Understated elegance is what you will find at the Mercer Hotel located on, appropriately enough, Mercer Street in SoHo.. The entrance is hidden so well that it almost seems like you have to be an insider to find it. Look for the large clock jutting out of the wall. The nondescript door underneath leads into the lobby, which is filled with comfortable chairs and couches. White brick walls and shelves filled with books, available for perusal at your leisure. The front desk keeps up the chic theme, with a bouquet of fresh flowers delivered every few days. When I arrived, the flowers were Calla Lilies, which seemed to fit the essence of the ambience as well. Simple, yet classic. There is no separate concierge desk, the front desk personnel are happy to assist in any way.

Entering your floor from the elevator, you step into dimly lit hallways. My first thought upon stepping out was that I was not in a hotel, but in a typical New York apartment building. Walking past the doors, which don’t have peepholes, further keeps up this image. And no tacky paper “Do Not Disturb signs hanging from doorknobs here. Instead, there are magnets which you place on the metal doors to indicate your privacy preference.

The rooms could be described as Spartan. No superfluous decoration or artwork here. Just simple, clean lines. High ceilings, with two windows to view the street scenes below. And don’t worry if your room faces the sunrise, there are blackout curtains which can be raised or lowered automatically by remote control. Of course, there’s the large flat screen TV, along with a couch and table for getting work done, or eating room service. White linens and huge fluffy white pillows, perfect for a peaceful nights rest. And the dark, blood red cherries left in the room, with bottles of Evian and Pellegrino was a perfect complement.

But where the accommodations really shined was in the bathroom. It was so clean, I felt like I was in an operating room. And funnily enough, the towels were placed on a rolling metal shelf, furthering the sterile theme. There is a separate walk in shower, and dimmer switches for the lights. You could lounge for hours in the huge, deep tub. Or invite a couple of friends…The hotel is thoughtful enough to provide condoms alongside the typical toiletry items!

The Mercer is an Andre Balazs hotel and a sister to the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood. Hip without being ostentatious or overbearing, it truly represents New York City well.

Mercer Hotel, SoHo
147 Mercer St.
New York, New York 10012
www.mercerhotel.com

“The last time I saw Paris, her heart was warm and gay. Chorus: I heard the laughter of her heart in every street cafe”. Ok so It’s actually Manhattan in August and the weather isn’t warm, it’s hot and humid but who’s counting? There’s an authentic French restaurant in Nolita that’s just waiting for you called Tartinery. This stylish cafe’s main feature is in its’ name.  The “Tartine” is an open faced sandwich that is quite popular in France but somehow never made the leap to this side of the ocean the same way that french onion soup, crepes and croquettes have. If you’ve ever tasted a Tartine, you might be surprised, maybe even shocked to find out that the Tartinery is only the 2nd restaurant in NYC to offer this savory treat.

The concept of a Tartine is so simple yet each variety of this sandwich is just so delicious, with so many different choices of content that are willfully rich and tempting beyond reason. Whether you’re in the mood for jambon and oeuf’s on your tartine or a tartine with mozzarella and vine tomatoes -Tarinery has it. How about a Foie Gras Tartine? Check! How about an Arabic influenced Tartine? Check! France and Lebanon have had a long history with each other including the years around World War 2 when France put a mandate on Syria giving the French direct control of the region and splitting Lebanon into its own country, basing the name around the words: “Le Bon”, meaning “The Good”. That’s our history lesson for the day! The Lebanese inspired Tartine features cucumber, Za’tar and Labna -a hybrid of French and Lebanese authenticity!  The French owned Tartinery continues to keep things authentic by importing their bread from Poilâne, France’s highly esteemed bread bakery.  Although Tartinery’s concept revolves around the extraordinary Tartine, there are many other things to choose from on the menu (including the amazing risotto which is not to be missed) and a full bar to boot.

The space is just about as equally pleasant as the heavenly food with contemporary style interiors featuring a bar area and table seating on the ground floor with an inside open window giving views towards the basement seating area.  An industrial style staircase  leads down to basement seating with wooden ceilings giving the space a very natural and homey feel.  If you’re coming with a group of four or more, try to sit at the cleverly placed center table in the basement which has a real tree growing out from the center.   If you’re a people watcher,  look up and you’ll see the large windows leading to the street and people shuffling by or looking in and then stepping in to the restaurant.  Giving Tartinery that extra unique touch, there’s even a  “Space Invader” plaque which could go undetected unless you visually search it out.

