If you would have asked me as a young adult where I wanted to travel once I got the means, Hungary would not have been the first thing to come to mind. Truthfully, it would not have even been top 5. Eastern Europe has always felt like it sat in the shadows of Western European powerhouses like London, Paris, Barcelona, etc. I am so glad that with age comes wisdom.

I like to believe that as you grow into who to you are, it is important to concretely establish your likes and seek them whole-heartedly. One unwavering taste, that has stayed with me always, is a genuine fascination with edge. I am someone who savors life on the fringes, sulks in moodiness and thinks drama is an essential part of identity. For it is on the the fringes that break throughs take shape. My sister has calls me “terminally unique.” I just think my wavelength holds exclusive flare.

Vienna is the birthplace of classical music and Florence is home to the Renaissance. Both styles of an evolving Europe during dark times. I believe that the evolution into Baroque and Gothic styles was the true pinnacle of radical expression during the middle ages. Peaks that allure and

The first restaurant I ever went to as a young professional, navigating New York City, was Cafe Select. An absolutely charmed, new-wave, Après Ski on a busy SOHO street, with the absolute best playlist. My order is Eggs over Rösti - The age old pairing of fried potatoes and the golden goo of two poached eggs. Often, to sandwich each bite with further natural fat, I ask for avocado on the side - and desperately, at times, some bacon in case the night before was well lived. They know to bring Cholula to the table, because breakfast food is the one thing you can bastardize without offending the chef.

At “Select” I have nursed hangovers, and friends through breakups; Sipped mulled wine near Christmas, and celebrated milestone birthdays. I have kissed an Australian at the bar, a Columbian in a booth, cried into my Rosti, and had some of my bravest career breakthroughs there. It has been my cornerstone in a new town. This meal is my favorite ritual, and if I am ever feeling lost - I know, at the very least, where to get eggs.