The Unofficial Girls Guide to New York ― Inside the Cafes, Clubs, and Neighborhoods of HBO's Girls

HBO’s Girls, created by and co-written by its star Lena Dunham, is the most talked about new show of the last few years. Its original voice, refreshingly frank treatment of friendship and sex, and snapshot of its particular subculture in present-day New York, have made it don’t-miss television for millions across demographic lines.

Now, hang out in Hannah, Marnie, Jessa, and Shoshanna’s favorite spots with The Unofficial Girls Guide to New York. Judy Gelman and Peter Zheutlin, authors of The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook, provide an insightful guided tour of Girls’ physical and cultural landscape, from Brooklyn bars and Bushwick warehouse parties to the Foundry (where Jessa tied the knot) and Coney Island Beach (where Hannah had leftover wedding cake the morning after).

Visit Cafe Grumpy and learn how to make a French press coffee the way Ray and Hannah would. Go behind the scenes at Greenhouse, where Hannah and Elijah go to see AndrewAndrew. Get authentic cupcake recipes from prominent NYC bakeries (eating them in the bathtub with friends is optional), choose your own add-ons for an Oberlin burrito, and discover what makes Peanut Butter & Co.’s Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Hannah and Adam’s favorite.

It’s the best way to visit Girls’ New York (and beyond) without paying for a plane ticket—or a perfect complement to a sightseeing trip.

Judy Gelman is co-author of The Book Club Cookbook: Recipes and Food for Thought from Your Book Club's Favorite Books and Authors (Penguin, 2004), the first cookbook designed for book discussion groups. The second edition of The Book Club Cookbook will be published in 2012.

She is also co-author The Kids' Book Club Book: Reading Ideas, Activities, and Smart Tips for Organizing Terrific Kids' Book Clubs (Penguin, 2007) and Table of Contents: From Breakfast with Anita Diamant to Dessert with James Patterson - a Generous Helping of Recipes, Writings and Insights from Today's Bestselling Authors (Adams, 2010). She is co-creator of bookclubcookbook.com and kidsbookclubbook.com. She speaks about cooking, food and reading to book and food enthusiasts across the country.

Peter Zheutlin is the author of Around the World on Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry’s Extraordinary Ride (Citadel Press, 2007) and the co-author, with Thomas B. Graboys, M.D., of Life in the Balance: A Physician’s Memoir of Life, Love and Loss with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia (Union Square Press, 2008). He is also the co-author, with Robert P. Smith, of Riches Among the Ruins: Adventures in the Dark Corners of the Global Economy (Amacom, 2009). Mr. Zheutlin has also written for The Boston Globe, The Christian Science Monitor, The Los Angeles Times, The New England Quarterly and numerous other publications in the U.S. and abroad.