We'll always have New York

New York City

Early October in New York was a transition from the carefree, warm, summer days to the crisp, busy days of fall. Spending some quality time with friends in Brooklyn and Manhattan, I was glad to experience some recently opened hotels and restaurants, as well as visiting some old standbys on both sides of the East River.

Hotel Americano

This hotel is the first State-side property from Grupo Habita based in Mexico.  Their aethetic is hip, modern and eclectic without forgetting their Mexican roots.  Enrique Norton takes the formalist lines of the indigenous Mexican architecture and creates inviting spaces in neutral palates.  The restaurant serves modern Mexican fare competently, and the terrace out back was the perfect setting to gather friends and celebrate my birthday. It's the perfect stop for a bite or a drink if you're gallery hopping in West Chelsea or need to take a load off after exploring the High Line.

A creative way to make an inviting lounge out of a back alley.

Enrique Norton's formalist modern aesthetic.

An ecstatic b-day boy.

GPH
With its Ian Schrager and Julian Schnabel pedigree, The Gramercy Park Hotel was a hit the moment it opened years ago. It was also the setting for my friend Lizzie's wedding this past October.  Its collection of Basquiats, Warhols and yes Schnabels, as well as an extremely attractive staff in the Green and Rose rooms, have made it retain its relevance and status as a great place to party.  It's still so sought after in fact, that the hotel lounges turn into private clubs after 10:00 p.m. Even hotel guests risk being denied entrance. The hotel also houses Danny Meyer's Maialino restaurant. They not only serve modern Italian dishes; the knowledgeable, friendly service is also emblematic of the Danny Meyer franchise.

The proud mother of the groom giving her speech at a wedding in the Gramercy Park Hotel.

Wyeth Hotel

Can Williamburg get any hipper? Apparently yes.  There's a slew of new places that didn't exist a year ago, and now gentrification is for real.  But is it for better? I think in the case of the Wyeth Hotel it is.  The double height ceilings, the Public School look and cool uniforms give this place its own distinct character.  The casual brasserie Raynaud, with its requisite retro furniture and antiqued tiles, tries to outMcNally Pastis.  I enjoyed a nice luxury burger, the wine list and ambiance. But, what Williamsburg experience wouldn't be complete if the attitude weren't as salty as the fries?

Fattoria

This restaurant-bar-pasticceria wasn't completely opened when I visited, and only served pastries, coffee and drinks at the time.  My friend Megan and I found ourselves having an awkward snack of cannolis and white wine.  The industrial chic space is smartly laid out and the effort the staff from Italy is putting forth looks promising.

Nomad Hotel

After falling in love with Jacques Garcia's watering holes in Paris, I couldn't wait to see this place.  I met up with my friend Caroline at the Library bar.  The drinks seemed reasonable and the ambiance did not disappoint.  The mad crowd trying to nab a table was typical of every trendy New York boite, and either part of the experience by design, or best left when the hype dies down.

Magnolia Bakery Upper West Side

Those pastry chefs with liberal arts degrees took their act uptown.  The same butter frosted cupcakes in their red velvet glory are available up here can be wolfed down on the spot or at the side room made to look like a countryside porch in the middle of Manhattan.

Il Buco Alimentari

I thought I had the ultimate roast pork sandwich at Porchetta.  I was wrong.  This spinoff of Il Buco, located steps from the original, serves the richest, crunchiest, juciest pork in a sandwich I've had.  It's so good, it's one of those signature dishes that can launch a destination restaurant on its own.