Food for Thought: A Foodie's Guide to the Big Apple
When you think of New York City, what comes to mind? Is it the bustling crowds in Time Square? Or the bright lights of Broadway? Or maybe it’s the world-famous Madison Square Garden. For wish kid Roux, it’s the smorgasbord of food that wafts through their imagination.
From an early age, food has been an important part of Roux’s family. “They’ve been fine dining since they were a baby,” shared Roux’s mom Corinna.
Whether it’s being part of a family who shows love through food, exploring countless restaurants or creating their own culinary masterpieces — Roux is a foodie at heart. The name "Roux" itself is a tribute to their love for food — Roux: the essential base for countless sauces used in culinary dishes.
With Roux’s palette for food being so sophisticated, a trip to New York City was the perfect wish.
Living with a life-threatening respiratory disorder, most of Roux’s life has been in a bubble of protection. For Roux’s mom, New York City was a huge step for them. They were emerging from their bubble. "It was something that Roux could experience and absorb — all the attractions and food,” shared Corinna. “We try to make sure that Roux lives a life full of experience.”
It was something that Roux could experience and absorb — [...] We try to make sure that Roux lives a life full of experience.
Corinna
wish mom
Their taste buds traveled from a cozy ramen noodle house in Chinatown to the charming eateries of Little Italy, savoring every bite of authentic New York-style bagels along the way. Some standout spots on their culinary map included Beetle House, a unique restaurant inspired by the infamous Tim Burton, the quaint and cozy Penelope's Cafe, and the legendary Hard Rock Cafe. When asked for culinary recommendations if traveling to the Big Apple, Roux said, "Try all the different backgrounds and all the little areas they have to offer.”
Yet, out of all the delectable dishes they encountered, the most cherished were those they crafted together as a family. While in New York, Roux’s family rolled up their sleeves for two immersive cooking classes: one Italian and the other Mediterranean. Their favorite creation was Pesto Alla Genovese, a pesto pasta dish that offered a truly hands-on culinary experience.
In addition to their culinary expedition, Roux and their family hailed cabs, took a carriage ride around Central Park, saw a Broadway Show and even witnessed the 2024 eclipse from Time Square. A highlight of their trip was getting a VIP experience at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum where they got a behind-the-scenes tour and learned the secrets of celebrity wax creations.
New York City is so much more than just a "foodie's paradise" for Roux. It's where they deepened family bonds, stepped out of their comfort zone, and embraced new adventures. Every memory made here will last a lifetime for Roux and their family.
Roux’s wish wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community. If you want to help other wishes cook up wishes like Roux, please donate or volunteer.
Special thanks to Make-A-Wish Metro New York, Alaska Airlines, SeaTac Park, Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York, Madame Tussauds, Minskoff Theatre, Shelburne by Sonesta, Empire State Building Observatory, 9.11 Memorial & Museum, and volunteers Kim Sambrook, and Lindsey Goss.