Sophie M - $1,100/month

Hi! I am looking to move to New York for a year, maybe more. I am a chef, and plan on working in a restaurant when I move. If you have any restaurant suggestions I would love to hear them! I want to hold off on finding a place to work until I know what area I will be living in. Right now I am looking at Harlem and Washington Heights, but I am really open to anywhere, as long as there is plenty of transit around.
I am moving alone, and don't know anyone in the city besides my aunt, so I would love to be friends with my roommate!
I have a cat named Graystripe, he is litter trained and not mean. He is vocal in the morning, until he gets his wet food.