Manhattan: the Short Guide for the Big Apple
New York is the city that our inner self feels to know and kind of belong, it’s been spread out in tons of movies, tv series and books, that everyone thinks to know exactly where to go and what to see. It’s charming and thrilling in every season: spring is for strolling around and take some self time in Central Park, while reading a book; summer gives the opportunity to quietly discover the city, while the hectic daily business pace has slowed down a bit; autumn (my favorite moment of the year) is poetic, colors are changing and air is chilling; winter is for staying in, the city outside turns white and everyone waits for Christmas.
Every area is peculiar and there’s an entire world outside Manhattan, that I admit, I’ve not explored enough yet to share a proper guide, so I will limit my to do list to the dreaming island on Hudson:
STAY: my absolute guilty pleasure in NY is The Standard High Line in Meatpacking District. A kind of Brutalist building, made of 2 joined tower and facing the river. Rooms are cozy and super well equipped, but what will steal your heart is the ceiling to floor window. The Standard Grill at Ground Floor is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, but Le Bain at the last floor will give you a breathtaking view on the city. Little advice: planning your visit, keep in mind that, as per many other cities in US, Airbnb are not legal anymore in Manhattan.
EAT: this section opens to endless possibilities, here my favorites. La Mercerie in south Soho, French inspired interiors and food with a cute little flower shop and a beautiful home accessories and furniture store inside, it’s perfect for a short break from shopping at any time of the day. Russ & Daughters is the n1 destination for tasty bagels, it’s an institution in Lower East Side, opened as a Jewish food shop at the beginning of 20th Century, the fourth generation is now running the business. The best lobster roll to me is Lobster Place in Chelsea Market - Meatpacking District - and the best sushi (second only to Sushi Park in LA) is Blue Ribbon in Soho, an intimate and hidden location with a fabulous selection of raw fish and traditional meals. For a fun dinner and delicious Mexican food my first choice would be Tacombi in Nolita, but my next time in NY I need to try La Esquina. As last, I cannot not mention the authentic New York street slice at Joe’s Pizza, founded in 1975 they have many locations in NY, but I would always go for the original one in Greenwich Village.
VISIT: if you spend 1 month in Manhattan, you’ll still have something to discover. What I love the most is en early afternoon in Central Park, this green island in the middle of THE island is just perfect any season, or an unnecessary but fulfilling shopping session in Soho. My favorite areas are Greenwich Village, tree-lined avenues and red bricks terraced house are so iconic, and Meatpacking District, I find it cool and vibrant; do not miss the High Line, the elevated rail line closed in 1980 and now become a community garden. Museums, I have no doubts: Moma for its permanent collection and Guggenheim Museum, it’ll look smaller than expected, but the structure itself, designed by the the great F.L.Wright (you know , he’s one of my weakness), is sublime.
SHOPPING: you will find everything and more, so I won’t make it too obvious. The Row store is always at the top of my list, if you are in one of the few city with a store of the brand, you should visit, in NY they have this lovely building facing the park with the finest furniture. La Mercerie in Soho for fine ceramics and tableware. Chrome Hearts works as per The Row to me, they have few locations and each of them is peculiar and iper contextualized in the city, the store in Washington Street - Meatpacking District - is my favorite of the brand, a huge loft, a lot of wood and the purest American essence. If you need to nourish and fulfill the soul too, drive to Brooklyn and visit Anima Mundi Apothecary for any type of natural supplements, infusions, oils and skin products.
I discovered myself very inspired with New York playlist, that you’ll find on Listening Club or on Spotify directly. I hope you’ll enjoy as much as I do.
xx A
