Recently, the three of us went to NYC for some Autumn in New York fun. We attended fashion shows for NYFW, lunched with Linda Rodin, visited Donald Robertson at Bergdorf’s for his book launch, sipped lemonade with The College Prepster and spent some time in Bridgehampton with TinaMarie Clark. All of which we will be sharing shortly, but we wanted to each share our favorite spots in the city. We love nothing more than a great list to reference when traveling and between the three of us, this is a trusted round-up.
Alatheia’s Picks ::
NYC is my home away from home. I’ve been going 4-6 times a year for the last 10 years almost. My work life is split between NYC and LA so I feel very at home in the city and feel very fortunate to have had so many life changing, spectacular memories made in the heart of NYC. Trying to make a list of my favorites Is so hard. I could do an entire list on just my tour of the best hot chocolates in the city. Everything depends on the burrough, on who you’re with, the time of year, but this list will get you going for sure, Hopefully, there are spots you’ve never tried but I tend to stick with the classics that do not lead astray no matter what. I’m a creature of habit, what can I say? When I’m in NYC, you can find me here:
SHOP (KIDS)
I haven’t done much shopping for myself in the last four years because I’ve been pregnant and breastfeeding back to back but I most certainly have been doing a lot of little girl shopping. These spots are my absolute favorites and I stop in every trip… they may or may not know me by name. hehehe.
Bonpoint :: 805 Madison Ave || 1269 Madison Ave || 398 W Broadway
I love love love to shop for my girls when I’m in the city. My all time favorite shop for them is Bonpoint. I hit just about every location in the city while I’m there because every store has slightly different merchandise. I love both stores on Madison. I also love the one in SoHo… it’s the newest and next to Laduree which is one of my favorite Laduree’s ever. The one is West Village is also quaint and has a neighborhood feel. I love them all.
Caramel Baby & Child :: 1244 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128
A close second to Bonpoint, I love Caramel Baby & Child. It’s very close to one of the Madison Ave. Bonpoint locations so you can hit two birds with one stone.
YOYA :: 605 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Super cool, unique kids clothes – I always find the best shoes for the girls here along with jewelry and one off pieces that are really unique. The owner is super cool/chic.
HATCH Collection :: 17 Bleecker New York, NY
This clothing line for expecting mothers and nursing mothers is hands down the very best. Period. End of story. Thank the LORD someone finally created stylish maternity clothes. I feel like I have lived in HATCH Collection for the last four years of my life straight. I owe them big time. They just opened a new flagship store on Bleecker which is great because before it was tricky not being able to try things on. Love them!!!!
MAKIE :: 109 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
Now, this brand is a hole in one every time for boys or girls. I love everything they do and have a TON of it. Japanese brand. Very clean and minimal. Stylish.
Baby Barney’s :: 660 Madison Ave. New York, NY
I always go to the children’s section at Barney’s because they have great books!! Same for Bergdorf’s… they have great children’s books. Especially for girls (in my opinion) because they have several tales about fashion and shopping in the city etc.
BEAUTY
Paintbox :: 17 Crosby St, New York, NY 10013
A newer “cool” nail salon on the scene. Very chic spot to get a modern mani/pedi. Definitely need an appointment.
TenOverTen ::112 Reade St, New York, NY 10013
Non-toxic nail care. This was the first nail salon to champion the “cute modern ” nail salon movement. They did it first. My favorite location is in TriBeCa and I wait to get my nails done until I’m in the city because I appreciate the experience that much.
Eden Day Spa :: 388 Broadway # 1, New York, NY 10013
My best friend Matthew and I like to escape to Eden Day Spa for massages as often as we can while spending time in the city. They do an amazing job and it’s really inexpensive.
Dr. Colbert :: 119 5th Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10003
Ok, so this guy is the secret sauce. We have a ton of model clients at A+B Consulting and they all swear by his triad facial. While you’re in the city, do yourself and your face a favor and book a facial with him.
