Quintessentially New York

Life gets busy!  Every once in a while you need to stop, take a moment and relax with those who are important to you.  It has been forever since my husband and I went for a Friday night drink after work, and so we decided that it was time to bring that tradition back.  With both our office in mid-town Manhattan we decided that it would be good to stay close and so decided on the recently opened Viceroy Hotel restaurant and bar Kingside.  Designed by Roman + Williams the oober cool NYC company, the interior is everything on would expect - rich woods, interesting lighting and cool details.  While the cocktails were true to NY prices and strength, the atmosphere was buzzing and really was a great choice for our step back into the NY scene - and seeing as it is down the street from my work I am sure to visit again.

Grubstreet

Kingside

Quintessentially New York

Okay, so I know that it has been a REALLY long time since I did a Quintessential post, and it's not that we haven't eaten at some wonderful places, but non have really felt like they were post-worthy in terms of design and deliciousness!  Well, Friday night a friend took me out to Boqueria and voila, Quintessential worthy! Inspired by the tapas restaurants of Barcelona, the interior is simple, modern and comfortable with natural materials on the walls, filament bulbs hanging above tables, and aromas that make ones mouth water.  The food was amazing (go with lots of people so you can order lots of things!) and the wine list was nice and extensive with something for everyone.  This is a place where we will definitely go back to, and should be added to anyones NYC list.

Boqueria

Quintessentially New York

It was my hubby's birthday last week and I wanted to plan something really special. We have wanted to visit SD26 ever since we saw the movie on the Vignelli's (see post here), so when the oportunity to have dinner at thje chef's table came up I thought this would be the perfect occasion. Situated in the heart of the flatiron district, this modern Italian restaurant features comefort food in a stylish setting. The uncomplicated interior is In perfect style to when we have know to expect and love about this dynamic Italian duos work. With a simple palette and iconic pieces (the dining chairs are Mies van de Rohe), the restuant interior is modern yet timeless, and allows the food to do all the talking - and talk it does. We had a truly wonderful evening and dining experience and you can be sure that this will be on our list of places to visit again!

Top Restaurants

Quintessentially Toronto

We are in Toronto for the holidays and have been really enjoying getting to know the city again.  It has been about 8 years since we lived here and boy has the city changed! I find it such a strange experience to have grown up here, knowing all the cities ins and outs and now, coming back to visit and feeling like a tourist.  The city has really expanded and not only has the skyline changed with all the condo buildings along the water, but the food scene and neighborhood revival is fantastic.  My brother is in the food industry and so always takes us to really yummy places - well this was no exception.  The County General is a relaxed space where you can get great seasonal comfort food in a cool, unpretentious setting.  The interior predominately features reclaimed 2 x 4 boards which make-up the furniture, bar and wall/ceiling detail (see third image below), and ties the rustic nature of the food in with the interior.  Set perfectly on the Queen Street West revival near Ossington this is one place we will sure to visit when we are in town again, and I highly recommend it to all in the city.

The County General - Photos by Nikki Leigh McKean Photography

Quintessentially New York

Friday nights usually come around and I never feel like cooking - it is the end of the week (which have been particularly gruelling this past month) and with no work the next day it is a chance for my hubby and I to explore something new in the city and not have to worry about getting up for work the next day.  While we have taken a break from dinners out for the last few weeks, on Friday we decided to try Momofuku Ma Peche as we have heard such amazing reviews about the Momofuku restaurants, but have never been.  Spread over two floors attached to the Chambers hotel, the palette is very simple with concrete and painted plaster walls, particle board tables and plywood interior details.  The interior feels modern and designed yet tasteful - something that I feel a lot of restaurants and bars in this city struggle with.  We sat upstairs in the bar area as we didn't have a reservation and all the tables downstairs were full.  It was a great meal - although a little expensive - and it was so nice to be able to look over into the double height voice above the dining room and have the sheer fabrics hanging through the space billowing beside us.  I am not sure if we would go back to this particular Momofuku as there are three more to try, however it was a delicious meal and a fantastic introduction to their food and ambiance.

