Tag Archives: America

Jin Soon nail bar, New York

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Renowned as one of NYC’s best nail salons, Jin Soon now resides at three different locations, catering to girls with nail needs in East Village, West Village and the Upper East Side.

I visited the West Village spa and was impressed with the service from start to finish. The selection of nail colours on offer ranges from deep winter reds and browns to the palest neutrals and I was glad to see some fluro brights on display too. Jin Soon doesn’t restrict the collection to just one brand, instead offering polishes from Chanel, Essie, Opi and many more, all lined up on shelves against the wall, ready for application.

The nail bar is petite with a few tables for manicures at the front, and several reclining chairs for pedicures at the back. You can tell immediately that the staff here are experienced and prepared for every treatment. I received a speedy and thorough mani-pedi simultaneously (which is what happens in New York) from the lovely, efficient and friendly girls. With a mug of mint tea in hand, slumped in a sofa chair, I felt totally relaxed as my hands and feet were pampered… total bliss. The girls pummelled, exfoliated, trimmed and filed away, working meticulously to perfect my previously abandoned fingers and toes.

As well as the spa salons, there is the Jin Soon Lacquer line to invest in. These polishes have been a hit, bold thick glossy colours that add extra glamour to your nails. Their snazzy glitter colours have been particularly popular over the festive period and feature in all the major magazines.

Jin Soon is a revolutionary nail bar in New York – in under an hour they will transform your hands and feet, Cinderella-style.

More information here: www.jinsoon.com

Many thanks to NYC GO for their help with this trip, and Virgin Atlantic for flights.

Little Prince, New York

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Little Prince is a great all day restaurant with delicious offerings for brunch, lunch and dinner. Located on the edge of SoHo, close to busy Bleeker Street where there are shops, cafés and bars galore.

The menu features classic French fare including Skate Grenobloise, Bistro Chicken and Steak au Poivre, in addition to lighter dishes such as Steak Tartare, Ratatouille and Mussels.

Already a favourite with the burger clubs of New York, Little Prince does things a bit differently. We tried the signature special “off-menu” French Onion Soup Burger with caramelised onions and gruyere, and the French Toast with red berry compote. Taking inspiration from the popular French Onion soup, this burger has a strong mustard and caramelised onion content. The meat was deliciously grilled, and all encased in a rustic homemade English muffin-style bun. We loved the concept but just felt there was a little too much mustard. The French toast was thick and gooey in the middle, just as you’d expect in a New York eatery. The fruit tasted fresh and tart, which contrasted with the sugary bread. Along with our lunch the bartender kindly presented us with seasonal cocktails, a light fizzy Mimosa and a more festive spicy concoction.

Despite being new on the Manhattan restaurant scene, Little Prince has undeniable character and charm, and is sure to do well with tourists and locals alike.

More information here: littleprincesoho.com

Many thanks to NYC GO for their help with this trip, and Virgin Atlantic for flights.

Mamma Mia, Broadhurst Theatre, New York

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The Broadway scene is booming since, despite the vast expense, it is often a must on any tourist’s itinerary. There are plenty of shows to choose from, some are easier to get tickets for than others. If you’re interested in Book of Mormon, Matilda or Kinky Boots, prepare to beg, borrow or steal a ticket because otherwise you won’t get a seat. Prices reflect popularity and trends.

Mamma Mia is one of the few famous musicals I have never seen, so I enthusiastically took the opportunity to see the show in New York. This feel-good musical is currently on stage at the Broadhurst Theatre, one of the many glittering establishments amongst the bright lights of Times Square.

This classic ABBA musical, with music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, is a back-to-back medley of the familiar 80s songs. You can’t help but sing along. The production itself is unspectacular, the set feels tired and the volume from the singers needs a boost. I wanted to be blown away by this big Broadway show, but I just wasn’t.

The orchestra seem to enjoy the upbeat score, conducted by a cheerful Wendy Bobbitt Cavett. Judy McLane succeeds vocally as Donna Sheridan but doesn’t engage well with the audience, her eyes have a glazed look and dramatically she is rather robotic. Laurie Veldheer is better as the daughter, Sophie, and her friends provide some comedy.

Since the film hit the big screen, Mamma Mia the musical has struggled to be as impressive on stage and sadly the current Broadway cast seem resigned to their inferior position.

Thanks to NYC & Co and The Broadway Collection.
More information: http://www.broadwaycollection.com/ (@BwayCollection)

Visitors need to book via a UK tour operator:  www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk