New York City Guide
New York City, NYC, the Big Apple… No matter which moniker you use, it is hands down, one of the most fabulous cities in the world. With its innovative architecture, endless assortment of bars and restaurants, world class museums and epicenter for fashion, theater and design, this is a city that truly has something for everyone. Inspired by our recent trip and show at EDIT/Coterie we thought we would offer you a list of some of our favorite places to eat, shop and sights to see – all while enjoying some of the best people watching found anywhere.
Restaurants + Bars + Bakeries
1) Augustine
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Famed restaurateur Keith McNally’s latest restaurant has become an instant hit largely due to the sumptuous menu of French classics. The cheese soufflé and the creamed spinach is a must! The beautiful bistro like interior is unbelievably welcoming. New Yorkers have long been devotees of French restaurants, bistros and cafes. With Augustine, they have a new destination to add to their lists.
Website: http://augustineny.com
2) Ring Ding Bakery – Duane Park Patisserie
Neighborhood: Tribeca
We stumbled upon this delicious bakery while shopping in Tribeca and soon discovered that it was the naughtiest pick me up in the city. Any baby-boomer will remember this classic – on the West Coast it was known as a Ding-Dong and on the East Coast it was referred to as the Ring Ding. There is an enormous selection of flavors but after several samples our personal favorite was the rainbow flavor – it has a hint of almond flavoring that was divine. It is the perfect spot to bring your kids for a very special and unforgettable treat but we’re warning you – you’ll be dragging them out kicking and screaming.
Website: https://duaneparkpatisserie.com/store/products/ring-ding
3) The Hideaway
Neighborhood: Tribeca
They had us at gastropub! The Hideaway is, well, hidden away amongst the busy streets of Tribeca. The rock and roll themed decor lends itself to the elevated bar food. We especially love the decadent white truffle and asiago fries and breadless lump crab cakes!
Website: http://thehideawaynyc.com
4) Shake Shack
Neighborhood: Scattered all over NYC!
Sometimes, you just need a good burger. Shake Shack has brought fast food to a new level with their delicious burgers and fries. When they opened their original location lines were so long they installed a cam on their website so you could check the length before heading out. This is a classic burger done right and the shakes are pretty great too!
Website: https://www.shakeshack.com
5) The Vine
Neighborhood: Times Square
In recent years, Times Square has gotten a much needed image overhaul. However, it is not exactly known as a food mecca. Perhaps with the addition of The Vine this vibrant neighborhood may just be turning a proverbial corner. Think bistro fare with a European touch and killer cocktail menu!
Website: http://www.thevine.nyc
6) The Waverly Inn and Garden
Neighborhood: West Village
When it reopened in 2005, the only way to get a table at the Waverly Inn was by calling a number only made available to the fabulous, powerful and well connected. This storied Greenwich Village classic continues to delight diners to this day.
Website: http://www.waverlynyc.com
7) Juice Generation
Neighborhood: Scattered all over NYC!
Certain food trends come and go, but thankfully, juice seems to be here to stay. With its menu of fresh juices, smoothies and acai bowls, Juice Generation has just the right choice to satisfy your cravings. Lucky for us they have locations scattered throughout the city.
Website: https://www.juicegeneration.com
Shopping
1) Barneys New York
Neighborhood: Uptown & Downtown
Barneys may have begun by selling men’s suits at discounted prices, but oh how things have changed. Whether you shop at the Madison Avenue Flagship or the original newly restored and reopened Chelsea location, you will not be disappointed. The sleek modern decor pairs perfectly with the fabulous array of designer clothing and accessories. When fashion fatigue sets in, pop into Fred’s for a bite or a cocktail at the bar. And yes, the salads are worth every penny!
Website: https://www.barneys.com
2) Bergdorf Goodman
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Bergdorf Goodman is the epitome of grandeur and class. With a rich history, profiled in the film Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s. This is a department store that caters to the luxury clientele. They offer a range of international fashion designs for men, women and home, two dining options and the world famous John Barrett Salon. If you are in NYC over the holidays, be sure to check out their windows. They are a sight to behold!
Website: http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com
3) Nili Lotan
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Nilli Lotan is all about chic, everyday luxury, offering the most covetable and timeless pieces out there. With her rich color palettes and ability to elevate basic pieces to classic wardrobe staples a visit to this store is an absolute must!
Website: https://www.nililotan.com
4) Belgium Shoes
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Belgian Loafer is an international institution located in the heart of NYC. The factory is based in Belgium and solely dedicated to the art of producing one of the most comfortable shoes on the planet for men & women. With one tiny store front just off Park Avenue on East 55th Street you will find an unlimited selection of colors, materials and patterns of this handcrafted shoe. Our personal favorite for Fall is the pony-skinned camouflage that we couldn’t leave Manhattan without.
Website: http://www.belgianshoes.com
Sightseeing
1) The Highline
Neighborhood: Chelsea
The Highline was formally opened in June of 2009, after transforming an abandoned railroad track into a public space. Now it has become one of the most popular outdoor spaces in the city, thanks to the beautifully kept gardens, art installations and food vendors. Walking the highline is an experience not to be missed.
Website: http://www.thehighline.org
2) Whitney Museum of American Art
Neighborhood: Meatpacking District
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney established her namesake museum as a place to showcase American artists who at that time had a difficult time getting recognized for their efforts. Moving from the Upper East Side to Gansevoort Street, just beside the entrance to the Highline, in 2015 reestablished the Whitney as one of the leading art museums in the world. We recommend you start at the top floor and make your way down. Be sure to check out the views from the outdoor areas!
Website: https://whitney.org
3) Chelsea Art Galleries
Neighborhood: Chelsea
If you feel like seeing art, but don’t want to go to a museum, consider gallery hopping in Chelsea. Grab brunch at Cook Shop or Chelsea Market and make your way to the numerous galleries that occupy several streets west of tenth avenue between 20th and 26th streets. There you will find everything from large spaces featuring some of the biggest names in the international art world, to multi-floored buildings housing smaller galleries on each floor. It’s a great way to squeeze in a lot of culture and best of all, they are are all free!
Website: http://chelseagallerymap.com