Tag Archives: Guggenheim

New York in Autumn

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Autumn is the best time to visit New York, the weather is mild but bright and the city has calmed down after the summer craziness. As this was my second trip to NYC, I had already ticked off most of the must-see sights and so we were able to indulge, seeking out aspects of the city that most interested us, including food, cocktails, nail bars, coffee shops, art and design. Following recommendations helped us find our way around while also discovering hidden gems, here’s what we found:

Sleep

Sherry Netherland – a palace of style and sophistication, located on the corner of Central Park amongst the gorgeous designer outlets of 5th Avenue, this hotel defines luxury and offers sensational views of the impressive city skyline.
Giraffe Hotel – a cute and quirky boutique hotel: a cosy place to stay with a relaxing lounge to hang out in and have breakfast. Stylish enough to earn a place in the Sex and the City film (one of the suites was used for Big’s office!)

Eat

The Breslin – this super cool restaurant and bar is located inside the Ace Hotel, and is fun even just for a drink. Try the cocktails, indulge in a British classic dish and have your photo taken in the retro booth… a memorable haunt.
The Burger Joint at Meridien Parker – inside a posh hotel behind a red velvet curtain is a humble burger joint… offering perhaps the best burgers in town for just six dollars. Only in New York would you find such a crazy juxtaposition, and such insanely good burgers.
Prospect – if you are travelling into Brooklyn, this trendy eatery is well worth a try… offering indulgent dishes and cool drinks with a jazzy soundtrack.
The Modern at Moma – a magical Michelin star restaurant adjoining the brilliant modern art museum. Indulge in beautiful food and exceptional cooking. The lunch menu is particularly reasonable.

Drink

Employees Only – a secret bar near Bleecker Street with divine cocktails… sit at the bar for people watching and to pick up tricks of the mixology trade. E.O won best cocktail bar a few years ago, a well deserved accolade.
Death & Co – a moody prohibition cocktail bar serving up exquisite cocktails and great bar food.
Blue Bottle – the best coffee in Brooklyn, creamy, smooth, divine.
Black Book – our favourite coffee shop in Williamsburg, oodles of character and charm and great coffee too.

Shop

I must admit our shopping was not as successful as we had hoped, both prepared to break the bank if we couldn’t resist NY steals…
Dylan’s Candy Store – the ultimate sweet shop
Victoria’s Secrets – for pretty underwear
Mast Brothers – a chocolate empire… wondrously big bars of dark chocolate in a variety of flavours, packaged up in patterned paper.
We found the most intriguing boutiques in Williamsburg, Brooklyn… visit on a Saturday morning for the weekend buzz when the independent shops and vintage stores are all open and ready to bargain with you.

See

High Line – a transformed railway track allows keen walkers to see the city while wandering down a lovely new path.
9/11 Memorial – a poignant memorial of America’s traumatic attack is realised on the site. Two thunderous waterfalls mark the loss.
The Met Warhol Exhibition tells the tale of this famous pop artist while also illustrating his influence on contemporary artists.
Guggenheim – Picasso Black & White – the current show at the great Guggenheim, a monochrome treat for Picasso fans.
Sex and the City Tour – the girlies’ guide to New York… follow in the four fashionistas’ footsteps, travelling by coach to their most familiar hang-outs.
Spiderman musical on Broadway – the most extravagant show in town… though damned by the critics, no-one can deny that it has the wow factor.
A gig at Le Poisson Rouge – we were lucky enough to catch British band Michahu and the Shapes at this hip Bleecker Street venue. Join the students at Le Poisson Rouge where there is always an intriguing band to discover.

No city moves faster than New York, so any write-up feels instantly out of date… at least if you are visiting soon, you will have a few thoroughly modern tips to get you started.

The Wright restaurant, Guggenheim, New York

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Whether you are interested in art or not, a trip to the magnificent Guggenheim is a must when staying in New York. When I first visited the Big Apple I was in awe of this epic building, and so I couldn’t wait to return.

This time around I was lucky enough to discover the super stylish Wright restaurant at the Guggenheim. Serving up delicious food and sensational cocktails in a suitably artistic setting, it is the ideal place to dine pre or post exhibition viewing!

After a leisurely walk around Central Park in the sunshine, we collapsed into our seats at the Wright, nodding profusely when asked if we’d like a cocktail or not.

The food here is contemporary and confident, with an emphasis on fine ingredients and attractive presentation. With the chattering creatives surrounding us, we soon relaxed and felt completely at ease among all the ladies who lunch. I loved the atmosphere and could have spent the whole afternoon over our yummy lunch. Vibrant clementine orange martini glasses arrived, much to our delight, and we sipped on the cooling concoctions, the Wright (grey goose orange vodka, sweet vermouth, orange juice, Campari, club soda and orange twist) for me and the Park (Tanqueray Gin, Grand Marnier, Apricot Brandy, Orange Juice and Grenadine) for my chum. They looked almost identical mixed expertly to create smooth and flavoursome drinks.

The menu is clear and simple with bold flavours and high quality ingredients. My friend seemed absolutely delighted with her Sashimi Tuna, Avocado, Shishito Peppers and Wasabi Aioli, claiming it to be the best Sashimi she has ever tasted. The plate looked fresh and exciting, a careful selection of complementing colours and textures. I tried the Eggplant, Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Terrine dressed with Parsley and Balsamic. It was not what I was expecting, a slim and soft vegetarian terrine is a strange notion but miraculously it worked (once I’d accepted the idea) and the flavour and seasoning were well judged.

Feeling brave, we opted for two of the heavier main courses: Pappardelle Bolognese with Ricotta Mousse and Braised Short Rib with Spaetzle, Citrus Carrot Puree; both classic dishes but creatively reworked and adapted. The portions are generous and surprisingly filling (I was very disappointed when I couldn’t finish my bowl of pasta). The Bolognese sauce was rich and meaty and worked well with the thick pasta, although I found the ricotta mousse a little tart and would have preferred just grated parmesan on top. The braised beef was masterfully moulded into a cube structure and carefully placed with decoratively arranged accompaniments. It was wonderfully tender and aromatic but incredibly rich and probably too much for one person.

After lunch we were kindly escorted into the Picasso ‘Black and White’ exhibition for a look round the monochrome masterpieces, a sublime afternoon viewing after a heavenly lunch.

More information here: http://www.thewrightrestaurant.com/home/default.asp