Make it simple but Significant

Quintessentially New York

Last weekend we had friends in town from London and for a quiet coffee on Sunday afternoon we really looked for somewhere that was Quintessentially New York, and so we decided that Robert at the Museum of Art and Design was perfect.  Set on the top floor of the museum with panoramic views north over Central Park, this was the exact setting were looking for.  Although we were only there for a  warm drink the setting for a meal would be incredible - especially if you were able to time it with the setting sun!  From the Cassina Capri chairs at the tables, the flower chairs for casual seating, to the pops of neon throughout, the interior was a good balance between fun and formal. This was a great find and will will sure to be back - and not just because it shares it's name with my husband!

Wishing you all a happy 1st of December.

A x

Tripadvison

Quintessentially New York

Last weekend we had a close friend visiting and another couple in the city so we thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to introduce them to a New York brunch!  As I am ever curious on food and interiors in the city we decided to settle on Colicchio & Sons Tap Room in Chelsea.  The interior is a great mix of the raw industrial warehouse interiors we so often find in that part of town, and a very simply designed and detailed high end restaurant   There is a great mix of raw steel, leather and wood, and the lights that hang above the back dining room are simple steel rods with a tub bulb attached (see second image below).  The food was a fantastic compliment to the interior, and we were all incredibly impressed with each dish ordered (note - the french toast was to die for and is a MUST).

Colicchio & Sons

NY Grub Street

Quintessentially New York

Well, I don't really know where the weeks have gone. It has been ages since my last Quintessentially post and with all the traveling I seem to be missing sharing big parts of our New York experiences with you all.  I thought I'd start with sharing a great gem we discovered recently when we hit the town for our anniversary - Quality Meats NYC.  Part of the Stillman Restaurant group and one of the feathers in AvroKO Design's hat (see my post on Beauty and Essex), this restaurant is everything you would want from a quality steak house and more.  The decor has not so subtle references to a butcher shop and abattoir with meat hooks turned into chandeliers and 'raw industrial chic' being the name of the game.  The food was out of this world, and even though in true New York fashion the noise level was past being able to hear my own thoughts, I would highly recommend dinner, drinks and ambiance at this mid-town spot - carnivores bring your appetite!

AvroKo Design

Quintessentially New York

AJ in the Kitchen

As I mentioned Thursday was my birthday and so my hubby took me for a nice night out on the town.  I had been given tickets to War Horse from my mother and so before the theatre my husband and I set out for a pre dinner bite.  What I didn't realize is that this little bite I thought we were going to grab ended up being three courses at the incredible Jean George restaurant Nougatine.  The restaurant is adjacent to the two Michelin starred Jean George and has recently undergone a stunning renovation.  With a neutral pale palette the space feels very calm and serene. The materials are simple with leather chairs and banquettes, dark wood detailing and a natural linen acoustic ceiling that not only helps create interest but also works wonders for the noise level.  This was a truly exquisite culinary experience and even though we felt like we were in a busy beehive with all the staff buzzing around, I am sure we will find some reason to go back for another bite.

Quintessentially Aspen

A few weeks ago I did some travelling for work and found myself in Aspen Colorado for about 24 hours to attend a site meeting.  I have never been to Aspen and so although I knew that it was going to be a quick trip I was looking forward to it.  As some of you are aware, it is the off-season there now - the ski season was coming to an end, and it wasn't warm enough for biking and hiking quite yet - and so the town kind of takes a break while nobody is really around.  This also means that for those of us who do need to stay in town the hotels available are limited.  Fortunately the one hotel that was open was the newly renovated St. Regis Aspen, and what a treat.  I was upgraded (always lovely) and my room was stunning. Simple detailing and natural materials helped to make the decor current and relevant to its surroundings. The bathroom was clad in Carrara marble with a beautiful freestanding tub and the room was warm and just what you would expect and want from a luxury hotel in the middle of the mountains. The public spaces were just as chic carrying the natural materials through the entire space. I will be spending more time in Aspen in the months to come and hope to stay here again.  Any recommendations for other things to see/do while I'm there?

