These photos say a lot about why we heart NY.
Love
NYFLC x
A picture paints….
October 25th, 2010True Tales of New York Life
October 21st, 2010
When I first arrived in New York I remember a series of events which lead me to believe this crazy city was full of “only in NY moments”. In hindsight some of these moments weren’t so crazy. They were unique moments driven by people’s openness, trust and artistic creativity, coupled with a drive to survive. In a metropolis such as New York where we could so easily let cynicism win the day, this city continues to amaze with its unique attitude to life.
On a hot summer’s evening in 2008 a stroll through Fr Demo Square in Greenwich Village introduces us to Colin Huggins, a classically trained pianist busking on his upright piano for all those who care to stop and listen. This is NYC and busking on an upright piano is a viable revenue stream. Why wouldn’t you grab an ice cream from Grom and enjoy it while sitting by the fountain with Fur Elise playing in the background?
Dean & Deluca is a tourist haven and one stop gourmet deli shop for locals in need of a quick dinner fix. I love that someone trusted me with their five buck note and waited patiently while I carried out their request to buy $5 worth of Gorgonzola from the cheese counter while they waited outside with their dog. (No dogs allowed in D&D) I guess no one shopping in D&D cares enough for a $5 note to run off with it, and since I was pushing a Bugaboo I must have looked like a good bet.
The walls of the White Horse Tavern have heard many a drunken tale come from the mouths of the sailors and artists who frequented it. Known as a liquor haven for literary icons this is where Dylan Thomas drank his last whiskey before returning home and suffering the final consequences of over imbibing. So, if like me, you find yourself sitting in this Tavern next to a lady who has a tale or two to tell me about her “friendship” with the late Ted Hughes, you will know this is a true NY moment. It reminded me that these people and their stories linger on in dark corners of the Village and are kept alive for better or worse through the idle talk that emanates from the mouths of those who are enjoying their one martini too many.
And finally, as far removed from the Bohemian life in village as we can get there is a subway train running the 1 line north to Houston from Tribeca carrying a chivalrous gentleman (do we have gentlemen in NY or is it too English?) and a 9 month pregnant lady. He offers her a seat. She accepts the seat gratefully. As she sits down one of her pink boxing gloves makes a bid for freedom from her gym bag.
This is NYC.
Love
NYFLC x
Gifts Galore!
October 14th, 2010Since the activity of choosing a gift for a friend can often induce the same thrill as making a personal purchase and also serves to distract even the most dedicated shopaholic from a gratuitous spending spree, the NYFLC presents to you 3 of our favorite stores full of the cutest treats.
In the heart of Soho Kate Spade offers an array of costume jewelry that seriously rocks an outfit, making you instantly NY party scene ready. Sparkle and shine with a martini in hand and a light refracting rock on your finger. There’s no such thing as overkill so don’t stop there if the diamante hair clips are calling out to you, and don’t forget to finish with a spritz of Twirl; the new fragrance from Kate Spade.
Another Kate we can always rely on is down with her Paperie store on Spring St. Even if your gift awaiting friend isn’t the letter writing kind we defy you not to find a greeting card, a curious journal or a photo frame which was never “needed” until the irresistible merchandising caught your eye.
Remember the scene in SATC 2 where Charlotte plays the convincing role of a cupcake baking domestic goddess, while her kids’ input into the cake making activity add a floury touch of chaos to the blissful scene? If the cupcake apron caught your eye then you might want to check out Anthropologie on West Broadway or in Chelsea Market. Like Charlotte, we’re convinced that if you look the part then you have to be half way to baking a decent round of cupcakes.
Alternatively, if cake isn’t your thing the surely the ice cream design has to work?
There are sure to be more treasure troves for gift hunters in Manhattan but while we search the archives of our shopping trips these ones should be a good place to start.
Love
NYFLC x
Around the block – from Japanese patisseries & Japanese salons to Japanese lingerie
October 6th, 2010Hmm, so, only as I wrote the title of this week’s blog did I realize that it seems like the Japanese are taking over the world, or at least downtown Manhattan. But that’s not a bad thing as they are sweet, professional, and good at what they do. In this past week they have satisfied the NYFLC’s desire for macaroons, given us a hair-do worthy of a strut around Soho, locks blowing in the fall breeze, and have come to the rescue with desirable maternity lingerie.