EAT
(this is impossible to narrow down)
CARBONE :: 181 Thompson St. New York, New York 10012
Love the decor, the art, the waitstaff velvet blazers, the food, the oversized exaggerated menus, love the music, love it all, the food of course! It’s just so so well done.
Sant Ambroeus :: 1000 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021
I always stop here for a quick bite-they have the best little turkey sandwiches and if it’s cold outside, their hot chocolate is a MUST. I use this spot for meetings too. Great crowd, great food. I love it. Last time I was there, Naomi Campbell was next to me.
The Wayfarer:: 101 W 57th St. New York, New York
This restaurant was introduced to me by Louise Camuto, we had a little happy hour meeting there and I loved it! Such a great spot to have a meeting- they have a great room upstairs to rent out. They also have live music jazz nights which is totally up my alley.
Milo’s :: 125 W 55th , New York, New York
This is a great seafood restaurant for lunch. So many attractive men at lunch at this gem. Just saying. Lots of suits.
Santina : 820 Washington St. New York, New York 10014
I also love Santina for lunch. Same restaurant group as Carbone, the decor is great and fun and the food is really tasty. I always think of my friend Diane Hurst while I’m there!!
ABC Kitchen :: 35 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003
You must eat the caramel ice cream caramel corn dessert. It’s non negotiable. The decor is beautiful and why I love so many restaurants in NYC. Every detail Is thoughtful. The design just is perfect and not the same as it is in LA. Plus, this restaurant is nestled in my favorite home store in the city, ABC Carpet and Home.
Freds :: 660 Madison Ave, Fl 9
Ok, If I’m in NYC, I will be at Fred’s. Back home in LA, my go to meeting place is The Beverly Hills Hotel. In New York, it’s Fred’s. Mostly because they have the best profiteroles in the city. I get with vanilla ice cream rather than caramel and those fat salty French fries. I also love the pizza and a nice fizzy Sprite. Mmmm, I’m getting hungry.
GEMMA :: 660 Madison Ave, Fl 9
I’m rarely up in time for an early breakfast before meetings given the time change from LA >NYC but when I am, I love the pancakes with vanilla butter at Gemma. So, so, good. I also loooooove Le Coucou but Chris mentions how lovely it is there in her recommendations.
The Standard Grill :: 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
I also love this restaurant for breakfast!! They have a great Photo Booth downstairs by the bathrooms:)
CROWN :: 24 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028
I love this elegant restaurant for dinner. I haven’t been in a little while because I’ve been busy trying new places but this was my stomping ground for some time because I love the atmosphere. Great to dress up and go out for dinner.
Sunday Brunch – Soho House 29-35 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014
If you are a member at the NYC Soho House, the brunch can’t be beat. They have a great crowd, kid friendly and the food is always tasty and styled to a tee. Love it.
Dean + Deluca :: 560 Broadway
I love to shop here (SoHo locale) immediately upon arriving in the city to load up on bottled waters, cookies, candy, produce and their sea salt potato chips. I just love cruising the isles there and I love their private label packaging. The design of the store is fantastic and so stylish. Why can’t all grocery stores stack their cheese like that? I mean… sure would make me enjoy shopping at the market much more than I do. It’s the only market I enjoy shopping other than Bon Marche in Paris.
Momofuku Milk Bar :: 15 w 56th st, ny 10019
I like to load up on cookies here to have with me in the hotel for a sweet treat at night and I also like to bring them home to Norelle and my littles. My favorite is the one with the corn flakes inside. So stinking good. Compost and corn are my next two favorites.
Serendipity :: 225 East 60th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
I loved this movie growing up so this place is nostalgic and a city classic. It’s just fun!! Always delivers magic. Total tourist trap but doesn’t bother me.
Levain Bakery :: 167 W 74th St. New York, NY
My friend Stacey introduced me to Levain and boy am I glad. These cookies are unmistakable. They are big and fluffy almost like a muffin. It smells divine in there and there’s usually a line but it’s so worth it. If you’re on a diet, definitely skip this spot.
Laduree Soho :: 398 W Broadway, 10012
This location is beautiful!!! I love it. I love to drink their hot chocolate out of their gorgeous sterling silverware.
Magnolia Bakery :: 401 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
I love their sugar cookies, especially for the holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day… the sugar cookies are perfection with the best chunky sugary glitter on top. I get the little bags of 3-5 shapes and of course, hot chocolate.
DRINKS
The Carlyle :: 35 East 76th St., New York, NY 10021
A landmark in NYC. Great crowd, beautiful parties, so many memories made here.
Baccarrat :: 28 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Gorgeous for the holidays!
Smith + Mills :: 71 North Moore Street
Tiny hole in the wall with no sign. Very romantic night cap.
TO DO
The High Line – Meatpacking District – such a fun walk and great views of classic NYC atmosphere.
Angelika Theatre :: 18 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
I love the movies and I love seeing independent films in NYC that don’t come to the OC/LA. This theatre is great.
Sleep No More Play :: 18 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
This play is so creepy but it’s such an experience!! You wear masks and it’s interactive, you get separated from your partner but it’s FUN. Such a unique undertaking.
Top of the Roc :: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020
Best lookout in the city
Central Park tour with horse drawn carriage :: 56 W 56th St
So romantic! I love doing this… I know there’s controversy with the horses… but I just love it. Can’t help it.
The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall :: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
Must – see classic. Can’t not.
Sailing around the Statue of Liberty :: 62 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011
Such a fun date!!!
Kirby’s Picks ::
I’ll take absolutely any excuse to go to NYC! I try to go at least once a year since two of my best friends live there but this was the first time I had been in the Fall (in a long long time) and the weather was beautiful! Each time I go I always try to test out new spots and this last trip I found a few new shops and restaurants that I absolutely loved! This time I stayed with my friend Samantha in the West Village so we hung around there- which I hadn’t spent much time in before. Without further ado:
EAT
Bluestone Lane, West Village, 212.627.2763
Love this place for breakfast/coffee in West Village! I’m addicted to Kit Coffee in Newport so I was worried with the time change and no Kit, I’d be struggling a bit in the mornings in NY- But this was not the case thanks to Bluestone Lane! After I went for a coffee and breakfast the first day, I went just about every other day I was there! While they have other locations not all of them serve food, so check their website before you go!
Buvette, West Village
Apparently this cute breakfast spot is an oldie to most, but it was my first time getting to go and it was so cute! It feels just like Paris, which is not ironic as it did start there. Apparently on weekends the lines are crazy as they do not take reservations but we had no problem grabbing a table for breakfast mid-week.
Seamore’s, NoLita, 213.730.6005
NYC’s very own version of Bear Flag! If your in the NoLita area and looking for a quick and healthy lunch spot then this is the place for you! Not to mention, the fish at Seamore’s is 100% sustainable and delicious! (They also have a location in Chelsea.)
Cha Cha Matcha, NoLita, 646.895.9484
Any matcha lover needs to go here! While there are many Matcha bars in the city- this has to be my favorite. From the colorful wallpaper to printed sleeves, every detail is photo-friendly. (Warning: this is an Instagramming hotspot- so, if potentially long lines and young people with their phones out annoys you, you may want to avoid this.)
The Polo Bar, 212.207.8562
I was so excited to finally sneak a dinner in this hotspot. While reservations may be hard to come by (book in advance!) the food and fun atmosphere made it well worth the wait. It’s fun to go to the famous St. Regis King Cole Bar beforehand (or after!) for a drink. I can only imagine how magical this would be during the holidays! Guess I’ll have to come back…
Quality Eats, Greenwich Village Sister restaurant to the well-known, Quality Meats, restaurateur Michael Stillman aimed at creating a more casual and lower-cost version of the famous steakhouse. I had one of the best chicken dishes of my life! Their lemon-charred chicken has a buttery lemon flavor that makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
SHOP
The Apartment by the Line, SoHo, 912.460.7196
I’ve heard a lot about this gorgeous store so I was excited to finally sneak in! You’ll want to buy just about everything in this 3rd-floor boutique. They sell high-end fashion, home decor, beauty products & gifts. Check out their online store to get an idea.
