big apple adventure


I am in the throes of plotting of a girls' trip. Destination: New York City. My beloved hometown. I am going with my twin sister, who will be shooting a fashion story there. Because she's back and forth between LA and New York so often, she keeps an apartment in Tribeca that's fabulously and conveniently situated near what I think is one of the world's best jogging paths (it runs along the banks of the Hudson River, from Battery Park all the way up the West Side Highway to the Washington Bridge)--and one of my all-time favorite restaurants, Locanda Verde. My trips to New York are often jam-packed with seeing family, old friends, Lucky co-workers and visits to my favorite stores, museums, and restaurants. Since this upcoming trip is a quick one (a little more than 48 hours!), I am whittling down my must-stops. Herewith, my working New York hit list:

DINNER:
Bar Pitti: I could seriously eat dinner at this downtown Italian restaurant every night, especially in the summer, when I can sit outside. The sausage rigitoni and organic chicken are sublime and the always-bustling scene is quintessentially New York-glamorous. (You can count on seeing someone famous there.) Also, make sure to try the Pitti (warm artichoke) Salad, which is not on the menu. You will die.

Super Linda: Since I don't get to New York that frequently these days, I prefer to go to the restaurants I know and love. But I push myself to try the new ones, and this recently-opened Mexican spot is supposed to be the bomb, and I love me my margaritas, so I am eager to try it. Also, there's a bar in the basement, where late-night, people dance on the tables. Could be kind of crazy and fun!

We'll also be going to a dinner party at a clothing designer friend's gorgeous apartment in Tribeca. I always find dinner parties are way more intimate than going out to a restaurant with a bunch of friends. 

DRINKS:
Acme: My good (fun, in-the-know, jet-setting) friend Jimmy Hedges, who lives in the city, recommended this new downtown brasserie on Great Jones Street. The rustic fare is apparently insane and the bar scene is as hip as it gets. The drink everyone is raving about is called the Upstate Affair, which is made with vodka, green apples, celery juice, and dandelion. Yum.

Soho House: Here, I always run into someone (or five) I know from growing up or an old job. It's an intimate, loungey, members-only space (not as cool as the LA location, but still!), and when the weather's nice, the club's rooftop, with its amazing views, is a nice place to be.

SHOP: 
Maje: It was always one of my go-to's in Paris. Thankfully, the Left Bank-chic line opened a boutique in the city, which means I can load up without struggling in French to ask for my size.

Sandro: Another amazing French line with a new Manhattan outpost. Everyone I know, including Alexa Chung, is obsessed with both these designers. I am bananas about this jacket.

Topshop: My mecca! You know how obsessed I am with Topshop, so I carve out at least two hours to scour the tri-level store and try things on. I also make a point of booking a private dressing room in advance through Topshop's Personal Shopping, so that I don't get stuck waiting on line if the store is crowded. The service is amazing. Ask for Lexi.

Kirna Zabete: Going to Kirna Zabete is like walking into the coolest girl's closet. It consistently stocks the season's most coveted and iconic pieces, from Proenza Schouler's floral silk chiffon dress to Alexander Wang's Colette heels.

MOMA Store: It's chock full of smart and innovative toys for my kids. And coming home with bounty for my boys mitigates the guilt of my being away!

PIT-STOP IN BETWEEN UES MUSEUMS:
To re-fuel during museum-hopping on the Upper East Side, Lauren Santo Domingo recommends Via Quadrono for lunch and "the best cappucino." 

Let me know if you have any other suggestions. I am looking forward to my quick getaway.


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