I’m the sort of person who’s got a song for everything – someone makes a comment, it reminds me of lyrics, five minutes later I’m singing this song wondering how the hell it got into my head. New York City is like an entire playlist. Everything you see, hear and do reminds you of a favourite movie, an iconic song, or a piece of art you could never afford but have never gotten over.

In these dark, Sydney days of lock-out laws, venue closures, and noise restrictions, New York City really does explode with life, culture and opportunity. And smack bang in the middle of summer, when the air is hot and thick like treacle and you can buy a glass bottle of Coca Cola and a slice of pepperoni pizza at 2am for less than $3, there’s really no place else you’d rather be.

In an effort to catalogue some of the best experiences over there, I’ve compiled an Australian’s, know-nothing guide to a couple of the most awesome things my man and I found in New York. No doubt there are millions of things we still can’t wait to try, but for now – these kick serious ass.

BEST BLOODY MARY – WELCOME TO THE JOHNSONS (LES)

I’m a Bloody Mary desperado. I don’t care. I’ll admit it. And the awesome thing about NYC is –  so are most people, especially because brunch is such a big deal over there. I tried a heap of Bloody Mary’s that were rumoured to be the city’s “best”, but IMHO, this awesome little dive bar on the Lower East Side took it out. The drink packs a serious punch with pickles and jalapeños, garnished with potato chips, and sometimes they add a little Guinness . Srsly. It’s awesome.

BEST [DIRTY] MARTINI – CAMPBELL APARTMENT (Grand Central Station)

I can’t speak for your standard, or dry martinis, but as a lady who gets randy for a good dirty vodka martini, NYC really know what they’re doing. I get the feeling they’re a lot less reserved when it comes to administering brine into beverages, Australian bartenders seem to think you’re going to throw the drink back in their face if they go too hard. Campbell Apartment is an upmarket bar, that used to be the office of a super rich guy. The martini’s are a freshhh $25US each, but kids, it’s worth it.

BEST PANCAKES – CLINTON STREET BAKERY (LES)

I am occasionally intimidated by pancakes. Sometimes they are huge and thick and look like they’re going to run off with your wife. I love Bills pancakes in Sydney, but after witnessing the constant and ever growing queues outside Clinton Street Bakery, we had to know what all the fuss was about. Turns out it’s their pancakes (we had the blueberry with maple butter). Light, fluffy, sweet, and practically perfect.

BEST DINNER – MARLOW & SONS (BK)

So heaps of locals recommended this joint which is usually a great sign. But I checked out the menu on the site and it seemed to leave a lot to be desired. Anyway, we went and gave it stab and we were certainly not disappointed. Everything is fresh and local, the dishes were exciting, beautifully presented and totally delicious, including the desserts. Also Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl were eating at the table next to us. And I’m sure they know a thing or two about where bother spending money in Brooklyn.

BEST SANDWICH – SALTIE (BK)

This sandwich shop changed. my. life. The previous time I was in New York, I was so in love with their Scuttlebutt sandwich, when I got home to Sydney I sourced the recipe online and spent hours pickling and making sauces from scratch just to eat it again. Some have said this sandwich is better than sex. It’s definitely better than sex with some people.

BEST THRILLS – SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE (NJ)

Last time I went to the famous Coney Island Theme Park, but it just didn’t quench my thirst for thrills. I’ve been to Six Flags in LA and it was incredible, and Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey was no disappointment. They have some of the most full-on roller coasters in the world, including Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest and second fastest roller coaster. It’s a bloody joke. But you should go on it. You can see Philadelphia from up there.