There isn’t any reason I can think of to miss out on Tartinery.  The prices are reasonable, decor is cool and food incredible.

209 Mulberry Street
New York, NY 10012
212.300.5838
www.tartinery.com

Tucked away on a quiet street in the Upper East Side of Manhattan you will find the charming boutique hotel, The Lowell. You know exactly what to expect from the outside with the friendly doormen and classic Art Deco designed exterior but then when you enter the lobby you instantly know you’ve stumbled upon a classic hideaway. The Lowell has a very intimate yet warm feeling upon entry. Marble floors greet you along with English style interior decor and dim tasteful lighting. It feels elegant and lived in at the same time, which is comforting when far from home. The room was beautiful, well designed and thought out. That touch of old world design prevails in the guest room but with modern amenities including a large flat screen, IPod doc, WIFI and more. A large panel flat screen hangs over the bathtub and the walk in shower is spacious and sparkling clean.

After settling into the room I decided to venture out to see what the Upper East Side had to offer. The hotel is in the perfect location- close to bars, restaurants shopping and nightlife. Barney’s, Bergdorf’s, Saks and all the shopping you could ever want are a short stroll away and Central Park is a stone’s throw. The concierge was very helpful and recommended a lot of great places to go. Walking around Central Park all afternoon was great and tiring, I wanted to go back to the plushness of the hotel. When I arrived at the entrance the doorman quickly handed me a bottle of water and opened the door for me. Nice.

The hotel has a total 23 bedrooms and 49 suites. The country-house style suites feature wood-burning fireplaces, and 14 feature sunny terraces overlooking the cityscape. There are also six specialty suites, including two Lowell Suites, The Garden Suite with two terraces, The Hollywood Suite with state-of-the-art conference room for 12 people; The Manhattan Suite with its spacious marble bath complete with steam-shower, Jacuzzi bath and two terraces and The Penthouse Suite with three bedrooms, a large terrace and a private conservatory.

A stay at the Lowell is incredibly relaxing yet convenient, this boutique hotel is definitely the place to be for business or pleasure.

Reservations at The Lowell can be made by calling: 800-221-4444 or email: reservations@lowellhotel.com

28 East 63rd Street
New York, NY 10065
(212) 838-1400

When I heard my wife had booked a room at the prestigious Ritz Carlton Central Park, it didn’t take much arm-twisting for her to get me to tag along on her business trip. NYC is one of my favorite cities and the opportunity to stay at this super-lux hotel was too much to pass up.

Due to a couple of delays we finally arrived at the hotel around Midnight and were greeted by a cheery doorman who showed us the way in to the lobby while simultaneously grabbing our luggage. The check in process was quick and we were in our room within a couple of minutes of arriving at the curb. As we entered the room the Barbara Streisand CD “A Happening In Central Park”, was playing, and our bags were already set in place. We quickly grabbed the room service menu and took stock of the late-night selections, which had quite a few tempting choices. We settled on the Club Sandwich and Pasta Bolognese. Both were quick, fresh and most importantly delicious!

The room was very well equipped with the basics you expect from a hotel of this stature, robes, slippers and complimentary over night shoe shine service. As well there were some high end extras like toiletries by Italian designer Etro, bath salts by la prairie spa and for the traveling business man they even had a selection of collar stays. There was a vast array of both sweet and salty in the snack tray and the mini bar was stocked with premium liquor and even a $150 bottle of Opus One. The tv was connected to a great Bose sound system that was however, lacking any obvious ipod connection. That meant the only music you could listen to was the radio or the ahem, aforementioned Streisand CD. The lack of ipod dock was probably the only knock on the room other then the size, but it was still spacious by New York standards. The bed was by far the best part of the stay. The linens were silky smooth and the pillows were soft and abundant. The luxurious down duvet was a welcome feathery cocoon at the end of a busy Big Apple day.

One of the more unique experiences about our stay was the access to the Club level lounge. Where for an extra $100-$200 a night, depending on the season, you have access to a private club over looking Central Park. Here, you can enjoy all of the 5 daily food presentations. Be warned, these are not full meals, but never the less, very good. The breakfast was a European style cold buffet with a selection of fine deli meats, cheeses and pastries as well as granola, oatmeal and hardboiled eggs. Lunch was an abundant selection of sandwiches and salads and a few tempting desserts. The food was very good and well presented. I had a hard time deciding whether the extra charge is really worth it, especially in a city where you’ll probably be out and about either sightseeing or in meetings most of the day. In addition to the food, you also get access to a private concierge, who informed me that shortly they would be getting a few new ipads for use by the Club Level guests. The Club Level is a real draw for guests at the hotel who are looking for a little extra

Probably, the biggest draw for most guests however, has to be the amazing location. Located right on Central Park South at the corner of 6th Avenue, everything is right outside the door. Whether you’re looking to shop at all the high-end boutiques on 5th Ave, dine in any of the infinite amazing restaurants in the area or take a horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park, it’s all right there.

If your desire is to stay in absolute luxury in a great traditional location, and price is no object or you have an amazing expense account, then The Ritz Carlton Central Park is right for you.

-Alex Auld

50 Central Park South,
New York, NY
212.308.9100

New York City’s subway system is very much like the vascular system of the human body. Multicolored subway lines intersect each other branching out in various directions in ways veins and arteries would. If you were to pinpoint the heart of New York City it would be Union Square. In 2009 an estimated 34,245,245 million passengers entered this station. Even though Union Square is a wonderful meeting spot the options for fine dining have been pretty dismal. That’s why Tocqueville’s reopening in 2006 off of 15th st and 5th Ave is a real culinary treat.

To call Tocqueville French American cuisine would be an enormous understatement. Chef Marco Moreira’s creations have crossed the Atlantic Ocean, but they have also climbed the summit of Mt Fuji and seen the ruins of the Roman Coliseum. Using local ingredients mainly from the Union Square farmers market Chef Moreira has created a playful menu that will awake your senses and challenge your taste buds.

Sitting down at our table a server immediately comes and presents us with delightful servings of house made focaccia, sourdough and cornbread. To compliment this we are given an amuse bouche of summer potato croquettes in a black truffle butter sauce and fried beets in the form of spring rolls that are filled with fresh goat cheese. We order the Japanese Yellowtail Crudo and Tartare as an appetizer. The Crudo comes lightly dusted with pepper and spices and is accompanied by a piece of lychee to balance each flavor delicately. Along with the yellowtail the sommelier brings us a bottle ofnarutotai ginjo sake to taste. The sake is well rounded, slightly sweet, with a hint of fresh roses.

Being a huge fan of southern food and breakfast for dinner I am elated to find truffled Parmesan grits with cured veal bacon on the menu. As the dish arrives I see the sunny side up egg floating on top of my creamy grits and I can’t resist the urge to burst its yellow yolk and indulge in this million-calorie wonder. As if this wasn’t enough of a guilty pleasure, I am presented with an appetizer of angel hair pasta carbonara with sea urchin that only a gluttonous roman emperor that invaded Japan could think of. The sea urchin or uni acts as a wonderful substitute for gobs of butter that you would normally find in an Italian carbonara. Certain cultures believe uni to be an afrodisiac, but after eating this the only intention I have is to lay my head down on my pillow and fall asleep. Who would have thought something as miniscule and light as uni could taste so intensely decadent.

Finishing a delicious glass of 2003 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon the server brings us a seared diver scallop that sits on a bed of braised artichokes, chantrelle mushrooms, fuji apples and a cider vinegar reduction. A solid block of nicely seared foie gras is placed on top of the scallop bringing this recipe to a higher culinary plateau. You must order this.

Tocquville’s Pekin duck rendition does not share many similarities to the Peking Duck, a technique used in Chinese cooking. This variety of Duck, raised locally is a favorite of many and frequently mistaken for the “Peking” duck due to the slight spelling difference. This dish comes with a delightful rhubarb reduction. The rare duck breast is quite delicious and cooked to perfection. The highlight is the medallion of duck leg terrine between turnips which looks as if it was trying to jump off the plate and have its own space on the menu.

At the end of our meal deserts arrive with Greenmarket fresh strawberries in a pink champagne jelly with lemon pound cake and marscarpone ice cream. Very exceptional and reminds me of the fresh fruit tarts my grandmother Charlotte would buy from the local patisserie each year for my birthday.

The chocolate tasting menu consists of chocolate cherry ganache, bittersweet chocolate tart, mandarin cake and a bittersweet chocolate torte. It is a feast for any chocolate fiend. Finishing off the night I decompress with a glass of 2006 Kracher Beerenauslese cuvee that has delightful notes of honey and fruit.

