New York has always been one of my most favourite cities in North America. It’s got this vibe that can’t be described. Last time I went I had heart palpitations for a month when I came back. Seriously. My soul is there. So, when hubby asked if I wanted to tack onto the tail end of his business trip (and celebrate my bday)..did you think I’d pass that up?? So, in a quick New York 48 hours here are the highlights.
SUSHI SAMBA ON 7
87 seventh avenue south. 212-691-7885
www.sushisamba.com
This resto came highly recommended by my friend Conrad who co-owns a restaurant back at home. I figured if he thought it was good, then it would be worth a visit. Sushi Samba is where Japan meets Brazil…and it was great! The Omakase (chef’s selection) 7 course dinner was more than enough food and one of the best we’ve had. Reasonably priced at $69 (compared to other well-known celebrity chef hot spots). Locals came out later at night and the place was packed. And no attitude. Reservations recommended.
SAPPORO RAMEN NOODLE HOUSE
152 W 49th between sixth and seventh 212-869-8972
Close to Time Square, this off the path gem is a hit with japanese tourists. Sapporo is known for their Miso Ramen and it’s a great alternative to the typical fried food joints and chains in the area. For $10 or less you can warm your belly with flavourful noodle and rice bowls.
MAGNOLIA BAKERY
49th sixth avenue (and 4 other locations)
www.magnoliabakery.com
Yes there will be a line-up and yes, it’s worth it. Dragged hubby there and I’m sure you can just see his eyes rolling but once your senses are taken over by the vanilla you will know why. I’m sure New York put cupcakes on the yummy radar worldwide. Several different cupcake companies are sprinkled across Manhattan but this one is conveniently located and you can’t just walk by. Hubby agreed. Oh, and in case you didn’t know…Sex and the City made this place famous.
MAISON 24
470 Park Ave 212-355-2414
www.maison24.com
If you come across this home decor store you may want to factor in extra minutes to go through their collection of music, art, books, children’s accessories, and reclaimed/restyled furnishings. Owners Alison and Louis grew up in NY with families working in the fashion and design worlds so it’s no surprise they have a great eye for the fun and functional. And apparently you can sit on these chairs.
UNIQLO
666 5th Avenue
www.uniqlo.com
Founded in Japan in 1984, this global company finally hit North America including the most recent opening of it’s global flagship store in this location in October of this year. If you haven’t heard of UNIQLO..keep your eyes and ears open. It’s bound to stake claim in major markets over the next few years. The company offers basic, clean line clothing for men and women with great workmanship, solid company ethics, at affordable prices. The HeatTech collection offers Japanese technology of undergarments (t-shirts, socks) at very reasonable prices so we stocked up for our great winter weather! Three things noted when we shopped at the store…twice (contrast to the visit of Hollister a couple stores over). 1) bright cheerful shopping environment..yes I can see what I’m buying! b) staff was very helpful and understated (back at Hollister, the well chiselled teens positioned at the door like bouncers at a club – at UNIQLO there were wearing smocks). 3) the cashiers are polite and have been taught to hand over your credit card with two hands. Respect.
BELLHOUSE in Brooklyn
149 7th Street, Brooklyn
www.thebellhouseny.com
When hubby said “let’s go see a band” in Brooklyn I must admit I hesitated. Brooklyn? The cabby even hesitated but to my surprise we ended up at a great off the beaten path lounge/drinking hole/concert venue that was a fun night. I did think twice when we were a block away and the cab insisted we get out and there were 10 police cars were parked with lights going. Anyway, hubby is a fan of the Ramones (yeah, don’t ask) and I knew it would be entertaining. So, he discovered that a group called Shonen Knife (along with the Hard Nips, and Heavy Cream) were playing there. SO.WE.HAD.TO.GO. Shonen Knife is a band that consists of 3 women from Osaka, Japan who were heavily influenced by the Ramones. They were playing at the Bell House as part of their world tour. So, if you can imagine “Rock and Roll High School” sung by chipmunks then you get the idea. Fun times though and the bands hustled their concert t-shirts and obliged fans with cameras at the end of the night. CJ Ramone (also made a guest appearance that night). And the bartender was very generous with the vodka..(we had to refill the 7up to make mine drinkable).
So, there you go..highlights from this trip. If you’ve discovered something neat in NYC worth checking out let us know!
NOTE:
If you’re planning to brave the Thanksgiving Day weekend and all the amazing sales be sure to check out Lady Gaga inspired Santa’s Workshop at Barney’s! This is sure to a spectacle! And remember to take pics!!!
Bringing the kiddies? Check out the HighLine – a public park built on a historical freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Very cool!!!
WAAAYYYY overdue!!!!! ahem..road trip? I’ll meet you there! – Sonya
with the kiddies! you’ll have a blast! also if you have time to check out the High Line. I wish we had fit it in …next time!! FAO Schwartz has a create your own Muppet workshop there. Very cute! Wish I had made one! Enjoy!!!!!
Thanks Sonja! We leave on Wed afternoon for NYC so your post was perfectly timed!! I will have all four kids with me this time but I am sure the city will not let me down.
I haven’t been to New York since I was fourteen years old. To say I’m way overdue is a gross understatement. Next year… next year…!
I love New York! This past summer my husband and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary in NY. I too dragged my husband to a bakery, but not for cupcakes. I LOVE cookies so insisted that we visit Levain Bakery. All the online reviews insisted they made the best cookie. And WOW, these cookie do not disappoint. Beware they are super expensive and they only make four different varieties: Chocolate Chip Walnut, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip. I LOVED them all!
Ahhh – I feel like you – I love New York so much it’s crazy. I went to Uniqlo a few weeks ago when I was there…I was sad…nothing seemed to fit me right!