Bandier, Flatiron, 646.360.3345
My workout gear dream spot… This boutique has all the latest and greatest activewear brands that will get you motivated to hit the gym just to show off your outfit.
Tory Sport, Flatiron, 212.777.2226
While I haven’t been a Tory Burch clothing fan in the last few years her sport line definitely brings the Tory fan back out of me. Her athleisurewear line launched in 2015 and while I’ve seen it on various online retailers, I much preferred trying everything on and looking at the products in person. I even took a tennis lesson the week I got home just so I could have an excuse to buy another skirt…
Chris’ Picks ::
STAY
11 Howard Hotel never disappoints. In addition to the relaxing library on the 2nd floor where you can have coffee in the morning or wine in the evening, you can also bring your laptop to catch up on work. The downstairs houses my favorite place for breakfast in the city, Le Coucou. The ambiance is amazing. It is also open for lunch and dinner but I prefer the breakfast there. The hotel also has a very chic bar, The Blond.
DO
I was able to visit the South Street Seaport for my first fashion show, Tibi. That area is a really fun place that I’d like to explore further next time, with cobblestone streets and great little cafes and shops. South Street Seaport is an up and coming location where some of the finest chefs in NY will be opening their restaurants, including a friend of mine who will be opening the only location of 10 Corso Como in the U.S.
If you are in NY in September, make sure and go when The Feast of San Gennaro Festival is going on. This is about a mile long festival in Little Italy, with the street closed off and booths of fresh pizza, barbque, gelato, cannoli, wine etc. are being served. The lights, decorations and music are especially fun to see at night. Talk about people watching…this is the place to go!
I did make the time to see a show this trip, War Paint. It stars Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole. It is about the rivalry between Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden, the make-up moguls from the early to mid-twentieth century. It has been nominated for four Tony awards, and I highly recommend!
EAT
I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time with Alatheia and it was amazing. If you haven’t had a chance to do this, I highly recommend it. You can get dropped off at the entrance and it is a 1.3 mile walk across. On the other side, you can discover Brooklyn, the flea market, shops and restaurants. I must admit that the reason I finally made the trek across to Dumbo was because my favorite LA restaurant, Cecconi’s just opened three months ago. It didn’t disappoint! It is right on the river and you can sit outside and people watch while having a great lunch or dinner.
Another favorite is Eataly in the Flatiron district. Eataly is a huge Italian marketplace with separate restaurants inside which each specialize in fish, pasta, pizza, meat, etc. The market carries all the Italian brands and fresh dairy, cheeses, pasta, produce, coffees, kitchen accessories, etc. I actually went three days in a row….they have an online shop to check out, but nothing compares to going in person!
Some of my other favorite places for a meal are the Waverly Inn on Bank Street in the West Village and The Polo Bar on E. 55th. The atmosphere is wonderful in both places.
SHOP
The usual Barney’s and Bergdorf Goodman visits are a must, especially if you are on a time constraint and don’t have time to troll around all the great boutiques.
One of my favorite home stores is Oliver Gustav, who designed the 11 Howard Hotel. I love the minimalist vibe, and it is in the hotel lobby, and Michele Varian, which has so many great accessories, lighting, handles, candles, jewelry, tableware and is a few doors down on Howard Street.
Around the corner on Crosby Street is BDDW which is one of the most amazing furniture and lighting stores in New York. The setting itself is worth seeing. You will get a great idea of what New York living could look like in the best curated way.