-Marc Lesser

1 East 15th Street
New York, NY 10003
(212) 647-1515

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

The White Queen-
Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There

If Alice fell down the rabbit hole and landed in a luxury hotel, she’d end up at the Crosby Street Hotel in SoHo (SOuth of HOuston St.). An eclectic mix of modern and traditional, Crosby Street is utterly charming on so many levels. Owned and operated by the Firmdale Hotels based out of London, the Crosby Street Hotel is the first in the States and has only been open since October 2009. Containing 86 rooms and suites, the hotel is small enough to feel cozy, yet large enough to contain all the amenities you would expect from a hotel of this caliber. However, you can tell immediately upon entering that you’re not in a typical hotel.

As you approach the front desk, you notice that there are a number of cubbies on the wall. Reminiscent of the golden age of travel, back in the days when you checked in and out with the front desk each time upon leaving and returning to the hotel – this can be handy for those of us with a tendency to misplace keys. However, the hotel is technologically advanced, with state of the art slim card keys which you press in front of the lock to open. I found it interesting that the hotel typically only distributes one key per “family” – not exactly optimal when traveling with companions who may have different agendas. I felt a little like Oliver Twist upon returning to the hotel by myself (“Please sir, may I have another?). But the front desk just had me escorted up to the room with a bellman who let me in.

The lobby is so interesting, with life-size dog statues papered over with cartoons, a large white metal sculpture of a head made up of interlocking letters and various modern style paintings. To the right of the concierge desk is the drawing room. Step in and feel as though you’ve gone back in time to the Victorian Age – with a twist! Kept dark with many candles to give it an intimate feel, there are plush couches and sculpted tables, along with various original artwork on the walls. When five o’clock comes, retire to the drawing room for a cocktail, or step out into the courtyard patio for a breath of fresh air. Expect the unexpected, where a two thousand year old tree trunk on a pedestal greets you as you step out the door, along with various other pieces of natural sculpture. We were told that much of the artwork decorating the hotel comes directly from the personal collection of the owners, again, adding to the more personal and homey quality. The elevators feature framed art entitled “The Dogs of SoHo”, which is a collage of photos of actual, resident SoHo dogs out on their daily walks.

And the rooms, the rooms! Are there enough adjectives to describe the sumptuous and beautiful furnishings? The large bathroom with the flat screen tv imbedded in the wall above the tub. The decorous bidet (a very European idea which I wish would catch on here), the grand walk in shower, the oversized tub with spray attachments…everything one could want or need. Each room is decorated in its own signature style, with varying color schemes, ranging from soft buttery yellows to gorgeous deep plums. Fabric and differing textures on the walls adds to the overall sensory experience. Painted dress forms, mirrors and sculptures decorate the rooms, with luxurious linens and deep pillows to sink into after a hard day in the city. The floor to ceiling windows have cushions on the window ledges for comfy viewing of the surrounding skyline or people watching on the streets. And can you imagine the lucky bride to be who gets to relax before her big day in the Meadow Suite? Yes, there is an actual planted MEADOW on the roof outside of one of the suites, with flowering trees, plants and bushes. Alice would feel right at home here spending a lazy Sunday afternoon making daisy chains with Dinah.

Of course, a British owned operation is going to have the traditional afternoon tea. Offered at the hotel all day in the Crosby Bar, or guests of the hotel can have theirs in the Drawing Room. Champagne is extra, but splurge…and the lotus tea and clotted cream on scones are to die for! The Crosby Street Bar and Terrace serves breakfast, afternoon tea, bar food and drinks all day. The Mad Hatter and March Hare would fit right in here, with the whimsical, fanciful multi-colored globe lights hanging from the ceiling, and old fashioned telephone sculpture on the wall. Or if you prefer, eat out on the shady Terrace, and people watch.

I also checked out the Sunday Night Film Club, available to all, not just hotel guests. You get dinner and a movie (one short film and one feature length) with your choice of a three course meal (a set menu and you choose from various options) for $50 per person or a bar plate for $25 per person. I chose the full meal and brother, let me tell you it is worth every penny. I had the wedge salad, macaroni and cheese with truffles and the most scrumptious, positively decadent chocolate sundae with salted caramel. The only drawback was that I was so stuffed (I couldn’t bear to let any of that ambrosial food go to waste) that when the lights went down for the movie, I was so comfortable that I promptly fell right asleep (my apologies to my neighbors if I snored). The blu-ray movie is shown in a 100 seat theater, with a full size screen and a top notch sound system. Unbelievable value, when you consider it’s a full on evening out, with dinner and a movie to boot. Perfect for date night, an evening out with the girls (or guys) or just a peaceful, relaxing evening by yourself.

