City Diaries: New York
NY is definitely back in full swing especially now that the weather is cooler and everyone is back to socializing. Here are some of my favorite go-to’s not to be missed whether you are a local or just visiting.
Favorite Restaurants
Casual
My favorite casual restaurant is Au Cheval. I mostly go for their burgers, though they do have a very robust menu. What I love is that you can customize your burger, so on weeks when I feel like I need it, I top it with their thick cut bacon or fried egg. I have yet to do both! Pro-Tip: Pair your burger with their martini with blue cheese olives—Absolute. Perfection.
My other got to local casual spot is Estuary. This is mostly a neighborhood spot for me and will probably be a hike for most people reading this. If you have seen my oyster posts on the gram, they are usually from here. Their oysters are uber fresh and their selection changes daily. Another great thing is that they are one of the partners of The Billion Oyster Project, whose mission is to restore one billion oysters to the New York Harbor by 2035. I love supporting businesses trying to save the planet! My must haves depending on the mood, are their oysters (obviously), the burger and crack fries (my name, not theirs) and the truffled shrimp mashed potatoes—it’s the guilty pleasure you didn’t know you needed. Pro-tip: Opt for cocktails here instead of wine and get Spencer as your server if you can!
Tasting Menu
Per Se is one of my favorite tasting menus of all time and my favorite restaurant from Thomas Keller. I will have to say that it is honestly one of the best dining experiences I have had in my life—everything was perfect, from the service, food presentation and the pairings. I always opt for the chef’s menu that has meat, but there is a veggie friendly menu for those of you who are into that. Pro-Tip: Go in the winter months if you can so you can sit by the fireplace. Also, I prefer doing tastings in the winter as I eat lighter in the summer and winter sweaters are more forgiving :)
For a more sensible tasting menu, I really like One White Street. Everything they serve is organically grown and sourced from Rigor Hill Farm in Columbia County, NY. They offer a 6 course tasting menu for $168, where you can choose your own adventure by selecting the dish that calls to you for some of the courses. Pro-Tip: Do the additional wine pairing. It really completes the experience.
Best View
In NYC, I feel that rooftop restaurants in high rises have become a thing in the past couple of years. I will have to say that although there is a bunch to choose from, Manhatta is one of my favorites. Not only do you get a 360 degree view of the city and the harbor, the food and cocktails are just on point. Pro-Tip: If you are a martini fan like I am, make sure to get one here. They serve it the proper way, with a sidecar.
My other favorite view with a delectable menu to match is Peak located in Hudson Yards. The elevator experience alone is incredible as you feel like you are being transported into space, or technically the highest point of the Edge, the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. Some of my menu faves are the foie gras, squid ink chitarra, duo of pork and the lobster. Also love the Japanese bread course they serve you with your cocktails—I honestly tried to see if I could buy some to take home with me! Pro-Tip: Make your reservation around 6pm so you can see the skyline in different sky hues, since the sun sets around 7 in the fall. Reservations to Peak grant you access to The Edge, so you can take a look during your meal or after. The service there is definitely tops as our waiter escorted us directly to the Edge, which was a nice touch.
Best Newcomer
So, I have been DYING to try out Corner Bar since I got back from Paris and I finally did last week. Though I’m sure everything is amazing, I highly recommend the 3 course rib eye steak dinner. They are not meant to be a steakhouse, but they definitely serve the best steak I have had in NY. My other must have is the scallop appetizer—you get one scallop served in it’s shell and words cannot describe how wonderful it is—it’s an explosion of taste profiles, in a good way!
Pro-Tip: Start off with a cocktail, and then have their sommelier pick a bottle of wine that best goes with your dining experience. We originally were looking for a French, but she picked out this wonderful Italian wine, so glad we trusted her—it really made the meal more pleasurable.
Best Ambiance
Veronika wins this spot hands down—I mean, if you haven’t been yet, you are missing out on one of the best architectural designs NYC has. Not only is the space elegant, so is everything else that goes with it. I think I have received the best service at this restaurant, plus the crowd, the vibe and the menu bring the perfect synergy to make the entire experience perfect. Make sure to check out Bar Veronika before or after for an apero or nightcap. I highly recommend eating the mini croissants that they serve you with the radish tray even if you are not a carb eater. It is definitely worth it. It is the best bread basket you will have EVER. I loved it so much I ordered more the last time I went. Pro-Tip: If you want to do the martini platter (which you should!), switch out the vodka. I prefer Belvedere to the Chopin Reserve it is served with.
