As a seasoned New Yorker with decades of city living under my belt, I must say that these hotspots you’ve listed truly encapsulate the essence of the city’s elite and trendy scene. From the exclusive penthouse suites at De Niro’s Greenwich Hotel to the buzzing intersection of Bond and Lafayette streets where paparazzi camp out for a glimpse of Gigi Hadid or Jeff Bezos, it’s clear that the Big Apple continues to be a magnet for power, style, and fame.
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel the autumn charm in the Big Apple right now! The 50th season of Saturday Night Live is airing, movie studios are sprouting everywhere, and surprisingly, the Knicks are playing well. If you think you might be heading to this vibrant city soon, I’ve got some exclusive tips from the city’s most stylish folks on the hotspots you simply can’t miss – from trendy dog parks to chic hotel bars, even hidden gems like high-end parking garages for the elite!
1. DOG PARK
Dog trainers like Bash Dibra, who’s worked with celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker, note that walkers tend to take their dogs out most frequently. However, owners can sometimes be seen on short strolls near their homes. According to Bash, Central Park is the prime spot for dog enthusiasts. Although it’s not an official dog park, it’s acceptable to let your dog run off-leash before 9 a.m. In the evening, owners frequent this area because many of them are patrons of the Met museum and enjoy being in close proximity to their beloved institution under its nighttime glow.
2. PARKING
Melody Weir, the designer, comments that the private garages established by Justin Lopez, a former Ferrari employee, are top-tier parking spaces. These subterranean parking facilities can be found on East 86th and East 55th streets, with another one set to open soon.
3. PENTHOUSE SUITE (UPTOWN)
Jason Squatriglia, travel agent at Embark Beyond, asserts that the $75,000 per night fee for The Mark’s expansive five-bedroom penthouse is justified, given its prestigious reputation – evident by Drake considering it his second home in New York City and Meghan Markle hosting her baby shower there. Squatriglia adds an intriguing detail, “They can even install an ice-skating rink on your balcony during your stay if you so desire, a request one of our clients made and we were more than happy to fulfill.
4. PLAYGROUND
The Billy Johnson Playground situated in Central Park, specifically north of the Zoo at 67th Street, is often referred to as “a place where networking and playtime intertwine,” according to concierge Benjamin Vaschetti from Maison Benjamin. Instead of just nannies taking a break on the benches, you might find several individuals enjoying some leisure time there, much like it’s also popular for walking dogs.
5. POWER TABLE (UPTOWN)
According to socialite Gillian Miniter, dining at Sette Mezzo on Lexington and 71st isn’t just a recommendation; you should specifically request your table as well. She explains that the tables near the entrance are often considered the best, but the front half of the restaurant is where the elite gather, with many famous faces and billionaires frequenting it. However, she assures us that despite its popularity, the atmosphere remains relaxed and unpretentious.
6,16. PRIVATE DINING ROOM
According to influencer Zach Weiss, it’s a tough choice between two unique Private Dining Rooms (PDRs). He shares that Casa Cruz, located at 61st Street and Madison, has two private rooms that evoke a cozy home-like atmosphere which he adores. However, the back room of Emilio’s Ballato on Houston Street offers a charming mobster ambiance in an excellent manner.
7. THERAPIST
Samantha Boardman, a well-established psychiatrist based on East 67th Street, boasts impressive credentials (having graduated cum laude from Harvard and practiced for two decades), but it’s her marriage to renowned developer Aby Rosen that solidifies her status as a go-to professional for affluent individuals grappling with anxiety, according to Melody Weir. In essence, she’s the one you turn to.
8,11. DERMATOLOGIST’S OFFICE
It’s a split decision for fashion writer Freya Drohan between Dr. Julie Russak’s place on 57th and Park and Dr. Dan Belkin on Fifth Avenue in Flatiron. “Get Fraxel from Dr. Russak — you’ll look like the elephant man for a while, but it’s worth it,” she says. “And Morpheus8 by Dr. Belkin, because of course you can trust the man behind Martha Stewart’s eternal glow.”
9. DIVE BAR
In 1971, during the notorious era of Times Square, boxing legend Jimmy Glenn established his establishment named Jimmy’s Corner. Despite Jimmy passing away from COVID in his late eighties, the place remains largely unchanged. This is where Robert De Niro filmed “Raging Bull,” and both Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson have been frequent visitors (although not on the same occasion). Beers continue to cost just $3 thanks to a special arrangement with real estate tycoon Douglas Durst, who owns the building and is a regular at the bar. Grab a seat at the bar for your next round of drinks.