Crosby Street, oh Crosby Street, I sing your praises high. One other point worth mentioning – every employee of the hotel that I met or interacted with seemed genuinely happy to be there. They were always available to answer questions, provide assistance, or give insider tidbits about the property. It is obvious that they take pride in themselves and their hotel, which really makes all the difference and shows in every aspect of your experience there. If contemplating a trip to New York, make sure and spend a night or two (or twelve) at the Crosby Street Hotel and experience a little of the continent right here in our own backyard!

79 Crosby Street
New York, New York 10012

http://www.kiwicollection.com/hotel-detail/crosby-street-new-york

-Zayne Swain

Look closely for the entrance to this gastropub – of course, the ivy crawling up the walls outside and faux English countryside façade with baskets of heather might be a giveaway. Walking inside you feel as though you have escaped New York, fallen down the rabbit hole and ended up in an English country cottage. There is a desk as you enter, with an extremely tall hostess, who also models in her spare time. Oh, did I mention the models? All the woman working here are extremely tall beautiful models, apparently moonlighting from their day jobs having their pictures taken in glamorous locales. It seems to be a theme.

There is a wooden staircase leading upstairs, to a separate dining area and bar. There is also a balcony (more reminiscent of Romeo & Juliet, weren’t they Italian?) for smokers needing a quick fix and not wanting to travel downstairs. Of course, Rocco the owner is half Italian, half South African, so you know immediately that you are in for an eclectic, gastronomic roller coaster ride. He’s more than happy to stop by and converse about the origins of the restaurant, himself or the entire history of pubs printed on the ceiling. With decorations by his wife, the authenticity is apparent. Bookshelves lined with collections of fine literary works, candelabra, and portraits of Victoria & Albert to guide you to the appropriate loo. There is also a white, upright piano if the mood for a little music while you’re waiting for dinner strikes you.

And when done soaking in the atmosphere, turn your attention to the food. Start off with the scallops, browned on the outside and dotted with dollops of caviar. Lightly browned, the caviar adds just the right salty touch. Or the ricotta gnocchi in a light sauce. Pine nuts add an earthy flavor. The celery root salad is an interesting accompaniment which adds a welcome mild flavor to the dish. Then on to the main course, the traditional lamb with vegetables was my favorite. The vegetables were cooked to crisp perfection, as was the medium rare lamb shank. There are dishes to suit every palette, including duck, fish and vegetarian. And the desserts were practically perfect in every way (kinda like Mary Poppins). Banana profiteroles, crème brulee and chocolate lava cake, oh my! The trifecta of gastronomic delights was a fitting ending to the delightful meal.

Come for the experience. A little Britain in the heart of Greenwich Village, but with a hip downtown New York vibe all its own. Watch the beautiful people and soak in the scene while dining in a unique atmosphere.

Rabbit in The Moon
47 W 8th (between 5th and 6th)
New York, New York 10012

Tucked away in the heart of TriBeca (the “TRIangle BElow CAnal”), is an inauspicious luxury hotel.  The entrance is not gaudy or overblown, but subtle, almost hidden, with a simple plaque noting “Smyth” (pronounced “Smith”).   Walk through the door and you step into a world of hipsters.  I could easily imagine Twiggy hanging out at the bar in all her mod glory; or Redford and Newman, circa 1969, sitting in the round cushy papa san chairs in the lobby sipping drinks and chatting up Steve McQueen with Ali McGraw on his knee.  The hotel definitely fits right in to the trendy and artistic TriBeCa neighborhood.   A Thompson hotel, Smyth is one of five located in Manhattan, each uniquely suited to its surroundings.

The doormen are all tall, thin pretty boys, identically dressed in crisp white shirts and dark skinny leg jeans, with the obligatory black cord hanging from the ear…the better to communicate with one another and advise of an imminent guest arrival.  The front desk personnel are equally hip, but with a slight air of cool superiority.   As if they know secrets and might possibly let you in on them .  Unexpectedly, at the front desk, a touch of whimsy in keeping with the slightly avant-garde theme – shelves behind the desk filled with toys – Rock Em Sock Em figures and various other multicolored trinkets.  Continuing to the elevators, vintage alarm clocks adorn the wall.

Definitely, get the corner Studio King.  The floor to ceiling windows offer an unparalleled view of the streets.  Directly across from my room were upscale apartments…sitting on the couch and watching the residents (who apparently have no concern about window shades!) was like being part of a living soap opera.  In keeping with our neighbors, we slept with the drapes open and let the sounds and sights of the area lull us into a peaceful sleep in the ultra comfy king size bed.  400 count sheets further added to the slumber experience.  The bathroom offered a walk in shower with separate tub and heat lamps built into the mirrored wall.  The room was not overfurnished, but understated with a monochromatic scheme – cool whites, grays and blacks.  The art on the wall offered touches of color with mosaic prints making up female faces.  The décor offers a restful, peaceful feeling, nothing to over-stimulate your brain, especially helpful after an activity filled day in Manhattan.