Best Woman Chef
I have been trying to go to more women led restaurants lately and Hilary Sterling of Ci Siamo has far exceeded my expectations. If you love pasta, this is definitely the place for you. All her dishes are inspired and every bite of the food is an explosion in your mouth. I also love that she walks around the restaurant so if you are one of those who likes meeting the chef you can here! Pro-Tip: Get the cavatelli allo scoglio. My friend got it last time I was there and though my dish was good, I was coveting her plate the entire meal!
Best Tapas
Casa Mono has really stood the test of time. I have been going here for years. Everything on their menu is fantastic. My personal faves are the razor clams, oxtail stuffed piquillo peppers and the pork belly. Oh, and their wine list is the equivalent of a sommelier’s chef’s kiss. Pro-Tip: If you are in the mood for something more casual and snacky, go next door to their wine bar, Bar Jamon.
Best Something for Everyone
Tin Building wins this spot as it is a conglomerate of restaurants. It’s basically Jean George’s version of Eataly with different types of cuisine all under one roof. If you are feeling like a taste of the east, House of the Red Pearl is for you, a little shopping sustenance, the wine bar is your best bet, some oysters, The Fulton FIsh Co is your place, and if you like having breakfast all day, Double Yolk will serve you up the best and fluffiest egg sandwich outside of going to a farm, plus they start caviar service at 5pm! The list is honestly endless and I still have not tried them all, but sure will be! Oh, and the best part, is that The Tin Building is dog friendly so you can bring your bff :) Pro-Tip: The prepared food at the market is actually some of the dishes they make at the restaurants, so if you don’t feel like dining out, you can bring it home at a fraction of the price, sans the presentation.
Favorite Cafes
Dominique Ansel is an NYC institution as far as I’m (and everyone) is concerned. Everything here is insanely delicious and he is the king of innovative collaborations. I got to attend his famous pie night this year and I think I am a fan for life—if you are in the NYC area when this happens next year, you must definitely check it out. As the bartender at Blue Ribbon says, “We bow to all things Dominique Ansel”. Pro-Tip: Follow his IG to be the first to know about all his events and collabs.
L’Appartment 4F is my home away from Paris when I’m in NY (or Brooklyn to be precise). I did a bunch of pre-orders with them before they opened and see why it is has become the new french bakery darling. I still go there on occasion when I’m not watching my weight because everything is honestly delicious and addictive (you ask my scale). I personally think their croissants are better than the ones I have had in Paris as of late and the only place in NY that may rival their deliciousness is the croissant bread basket at Veronika as cited above. Pro-Tip: I’m not one to wait on lines. It seems Mondays are slower for them if you want a little bite of heaven with no wait and more of selection.
Where to Stay
This one is tricky as NY has changed over the years, mostly during the pandemic. I am a little biased as I tend to gravitate towards safe neighborhoods. If you are visiting NY, I would probably stay close to where you will be most of your visit. My favorite neighborhoods for living are: Brooklyn Heights, Tribeca, West Village and Columbus Circle/Lincoln Center.
If you are looking for an apartment while in NY, recommend looking on Plum Guide vs Airbnb as their assortments are more curated and know they have been cracking down on air bnb as of late.
As for hotels, here are my picks. Casa Cipriani is one of my favorite hotels in NYC because it is private. It may be a little removed since it is by the seaport area, but I like being removed. The whole area is also being revitalized in the next couple of years, with Jean Georges Tin Building recently opening and Les Printemps coming in 2024.—it’s a francophiles dream come true! The best part about this area is that you are either an uber or ferry ride away from anywhere you would like to go in Manhattan or the surrounding boroughs.
The Greenwich Hotel is another one of my downtown favorites. Their rooms are cozy, their spa is extravagant and their location in the West Village cannot be beat.
And last but not lease, I’ve never met a Rosewood Hotel I didn’t fall in love with. If you are more of an uptown girl or guy, The Carlyle is the hotel for you. It’s location overlooking the Park is magnificent and evenings at Bemelmans are just a dream.
