Sarah Bruning

Great cinema can be a feast for the eyes – and a great cinematic meal can be as fulfilling as a literal feast. Done right, watching food onscreen can be a sensorial experience akin to actually consuming it, especially when it becomes part of the narrative itself. On this list of the most delectable scenes ever put on film, we’re serving up moments that’ll make your mouth water, cause your stomach to growl and maybe even cause you to loosen your belt. (Please be mindful if you’re on public transport or at work.) Some might also make you feel a bit nauseous – the act of eating isn’t always pretty, after all. In any case, get your antacids ready and belly up for the best food-on-film moments ever. Recommended: 🔥 The 100 best movies of all-time💰 The 50 best gangster movies of all-time😍 The 70 best romantic comedies of all-time

Although so-so, deeply-discounted post-holiday chocolate from whatever Duane Reade’s closest to the subway is always a treat, some occasions call for the good stuff. Times when you aren’t just giving a confectionary gift, but rather presenting one, maybe even in a heart-shaped box, require a visit to NYC’s classic candy stores, bakeries and chocolate shops for top-notch truffles, creams and cordials. These small family spots and international behemoths are the best in the business right now. 

If your youngsters are destined to be in the limelight, host your next playdate or birthday bash at NYC's coolest karaoke places for kids. Tykes will love singing along with their favorite artists and channeling those rock star vibes.  But the options don't end with karaoke. Little entertainers can also groove and jam at the go-to dance parties for kids, test out their performance chops during acting classes for kids and find their instrument of choice at Gotham's best music lessons for kids.  NYC certainly provides a lot of options for those who are looking to express themselves. Grab the mic and sing your heart out!

When most people think of Little Italy, the first thing that comes to mind is "tourist trap," but the old-timers who live and work there would defend Mulberry Street's authenticity with their last breath. They'll tell you that behind the omnipresent green-white-and-red flags lies the true heart of the neighborhood: centuries-old recipes, high-quality imported ingredients and an intense spirit of camaraderie. When most people think of Little Italy, the first thing that comes to mind is "tourist trap," but the old-timers who live and work there would defend Mulberry Street's authenticity with their last breath. They'll tell you that behind the omnipresent green-white-and-red flags lies the true heart of the neighborhood: centuries-old recipes, high-quality imported ingredients and an intense spirit of camaraderie. Still, as you get farther away from the nabe's historic core—toward Lafayette Street on the west, Bowery on the east and Spring Street in the north—you feel the presence of a younger, modern crowd, those twenty- and thirtysomethings who've staked their claim with trendy Nolita boutiques and eateries. Still, the sense of fellowship prevails throughout and allows the area's two personas to coexist, rather than compete. Joe Mattone, president, Figli di San Gennaro, Inc. "I go to the various meetings and things at the Most Precious Blood Church, which is one of my favorite places in the neighborhood. It's been restored and looks beautiful. My impressions of it are that it

Rejected by outsiders as boring and elitist, the Upper East Side is home to more than the stereotypical Waspy families to the west of Lexington Avenue and young'uns seeking affordable-for-Manhattan rents to the east. Yes, the residents are polite and cultured, but down-to-earth and welcoming, too. Artistic minds flock to Museum Mile and the myriad galleries, while athletes hit their stride as they jog along the East River or circle the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. And though big-name businesses abound abound between 59th and 96th Streets, residents will tell you that the best neighborhood spots are still the independent nooks with genial owners, who make customers feel at home. Dylan Lauren, founder and owner, Dylan's Candy Bar "I love the black-and-white cookies at Pick a Bagel. I really like the frosting, and I've been all around town. They're always fresh. I don't really eat the cakey part, which tastes like yellow cake. But their white frosting isn't sugary, it's more of a fondant vanilla frosting. And they're always soft! Literally, I'll go [out of my way to go] there at night to get one."Pick a Bagel, 1475 Second Ave at 77th St (212-717-4662) "I grew up on the Upper East Side. I started off on 91st and now I'm in the 70s. The area on the Upper East Side, especially Carnegie Hill and the 70s between Lexington and Fifth Avenues, I think have become very much their own neighborhoods. I think everyone's got their own areas, you know. They don't go north of 59th Str