Let's hear it for New York. The city that inspires and energizes....
We're feeling a little bereft after a whirlwind two nights in New York City last week. New York is always a dose of friends, memories, inspiration, energy and excitement. We were thrilled it worked out to get what little time we did have amidst meetings before we headed to Mystic, CT for a wedding over the weekend (the scoop on Mystic tomorrow!). A wee heartbroken to leave-- we love NY. We explored some new spots during our quick trip -- restaurants, bars and shops-- as well as visited some old favorites. Here's our round up:
STAY
We are spoiled and always stay with our Mom's apartment in Soho, but we keep reading fabulous write ups on the Inn at Irving Place.
We love the location and the idea of a hotel room that doesn't feel generic....
The Standard NY opened less than two years ago and is an architectural showstopper in a plum location-- above the High Line, in the Meatpacking District a few blocks from the West Village with staggering views of the Hudson River and beyond. A slick spot indeed.
EAT
Breakfast
We rarely go anywhere else for proper breakfast. We've been coming to Soho's the Cupping Room since we were tiny little girls and still love starting our day here. The bright atrium in the back is an idyllic spot for eggs and we always order a sour cream muffin with raspberries on top toasted....
Lunch and Dinner
Although Mary used to live around the corner from the famed Little Owl, she'd never been. Lucy recommended it and we went for a delicious dinner there with our Dad this trip. It seems impossible to make a reservation unless you plan weeks out but they hold a few tables in the tiny, charming space for walk ins and are gracious about taking your cell phone number and calling when your table is ready. The food was quite remarkable- particularly the grilled calamari, halibut, skate (which we normally hate b/c people cook it so it's chewy but it was heavenly here!), and the beignets for dessert. The wine we ordered a Vouvray we actually sort of hated but that was our only complaint.... This is a lovely spot for a date or dinner with a small intimate group.
The Dutch is the new hot spot downtown. Located in the space that used to be the Cub Room on Sullivan and Prince in Soho, it's virtually impossible to get a table here unless you're patient. Unfortunately we were too worn out and hungry to wait it out, but will give it another shot on our next trip. We've heard the food is great and we can vouch for the fact that the crowd is attractive and the space looks hip and cozy.
Sooo when we decided not to wait out the Dutch, we went around the corner to Hundred Acres. Located in the former Provence space, the food is no longer French but sort of Americana with a southern influence... you'll find shrimp and grits and fried soft shell crab served with hush puppies on the menu.
Joseph Leonard is one of the cutest restaurants in all of New York in one of the choicest locations-- we used to love coming here when it was Les Deux Gamins and are delighted by the latest incarnation. While we only had a chance to have a glass of wine (a white rioja that was delicious) and an appetizer which was scrumptious, this will be one of our go to haunts now. Love it!!
SHOP
This is such a refreshing store -- but go quick-- it's a pop up shop only for May and June! We love the nautical, French feeling striped shirts and dresses, espadrilles, scarves, jewelry. It all is chic yet effortless and comfortable.
Our friend Fiona Thomas is the "Thomas" in Thomas Sires and we finally got to check out this fabulous shop. Fiona and her partner, Allison Sires, have created a colorful and fun line of clothing while also offering jewelry and gifts from around the world. They are getting all sorts of accolades and they deserve them all!! For those of you who can't visit, they are working on launching their shopping site-- stay tuned.
We love this boutique in Nolita although our credit cards do not as we always find whole new wardrobes! Full of well edited, well priced clothes that are fun and sophisticated, we love shopping here. We also appreciate that the women who own the shop give you honest commentary and steer you away from buying something if it's unflattering.... They have a super limited online shop that they are working on ramping up!
