Of my time in New York, I have always thought that the best way to get around is by walking as much as possible. Not only is it a good way to get your bearings, but it is also the best way to discover a pop-up shop, a hidden bar, a new gallery and many other treasures. It is also necessary if you are going to eat your way through the city!

The restaurants and bars in this city are endless. The food is fantastic and the buzz in the air is rife. Dinner is best eaten late in NY - after a day exploring and dressing for dinner, a cocktail is necessary before heading to dinner. I never made a dinner reservation before 9pm and more often than not found that 10pm was the best time slot, allowing plenty of time for a drink at a bar followed by dinner at a different venue. There are so many places to explore – you wouldn’t be doing the city justice if you didn’t hop around. 

For most restaurants, reservations open one month prior, so get a plan together and get booking! In my notes below, I will let you know which ones are best to book in advance and which ones you can show up on the night. Open Table is the best website to make your reservations – you can see what time slots are available for the day you want to go.

The restaurants listed below are the stayers, the ones you want to keep going back to and are so well engrained into the heart of New York dining that they won’t be going anywhere any time soon. I would love to hear about your favourite NYC eateries - leave a comment below so that I can add it to my list.

Restaurants:


Per Se – Columbus Circle
Sadly, I have to start by telling you that luck hasn’t been on my side when I have been in NY – I haven’t been to Per Se. This is a restaurant where you have to book the moment the day becomes available for bookings. Wait an extra minute and like me, you will miss out. Ranked within the top 50 of the renowned World’s Best Restaurants award by San Pelligrino, this is a restaurant that won’t disappoint. This restaurant definitely falls into the category of splurge, but if fine dining is in your heart and soul, you won’t be disappointed.

Reservation: As soon as they are released – make sure you are on it!
Dress: Upper Elegance
Website: http://www.perseny.com


(The Mercer) Kitchen – SoHo
This is one sexy restaurant and best on a Friday or Saturday night. The Mercer Kitchen is one of Jean-George Vongerichten’s venues and the food is sensational. In the heart of SoHo, there are plenty of options for a pre and post dinner drink. The design of this restaurant is dark and moody and filled with sumptuous textures of leather, wood and stone, all within the bounds of the brickwork of the heritage building. Book this restaurant ahead of time and make sure you sit down stairs.

Reservation: Yes, a month prior
Dress: On trend designer
Website: http://www.themercerkitchen.com

Buddakan – Chelsea
This place is buzzing every night of the week and it’s easy to see (taste) why – the Modern Asian food is delicious. Order as many dishes as you can and share amongst the table and come back again another time for the dishes you didn’t try. Their cocktail list is adventurous and explosive so make your way through this menu too.

Reservation: A month prior if you can, otherwise try your luck a few days out
Dress: Downtown fun
Website: http://www.buddakannyc.com

Locande Verde – TriBeCa
This Italian restaurant is a great down-town spot filled at every moment of the day. The dishes are wholesome and heart-warming and it is a place where you genuinely have a great night. The interior is beautifully designed and the table well set, yet there isn’t a precious vibe in site. I just can’t go past the word genuine.

Reservation: Yes – two weeks to a month prior
Dress: The shirt on your back
Website: http://www.locandaverdenyc.com

BG Restaurant –Bergdorf Goodman
If you can tear yourselves away from the shopping on the Upper East Side for an hour or so, this is the place to go. Located on the 7th floor of Bergdorf Goodman, this restaurant is perfect for a glass of champagne with lunch to rehydrate before returning to the shops. Overlooking Central Park, the view is spectacular and the interior, designed by Kelly Wearstler, a treat. The ladies will appreciate it more than the men!

Reservation: Recommended, for midday – go on a weekday
Dress: Upper East Side ‘effortless’
Website: http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/stores/restIndex.jsp

Freemans – Lower East Side
This restaurant feels exactly as you would expect (in a good way!) for a Lower East Side venue – it’s a little rough around the edges, to just the right amount. It’s authentic and cosy and a great discovery at the end of a little alleyway off the Bowery.  This is the perfect spot for a mid week dinner with friends where the food is just right, the cocktails are flowing and the atmosphere is like the home of an old friend.

