filming my own mini-documentaries. I didn’t know what I was doing, and I never finished any of them, but it drove my passion even further. I leveraged my position at the time, and eventually, after doing unpaid work experience at A Current Affair, they hired me.

Let’s delve into the food recommendations. Where are your favourite vegan spots in New York?

Eleven Madison Park - Named the best restaurant in the world for years running, and for very good reason. Granted, back then it wasn’t a vegan restaurant, but since becoming one, it has retained its three Michelin stars! If I could eat at one place for the rest of my life, this would be it, but unfortunately, I’m not a billionaire.

Jajaja - For affordable vegan Mexican. I used to live across the road from the Jajaja in the Lower East Side and would indulge in their Huevo burrito every couple of days. It was my weakness.

Anixi Brasserie - For delicious kosher vegan Mediterranean food. Located in Chelsea, Anixi is under the umbrella of City Roots Hospitality, founded by Chef Guy Vaknin, a leading vegan restaurant group in New York City.

Planta Queen - If you’re in the mood for good Asian food, this local favourite offers the best vegan sushi, crispy dumplings, and wok specialties. They are open for lunch, brunch, happy hour, and dinner.

Willow - Another vegan restaurant curated by Chef Guy Vaknin in the Chelsea neighbourhood, catering to your comfort food cravings, especially in winter.

Coming from Melbourne, your coffee standards must be high. Where are your best spots for coffee?

One word: Matto! I will die on this hill! In a world where we pay close to USD $10 for a coffee, Matto’s USD $3.50 menu is my bank account’s secret weapon.

I also recommend Blue Stone Lane. It’s the OG Australian café in NYC, so they know how to make a decent flat white.

*When Sarah’s not working, she makes the most of her time off and visits the Bahamas.*

When you’re not busy working, where are your social hotspots?

I like many different bars for various reasons. However, Spring Lounge is a popular destination for my friends and me to catch up every couple of weeks. I also really enjoy The Beekman for a nice cocktail.

Bar Belly in the Lower East Side has a super fun vibe with a great cocktail menu. Be warned: it is pretty loud in there. Be warned, a drink in Bar Belly tends to lead to a rowdy night.

Hit us with your must-visit food spots—where should we not miss when coming to NYC?

My fiancé, Tal Erel, has a wild obsession with Up Thai, which is in the Upper East Side. At Up Thai, you'll enjoy the most extensive and delicious Thai menu in New York. Trust me, the food is amazing; you won’t find a place as good with a great price and a good vibe that’s always busy.

Haile is an incredible family-owned Ethiopian restaurant in the East Village that my friends and I love. Super tasty food! Sisters Abbey and Selam curate an amazing home-style meal in a very cozy setting. A must-visit if you are in the neighbourhood.

Tell us, what is so special about New York that the rest of America doesn’t have?

Oh my, the subway system! My least favourite thing about America is the lack of public transport. Unless you have a car and are willing to get on a freeway to pick up a loaf of bread, this country isn’t for you. But NYC is different. You can be anywhere in under 30 minutes, and it’s cost-effective.

This isn’t something the rest of the country doesn’t have, but it is special to NY and special to me: Central Park. Central Park is probably my favourite nook of NYC. It’s stunning and peaceful, and you can get lost in there and discover something new every time you visit. I miss living so close to it!

*Sarah’s style is second to none. It’s essential to dress your best when going out in NYC.*

If you were visiting New York as a tourist, which area would you stay in and why?

I would stay in SoHo or Chelsea. You’re not going to spend your entire time there, but there are beautiful parts of the city with great bars and restaurants. The area becomes quiet at night when you need to sleep, which is rare in Manhattan. Both areas are also very photogenic for your socials.

After living in New York for so long, is living in the city the same as how we see New York in the movies?

To be honest, it is, except with way more homeless people and more drugs on the street. It’s not as romantic in real life, but the city itself is very real. The homeless crisis and drug epidemic are massive problems. It’s a very sad reality that this country is struggling with. But apart from that, NYC is exactly what you think it is—millions of well-dressed people who are always in a hurry to get somewhere, are busy with work and hailing taxis.

“New York, NEW YORK!” with Sarah Williamson