These are the latest and greatest findings from the NY Friday Lunch Club.
25 Murray St @ Church St
212 791 5550
It was the custard filled cones, decadent fruit tarts and Japanese breads that called out to the NYFLC. So if a sweet red bean bun doesn’t appeal then try all things Matcha from the ice cream to the baked buns and crepes. Although they’re not so very Japanese, the macaroons are divine (so said the 2 year old). Tribeca has definitely scored with this bakery opening. Bring on the cream puffs next time I say…
71 W Houston btwn W Broadway & Wooster.
They describe their collection as cute and romantic and we agree. This is where I discovered, amongst other great brands, Belabumbum. A Brazilian lingerie, maternity and swimwear line. If you are looking for maternity and nursing lingerie then call off the search. Not only does Belabumbum defy the usual maternity / nursing color spec of black, white and nude they provide an array of stylish but practical designs, and I speak from experience.
156 Sulivan St @ W. Houston
646 484 6033
My experience of Japanese hairdressers in this city (also see Yui Salon) is on a par with my experience of the Japanese macaroons in Takahachi Bakery. Together they can help us reach our state of zen.
I tried Musa a few weeks after they opened in Soho and as expected had the worries of the day washed and blown away, literally.
Most hair salons are buzzing. Musa is pure relaxation and the antique barber chairs add a touch of raw Soho to the experience. Ask for Yasuko and tell her we sent you.
337 Bleecker St
212 924 7848
The only Japanese connection here is the gorgeous Orchards you will find. By their own admission they are “not an average flower shop”, but are creators of stunning displays and bouquets. They provide arrangements for NY’s boutique hotels and count Donna Karen as one of their many high profile clients. Take a look at their website which is as equally stunning as their store. I always think of Fall and Halloween when I pass by the shop window.
New York – The Enigma
September 29th, 2010The thrill and enigma of a person, place, thing or idea is often perpetuated by an element of the unknown; the exciting. Obviously I’m thinking of New York.
For us it was a city where there was so much to discover below 14th st where a maze of streets, removed from the common grid layout, were home to the best boutiques and bars. The hunt was always on.
If it was hard to find the first time and not much easier the second time by retracing your steps, then it was worth chasing.
These are the photos I took of midtown as a visitor a few years back. The images of NY that drew us back and made it magical.
The neon lights of Broadway often feel like a million miles away from downtown Manhattan. The reality of my New York is devoid of skyscrapers, as so many friends have commented. Notes like this one in the window say a lot about downtown life and probably more about what keeps us all here.
The reality of my NY is far removed from the original dream, but not in a negative way. I didn’t take any photos at NY Fashion Week (oh yes, I made it there with that “I’ve arrived” feeling) because the expectation of a NY runway show is far more wildly exciting than the reality. Kelly Cutrone on The City is prime time viewing but watching her PR the runway 10 feet from where I’m standing (yes, no seat) doesn’t have the same spark. That photo would have captured the reality and if it’s ok, I’d rather keep dreaming and so would you.
It’s like everything else that is just out of reach. Sitting in the Spotted Pig next to that door, the one that leads to that other space upstairs, you know the one, there’s always another room, another velvet rope, another guest-list…Last time I ate there I was content to be on the “wrong” side of it even if only to keep the expectation and hope alive that there is a crazy party going on that one day I just might get to see. Because what if I got to join in right now? What if NY was one big triple A pass, would we still want to be here?
So how do we find excitement in a city which now feels so familiar, even down to the cracks in the sidewalk which derail my toddlers Bugaboo? Something as simple as walking over to the east side, which is virtually unknown territory to me, is access to the old thrill you feel when first stepping out in Manhattan. It helps that the east side is where we first landed as expats, bringing memories of our first month in the city flooding back. New York was a wild place waiting to be explored. The east side can still be pretty wild. It too only opens at noon every day, but not for the same reasons as the west side. The west side is having an easy morning, while the east side’s morning is anything but easy given its night before.