Reservation: Yes, however most of their tables are for walk-in’s
Dress: Like a local
Website: http://www.freemansrestaurant.com

Beauty and Essex – Lower East Side
I have made a couple of trips back to this restaurant and continue to love it. Don’t miss it! A little hidden, the restaurant poses as a pawn shop. Inside, the security guard in front of the rear door gives away the entry into the restaurant itself. The food is amazing, the music is loud, and the atmosphere is electric. Settle in for a long dinner and cocktail experience. Ladies, make sure you make your way down to the bathroom for a little old school powder-room refreshment.

Reservation: Yes, a couple of weeks out
Dress: New York nights (B&E say “Upscale attire”)
Website: http://beautyandessex.com/home/

Food Retail:

Chealsea Market:
This site sits underneath the Highline and is filled with a treasure-trove of food retailers. Elenie’s cookies are cute and colourful, The Filling Station is packed with unique oils, salts and condiments and the Chelsea Wine Vault is filled with boutique finds. Now for the coffee – Chelsea Market is home to Ninth St. Espresso – Australian worthy coffee! Stop in at Cealsea Market during the day – it is well coupled with a walk along the Highline.

Reservation: No
Dress: Come as you are
Website: http://www.chelseamarket.com

Eataly – Flatiron
There is a good chance you have heard about Eataly. On my first trip to New York, I would say it was busy without being chaos. On my return trip a year later, it was absolute chaos - the word of Eataly NYC got out Internationally. I think the lesson would be to go in the morning – but make sure you go! Eataly is filled with food options for you to take away, take home, eat in or dine in at one of their various in store restaurants. There is an immense amount of product within this store – rows and rows of pasta and sauces and cheese and everything else Italian. Each product is accompanied with a map and a description, informing you of the product’s origin, flavour characteristics and how it is best prepared and served. As a brand, they do a great job educating and engaging with their customer.

Reservation: Name on a list
Dress: Tricolore!
Website: http://www.eataly.com

Beecher’s Cheese - Flatiron:
You can feel your arteries clogging the second you step foot into Beecher’s. There is no doubt that they make the best cheese toastie out there. Beecher’s Cheese make all of their product on site – you can sit and watch the cheese making process while you munch away on your store bought goods. If macaroni and cheese is your thing, then theirs is the one to have – though it is so rich, good luck finishing the serve! If you haven’t had mac and cheese before (I hadn’t) then their little sample is for you. They have a sub-floor restaurant which I am sure would be great, but in my opinion, stick to the humble toastie!

Website: http://www.beechershandmadecheese.com

Magnolia Bakery – Throughout Manhattan:
This is an institution in it’s own right. No trip to New York would be complete without a delicious cupcake. If you visit in winter, make sure you order come hot chocolate too. Delicious, pretty the perfect morning treat.

Website: http://www.magnoliabakery.com

Located on Crosby Street, SoHo, the Mondrian is in an incredible location. Shopping is seconds away and one of the best coffee spots in NY is just a few doors down. The hotel bar and restaurant are buzzing on a nightly basis and the atmosphere of the hotel is bold, contemporary and fashionable.

The interior of the hotel is a little quirky, a little traditional, and a little Hollywood Regency, all with a good splash of modern luxe and a side of swagger.  If you are after a rest and relaxation, this hotel is not for you – you can’t help but be enveloped in its energy.

Whilst the rooms are a little on the small side, the clever design details make up for it. The bed is Heaven and the tone of voice used in the hotel collateral is fun and shows it’s humorous personality.

Up the cobblestone street from the Mondrian is this beauty. Well and truly part of the NY hotel landscape, the Crosby Street Hotel has been accommodating a constant rush of guests since late 2009.

The contemporary interior design has a thread of English tradition running through its veins, and incorporates it seamlessly with the SoHo cast iron & loft aesthetic. The sculpture garden and terrace are New York icons and in conjunction with their in house screening room ‘Film Club’, the Crosby Street Hotel is more than just a room for the night.

The location alone is worth every penny but the design is inspiring enough to keep you looking around just that little bit longer before you take on the streets.

There is a certain romance in the air of the Upper East Side and The Surrey has captured it within their walls. Located half a block from Central Park, and flanked by 5th Ave. and Madison, you are truly in the heart of the UES. This hotel has a quintessential NY feel with a brush of contemporary styling.

Whilst many people might gloss over the design detail, I surely didn’t. A traditional damask style design to their carpet looks chic and modern, rather than what could have easily been dowdy. Its magic was in the yarn of the carpet – a combination of hemp, wool and silk which provides an incredible contrast underfoot (hemp isn’t soft!).  It’s such a small example but one that demonstrates the attention to detail and effort that was embedded into the design of this hotel.

Staff are genuine and know all there is to know about the area they are in – make sure you ask them for a dining recommendation as the answer will be a locally loved haunt. This is a hotel where you want to linger, be it for a nightcap in their bar, a long brunch in Michelin Star Café Boulud or an afternoon cocktail on the rooftop, with one of the best views of the UES in Manhattan. One of my favourite memories of this hotel was having breakfast delivered to the rooftop on a beautiful winter’s morning. There is no doubt that they go the extra mile.

Set to open in the Fall of 2014, and with stand-out sister hotels in Beverly Hills and South Beach, the SLS New York is highly anticipated. Located in NoMad, this Philippe Starck designed hotel is situated in one of the hottest areas of Manhattan, which has seen a slew of hotel openings in the last couple of years.  Aside from a bed for the night, this hotel is said to be bringing with it new nightlife and restaurant concepts, and has “an exclusive rooftop experience”. The site photos and renderings look promising – can’t wait to hear and see more!

I have read and heard nothing but good things about Ace Hotel. Located in mid town, it is amongst the hustle and bustle and popular with New Yorkers and tourists alike. The industrial loft feel to this hotel has design lovers stopping by to check it out and take in its essence.

Ace targets the younger, artsy crowd, with local recommendations comprising of the newest galleries, cafes and boutiques – experiences that are to the left of mainstream. The dedicated hotel gallery space is “where the worlds of art, fashion, music, performance and food collide” and showcases emerging artists.

A hotel that is always in reach, it provides rooms starting at ‘Bunk Bed’ price points (though don’t be fooled, these are a far cry from any hostel bunk beads!) through to ‘Loft Suite’ luxury. This hotel feels real and authentic and free from pretension, but never leaves you without your luxuries – it’s just quieter about them.

Much like it’s sister hotel the Mondrian, this is one lively hotel. The lobby level is full of action, buzz and patrons, all playing within a set showcasing great design.  Philippe Starck was the man behind the design, but I must say, as striking and sexy as the architecture interior are, I do think it is missing his final quirky touches. 

The Hudson feels a little more ‘night time’ than the Mondrian – music playing, lights are dim, public areas full of rich texture and materials and it’s a venue ideal for a cocktail beside the dance floor (get ready to dance!) or a stiff drink in the library. But up in the room, the atmosphere is softer, allowing you to sleep it off and get ready to do it all over again. We stayed in a one bedroom suite which was an equal blend of luxury, comfort and style. The separate living area was complete with a kitchenette, dining table and lounge area – perfect for the one night in we did have, eating a slice of NY pizza, drinking wine and planning out the next few days. (As a side note, planning your time in New York is key and makes all the difference between feeling overwhelmed with so much to see, and excited with all you can see – more detail in a later post). 

The glass roof in the lobby with overgrown vines is nothing short of amazing. The courtyard behind is filled with sculpture, seating and planting – a great place to enjoy the last of the sun before dinner. 

This hotel has been open for just two years and is one I have been meaning to get to. Produced by the developer of the Ace Hotel, the NY Times described the NoMad as “the Ace for grown-ups”. It is located in one of my favourite areas of Manhattan just a skip away from Eataly, Restoration Hardware, the renowned Shake Shack in Madison Square Park, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, ABC Home and ABC Kitchen…to name a few…I really could go on. (More on these places in an upcoming post).

Interior designer Jacques Garcia brings a Parisienne touch to this Broadway hotel and whilst the lobby and dining areas appear to err on the side of gilt glamour, the rooms are pared back with a more French/masculine touch. In my notes on The Surrey hotel I made mention of the potential of damask looking dowdy…if there is one thing I would pull out of the images of the NoMad rooms, it would be those damask screens…. The eclectic furniture pieces look to make the suites feel like home and each room seems to have a slightly different touch. I love hotels that change it up – it shows style and personality and I would take them any day over the larger hotels that have a cookie cutter approach.

The library bar shows us how it should be done. The double height joinery, dim lighting and fireplace are all perfection – all I want to do is jump through the screen and arrive with a Hendricks and tonic in hand. I can’t wait to return to New York to see this hotel in person.

There are so many more hotels I could look at, but I would be writing for days to come and would never get this post online! Here is a quick list of other hotels that are equally as special.

The Peninsula – A hotel for contemporary sophistication and ultimate luxury. It’s 5th Ave location is perfect for emptying your purse at Bergdorf’s. 

Archer New York – This hotel opened earlier this year in the garment district. Its playful interior helps define the personality of “Archer” who pops up regularly in tone of voice communications. I’m intrigued by this hotel and would definitely stop in for a drink. I love their efforts to incorporate art and artisanal retail selections for purchase.

The Plaza – This hotel is as iconic as it gets. The landmark location, the opulent interior, the elegance of the experience, this is definitely one to try. Perhaps it would fall into the ‘tourist’ category, but the food court below is worth a visit. (More on dining experiences at The Plaza to come in a later post).

Park Hyatt New York – Designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Christian de Portzamparc and interiors by Yabu Pushelberg, there is not doubt that this hotel will be a jewel in the Hyatt crown. Set to open in August of this year, the renderings of the hotel show the accustomed Hyatt polish, intricate detail and luxury finishes.

Trump Soho – Grand, bold, luxurious and over the top – this is no wallflower and if you stay here, you shouldn’t
be either.

Wythe Hotel – Located in Williamsburg, this industrial hotel captures the feeling of its location. Stay here if design, fixies, art and fashion are you – it looks incredible.

This is one of my favourite Australian design events of the year, filled with new products, old friends, great eye candy in the showrooms and a glass of wine or two.

The collaboration between suppliers and design firms was abundant, showcasing the best product each had on offer. Congratulations to Europanel, Geyer and The Initiative on their winning collaboration 'The Podium' at Eveleigh.

For me, standout experiences included the Arthur G and Designer Rugs showroom, not to mention their great Aussie BBQ and lamington gelato from Messina. Arthur G debuted their new collaboration with Diane Bergeron who brings New York sophistication and an eye for intricate details. Boasting heritage inspired castors, beautiful piping detail and embroidered embellishments, this range will soon become the favourite of many.

The furniture at Arthur G was set upon a stage of pattern and colour from Designer Rugs. With a Camilla rug proudly prominent at the entry, geometric black and white patterns and Greg Natale collaborations were scattered throughout the showroom - a beautiful execution of two great brands coming together.

Cafe Culture beautifully displayed the Lee Broom crystal bulb pendants which are well and truly in the minds of many interior designers right now. Keep your eye out as these beauties will pop up in interiors all over the country.

Reece Bathroom Life launched the winners of the Bathroom Innovation Award whilst displaying the new Phillipe Starke range. The bathtub is simply stunning. Next door, Spence and Lyda celebrated their new showroom with chocolate treats and an incredible product display. This is a showroom that everyone must see - beautiful product that will compliment any interior.

Eveleigh was a highly anticipated stop on the designers trail, showcasing a great range of new product including a snapshot from Catapult Design. The English Tapware Company displayed their new Black collaboration with Perrin and Rowe and Basil Bangs, vibrantly catching your eye with their hanging umbrellas. Zuster enticed you to make the trip to their new showroom by displaying a few items from their new range. For those who are yet to visit, Zuster is a company who evolve with every collection and always offer beauty and finesse in their work.

This is an event that keeps getting better and better- I cannot wait for its return to Melbourne in 2014.

I have just come across this beautiful hotel in Sweden, which forms part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. I speak about my travel list being a mile long, and this hotel has just been added. 

So beautiful and quaint it would be hard to leave the property. An exquisite blend of tradition, texture and tone, this hotel would bring out the designer in all of us; you can't help but be inspired.

Like many other hotels, their goal was to create a hotel that had the comfort of home; unlike many other hotels, they have actually achieved this. The comfort and understated elegance oozes from the photographs. And as part of the SLH collection, you know you are in luxurious hands.

Add it to your travel list for an elegantly understated accommodation experience. 

There is no point wasting time with words. Fall in love with these images from the latest Manuel Canovas collection. Another reason why I love what Paris has to offer...

Despite being in its new location for some time, I was finally able to get out there and have a look.

An incredible building, home to many photo shoots with a now famous brick wall, houses Australian designed and made furniture.

One of the latest additions to the floor is the wooden swing, suited for every child at heart. Beautiful rugs, on trend Fluro coloured lighting and wooden wombats, there is something hear for everyone. Be tempted by the homewares, cast your eyes over the many design books and finish up with a delicious feast at kitchen by Mike.

A must visit for every designer and stylist at heart.

www.koskela.com.au