DINE
Dirty French
{Lower East Side}
Major Food Group (Carbone, ZZ’s Clam Bar) is at it again with this modern French bistro that is serving up the best roast chicken in New York. Presented with perfectly thin crepes, the breasts and the dark meat have different preparations, but both are swoon worthy: one with lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and soy; and the other with mustard, caramelized shallots, and fine herbs. The Zaragoza cocktail may at first seem an odd combination (tequila, vanilla yogurt, creme de peche, fresh lime, and clove), but these mixologists know what they are doing; this drink goes down as easily as a milkshake. Warm, fluffy beignets (served with sweet, sticky caramel sauce) provide the perfect ending. The vibe is downtown cool.
/ dirtyfrench.com
STAY
Hotel Hugo
{SoHo}
This stylish SoHo hotel with 122 guest rooms and suites has custom, glossed-wood furnishings and Italian tiled bathrooms. A perfect blend of industrial and luxury, it is outfitted with meeting rooms and a gym, something few New York boutique hotels possess. It’s home to the authentic Italian eatery Il Principe, and its rooftop bar—with views of the Hudson River—is a destination all its own.
/ hotelhugony.com
DINE
Nerai
{Midtown}
Dining in midtown is often a production, but it does not have to be thanks to the newly opened Nerai. Patio seating in warmer months is a rare and welcome thing in this part of town. Seafood is flown in daily; expect to find elevated classics like grilled octopus with chickpea, onions, capers, and roasted red peppers. Hamachi crudo is a highlight with marinated cucumbers, and a yogurt foam is incredibly refreshing. Service is welcoming and friendly.
/ nerainyc.com
SHOP
Proper Cloth
{Tribeca}
You may have thought the custom shirt was an anachronism – something for a man with too much time on his hands. The gentlemen at Proper Cloth beg to differ. In just one to two weeks, your custom shirt is ready to wear. And once you’ve been measured, another perfectly tailored shirt is just a click or phone call away.
/ propercloth.com
STAY
St. Regis
{Upper East Side}
A recent multi-million-dollar renovation gave this five-star hotel a much-needed facelift. Striped silk wall coverings make guest rooms elegant and modern, and Italian marble bathrooms have been designed in a classically beautiful way. The beds are so comfortable, you might want to blow off your morning meeting. Your butler will make sure your every need is met, from grabbing a shirt at Bottega Veneta (just next door) to shipping a surprise package home.
/ stregisnewyork.com