10. MSG SEATS
As a dedicated gamer, when it comes to securing the best seats at a concert, I’d recommend sections 108, 109, 115, and 116. Why? Because these were the Industry’s favorites, personally recommended by the legendary Ahmet Ertegun. These are the VIP spots, if you will.
12. SUPERMARKET
According to Mitchell Hochberg, “Citarella is overpriced yet remains the top choice in the city.” He carries his opinion proudly, like a shopping bag. For an impressive display, visit their West Village store on Sixth Avenue; you might even spot Seth Meyers checking out the seafood selection.
13. WORKOUT SPOT
250 members at The Continuum Club, located within the Archive Building in New York’s West Village, pay $10,000 monthly to work out under Jeff Halevy, a renowned fitness expert from the Today show. His state-of-the-art workout space combines gym facilities with longevity practices such as monitoring health data using Oura devices and having an in-house floatation tank, along with on-site physical therapists available. According to interior designer Melody Weir, it’s truly one-of-a-kind. However, Rowing Blazers designer Jack Carlson argues that traditional outdoor workouts like running along the West Side Highway in a shirt displaying your alma mater and sport are the ultimate show of status, such as Harvard Fencing or Trinity Squash.
14. PENTHOUSE SUITE (DOWNTOWN)
The penthouse at Robert De Niro’s Greenwich Hotel isn’t listed on its website, and it can only be obtained by special request, according to concierge Tony Abrams of Four Hundred. This might explain why one of the Olsen twins has been staying there for an extended period. As Frankie Carattini, a renowned door expert, puts it, “I had quite the good time there, and I haven’t found another penthouse that matches its charm since then.
15. POWER TABLE (DOWNTOWN)
The penthouse at Robert De Niro’s Greenwich Hotel isn’t listed on its website and can only be accessed upon request, as confirmed by Tony Abrams from Four Hundred concierge service. This might explain why one of the Olsen twins decided to stay there for a significant period. Moreover, Frankie Carattini, known as a door expert, shares his experience saying, “I had the opportunity to spend a wild time there, and no other penthouse I’ve been to since then can compare.
17. STREET CORNER
According to Alexandra Polier, who works for the design agency Journey, the crossroads of Bond and Lafayette streets symbolize a fresh downtown and Noho area. She notes that photographers are often confused as they attempt to capture images of Gigi Hadid or Jeff Bezos, both of whom reside nearby and frequent Zero Bond, a popular nightspot by nightlife pioneer Scott Sartiano. This location boasts a non-stop flow of fashion and influence, with Mayor Eric Adams also being a frequent visitor.
18. HOTEL BAR
Frankie Carattini recommends spending time relaxing on the couches at The Bowery Hotel. He describes it as a gathering spot for influential figures in both entertainment and fashion. If you’ve ever dreamed of eavesdropping on conversations between Chris Rock and Sarah Silverman, or catching a glimpse of Karen Elson en route to the Met Gala, this is where you can observe such moments unfold.
19. GAY BAR
Alexandra Polier from Club Cumming in the East Village mentions that you might need to show up late and leave late because things can be unpredictable there. She adds that, occasionally, co-owner Alan Cumming drops by, which instantly fills the tiny 500 square foot space.
20. PIZZA JOINT
As a dedicated fan, it’s been exhilarating to witness the surge in popularity at Lucali in Carroll Gardens since Kendrick Lamar dropped that Drake diss track earlier this year. Even music heavyweights like Ed Sheeran have found themselves waiting for an impressive 45 minutes. Regulars such as Beyoncé and Jay-Z, I’d imagine, don’t share the same fate. The epitome of coolness? Having direct contact with Mark Iacono, the restaurant’s owner.
21. K-12 SCHOOL
In Brooklyn, where numerous Hollywood stars are raising their families, the battle for spots in elite private schools has become fiercely competitive – particularly at Saint Ann’s, a school often favored by “nepo-babies” (children of well-connected individuals), which is known as the equivalent of Harvard-Westlake on the East Coast for children starting from pre-K and up. Notable alumni include Jennifer Connelly, Lena Dunham, Zac Posen, and Maya Hawke.
“The article you see was published in the September 19th edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To stay updated, consider subscribing by clicking on this link.
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2024-09-22 19:55