I’VE been a NEW YORKER my WHOLE LIFE— it’s the ULTIMATE CITY for me. The DIVERSITY, the FOOD, the CULTURE, the ARCHITECTURE, the ENERGY, the CONSTANT CHANGE that is AT ITS CORE make it TRULY ONE of the MOST INSPIRING PLACES on the PLANET.
Stay
… in the heart of the Upper East Side at The Carlyle. It’s a New York tradition and old-school luxury at its finest.
Eat
…anything and everything at Sant Ambroeus—I live near the one in the West Village and love to stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
…the hands-down best burger in the city at JG Melon.
…at my favorite restaurant—Peter Luger. It may be in Brooklyn, but it’s a true New York experience—grumpy waiters and all.
...simple Italian food done perfectly at I Sodi.
…at Rao’s—very Frank Sinatra, very New York and they have the best meatballs in the world.
Drink
…while enjoying the view of Ludwig Bemelmans’ murals at Bemelmans Bar. The ones of the city in the winter are beautiful.
...at the city’s best-kept secret—Marie’s Crisis Piano Bar for show tunes, stiff drinks and a fun crowd.
…after a show at Bar Centrale. Located in a townhouse, the entrance is discreet, giving it a speakeasy feel.
Shop
…at Wyeth for beyond-chic home décor and furniture.
…for vintage clothing at Resurrection. They have a great mix of European and American designers.
… at Nusraty Afghan Imports—a hidden gem with a fabulous selection of ethnic jewelry right in Greenwich Village.
…for a good read at Three Lives & Company—one of the few independent bookstores left in the city. It’s the kind of cozy place you could spend the afternoon.
…for everything you never knew you needed at John Derian. From furniture to marble fruit to paper weights, it’s impossible to leave empty-handed.
Do
…see a Broadway show—it’s my favorite thing to do when I’m home. I see something almost every week. If I weren’t a designer, I’d be a Broadway producer!
…check out MoMA—even if there’s no major exhibit going on. I love to look at the paintings by Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock, two of my favorite artists.
…take in the best views of the city on the Circle Line Cruise. It’s touristy but totally worth it.
…get a massage at the Mandarin Oriental and find Zen in the middle of Manhattan.
‘Tis The Season
Michael shares his favorite things to do during the holidays:
Visit The Cloisters—It’s the ultimate escape from Manhattan—taking you to another time and place, especially during the holidays.
Enjoy Sunday brunch at the newly reopened Rainbow Room—what could be better than Rock Center and the Rainbow Room?
Shop for the most beautiful Christmas ornaments and future family heirlooms at Matt McGhee in the West Village.
Have a festive German Christmas meal at Rolf’s—great decorations, delicious potato pancakes and classic schnitzel.
Wrap it all up at Kate’s Paperie. Whenever I shop in SoHo I always stop by Kate’s Paperie on Lafayette for the most beautiful wrapping paper and ribbon.