The concierge was always able to help me with questions, be it subway schedules, dinner recommendations, or directions to The Magnolia Bakery in the West Village (another must do!)  And they point you in the direction of quality, recommending places where you can get a feel for the real TriBeCa of locals, and not just the too crowded touristy “destination” places.  Or, if would rather not travel out, the hotel offers a full bar and dining right on site.

Smyth Hotel, the first on my New York trip definitely set the bar high for expectations.  If you are looking for a luxury hotel offering all the expected amenities but without the pretentious trappings of a New York “place” – make sure and check her out on your next visit!
-Zayne Swain

Smyth Hotel – TriBeCa
85 W. Broadway
New York, New York 10007
www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/nyc/smyth

Alex Palmer

It was a warm night (though nice compared to some of the suffocating scorchers we’ve been having in the city) when we entered Aurora. The evening was approaching when we entered the Italian restaurant, located on Grand Street in the middle of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, so we headed to the outdoor garden area.

We took in the ivy-covered walls and mixed crowd of families and local 20- and 30-somethings, as well as the view of the city—the garden area opens out into downtown Williamsburg, giving a great look at the city streets, all the way to the Hudson from a few seats. As we got comfortable, my date, Jenn, and I sated our appetites with Aurora’s house focaccia, which had a lightly sweet taste from the light layer of carmelized onions on top.

As the sun set we each began our salads: Jenn had the watermelon salad, consisting of 1.5” squared cubes of watermelon, scattered leaves of basil and oil-cured olives as well as a sprinkling of feta cheese. It was an ideal summer salad—raw and refreshing. My salad also had an unusual combination of ingredients, with peach slices, mustard greens and scattered hazelnuts covered by sheets of prosciutto and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. It was amazing how the tart flavor of the perfectly ripe peaches brought out the light sweetness of the meat. I am definitely saving the recipe for the next barbecue. This first course was accompanied by a glass of dry Riesling, which accompanied it perfectly.

For the main course, with the sun down and the evening cooling off, I was ready for something a little warmer and got the special: spinach-noodle lasagna, served in a miniature ceramic (and still very hot) skillet. I let it cool while I sipped from my glass of Contado Aglianico that our server recommended. As requested, it was very dry with an intense flavor of blackberries and currants, and a full body—and balanced perfectly with the first bites of cooled, richly flavorful lasagna.

In its wine selection and food, Aurora emphasizes where in Italy they are from. Our server was able to offer interesting tips and facts about every menu item we asked about (from start to finish, the service was excellent). For the first week of every month, the restaurant even offers a regional prix fixe menu for $60 per person, which includes four courses as well as wine pairings for a different part of Italy each month (August will feature Sardinia). For those looking for a budget-friendly option, the restaurant also offers a prix fixe lunch menu for $20.

While I enjoyed my hearty lasagna, Jenn opted for a lighter option, ordering the cavatelli (a pasta about 3 cm long—looks a lot like gnocchi on first glance) with Sicilian almond pesto, basil and tomato.

For dessert, I went with a classic—the tiramisu. It came in a clear glass, which helped to appreciate the mix of espresso-soaked Savoiardi, cocoa and Marsala cream. It was one of the top three tiramisus I’ve had (and I’ve had a lot of tiramisu). Jenn continued the “light and refreshing” theme of her main course and salad, and went with the hazelnut-crusted lemon sabayon tart. It was also a worthy finish to a very satisfying meal.

We left the restaurant feeling rejuvenated and relaxed, like we had just enjoyed a meal with some old friends, or in this case, some new ones.

Aurora
70 Grand St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.388.5100
http://www.auroraristorante.com/

Tasting menus always allure me because you get a chef painstakingly planning an entire meal. Not to mention, it allows me the opportunity to make fewer choices. When you see the Recette menu you will see how even the most impulsive could be rendered indecisive. With that in mind, I just needed to make the call between the five course or the seven course tasting menu. At $75 and $100 respectively, price is hardly a consideration. I opted for the five course not knowing what the night held for me beyond my table.