 

Quintessentially New York

Hi everyone, hope you are having a great weekend.  We had a lovely day out in the city yesterday (see twitter photos of our walk in central park here) and even enjoyed a picnic in the park at the end of the day - our Italian Greyhound Lina wasn't too sure what to make of sitting on the grass, but she likes the warmer weather so was all for it.  Unfortunately today it is raining - hard - and so we are huddled up in the house. We did head out this morning to meet up with a colleague of my husbands who is in town from London, and had a great brunch at Lavo.  A mid-town hotspot known for boozy brunches and its late nightclub scene, it was a real slice of New York.  The brunch menu was extensive with everything from Reese's Pancakes, to Oysters and even "Back to school" - their version of grilled cheese, fries and tomato soup, YUM!  The interior is reminiscent of vintage New York with encaustic tiles on the bar floor, deep leather booths and white linens on the tables. This was a great place to sit, relax and have a yummy bit of food and will be added to our list of places to eat again.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Lavo NYC

Quintessentially New York

A few weeks ago we went out for drinks with a friend of my brother's who lives in New York.  He said he would take care of the reservation, something which I thought was a little strange seeing as we were going for drinks, however this is Manhattan and you never know so I just went with it. We arrived at this pretty nondescript door and were ushered in to what I can only describe as a gentleman's library - the walls were paneled in floor to ceiling wood bookshelves (complete with ladders), the flooring was stone and wood, and the furniture was all upholstered in leather.  The one crucial different is that instead of books on the shelves they had hundreds and hundreds of bottles of whisky, we were at The Brandy Library. I am not a brandy or digestif drinker really but it was a truly spectacular and great idea for a space and we had a wonderful time!

Brady Library

Hope everyone has a great weekend and that the weather is as sunny where you are as it is in NYC today!
A x

Quintessentially New York

This week we were so happy to have a couple of friends come and stay - a colleague of my husband turned great friend was here for just under a week and then a fellow Canadian architect we met and became friends with in London was in town for a conference at NYU.  All in all it meant that we had a pretty busy week (especially since I am now working). With that being siad, it also meant that we got to experience some wonderful bars and restaurants that we have been hearing about and wanting to try for quite some time.  

We live in mid-town west and tend to spend most of our time on the west side of the city - there is so much to see, do and eat in Manhattan that we have been kept more than busy since we arrived.  On Wednesday evening we had a reservation in the lower East Village at Beauty & Essex and boy did this open the gates to the east side for us!  We have been to sister hot-spot The Stanton Social (see post here) that isn't too far away, however B&E was for me one of those places you hear about and think of as being quintessential to New York.

Beauty & Essex

The street front is a pawnshop. Yes, a real, live, working pawnshop with an incredible selection of jewelry and items we swooned over. You then walk past the *massive* bouncer, through the non-descript door at the back of the shop and you are instantly transported into a world buzzing with energy and glitz.  Set over several floors, this jewel box of a space designed by the quirky minds at AvroKO and was a truly incredible experience.  The cocktails were delicious, the food - served tapas style to share - was moreish, and the women's washroom even had a bar serving champagne! We had such a wonderful time eating, drinking and checking everyone out that I highly recommend this place to anyone and everyone - we will be back!

Fast Co.Design

Quintessentially Johannesburg

We had such a fantastic time in South Africa, and it really has taken some time to get used to being back to reality here in New York.  As you will see from my posts here, here and here we saw and experienced some pretty incredible things and places. While we were only in Johannesburg for about 24 hours we were happy to get to visit and shop at a traditional african market in the Rosebank area.  Here we saw craftspeople selling their wears, vendors selling food and musicians playing amazing music.  It was an experience that we all enjoyed and felt really privileged to have attended - not to mention purchased some great little souvenir treats!