For me there’s still a thrill in this city, it’s just not always on our doorstep. I’m going hunting for it in the form of the usual, coffee, cake, spas, bars and boutiques, and will let you know what I find, but be warned, I might not take any photos cause that could just spoil the dream.
Love
NYFLC
(R Shine)
Some new finds
September 20th, 2010The beauty of New York is that you can’t go a week without falling upon a new cafe, bar, spa or boutique and being the city that it is, these places are more than often the cream of the crop.
Not all of these gems are new, it’s just we decided it was time we shared them with you.
Arrojo
180 Varick St @ King st
212 242 7786
Nick Arrojo opened his upscale flagship hair salon right here on our Soho doorstep a couple of years ago.
While I have no loyalty when it comes to a trim, because I like to explore new options and stylists, I fully recommend Arrojo Studio when it comes to precision highlights; and a coffee. You see that is the beauty of this studio. The coffee bar tempts us with treats while we sit with our heads covered in silver foil. A biscotti, latte and magazine on the side sure eases the highlighting process.
Il Cantuccio
91 Christopher St @ Bleecker St
212 647 8787
3 bakers from Tuscany have opened their Greenwich Village based cafe and are tempting us with heavenly inspired delights such as chocolate chunk cantuccini. They can only be disguised as soft biscotti with large chocolate chunks stuffed inside. I wandered in by accident, was handed a sample and was instantly hooked. I can’t comment on their other produce as these chocolate chunky biscotti are located in the doorway so there is no need to look any further, but I don’t doubt it’s more than palattable.
Their produce is available for eat in our take out.
Bowery Hotel
Lobby Bar & Lounge
335 Bowery
The scene at this end of the Bowery for many decades was all about punk rock club CBGBs but the city has changed and
not even the East Village is immune to a dose of gentrification.
The Bowery Hotel is to the east side what the Standard Hotel is to the west side. On weekends the bar is buzzing with celebrities, fashionistas and anyone with cocktails and fun at the top of their agenda and with a fat wallet to boot.
Bliss
569 Broadway @ Prince St
877 862 5477
Bliss is the original NY day spa, with the Soho location being their flagship.
Aside from offering a vast array of signature treatments, their retail space offers an extensive selection of “tongue in cheek” named home grooming products.
Try the Poetic Waxing or Fat Girl Slim Cellulite Cream
Morrison Hotel Gallery
124 Prince St
2129418770
313 Bowery
2126772253
This gallery is a boutique in that is specializes in elite, rare pieces of photography.
Owned by a music photographer, ex record store owner and a former record company exec they have taken the stills that captured a fraction of a second from an iconic, bygone era in rock & roll history and have extended the life of that moment by hanging the prints, ready for sale and exhibition in their gallery on Soho’s Prince St.
Sanctuary T
337 W.Broadway
2129417832
In a city so dominated by coffee it makes a refreshing change to choose from an extensive menu of teas once in a while.
If you enjoy a cuppa but don’t know your Rooibos from your Red Bush then this is a good place to learn.
If artisan delights such as Chocolate Honeybush, Moroccan Mint Tea and Creme de Cacao aren’t enough to entice you then there is always the cocktail menu. Which is tea-free I might add.
Autumn in New York
September 13th, 2010I used to cling to the dying days of a New York Summer until the autumnal equinox officially carried us over the other side to Fall. I would ignore talk of Labor Day signifying the unofficial end of summer as impatient talk. Like a true Brit I wanted to savor the final rays of sun for fear they wouldn’t reappear again the following June. After four summers in New York I now know that if one thing is certain it’s that endless hot and humid days will come around again, year in, year out.
Now, like the rest of New York, I herald the coming of Fall. The season has a lot going for it; a warm and modest sunshine without the humidity, the glorious pumpkin which is crowned king of the root vegetables from now through Thanksgiving, sneaking its way into everything from pies to lattes, and Halloween, which is celebrated in the US with a passion the pagans would have been proud of. Of course we also have fall foliage, which thanks to the abundance of Maple, Dogwood and Birch trees amongst others on the east coast, keeps leaf peepers in their element at this time of year.
New York is a major apple state, thanks to the Hudson Valley. Local apples take on a new appeal in September. Organic farmer’s markets pile them high, suggesting we sample a crisp autumnal apple with a potent cheese accompanied with a glass of organic cider. And for anyone newly relocated from the UK, apple cider US style is tasty, but it won’t have the same effect as the west country cider we knew so well. It is sans alcohol. So yes, it is apple juice.
So where do the NYFLC suggest you find your fall pleasures?
Union Sq is by far the ultimate experience in farmer’s markets
If you think you need more of a kick to your apple cider check out Enlightenment Wines. They don’t skip the very important fermentation process, oh no, they actually complete the process twice resulting in an earthy, appley, champagne
Available in Chambers St Wines and Frankly Wines and Jimmy’s No43 in the East Village.
Have a fun Fall.
Love
NYFLC x
Fashion’s Night Out
September 6th, 2010
One of the most significant events of fall lies close to the NYFLC’s heart – New York Fashion Week. Fashion Week was originally a “trade event”. It’s an opportunity for designers and fashion houses to showcase their new collections for the following Spring and to attract as much hype and publicity as possible via the media and potential buyers and they had the duration of their 20 minute runway show to achieve this. As an acknowledgement of the heartland of fashion, each Fashion Week worldwide is celebrated with parties, both official and unofficial. Designers work alongside the cream of the music industry and partyland to create post show events as an extension of their runway slot. Whether you are with or without connections, there is always another party, always another door and always another guestlist to aspire to conquer.
This is the beauty of Fashion’s Night Out this coming Friday in NYC from 8pm – midnight. In simple terms it is a celebration of fashion. What started out as an injection of consumer spend into a jaded 2009 retail economy has returned in 2010, bigger and bolder, as a series of block parties accessible to all dedicated followers of fashion. Don’t worry about what is going on behind closed doors at Lincoln Centre (home to NYFW 20110). Don’t waste time trying to hop the velvet rope at a downtown club hosting “the official unofficial” post show party. FNO has been created with every fashionista in mind, regardless of your connections and tenuous links to the fashion world.
On FNO merchandise is not discounted, but why should it be? This is high fashion and not a Main St holiday sale. Stores and boutiques in NYC are hosting open house parties complete with DJs, cocktails, styling consultations, A list models, product previews, launches and complimentary giveaways; in summary, hundreds of experiential events even more thrilling than sitting front row at Marc Jacobs. Well, almost. When did you last happen upon a cocktail, a canapé and a sighting of the designer and his muse up close and personal at Fashion Week?
The fashion industry is “giving back” to the consumer who has spent the last couple of decades buying into the marketing hype (I do!) and the branding techniques that are cunningly scattered throughout the pages of Vogue. They are rewarding us with an invite to the ultimate fashion party and they are handing it to us on a plate, no strings attached. We no longer have to shop for today’s season on netaporter.com while scouting the pages of magazines for tomorrow’s fashions. The Spring /Summer 2011 collections can wait and will remain the concern of buyers and journos while we live in the here and now on September 10th, hopping from store to store and loving the season we are in.
If you’re not sure where to start here are some ideas, but be sure to try and finish up at an after party:
Famed fashion blogger Bryan Boy will be co-hosting an after party at Soho Grand Hotel 310 W.Broadway from 11pm onwards.
RSVP – events@grandlifenyc.com
Stores not to miss on Friday 10th for FNO.
Linda Mason “The Art of Beauty”
26-28 Grand St
As artist and make up artist, Linda has worked with many of the top luminaries in the fashion world over the past few decades, making this is a perfect pit stop for a make up consultation on FNO. Linda’s own brand of cosmetics will be available for purchase along with a complimentary give away. Her gallery next door will be exhibiting her latest collection of unique and stylized portraits.
394 Bleecker St
You too can be modeling those iconic red Lulu lips on FNO since “painting pouts” is the order of the night in this store. Let them paint yours and then treat yourself to a classic Lulu Guinness red lip clutch to match. OTT? Surely not, this is NY.
376 Bleecker St
A mirrored façade will be erected for FNO to reflect you, the crowd on Bleecker St. Have youself a photo opportunity with Cynthia herself. Wella will be present with their hair station for anyone wanting to try their pre colored temporary hair extensions (as seen in Cynthia Rowley’s Fall runway show)
59 Horatio St
Rumor has it that the king of red soles himself will be present in his West Village store on FNO.
Do you need any other reason to hot-foot it over to the village?
139 Spring St
Another rumor – Karl is going to be gracing this fashion house’s newly refurbished flagship Soho space with his presence.
They will als be previewing and selling “Les Khakis” nail polishes which will no doubt be a limited addition and impossible to purchase thereafter.
478 Broadway (Soho)
Top Shop is like a party house every day of the week so how can their contribution to FNO fail to impress? Their personal shoppers dress you in Fall’s “must have” looks while the diary desk provides you with the schedule for NY Fashion Week. The new makeup lines will be debuting and cocktails and canapés will make the experience all the more pleasurable.
Rag & Bone with Philip Lim
119 Mercer St
Rag & Bone will be teaming up with neighbor Philip Lim and throwing “the” block party to end all block parties.
Feast on burgers from BLT Go Burger and Ice Cream from Van Leeuwen’s
Revlon will be performing makeup consultations and Rag & Bone designers Marcus Wainright and David Neville will be in store.
632 Hudson St
An Elizabeth and James pop up store will make an appearance on Hudson St for FNO.
The girls themselves (Ashely and Mary-Kate) will be on the cash register between 7-8pm. DJ Cassie Coane will rock the shop. Throw some popcorn, henna tattoos and tarot card readers into the mix and you have yourself a party not to be missed.
38 Little W12th St
If Rag & Bone have Soho’s block party wrapped up then Tory Burch is holding court in the Meatpacking District. Shake Shack are stoking up the BBQ, DJ Cassidy is spinning and a limited addition TB tote bag could be yours when you spend $100.
40% of revenue from sales of FNO Ts will go to NYC Aids Fund.
New York – A Spa City
August 30th, 2010On arriving in New York every tourist and expat soon realizes that there are a number of quintessential New York activities that form the small, but important, luxuries in life. A weekend brunch of pancakes and maple syrup, pre dinner cocktails, Summer days spent in The Hamptons or Fire Island, and of course, the obligatory spa visit. As we happily adopt the New York lifestyle these luxuries soon become a matter of routine and we conveniently squeeze a bi monthly mani/pedi into our schedules and maybe even the regular maintenance facial. With spas and nail bars dotted up and down the avenues, a dime a dozen, they are far more accessible than in London and certainly more affordable.
If you are short on time our tip is this; there is nothing decadent about sitting back in a spa chair while one works their magic on your feet, and another on your hands. Call it good time management; after all this is New York. A holistic approach is being adopted as more spas are offering a full service experience to their clients who want a one stop shop. Not only are the treatment menus extensive but many spas feature a juice bar, a hair salon and even studio classes.
With so much choice a little guidance down the avenue of beautifying always helps. Here are some of our favorites that we have tried and tested.
541 Lexington Av (W Hotel)
569 Broadway (Soho)
Bliss is the original NY day spa, with Soho being their flagship.
Aside from a vast array of treatments their retail space offers an extensive selection of “tongue in cheek” named, home grooming products. Try some Poetic Waxing or Fat Girl Slim cellulite cream.
35 7th Av
Famed for their “no double dipping” policy Boom Boom has a comprehensive waxing menu with descriptions to make you smile through the pain. “Skinny Dipper”, “Landing Strip”, “Bermuda Triangle” are just a few examples. There is no place they won’t wax.
233 Spring St
The guarantee of a brand name at low low prices. Why? Because this is where Aveda train their staff. Don’t worry, they’ve all been practicing cuts and highlights on Girls World heads for at least 2 weeks. No seriously, their training is more than adequate and each student is under the close guidance of their tutor. You will need to book at least a week in advance and take advantage of their massage specials while you’re there. Opt for a cut, color, facial, wax, and numerous therapy treatments.
45 Grove St
Hidden in the basement of one of the oldest West Village townhouses, this spa and hair salon has relaxed and organic aesthetics which you feel the moment you enter. When they wax they never double dip, need we say more, and if you go for a blow out, you’d best be going somewhere special to show it off.
220 West Broadway
This space is sweet and tranquil, and on entering, with a quick glance, we imagine it should smell of roses. Or, maybe lilies. You will pay that little bit extra to avoid the production line feel of most popular day spas but it is worth every extra cent.
If you are serious about relaxation this is where we suggest you head. The throb of New York will become a distant hum before fading into silence as you drift into a state of zen and feel your “stress evaporate” by way of ancient rituals rooted in Asian customs. This is pure indulgence. Check out the website and book in advance.
So as not to miss out on any aspect of New York’s spa scene we suggest you sign up to Lifebooker and they will email you the deal of the day, week and month when it comes to keeping your style and grooming in check.
Speakeasy Cocktail Culture
August 24th, 2010“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day” – Dean Martin.
Although coffee and cake are good for the soul the New York Friday Lunch Club agrees that well mixed cocktails are really what always kept the cultural cogs of this city well oiled.
The most wonderful gift the US unknowingly gave the rest of the world between the two world wars, from 1920 to 1933, has to have been Prohibition. The movement was driven by Protestant denominations. They believed saloons to be politically corrupt and drinking to be a personal sin. Drinking as an illicit act was driven behind closed doors making the cocktails being poured twice as alluring; isn’t it always the way with the forbidden fruit?
Times were troubled, it was the era of the Great Depression. By the light of the moon liquor was distilled (Moonshine). Small, low lit underground speakeasy bars masquerading as genuine businesses, popped up in all cities from New Orleans, to Chicago to New York. Patrons were said to have used a coded knock followed by a coded whisper to ensure entry. Financially, times were troubled, giving way to a survival instinct of hedonism reflected in all forms of popular culture; from the jazz music being played, the flapper fashions being worn to the liquor being consumed. In times of hardship less is more; we party on with smaller but stiffer drinks and live out our post woe fantasies. We think we know how to party? The Stork Club back in the 30s lead the way. However, as dark and underground as these bars and clubs were they were also aspirational and glamorous. People dressed for the occasion and knew how to enjoy themselves while appearing as sophisticated as the curious mélange of spirits they were consuming.
So, what happened to the short strong drinks we associate with that era?
Economics prevailed, society moved on, and large dance halls, nightclubs and bars opened, post 1930, allowing the public to dance and bartenders to openly pour them refreshing long drinks. Like everything else, the cocktail reinvented itself and found its niche, way beyond the age of Prohibition it was born into.
My own personal favorite cocktail is light years from this era. It was created by Sweet & Chilli drinks consultancy in London, for our wedding in Italy.
It was named La Dolce Vita for the occasion and was a take on the Cuban classic mojito. A blend of mint, lime, sugar and rum with a subtle apple twist resulted in the perfect cocktail for a Tuscan wedding.
If I had to choose a second favorite it would be the Chili Passion fruit Martini I tasted 6 years ago in Miami at the Setai. A mix of Passion Fruit syrup, passion fruit vodka, pashion fruit jucie, with a squeee of lime and a dash of chili flakes. Ahh, the Martini; the drink of the American dreamer.
Here are some of the NYFLC’s favorite cocktail bars.
And one we are yet to review but simply had to include:
PDT – as close to a 1930s speakeasy that you will find in New York today.
Drink responsibly but with dash of glamor and a shake of hedonism. The 1930s would be proud of you.
The New York Friday Lunch Club
The New York Friday Lunch Club was reflecting on the good fortune of living in a neighborhood sprinkled with bakeries, coffee shops and boutiques and suddenly thought; what if we’d never found these little gems? Worse still, what if there are people who come to New York and never make it below 14th street? And so began our mission to find the sweetest moments off the tourist trail in Manhattan’s villages, and to share them with you.
Miss Rebecca and her friends started meeting for breakfast and lunch in early 2008 and almost by accident the New York Friday Lunch Club came to be. The challenge has always been “to find the tastiest bites in a very big apple” and two years on we're still enjoying the indulgence of our search.
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