I finally made it to The Morgan Library and it is ridiculously beautiful, you have to see for yourself.
I'm not sure if it's totally worth the $20/per person ticket, but if you go between 7pm and 9pm on Fridays, it's free.
“The onion soup at Blue Ribbon on Downing Street is the best in NYC.”
PsychoBarn at The Met
Every summer, The Met has a different rooftop exhibit - you know this, because I've mentioned it before. Here's what's up there this year...
The project’s full name is “Transitional Object: (PsychoBarn)” and it's done by the artist Cornelia Parker. It is assembled at two-thirds of the scale of a real house and with only two finished sides, just like the film set of the 1960 Hitchcock film “Psycho” that gave Ms. Parker part of her inspiration.
The back of the project — which Ms. Parker doesn’t hide, but rather emphasizes — reveals it as fake, supported by metal scaffolding and tamped down with large black water tanks, providing ballast so it won’t blow over in a strong wind.
It'll stay up there until October 31st. Gotta go see this!
Delmonico's in NYC
I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to finally eat here. I went recently for Jenn’s birthday and the food was exceptional. The only thing I’d stay away from? The baked alaska.
We only ordered it because it was invented at the restaurant and neither of us had ever tried it before - but YUCK. I can see why no one makes them anymore. Just tasted like a spongy mess. Anyway, live and learn. Our meal itself (steaks and sides) was incredible and the service was great, so I’ll definitely return. Also? The place itself has been so well-maintained and continues to be gorgeous, especially considering it’s been around forever. Go, go, go!
Journelle
Journelle is a lingerie brand (with three stores in New York and one in Chicago) featuring luxury designer lingerie, bras, underwear and loungewear and it is EONS BETTER THAN VICTORIA'S SECRET.
At this point, you should be fully aware of the many things that make me mad. But something else that I could add to that ever-growing list? The annoyance of finding decent, affordable bras. There have been so many instances where I'll walk into a Victoria's Secret, find nothing that fits me the way I want it to, and just settle for whatever hurts me the least. Does that make any sense? Why am I willingly spending my money on crap that's never satisfied me?
Anyway, I had these thoughts the other day in a Victoria's Secret changing room. And maybe I was getting more worked up than usual, because I could take it no longer. So I Googled other bra places in the area and found a Journelle store a mere two blocks from me. I figured that it would be too expensive a place since it was in Soho, but I was desperate and thought, "I just want to see what else is out there."
Before I even get into how superior their bras were, here are just a few facts about the brand:
- They serve champagne on Fridays
- You get 20% off anything during your birthday month
- They have a program where you can return your old, used bras (purchased from anywhere) and get a discount on whatever you buy there
- They offer bottles of water and chocolates, even just for browsing the store
- They have signs like this in their dressing room:
And the bras themselves? Fucking heaven. There's every size in the world and they look (and feel) gorgeous. Even when I was trying them on, I finally figured it out: you're supposed to find a bra that fits you and not the other way around. Doe that make sense? Every Victoria's Secret experience I've ever had has been difficult because that store bases itself around the bras themselves, not the women trying them on. Even their campaigns aren't aimed at their immediate customer base - none of the VS models resemble anyone I've ever even seen in a VS store and yet we're all so quick to think it's the only place to get a bra? I don't get it! And the fact that they insist on having "specialty bra fitters" who tell you your size really doesn't make a difference since the bras themselves lack variety and quality.
In any case, I don't love Journelle specifically because of how much I'm beginning to loathe Victoria's Secret. For the longest time, I just felt that I didn't really have any choice in the matter since it's the largest bra retailer in North America, maybe the world? But there are definitely options out there if you look. Better options. Even if you don't live in New York or Chicago, I really just want people to be aware that VS may be the easiest option, but it's definitely not the best.
And if you DO live in New York or Chicago? Get your ass to this store. They're not even expensive! If anything, they're in the same ballpark of VS prices and the experience is a thousands times more pleasant. Love, love, love this store.
Oyster Happy Hour
Sometimes you find an app that just speaks to you. I have finally found mine.
The Burger At Stanton Social
Every restaurant in this city has a burger on their menu - and about 80% of them are lackluster as hell. The one at Stanton Social, however, is nuts. And completely worth the ridiculous 45-minute-wait-even-when-you-have-a-reservation vibe at this place. The patty itself is a mixture of short rib, chuck, rib-eye and smoked bacon - and it's the bacon inside that puts it over the top and makes it memorable.I swear to you.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
“Flying Tiger is a Danish design store offering a quirky, ever-changing selection of own-designed products at surprisingly affordable prices.”
I LOVE THIS STORE.
So this place is basically a classier dollar store and it's been missing from your life.
I especially love the layout of the store. When you walk in, you're forced to walk in a maze-like pattern around the entire store, and I love that. I wish clothing stores were set up that way.
Honestly, I can't even give you a summary of what they've got, there's too much - pilates equipment, desk accessories, gift wrap supplies, games, umbrellas, headphones, EVERYTHING.
I can't imagine someone entering this store and not coming out with something necessary for a well-lived life. I CAN'T.
There's one location (so far) in the U.S. and it's in the Flatiron District in New York, you should definitely check it out.
10 Christmas Activities In NYC
Are you looking for things to do to celebrate the season in New York City? Look no further, baby. These are a few of my favourite things to do in December in NYC.
2. Take a photo with the accurate-looking, old timey Santa at Macy’s, The Plaza or The Queens Center Mall.
3. Eat at The Plaza Food Hall (specifically for their Lady M outpost). Kids might enjoy the Rawther Fancy Teas with Santa, an hour-long tea party in the Eloise Shop (dates/details through the link).
Photo Credit: The Plaza
4. Eat the frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3 or if you hate waiting in line, they also sell take-home versions that you can make at home.
Photo Credit: Dish Maps
5. See The Rockettes, finally.
Photo Credit: The New York Times
6. Visit the Christmas markets at The Union Square Holiday Market, The Bryant Park Winter Village, and The Columbus Circle Holiday Market.
7. Visit the best Little Italy in this town, Arthur Avenue in the Bronx
8. Go ice skating in Central Park.
9. Holiday Train Show at Grand Central (yes, there are two train shows on this list - but this one is free and smaller than #1).
Photo Credit: Grand Central Terminal
10. See The Phantom of the Opera before it’s gone forever.
Photo Credit: Gothamist
Friend Anniversaries
I'm not sure why friend anniversaries aren't as recognized as romantic ones, but I vow to change that. I guess they're less common because it's harder to pinpoint the exact moment upon which you became friends with someone. Thankfully, I met one of my closest friends Jenn when my brother Gary was visiting me, so I know the exact date and year - which happens to have been eight years ago today!
We have taken many trips and videos together and I'm thankful as hell to have this fine woman in my life.
If you care to see more of our videos (why would you? We're great!), you can find some of them over here. Happy Anniversary, my love!