Must See Tourist Spot
If I had to pick my absolute favorite tourist spot in the city, it would have to be Central Park. It’s a great place whether you are a local or a tourist visiting NY. Now with NY fully open again, all the restaurants in the park are back and better than ever. There is so much to do there, whether it be picnic, bike ride, kayak around the lake or just wander. I honestly just love wandering around there since there are just so many special things to witness and it’s not the same everyday.
If you are not a nature person and are all about the gram, you will probably love Summit One Vanderbilt. It is not only one of the top places to get one of the best views of NYC, but also a completely immersive (and grammable) experience. I truly recommend purchasing the Summit Ascent Experience if you are not afraid of heights. This allows you on a special glass elevator outside the building to get even higher views of the Manhattan skyline—definitely not for the meek :)
Must See Off the Beaten Path
Image Source: Paris Pass
My favorite off the beaten path is Governor’s Island. There is so much to explore on the tiny island, including a spa! Whether you love nature or just fine dining, they definitely have you covered. You can even volunteer with the Billion Oyster Project, as Governor’s Island is their home base. Governor’s Island is open year round and has all sort of events going on including the Longines Global Championship Tour, which I attended last month. You can check out their calendar events or sign up for their newsletter here.
Favorite Neighborhood to explore
I would have to say the West Village is my favorite place to explore in Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights is my favorite place to explore in Brooklyn. Both neighborhoods have a parisian charm to them.
Favorite Place for Drinks
I think the cocktail culture in NY is one of the reasons I love NY so much—it is one of the things missing in Paris, but then again, you can’t get the wine here that you can get in France. Though there is no shortage of cocktails in NY, the list below is primarily in my haute cocktail category.
Bemelmans is by far my favorite bar in NY because it is what a bar should be and reminds me of the old New York. Perfect sidecars, piano music and delectable bites are only some of the things I enjoy. I believe they also do have a dress code (as they should), but if they don’t, I’m pretending they do and so should you.
The Nines is my favorite Golden Age cocktail lounge when I am in the downtown area. They have a live pianist every evening and have an old world vibe which transports you to another era. Definitely dress to impress here if you want bonus points. My favorite snack here is the baked potato topped with caviar, that Paris made famous.
Bar Veronika is my other favorite bar in NY is located right next to Veronika’s main dining room. The space is intimate, yet lively and offers quite an array of bespoke drinks and small bites, some of which, are not available at the restaurant. Oh, and make sure to check out their espresso martini menu—who knew you could make this perfect drink in so many ways!
And for more great architecture, the Lobby Lounge at the newly opened Nine Orchard Hotel is not to be missed. I obviously have a thing for ambiance and proper cocktails. You can either enjoy a drink here before or after dinner. I personally prefer after dinner as the crowd is a little more my scene. I will say that they are an “It” place right now, so it does help to know somebody or look the part.
For a more casual vibe than above, I love Dante’s . This has to be one of my favorite bar/restaurants to enjoy all year round. They serve a martini the proper way and all the cocktails I have had there are fabulous. Dante’s tends to do collaborations with international bartenders and restaurants so definitely worth following their instagram.
Favorite Local Getaway
My two favorite local getaways are the North Fork and Hudson Valley. If you live in NY, you most certainly have the time to do both. If you are visiting, depends on what you are looking for. I love the North Fork for their shopping, wineries and emerging food scene—you can read about my love affair here. Hudson Valley is great for wineries as well and they are also home to Storm King Art Center, and other great fall activities like apple and pumpkin picking. And you know how I love hot cider on a crisp fall day.
Favorite Shopping Area
Hands down, Soho.
Favorite Spa
Image Source: Luxury Link
Shibui Spa at the Greenwich Hotel will have yourself asking if you are even in NY anymore.
Absolute favorite thing to do in New York
Checking out new places. I feel like there is always something new opening, or some event happening here. NY really is a melting pot, so whatever you are looking for I’m sure you can find with a simple google search.
If you had one last day in New York, how would you spend it?
I would start the day off with a run with Cupcakes through Central Park with brunch at Tavern on the Green. After that, would probably hit up some of my favorite hangouts (cocktail bars and restos) with a bunch of friends. Would end the night with either dancing at an 80s club (if that even exists anymore?!?!) or singing karaoke at sing sing lounge on Avenue A.