I remember paying R1200 for a meal in London during those horror years when the pound was almost 20 times the value of the Rand. Well, New York isn't too far behind. I've just spent R824 on dinner for one at Nobu. Was it worth it? Yes, but only just. Having to book a month in advance for the table and select from one of two sittings was a little annoying but the Omakase - eight-course tasting menu was extremely delicious. The rock lobster tempura with shitake mushrooms in a creamy spicy sauce is notable as is the fabulous broiled black cob - marinated for three days served with foie gras and pickled scallions and stem ginger. They are possibly two of the best Japanese dishes I have eaten.

Earlier in the day I had a vegetarian fajita with guac and corn chips, a little later a cappu with chocolate fondant cake and later still a frozen latte. Greenwich Village is my favorite part of New York and despite spending at least five hours walking in its charming tree-lined streets today, I feel I could spend an entire month just discovering it. The walk from GV to TriBeCa, where Nobu is situated, took me around 30-minutes of fast paced trotting - trying to keep my heart rate up without breaking into too much of a sweat. I haven't weighed myself since I've been here but, judging from this picture and the fit of my trousers, I don't think I've put on too much.

Yesterday, I had the ultimate shoe-high sandwich at the Second Avenue Deli and a week ago I was treated to lunch at 21 - New York's culinary institution. In between munching Kellogg's Special K and low-fat yogurt at home, I've been sampling what the city has to offer. It really is a culinary heaven - in every street there is a large selection of  places to visit at vastly different prices - although even the cheapest meal for under $10 is still more than the average meal back home.

We as South Africans can really be proud of our cuisine - I've not yet had an experience in New York that has put us to shame.