Anyone that’s traveled knows, finding a place to go when the possibilities are endless can be daunting. The situation only gets worse when you actually want the place to be good. Once I discover a place I love, nothing gives me more pleasure than sharing my experience with others. Here are some recommendations from my travels, a city by city guide of all my favorites. Be sure to check back as this will be updated periodically.
New York
Where to Eat:
Alta – One of my all-time favorite restaurants in the city. It’s my go-to for special occasions and nice get-togethers with friends. It has exceptional food – bacon wrapped dates! – and a killer atmosphere.
Il Buco – Highly recommend this intimate space on cobblestoned Bond Street. Try to get a table in the wine cellar, you won’t regret it.
One if by Land, Two if by Sea – Located in Aaron Burr’s former carriage house that dates back to the 1700’s, this is a unique dining experience with a feel for old New York. Perfect for extra special occasions (read fancy), you get your own sommelier.
Tomoe Sushi – There’s always a line at this tiny, unassuming Village sushi restaurant. What it lacks in style, it more than makes up for in quality.
Bar Six – Nice, lively atmosphere with a European vibe – good for brunch, casual dinner or cocktails.
Where to Drink:
Gallow Green – Hands down my favorite rooftop bar in New York City. It has a lush garden vibe and wonderful cocktails. In the winter they enclose part of it, add fire pits and turn it into The Lodge.
Dead Rabbit – Continually voted the World’s Best Bar. Beware, the crowds reflect this.
The Breslin – Located in the Ace Hotel, the lobby bar is warm and cozy with plush sofas and a menu offering upscale gastropubs dishes. The adjacent bar and dining room features a more sophisticated menu in a dimly lit setting. The lobby bar is perfect for business meetings, both are lovely.
Where to Indulge:
Pasticceria Rocco – Fun place to go after dinner for a little coffee and dessert. Large selection of pastries, cakes, pies, you name it, though they are famous for their fresh cannolis, with seating in the back – has a true Italian feel.
Where to Get Culture:
Museum of the Moving Image – One of my favorites! Perfect for any movie buff and TV addict. Well worth a trip to Queens.
MoMa – One of the best modern art museums, period. Home to such masterpieces as The Starry Night by van Gogh and The Persistence of Memory by Dali, it also has an impressive rotation of special exhibitions.
American Museum of Natural History – One day just isn’t enough here, especially when you add in Hayden Planetarium – which I highly recommend you add in.
Coming Soon!
London
Siena
Amsterdam
Florence
Nashville
Vermont – Killington area & Burlington