Ok I’m still lingering on this pricing, for all I’m expecting, this all looks so affordable. Chef Jesse Schenker has an ever-evolving menu that capitalizes on locally grown produce to make new American favorites a cut above. We started with a tuna crudo with fennel, mussel vinaigrette and caramelized orange caviar. The combination of herbs, fat, sweetness and acidity brought out the broadest range of flavors from this sashimi grade tuna.

Next we had spring pea soup, a roasted sea scallop, foie gras and fresh peas. The freshness of the pea soup affirmed the feeling of anticipation that comes when the spring turns into summer. Now I’m not usually excited about scallops, but the seared outside and moist, soft center of this one made me rethink my position. The decadent foie gras was saved for last and it was truly the best part of this dish; crisp and rich to the point of slowly savoring it, almost in disbelief.

The third course was anticipated from the start, this dish brought halibut together with morel mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus and saffron beurre blanc. The density of halibut can be a challenge to cook well. The number of times I’ve had dry, over-cooked or inconsistently cooked halibut, ugh. This halibut however was cooked to perfection. The accompanying mushrooms and veggies gave the dish a warm, comforting touch, while the essence of saffron was subtle and a bit playful.

The intensity escalates as a plate arrives with Berkshire pork belly, rock shrimp and turnips. When is the last time you’ve had a fresh turnip on your plate? You could be missing out. The pork was cooked to retain just enough firmness to resist the pushing prongs of the fork for a split second as the tenderness gives way. This pig probably didn’t work a day in his life, because this was one of the softest pork bellies I’ve ever had. The real celebration in this dish was the romesco sauce, which held almost combustible combination of peppers, nuts and garlic.

Rounding out the dinner was a passion fruit tart with raspberry and Meyer lemon sorbet and compressed pineapple in a coarsely crumbled graham cracker crust. After such a rich dinner I was thankful the tart didn’t have the typical pastry dough. Considering the fruits involved I was afraid this dessert might be too sour. Thankfully there was a sweetness to it that wasn’t just a lot of sugar. The tart went down light and the crunchy crust was just, well, fun.

Recette
328 West 12th Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 414-3000
www.recettenyc.com

Quiksilver and The Standard hotels have joined forces once again to expand their boardshort collection and exclusive products sold through poolside vending machines. Four new custom designed Standard Boardshorts by Quiksilver will be sold alongside new Standard Sunglasses By Quiksilver, a reversible Standard Bikini By Quiksilver and Shiseido sunscreen. The Standard, Hollywood and The Standard Spa, Miami Beach will now have their own vending machines to expand those existing at The Standard, Downtown LA and The Standard, New York. And for those who won’t get a chance to visit the pools this summer, products will be available at The Standard Shop at www.shopthestandard.com and www.quiksilver.com.

This year the ladies get to enjoy a gorgeous custom bathing suit as well. The Standard Bikini By Quiksilver features a solid white bandeau top that reverses to yellow, with a low-rise bikini bottom. The convertible design allows for the top to be worn as three unique styles; tied around the neck, knotted and then tied around the neck or as a strapless bandeau. The new Standard Sunglasses By Quiksilver are hand-made, two-toned black acetate frames with distortion-free, shatter-resistant lenses and 100% UV sun protection. These sleek unisex shades are complemented with the Quiksilver signature black and red checkered print on the inside of the frame.

From Shiseido, suncare products including a Refreshing Sun Spray for Hair/Body SPF 16 as well as an SPF 38 Face Cream will be offered for poolside protection. The spray offers cooling sun protection for the body, hair and scalp while the highly nourishing cream-formula offers maximum sun protection for the face. Both products complete the ultimate summer look by defending against UVA/UVB rays to leave skin smooth and glowing without any visible residue or uncomfortable stickiness.

More Information: www.standardhotels.com.

The Surrey Hotel is fresh from a costly refurbishment, and the smooth floors, trendy furniture and smart dressed staff are still gleaming. Completed in November 2009, the refurbishment saw the décor leap a few decades from pre-war elegance to glossy contemporary. The lobby is an attractive study in Art Deco, with sleek marble in silver, greys and black punctuated by bold pieces of furniture. A six foot tall Chuck Close black and white portrait of Kate Moss greets you by the elevators on your way up to your room. This style continues throughout the hotel and into the adjoining Bar Pleiades by Daniel Boulud. The bar is always bustling with well-dressed patrons, proving that good décor plus imaginative cocktails is a winner with the Upper East Side crowd, as well as hotel guests.

In general there is a very hip feeling around the Surrey that you wouldn’t necessarily associate with the area it’s located in. The bedrooms are deeply comfortable yet modern and sleek with all the normal extras, such as tea and coffee making facilities, I-Pod docking stations, bathrobes, plus a few welcome extras such as striking damask style carpeting, and a smooth grey marble bathroom. The Duxiana beds are as nice as sleeping on a cloud and considered some of the best in New York. Room service is provided by Daniel Boulud so you can rest assured that the food will be worth the prices unlike some hotels that charge an arm and a leg for less than quality room service. There is also a lovely roof garden and full service spa at the Surrey. Don’t leave without checking both out –especially the roof garden.

The Surrey Hotel
20 E. 76th St.
New York, NY 10021
www.thesurrey.com

Review & Photos by Face Hunter

After running around the whole day in Manhattan, I was looking for a hotel to relax and I found Hotel Mela. It is a very convenient solution if you are visiting Midtown.  Clean, easy, functional and with a modern design.  Located on 44th Street between 6th and 7th Ave, it is in the heart of Times Square and Theater District.  This means that numerous classic Manhattan sites are only a walking distance from your room: New York Public Library, shopping on the Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park, Radio City Music Hall, or two subway stops for Central Park.  My room was not that big but for a short stay where you spend 90% of your time outdoors, it was totally fine.  In New York it’s all about the location, right? The staff was very attentive and warm from the moment I stepped into the lobby.  Saju Bistro, inside the hotel will provide you with an eclectic culinary experience.  Hotel Mela is not trying hard but it definitely has everything you need for your New York stay.

120 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036-4050
212.710.7000
www.desireshotels.com
www.hotelmela.com

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is one of my all time favorite restaurants. I liken a visit to L’Atelier to visiting the opera more than visiting your every day run of the mill upscale restaurant. As the twin sister of the original Paris location, L’Atelier is one of the shiny gems amongst the many great New York restaurants. Fragments of atmosphere, intense flavors, creativity equaling gastronomical goodness all come together to create an opus of a dining experience. Housed within the Four Seasons New York, the menu features first and foremost French influence and French technique, Asian as well as an heavy concentration on Spanish/Catalonian influence. The restaurant’s decor is paired down, lacking gimmicks and pretension thus putting the focus solely on the food. Many of the plates are served tapas style, only slightly larger almost big enough for sharing dish after savory dish. If you’re with a small party, the food bar is an ideal place to sit. You can eat and watch the chef’s in action. As to be expected a sommelier is on hand to help with your wine pairings, but the waiters are also very knowledgeable. Some of the waiters are downright foodies and will help you choose what to order with ease.  If you can’t make it to Paris, try your best to stop into this treasure of a restaurant.

57 East 57th Street
New York, NY 10022
212.829.3844
www.fourseasons.com

Photos & Review by Haya Zoubi

Located in the heart of New York’s Gramercy Park within two historical landmark townhomes is The Inn at Irving Place. While walking on Irving Place you might miss the Inn because there is no sign indicating that the building is the “Inn at Irving Place”, so look out for a golden plaque at the top of the brownstone’s stairs that says “Lady Mendl’s”.  Built in 1834, this cozy little inn only offers 12 delicately furnished rooms reminiscent of the New York of Edith Wharton. From the moment you step inside you will see that every piece of furniture and decor (with the exception of a few modern necessities here and there) is antique but not at all in a tacky or gaudy way.  You will find a lovely and unforgettable smell wafting through the air at the Inn, this signature scent is the Inn’s own Jasmine candles which you can purchase to experience the scent of the inn in your own home.  The narrow entrance features black and white tiles with Lady Mendl’s tea room to the left and the ornate lobby/reception area to the right. The Inn’s brownstones have been home to everything from flats, an historic Gentleman’s Club, a Speak Easy and even a brothel. You won’t see the ghost of a drunken flapper or a brothel worker but you might feel the spirit of all the people that have come and gone in this classic building. Enter your room and there will be classic rag-time and jazz tunes playing on the modern TV. A lovely way to enter a hotel room, that really sets the mood for what your stay will be like. There is speedy internet access in each room, a folder filled with NYC guides to restaurants, nightlife and more, Frette linens and some rooms have adorably furnished little living room areas. Make sure to drop into Lady Mendl’s tea room for an afternoon tea or walk out and take a few steps and you’ll find a great Mario Batali restaurant right next door.  The Inn at Irving Place is a great little escape right in the heart of Manhattan and is not to be missed.

56 Irving Place
New York, NY
10003-2314
212.533.4600
www.innatirving.com