She may not be a native New Yorker, but Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker has quite literally always been associated with the Big Apple. Funnily enough, though, neither of her parents had been to any of New York’s five boroughs when they named her 22 years ago. “My mom’s best friend had a horse named Brooke,” she explains. “As a joke, my dad suggested Brooklyn and she fell in love with it.” The North Carolina native admits her move to the city at 19 “was very intimidating” at first. “Living [here] has made me grow up a lot,” says the star of Elle’s new “Make Better” fitness DVD series, out now. Today, Decker and her husband, tennis sensation Andy Roddick, appropriately call Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood home. “It’s this funky place with converted factories, cobble stone streets and a mellow vibe, which suits us very well,” she says. This is her New York.
1. Tanuki Tavern, 18 Ninth Ave., at 13th Street
“It opened only a few months ago, and I’ve already been there four times. I always take a different girlfriend here. It’s kind of Asian fare, but they also have these corn fritters that are just delicious.”
2. 17 Irving Place, near 15th Street
“It’s this little coffee shop with the great homemade espresso and people-watching. It’s where I go in between meetings or if I have a half-hour to kill before a modeling job.”
3. Lucky Strikes, 624-660 42nd St., at 12th Avenue
“I love going bowling with a group of friends. It’s nice and competitive, and the perfect way to let off steam and have fun.”
4. W Hotel Union Square, 201 Park Ave. South, between 17th and 18th streets
“Andy and I both love breakfast, and this is one of our favorite spots. They have the best thick, chewy homemade bread. It’s unbelievable. They do open-faced omelets, too. The presentation is really great. It’s like a little frittata. I love an egg white omelet loaded with veggies.”
5. Campagnola, 1382 First Ave., at 74th Street
“This is our home away from home. It’s where Andy and I had our first date. The food is unbelievable, and whenever we walk in there they give us a big hug and kiss, and the best tomato and mozzarella I’ve ever had is waiting on the table. It’s just a nice Italian family. Probably my favorite restaurant in all of New York City.”
6. Dylan’s Candy Bar, 1011 Third Ave., at 60th Street
“It’s heaven on earth. It’s colorful and there’s candy music playing. My palate is like a 12-year-old’s. I am all about Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish.”
7. Intermix, 125 Fifth Ave., at 19th Street
“It’s right by my gym [Equinox], so if I have time before a spin class I’ll pop in. They have a really nice price range. It’s an eclectic mix.”
8. Rice, 81 Washington St.,between Front and York streets, Brooklyn
“My favorite restaurant, and it’s literally across the street from our place. They have a great mix of Indian, Mexican and Thai. I love eclectic flavors like that. I always take my out-of-town friends here when they come to visit.”