Urban Junkies London - Friday September 15 Special - New York City Guide sponsored by MAXjet



		MAXjet, the affordable all business class airline flying from London Stansted to New York, Washington and Las Vegas from only £854 return inclusive. Everything you’d expect from business class, except the price tag. New York City. It's been in focus throughout the past fortnight, starting with the US Open, then the five year marking of September 11, and finally as host to the bi-annual fashion circus. As the temperatures have dropped from their August highs, there's no better time to visit the Big Apple. We present our picks and recommendations, kindly sponsored by MAXjet.
NEIGHBOURHOODS Uptown, Downtown, East Side, West Side, NoLita, DUMBO, Hell's Kitchen... Uptown (anything directionally towards Harlem from where you are), downtown (anything directionally towards the Financial District from where you are), and East-West (Fifth Avenue is the dividing line) are easy enough to figure out, but we have created a little map to give you the lowdown on New York's neighbourhoods. HOTELS There's no lack of choice, so here's the cream of the crop. Thor (The Hotel On Rivington) The hotel that was initiated as fashion and design magazine Surface's vanity project. The influence shines through in the sleek and sexy design throughout and the appropriately hip clientele. A location that’ll give you street cred but a bit inconvenient if you were planning to mainly shop on Madison Avenue. 107 Rivington Street at Ludlow, Lower East Side 212-796 8040 Dream Owned by playboy/Hotelier Vikram Chatwal (supposedly dated La Moss) Dream is a hotspot for entertainment types to rest their head. With Bad Boy Records next door (last time we stayed here the Dids was filming in a suite), roof top terrace with amazing views, Serafina restaurant, renowned Chopra spa, and the prime location, Dream’s a good choice - even if the ‘trendy interior’ is looking a bit staid. 210 West 55th between Broadway and 7th, Midtown 212 247 2000 Night Another Chatwal creation, this recently opened hotel definitely doesn't scream out at you - in fact, you probably would miss it - if you didn't notice the metal numbers on the townhouse door. Which is the beauty of this hotel. So central, but yet feels tucked away. Everything's black and white (in the lobby, rooms, and even mini bar) - and the sexy photography, and Kama Sutra in every bedside table, really sets the tone for this cosy den. We love the staff uniforms, too. 132 West 45th St between 6th and 7th, Midtown 212 835 9600 Hotel Gansevoort Like at the neighbouring Soho House, the rooftop pool and hopping bar are hits in summer, but the general proximity to the hotspots in the Meatpacking District and the ability of the concierge to get you in are part of the allure. 18 9th Avenue at 13th Street, MePa 212-206 6700
Gramercy Park Hotel Ian Shrager's latest shuns sleek fittings and monochrome décor (and Philippe Starck, as his new partner is Schnabel) in favour of a 'bohemian spirit' and 'organised chaos'. Great artwork with baroque pieces, and Miami-esque colourful accents. We love. And so does everyone else, judging by recent reviews. Shrager’' back on track. 2 Lexington Avenue, Gramercy Park 212-920-3300 The London NYC Cross-branding nirvana: David Collins, Gordon Ramsay, Quintessentially, Golden Door, Waterworks... The list goes on. 151 West 54th Street, Midtown 866-656-1777 or 212-307-5000 New York Peninsula Hotel If a work out that consists of 'lifts' from the yellow pages doesn't cut it for you, then this spa/fitness centre/hotel from Hong Kong's legendary Peninsula group is for you. 700 Fifth Avenue at 55th Street, Midtown, NY 10019 212-956 2888
EAT Few places can match The Big Smoke in terms of sophistication, quality and variety in restaurants but New York is one of them and New Yorkers eat out - a lot. With this many people trying for the same tables, always book in advance. And if you plan to return, make sure to give a generous tip to the maitre d'. The Modern at MoMA Overlooking the Sculpture Garden, and with design by Bentel & Bentel and food from award-winning chef Gabriel Kreuther, the new MoMA restaurant, The Modern, is a winner. 9 West 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth, Midtown 212-333-1220 BG We're usually not fond of department store eateries, especially not at places with a reputation as stuffy as Bergdorf, but if you manage to snatch one of the two tables with a Central Park view, this is well worth a break in any shopping schedule. Seventh floor of Bergdorf Goodman 754 Fifth Avenue, Midtown 212-872 8977 Morimoto We admit that it isn't for the Japanese fusion menu – excellent at times, passable when the kitchen is too busy - that we like the former Nobu Iron Chef's new super restaurant. We're simply taken by the design of the loos – which are fully automated, too, as you'd almost expect. 88 10th Avenue at 15th, Chelsea 212 989 8883 L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Yes, one recently opened in London, too, but don't let the reviews put you off: Joel's gastro tapas are an interesting treat; especially at this Four Seasons branch. Four Seasons, 57 East 57th Street, Midtown 212-758 5700 Per Se If you're a French Laundry fan (or lucky enough to have dined there), Thomas Keller's Manhattan outpost should be high on your 'to book' list (and to book you must). And don’t burden yourself with decisions; book a tasting menu. Five-course tasting menu, $125; nine-course vegetable tasting menu, $135; nine-course chef's tasting menu, $150. 10 Columbus Circle, Upper West Side 212-823-9335 Babbo Getting three stars in New York is quite a feat, and Babbo's done it twice. Gourmet Italian with beautiful people, and warm interiors is what you'll get here; if you book in advance that is. Two dining rooms aren't packed every night for months for nothing. Highlight: Eight course pasta tasting menu- $64, and Eight course traditional tasting menu, $70. 10 Waverly Place, between Sixth and MacDougal, Greenwich Village 212-777-0303 Le Bernardin For a serious occasion - try to snag a table at the four-star seafood haven that is Bernardin. If you aren't a fish fan however, this isn't the spot for you as here they serve fish, fish and fish! 155 West 51st Street, Midtown 212-554-1515
		Nobu Nobu needs no explanation, but here there are three, so which one to choose? Nobu New York, 105 Hudson Street, TriBeCa - 212 219 0500 This is the original outpost, expect calming interiors, with wood and soft lighting. Nobu Next Door, 105 Hudson Street, TriBeCa No reservation necessary here, and some say this is the hippest of the Nobus. Expect a casual buzzy atmosphere, with extensive saki collection on display Nobu Fifty Seven, 40 West 57th St, Midtown - 212 757 3000 Tucked away close to Central Park is the newest Nobu. Dark interiors, with a sexy bar downstairs and dining room upstairs (which is the current trend in NY), gives this Nobu something special. Pearl Oyster Bar Like fish? Then join the queue (yes, you can queue) at this favourite fish shack. 18 Cornelia Street, Greenwich Village 212 691 8211 Park Chinois Love Hakkasan and Yauatcha, then you’ll love Yau’s stateside version in Schrager's Gramercy Park Hotel. Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave. Gramercy Park 212 920 3300 The Spotted Pig NYC's first gastro, complete with Michelin star. We think you can skip the bangers and mash while in The City, but if you really must do, then at least opt for the Gorgonzola burger... 314 West 11th Street, Greenwich Village 212 620 0393
