City Guide: New York, New York
Once in a while, I’m in a New York state of mind; even if that mind can evolve from moment to moment. Whatever you want, New York can provide it. You can go there to stand out or to blend in and hide. It’s a fast-paced, dog-eat-dog concrete jungle. But it’s also leafy, meandering trails that lead to the water where you can hop on a boat and sail for an afternoon. It is a cultural mecca, loud and in your face. But it is also the quiet, underground book clubs and foodies where revolutionary ideas are born.
You can never be bored in New York; there’s always something happening somewhere. So here’s my list of things to do, places to hang, and food you must eat in the City that never sleeps.
Eat/Drink
Brooklyn
Westlight at The William Vale - this place is stunning and has some phenomenal cocktails. The line to get in can be an hour long, but so worth it. And on certain weekends the rooftop is open and it’s literally like an outdoor family room complete with bars, corn bag toss, and bean bag chairs, while overlooking the entire Manhattan skyline.
The Lounge at The Williamsburg Hotel - come here for a cocktail after browsing the various stalls at Brooklyn Flea on the weekend. The space is voluminous and cocktails are strong and tasty.
Freehold - great place for brunch that will likely lead to cocktails and then a forgotten afternoon. Get a seat on the patio and you might find yourself dancing on the tables to sick beats by their resident DJ.
Oxomoco - jaw-dropping good Mexican in a beautiful, open space.
Midtown
Drinks at Rockefeller Center - in the summer, the rink is closed and on top sits a swishy outdoor bar. Grab a glass of Prosecco and start people watching.
Hudson Yards
Momofuku Kāwi - David Chang’s latest project is Korean tapas in a beautiful space in the swishy Hudson Yards neighbourhood. Their sweet and sour ribs are to die for.
NOLITA
Dinner at Wayan - restaurant royalty (Ochi Vongerichten, the daughter-in-law of famed chef Jean Georges Vongerichten) does French Indonesian beautifully. Darkly lit, warm and lush room with inspired and delicious fare. Try their lobster noodle.
Lower East Side
Niche - decent place for mazeman, brothless ramen. Limited seating on a communal table.
East Village
Van Da - my favourite restaurant in New York right now. Most amazing Vietnamese in a small, cozy space in the East Village. Order Hué of the Dragon cocktail while you wait for your table. Banh It Ram (crispy mochi dumplings with mung beans and shallots), their pho short rib grilled cheese is to die for.
Sleep
Most of the time, I prefer to live like a New Yorker and stay in an AirBnb. When I’m not, check out these hotels:
The Plaza - I’m a big fan of Fairmont properties for their service and beautiful spaces, and The Plaza is no exception - and is a New York landmark.
The Williamsburg Hotel - Site of the Brooklyn Flea - in the heart of Brooklyn.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge - this place should win the best location in New York. Situated at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge and on the waterfront, it offers unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline right across the East River.
Do
Stroll The High Line
Go dancing at Good Room
Go for a run in Central Park (or skating at Woolman’s Rink in the winter)
Top of the Empire State Building
View of the city from the top of Rockefeller Center
Shop at L’Appartement Sézane
Vintage Hunting at Brooklyn Flea
Go sailing around the Manhattan waterfront
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Shopping in SoHo
Catch a Yankees game
Take photos of the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Park
Grab ice cream at Ample Hills Creamery
Have brunch in DUMBO and walk the waterfront near Jane’s Carousel
Take a trip to Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty
