The best of 11 states - here in NYC

With bonus factoids from our resident quizmaster, Noah Tarnow of the Big Quiz Thing (bigquizthing.com).

California | Illinois | Louisiana | Massachusetts | New Jersey
Texas | Hawaii | Colorado | Minnesota | Nebraska | Oklahoma

California

Thomas Keller runs a small empire of well-respected restaurants (including the French Laundry in Yountville, California, and Per Se [Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus Circle at Broadway, fourth floor; 212-823-9335] here in NYC) and is considered one of the greatest American chefs. But can you shell out $275 for one of his tasting menus? Unlikely. Instead, head to the New York outpost of Bouchon Bakery (Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus Circle at Broadway, third floor; 212-823-9366), serving baked goods (like flaky, buttery croissants for $2.95), strong coffee, and nibbles like sandwiches and soups ($9.75–$16.75).

Dig your toes into the sand at beachy Billyburg hang Surf Bar (139 North 6th St between Bedford Ave and Berry St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-302-4441, brooklynsurfbar.com). Surfboards line the ceilings, and there’s tiki crap everywhere, giving this casual spot the feel of an old surf shack. Try the fish burrito ($14), stuffed with sauteed cabbage, shredded cheese and tomato, a classic dish of modern SoCal cuisine.

Look no further than California Wine Merchants (15 Bridge St between Broad and Whitehall Sts; 212-785-7285, cawinemerchants.com) for a bottle of vino straight from the Golden State. “We have a selection of wine gems generally only seen on the West Coast,” says chief palate officer (and co-owner) Jennifer Frank. She recommends trying a 2008 Halter Ranch rosé from Paso Robles: “It’s easygoing and a must-drink for summer,” she says. “And you can’t find it anywhere else in New York.” Exclusivity at just $16.99 per bottle? We’ll toast to that.

Prop 8 notwithstanding, the LGBT rights movement has roots in California—particularly in San Francisco, whose Castro District was the headquarters of Harvey Milk and is currently the center of the city’s gay life. Christopher Street is the New York equivalent—the famed corridor is home to the Stonewall Inn (53 Christopher St at Seventh Ave South), the launching point for the 1969 riots; George Segal’s sculpture Gay Liberation, in Christopher Park (W 4th St between Christopher and Grove Sts); and a plethora of LGBT-friendly shops and bars.

Fun fact: Largest population, tallest trees, hottest desert, biggest economy, greatest percentage of minorities. California: the x-treme state.

NEXT Illinois

California | Illinois | Louisiana | Massachusetts | New Jersey
Texas | Hawaii | Colorado | Minnesota | Nebraska | Oklahoma

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