### Camari Mick's Favorite "Treat Yourself" Spots

Where do chefs go and, more importantly, where do they love to eat? In **Resy Regulars**, we ask Resy chefs to tell us where they’re regulars.

In this edition, we’re chatting with Camari Mick, the pastry chef at downtown hot spots Raf’s and The Musket Room. She’s a three-time [James Beard nominee](https://blog.resy.com/2024/01/james-beard-awards-nyc-2024/) for best pastry chef or baker, was named one of 2023’s [Forbes 30 Under 30](https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2023/11/28/30-under-30-food--drink-2024-meet-the-entrepreneurs-changing-the-future-of-food/?sh=c0a5a9c22945) in the food and drink category, and also, as this list reveals, always up for a good time. Needless to say, Mick’s time is in high demand at both restaurants, but when she does find a moment to herself, she’s got solo dining down to a science.

> "I think when you’re being a [solo diner](https://blog.resy.com/2023/05/nyc-books-solo-dining/), it’s important to just make connections," she says. "You may not be in the industry, but you never know who you’re going to be talking to. Taking yourself out on a date is a very important thing to do once a month — even if you have a partner or you have friends. You have to find out what you like, without anybody else’s opinion."

Here are a few of Mick’s favorite “treat yourself” spots for a solo day or night out, in her own words.

### 1. Aunts et Uncles  
- **Location:** Flatbush  
- **Cuisine:** Plant-based  
- **Price Level:** $

> "If I were going on a spa day with myself, this would be the before or after treat. If I’m just treating myself, I’ll sit on one of their comfy couches, and eat some of their **ackee**. It’s also vegan, and really, really good. They’re great at night, too, especially for **after-dinner drinks**, because they do a lot of pop-ups. It’s in Little Caribbean, so just being able to support a [Black-owned business in Brooklyn](https://blog.resy.com/2023/02/black-owned-brooklyn/) is great. It brings out the families, and it’s really a vibey spot."

### 2. Shuko  
- **Location:** Greenwich Village  
- **Cuisine:** Japanese  
- **Price Level:** $$$$

> "I haven’t done this in a while, but I love taking myself out to a lovely sushi date. Definitely for **sushi**, if I’m going to pay the price, I’ll go to Shuko. They only have dinner service. It just seems more special to be there at a 5 p.m. seating by yourself, when you’re able to connect with the sushi chef."

### 3. Sixty Three Clinton  
- **Location:** Lower East Side  
- **Cuisine:** New American  
- **Price Level:** $$$$

> "This isn’t as high a ticket price, but I really love the atmosphere and the people. They’re so creative, and they’re so sweet. I took my cook with me from Texas one week, and we had a very homey vibe. They decked it out for me, and the owners were so supportive."

### 4. Peasant  
- **Location:** Nolita  
- **Cuisine:** Italian  
- **Price Level:** $$$

> "I had a similar experience at Peasant. The whole environment there is so warm and romantic. They have a wood-fire oven, and they’re becoming a New York staple."

### 5. Joomak Banjum  
- **Location:** Nomad  
- **Cuisine:** Korean  
- **Price Level:** $$$

> "They have this elegant dining room. I suggest going here for their **Sunday suppers with almost bottomless steak**. It’s got a Michelin star, and it’s definitely in a higher price range but it’s totally worth it."

### 6. The Bar Room at The Modern  
- **Location:** Midtown  
- **Cuisine:** American  
- **Price Level:** $$$$

> "I love The Modern as a very low-key celebratory spot. Especially the happy hour, with a bottle of **Champagne**; it’s a great experience for celebrating yourself."

_Camari Mick's preferences provide a wonderful guide for diners looking to enjoy some quality time alone at New York's finest venues._