Quintessentially New York

Well, I am not sure if we could get more New York than our dinner last night. We leave today for South Africa (YAY!) and so last night my family came into the city as we are all flying out together today. It was my brother's birthday a few weeks ago, and since the plan was for dinner to be a 'big' one we decided that Locanda Verde was going to be it.  After some strings were pulled, we managed to get a reservation, which I am not sure if you know is like getting a reservation at the White House! But nevertheless we were in - and what an in it was! The restaurant is in bustling TriBeCa and so the space is a cool old warehouse interior designed by Meyer Davis Studio with high ceilings and beautiful huge crittall-type windows. The website says that it is an affordable neighbourhood Italian taverna, but like any New York hot-spot it was loud, and felt more like somewhere one goes to see or be seen. This might sound a little unfair, and I do not want it to, as the ambiance was energetic and fun-loving and we had a truly wonderful time.  The food was incredible with fresh full-of-flavour tastes that left us wanting more. 

I highly HIGHLY recommend the restaurant to anyone. They book one month in advance to the day, and it would be wise to call at 8am when their lines open otherwise you might no be so lucky. If you do end up in the area, it is also worth heading over to Smith & Mills (see post here) across the street for a Dark 'n Stormy before or after. Enjoy! 

Meyer David Studio Inc

Finally, as mentioned above I am off to the African Continent today for a ten day family trip to South Africa. We have a packed itinerary that includes time in Johannesburg, Cape Town and a three day Safari at a stunning lodge in the Kruger Park. While I will do my very best to blog and tweet from this amazing setting I will not be as accessible as I usually am. However, I do promise to share all my adventures with you as much when I am there and when I get back, so have a great week and chat soon.

A x

Quintessentially New York

Last night we had a great evening and discovered yet another highly recommendable NYC spot - The Stanton Social. This is a fantastic restaurant/bar/lounge on the Lower East side. The decor was a mixture between chic lounge and urban industrial with white painted brick walls, steel lights and leather upholstery.  The cocktails and food were amazing - a kind of modern American tapas - and luckily we were six so much was ordered and I was able to taste a good portion of the menu. Delicious! The vibe was great, and although loud, like any typical Manhattan spot, was a wonderful place for an evening out with friends. 

Stanton Social

Quintessentially the Oscars

Tomorrow night is the big one, and as I mentioned here, I love awards season.  With the Academy Awards starting in the afternoon, I can hardly contain myself - all the red carpet glamour, Billy Crystal back as host and enough Hollywood glitz to make your eyes hurt!  For the few years we were in London I missed watching and all the excitement of the live show, so I feel this is an even more special year for me this time.  In honour of Oscar, and the great parties I am sure we are all hosting tomorrow night, here are some yummy treats, decorations and party ideas to go with this gold night! What have you got planned? Are any of you hosting parties of your own? 

Pinterest

I love the palette of this table - black, white and gold - very Hollywood, very chic! And to customize people's drinks, you can do as the stars do down the red carpet; have a mini bottle of bubbly with a straw and a personal label. Not too keen on the champers out of a straw, but love the label idea!

Celebrations at Home

Twig & Thistle have some amazing make-your-own party templates available for download ont their website. I love the idea of everyone having their own personal oscar ballot to fill out before the ceremony begins. And what movie party would be complete without a drink (with your own personal tag) and your own personal bag of popcorn?

Twig & Thistle

Twig & Thistle

What party would be complete without Oscar's presence? Well click here to see how to make these amazing cookie statues - they look amazing!

Bakerella

If you aren't in the mood to bake, there are several websites that will deliver delectable Academy Award worth treats right to your door.  My favourite is Eleni's where their cookie and cupcake categories include Best Actor/Actress, Best Picture and Hollywood Quotes.

Eleni's