New York, New York

I have been to NYC many many times. It is the city I wanted to move too when I was young and live the fabulous life we see in TV shows and movies. I wanted to make it big in NY; as the Sinatra song says “if you make it to New York you can make it anywhere”.

But foremost is a great city to have fun, enjoy art and culture, immerse yourself in the arts and the food scene and shower yourself in the incredible vibe it echoes.

I visit almost every year. But what are the new hotspots? What is new in the city for all of you frequent visitors? Don’t worry I will post a different post for the newbies for the main attractions and whatever you must see or do as a visitor there.

SO WHAT’S NEW?
I managed to visit the new Whitney Museum in the Meatpacking District. It opened last year and is more famous for the architecture of the new building than the art displays inside.  The architect is Renzo Piano. An example of modern architecture, it has stunning views around lower Manhattan and across the Hudson. There are different exhibitions displayed in the Museum every so often, but I managed to visit the Whitney Biennale – it was compelling. 

Afterwards, I walked once more the High Line. For those who don’t know it was the site of the old railway tracks that now has become a pedestrian pathway with greenery. And shopped (I always discover a new store). And ate (stopped at the Gansevoort Market filled with different goodies, like fried chicken bites in a waffle and one of the best ceviches in the city). 

I have been to NYC many many times. It is the city I wanted to move too when I was young and live the fabulous life we see in TV shows and movies. I wanted to make it big in NY; as the Sinatra song says “if you make it to New York you can make it anywhere”.

But foremost is a great city to have fun, enjoy art and culture, immerse yourself in the arts and the food scene and shower yourself in the incredible vibe it echoes.

I visit almost every year. But what are the new hotspots? What is new in the city for all of you frequent visitors? Don’t worry I will post a different post for the newbies for the main attractions and whatever you must see or do as a visitor there. 

SO WHAT’S NEW?
I managed to visit the new Whitney Museum in the Meatpacking District. It opened last year and is more famous for the architecture of the new building than the art displays inside.  The architect is Renzo Piano. An example of modern architecture, it has stunning views around lower Manhattan and across the Hudson. There are different exhibitions displayed in the Museum every so often, but I managed to visit the Whitney Biennale – it was compelling. 

 Afterwards, I walked once more the High Line. For those who don’t know it was the site of the old railway tracks that now has become a pedestrian pathway with greenery. And shopped (I always discover a new store). And ate (stopped at the Gansevoort Market filled with different goodies, like fried chicken bites in a waffle and one of the best ceviches in the city). 

One other must stop the new exhibitions in the “classics”; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA, the MET Breuer (the extension of the Met in Madison Avenue that hosts exhibitions of art), the Guggenheim. There is a new museum also called the “New Museum” in Downtown, the Tenement Museum in Lower East Side for the immigrants arriving in NYC and museum in Elli’s island.

HOTELLING
Some new hot (and expensive) boutique hotels popped up in Manhattan the last few years. Kit Kemp designed “The Whitby” in Midtown, there is the new Four Seasons in Downtown and 1 Hotel Central Park in Midtown, where I stayed.

1 Central Park is modern, with minimal décor and natural elements and makes you feel homey; more than being in a hotel. The breakfast is amazing, all with bio ingredients, where they also serve lunch and dinner, and great service from the concierge as well. I was amazed by the technology in the room. There was an iphone/ipod type of control to fix the lighting, send messages to the concierge, arrange luggage pick up or order room service. Incredible! It has a great location near the Plaza hotel, Central Park and the best part of 5th avenue. 

LET’S EAT
There was cupcake heaven in Sprinkles cupcakes. They also have an ATM outside to pick up the cupcakes. Yes it is one of the most photographed spots in the city… They also have desserts mixed with cupcakes and ice cream. American heaven! 

There is a huge list of new (and old) places to try in the city. Ow too many too little time for little old me… So I had to choose. I won’t list the ones I wouldn’t recommend. I loved the selection, the decoration of the plates and the atmosphere in Red Farm, in the Upper West side branch; famous Chinese little casual place, famous for its duck as well, only served for dinner; I went for lunch so I can’t say. ABC Kitchen another of the favourites in Downtown. That’s the area where you are going to find the coolest places for eating and drinking nowadays. Modern and cool, it has interesting, multi cultural I would say cuisine.

I loved Carbone! One of the best Italians in town, with amazing service. The food is unbelievable, and it doesn’t catch your eye as it is tucked in in a little street of Soho area, and tiny. 

I had one of the best bagels in Sadelle’s for breakfast. I chose the salmon one, which is the attraction of the place as is the way it is served. 

Another great place, better for dinner trust me, is Santina, in Meatpacking. A Spanish /Italian inspired cantina, filled with colours and inspired sharing dishes.