It only seemed right that the newsletter this week would be a love letter to New York. I loved the city long before I ever lived here, and it’s been a big part of my life at almost every stage. From the Serendipity sundaes and Crumbs cupcake phases to the dance intensive summers where I thought Times Square was the most magical place ever, I’ve loved all areas of the city. (The Times Square chaos did regain a special place in my heart after seeing it so empty in the pandemic.) Here is an attempt at a consolidated list of all the things I love about one of the most perfect cities.
New York Loves of My Life
The people who make every day in the city great, and the people I probably couldn’t survive city life without.
Workout Instructors: Shawnee and Tatum at Forma Pilates, Georgia at Tera, Chris and Bobbie Jo at Rumble, Kyle at Rumble Training and Lifetime, Grace at Soto Method and Live the Process, Jacob G., Gaby and James B. at Solidcore, Makena at Fuze House
Restaurants with the most memorable great service: Santi, Cafe Carmellini, Crane Club, the Hudson Yards Locanda Verde, Jean’s, Parla, Marian’s, Ci Siamo, Clemente Bar (counting it, because they have food.)
Hair: Joe at Jenna Perry
Facials: Carly at Onda Beauty, Aja at Joanna Vargas, Lauren at Joanna Czech
Most Magical Places in NYC
Central Park Loop- If you ever want to fall in love with the city again, run a full Central Park loop or run around the Reservoir. The city and park views make any run fly by. With the right playlist, you feel like you’re in the opening scene of a movie (or maybe that’s just me).
Wollman Rink- Ice skating here has to be one of the most romantic winter activities you can do. This is my favorite ice rink in the city. I may have seen Serendipity one too many times which has the best scene here, but the view while skating is straight off a postcard.
Brooklyn Bridge- When I’m stressed or things feel bleak, I take myself on a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge itself is beautiful, but the view of Manhattan spread out before you is even better. It always reminds me how big the city is and how I’m just one of millions currently existing in the city. It really makes me appreciate that any day of the week I can casually walk a bridge that so many people will only see in movies or pictures.
Brooklyn Bridge Park/Brooklyn Heights Promenade- One of the best running routes in the city. From City Hall, run over the Brooklyn Bridge and either take the bridge path all the way to Brooklyn Heights down to the promenade and then down to the waterfront or take the stairs down the bridge path to run through Dumbo and then to the waterfront (you’ll get the famous Empire State Building view always seen in Gossip Girl if you do this.)
Riverside Park- This park on the Upper West Side is stunning in the spring and the summer with all the flowers. Perfect for a weekend stroll. If you’ve seen You’ve Got Mail, you’ll recognize it from the end of the movie.
Manhatta- The food here isn’t life changing, but the view while dining is magical. They have a small bar area if you want to experience the view without committing to a meal. I love their espresso martini.
Nubeluz- Everyone talks about drinks at this bar on the top floor of the Ritz Carlton in Nomad, but my favorite time of day here is afternoon tea on the weekend. In the winter, it’s so clear that you get a perfect, bright view of downtown Manhattan and views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Jersey on the sides. The afternoon tea is also delicious.
Lincoln Center- I have a personal rule that I can’t be on the Upper West Side without making eye contact with Lincoln Center. It reminds me of my dance summers, and all the possibilities it seemed to represent at the time. Now, going to see the New York City Ballet is one of my favorite girls nights. You can dress up with your friends, get dinner, see an amazing show and then go get drinks after if you want to continue your night. They also offer $30 for 30 tickets, so it’s relatively affordable.
My Ultimate Favorites:
Pasta- Santi (new and everyone needs to go here) or Misi
Chicken- Raf’s chicken is everything
Takeout- Blue Park Kitchen
Delivery- 12 Chairs, Springbone, Hutch + Waldo
Girls Dinner- Jean’s, Chinese Tuxedo
Restaurant dessert- Bar Bete cake or L’artusi sundae (they change it seasonally)
Restaurant for a date- Café Carmellini (fancy), il Cantinori
Bar- Dante (I’m obsessed with the limoncello and have had my birthday dinner here twice)
Espresso martini- Raf’s (mint espresso martini) or Submercer (chai espresso martini)
Aperol spritz- Waverly Inn, Torrisi
Bar for a date- Dante, Parcelle, Experimental Cocktail Club
Going out spot to meet people- Spaniard (it kills me, but this on a Thursday or Saturday afternoon still kills it), Soho Grand, Submercer, Beyond the Pale
Going out spot to dance- Paul’s Casablanca
#Protip: To get in, go with only one or two people. Wait patiently and confidently at the front or at the back away from the clump by the street. Make eye contact with Fabrizio, say hi and then just wait until he asks how many of you and lets you in.
Bakery- Little Cupcake (the cookie dough cake slice can cure all problems)
Croissant- Librae’s rose pistachio
Cupcake- Billy’s Bakery’s the crowd pleaser
Cake slice- Little Cupcake, Claude, ByClio
Ice Cream- Morgenstern’s
Cookie- Schmackary’s
Coffee Shop- Sant Ambroeus, Laughing Man, Gotan, Black Fox
Workout- Forma Pilates, Barry’s, ID Hot Yoga
Manicure- Jinsoon, Vanity Projects
Wellness spot- Clean Market
Facial- Joanna Vargas
Cute Cards- Paper Source (they always have the best funny and cute cards)
Flower Delivery- Plantshed (they’re super pretty and do same-day)
Bookstore- McNally Jackson, Books Are Magic, the Union Square Barnes & Noble
Support your local bookstores!!
Balloons/Party Supplies- Ballon Saloon
Hope you guys have a great week (:
