Restaurants
Breakfast burrito, totally healthy, several locations great for a breakfast or lunch, inexpensive
Bottom line: I would eat here every day if I lived in NYC
Meatpacking district on the ground level of the new Standard Hotel and under the Highline Garden (see sites below). Great cocktails served in silver cups, food is trying to be fancy but my simple porkchop was great and the dining room is dark and cozy. A bit pricey. Reservations a must.
Bottom line: I'd do this once or twice in my life for dinner and maybe a few more times just for cocktails before or after walking on the Highline.
Soho ground floor of The Crosby Hotel. Had dinner here and ordered the 'lobster roll'. There should be an asterisk on the menu to explain that this isn't really a New England style lobster roll - rather a deconstructed version that was delicious but not what I wanted or expected. Reservations a must.
Bottom line: enjoyed it for a one-timer but didn't see a reason to return anytime soon.
Soho on Spring Street. Yes, it may seem strange to eat at a French-style brasserie in NYC when we have gobs of them all around us here in Brussels but Balthazar does brasserie better than some of the ones in Paris. Also, our good friend Mark is the baker and runs the patisserie next door. AND, if that doesn't convince you, there is a good chance you'll have a celebrity siting here. Great brunch, great dinner (raw bar seafood platter), great scene. Reservations a must for dinner. For brunch, arrive at 10am to get a table.
Bottom line: May be my favorite and don't forget change for monsieur pee pee.
Our friends Pam and Jim had their wedding reception here a few years ago. But normally, this is a great lunch place with a pick-and-choose buffet of well prepared dishes. but the chocolate chip cookies are the reason I visit (Mel visits for the pretzyl croissants). Just off 5th Ave on 18th Street.
Bottom line: cookie and coffee break.
Looking at their web-site I see they now have 3 locations in NYC but the original is on Bleecker Street in the West Village. A little worse for wear and now I see that the original owners sold it in 2007...Alyssa Torey was a pretty good singer whose family owned a restaurant on Broome St. in the 90's so it was kinda cool to see her do this and have it be so successful. In spite of the new ownership, the cupcakes and banana pudding will put cellulite on your thighs just looking at them but a good late night treat after dinner since they're open til 11:30pm.
Bottom line: yup, still a dang good cupcake (p.s. marc jacobs is just down the street)
I had lunch with Mike here (in Williamsburg/Brooklyn) and enjoyed a glass of calabrian red wine sitting outside in November on the patio. The place has good food but when you're in this area there are many other options. Note that it is only one stop from Manhattan on the L train (to Bedford St.) and then a walk from the station. Check out Public Assembly bar nearby for a groovy Burlesque show usually on Monday nights.
Bottom line: to feel like an NYC insider check out Williamsburg.
Sites
This is the elevated train track that was abandoned years ago and was recently re-opened as a public park space (this can be part of a walking tour of the Meatpacking district). What I enjoyed most about the highline is seeing this neighborhood from a totally new perspective: one level up from the street.
Bottom line: I would make this part of my regular jog.
West Side Highway Path
For me, this is where I make my re-connection with NYC when I visit. This fantastic park starts in Battery Park and goes for a few miles along the west side of Manhattan along the river. So if you want a good jog/run this is the place to do it. As it faces west the sunsets are amazing and you'll have great photos of Lady Liberty in the harbor.
Bottom line: Great sunset, great run.
Shopping
Japanese 'Gap' with Jil Sander men's and women's line for cheap. Nuf said. In Soho on Broadway.
Bottom line: better quality than H&M, better style than Gap.
Somehow, whenever Mara's in town I end up in this shop full of dishes. But it's got lot's of retro, original diner dishes and new stuff that make decent gifts. On Broadway near Union Square.
Bottom line: high potential of finding a gift here.
For a gift that would be on the nicer (read: more expensive) end, this place can deliver. The shop specializes in decoupage plates and glass paperweights using antique images. Located in the East Village on 2nd Street.
Bottom line: someone you really like might deserve a gift from here.
