I recently had the pleasure of doing a photoshoot for Eljay Aguilo, a New York City street photographer and creator of the Why I Love New York City project (blog, book, Instagram, and social phenomenon). Eljay, also known as @Misterhattan, is one of the most passionate and talented photographers of his generation, and has over 70,000 followers, fans, and friends of his work on various forms of social media for @WhyILoveNewYorkCity.
Not only was I thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in Eljay's wonderful project, but it also gave me a moment to consider all the things I love about New York City. Although I am a Southern California native, New York is my adult home, and I've grown incredibly fond of it over time.
My interview with Why I Love New York City is here:
#365 Dr. Lara Devgan
(@NYPlasticSurgeon on Instagram) I moved to the City to become a surgeon. I spent six years working 100 hour weeks in sterile operating rooms and crowded surgery clinics at Columbia and Cornell. I lived in fluorescent-lit hospital hallways and barely saw the light of day. While most of the city slept, I purchased meals from vending machines.
Years have since passed, and I love New York more than ever. Here is where I met my wonderful husband, had my three (soon, four) sons, and built a busy Upper East Side plastic surgery practice.
One of my favorite places in the city is Café Boulud. It’s delicious and equally perfect for a milestone celebration or an impromptu night out. But no matter how times I sample their scrumptious truffle pasta or perfectly prepared cappuccino, a little part of me will never forget the 2am vending machine granola bars that fueled my journey. (For more information about Dr. Lara Devgan, CLICK HERE)
Image credit Eljay Aguilo, aka Misterhattan, for Why I Love New York City
Image credit Eljay Aguilo, aka Misterhattan, for Why I Love New York City
Image credit Eljay Aguilo, aka Misterhattan, for Why I Love New York City
Image credit Eljay Aguilo, aka Misterhattan, for Why I Love New York City
10 Places I Love in New York City
1. Gramercy Park, where I met my husband
2. New York Presbyterian Hospital, where my three sons were born
3. Cafe Boulud, where I love to have a celebratory dinner or a casual night out
4. The Guggenheim Museum, where I am on the Acquisitions Committee of the Young Collectors Council and help choose which works of art the museum will purchase
5. Central Park, where my husband and I got engaged, and where we take our sons to play on weekends
6. Carnegie Hall, where I enjoy listening to classical music
7. Sant Ambroeus, where I have lunch almost once a week
8. My state of the art office, where I see patients, operate, and am lucky enough to do what I love every day
9. The Frick Collection, where I steal away on Wednesday evenings whenever I can to sketch the gorgeous artwork and architecture
10. Park Avenue, my favorite street for a weekend stroll with my family