Bette Jersey's nightlife queen bee Amy Sacco's first restaurant, named after her mother (pronounced Betty). Don't expect the scene of Bungalow 8 and Lot 61, but hearty dishes like your mother would've made them. Well, almost. 461 West 23rd Street at 10th, Chelsea 212-366 0404 CLASSICS Gourmet and Michelin stars are all great, but here are a couple of unpretentious classics. Brunch at 9th Street Market Tiny, but put your name on the clipboard, wait patiently and you’ll be rewarded with an excellent brunch in front of the fireplace. 337 East 9th Street betw. 1st/2nd Av, East Village 212 473-0242 Brunch at Coffee Shop Slashers galore - models-slash-actors-slash-waiters - ensure that there's plenty of eye candy at this see and be seen oldie. 29 Union Sq. West at 16th St, Flatiron 212-243-7969 Burgers at Corner Bistro This is a greasy spoon if you've ever seen one. The legendary burgers are served, as are the skinny fries, on paper plates, but tuck in and the flamegrilled wonders let you blissfully zone out the surroundings. 331 West 4th Street at Jane, Greenwich Village 212-242-9502 Corncobs at Café Habana Inexpensive haunt always buzzing with local slebs, models and resident punters waiting their turn for tasty Cuban fare and cocktails. 17 Prince St at Elizabeth, NoLita 212-625-2002 no reservations Chocolate at the City Bakery What it lacks in atmosphere it more than makes up for in baked goods and hot chocolate. Don't miss its famed pretzel croissants, either. 3 West 18th Street off Fifth, Flatiron 212-366-1414
DRINK There is no lack of watering holes in New York and you'll generally find the most fun midweek, when The City is blissfully void of the suburban B&T crowd. Know that no respectable Manhattanite is seen queueing - and unlike London Town, thanks to the compact size, there's usually always another decent queueless option within walking distance. Employees Only Owner-operated and intended mainly to serve others in the service industry - great cocktails as you'd expect. 510 Hudson Street, West Village 212 242 3021 Double Seven Milk & Honey's mixologist Sasha Petrarske is serving up delish cocktails with Debauve & Gallais chocolates in Lotus's sleek sister lounge. Call ahead or you'll only be able to enjoy the lush interior from the wrong side of the velvet rope. 418 West 14th Street between Ninth and Tenth, MePa 212-981-9099 Secret Lounge Not that secret, but a friendly, mixed (read: gay and straight), boudoir-styled lounge from the owners of laid back old-time favourite, Hell in the Meatpacking District. 525 West 29th Street between 10th and 11th, Chelsea 212 268-5580
Beige at B Bar - Tuesdays Still packs in the hottest men in town. Be nice; the troll that you just gave the evil eye may be Village Voice gossip queen Michael Musto. 40 East 4th Street at Bowery, East Village 212-475-2220 Cuckoo Club - Sundays Another of Erich Conrad’s home heaven fashion parties in town. Run into David Lachapelle muse Amanda Lepore here. Hiro Ballroom @ the Maritime Hotel 371 West 16th Street at Ninth, Chelsea 212-727-0212 Fifth NYC's newest roof top terrace. Open till four with views of Manhattan, this new haunt - located by the Empire State building - hit the spot from day one. 230 Fifth Avenue, Midtown 212 725 4300 Marquee There will definitely be a queue and red rope here, but if you care to chance your luck, once inside you'll find an intimate atmosphere filled with beauts and a splattering of famous faces. Unfortunately you’ll have to dress to impress/befriend the doorman/pretend to know the barman inside, as here there are no memberships - you just have to be chosen from the queue. Better chances on a Wednesday. 289 10th Avenue at 14th, Chelsea 212 981 9099 More speak-easies These bars may no longer be so secret, but still worth a visit. Details here.
		SHOP The pound buys nearly two dollars these days. And it was cheaper to shop in New York to start off with. And the shopping tax was taken off all items less than $110 again. You know what that means: check your baggage allowance. Moss Retail guru Murray Moss' design heaven. We're waiting for the planned wine bar next door to open. 146 Greene Street, SoHo 212-204-7100 Jeffrey Barneys may be bigger, but the better selection is at Jeffrey. 449 West 14th Street between 9th & 10th, Chelsea/MePa 212-206-1272
Patricia Field Sex & The City stylist's fantastically fun shop. 302 Bowery right above Houston, East Village La Maison Unique Longchamp Rem Koolhaas's Prada store and its curvy basement descent long set the benchmark for retail design, but is now being challenged by Thomas Heatherwick's flagship store for Longchamp. 132 Spring Street, SoHo 212 343 7444 Paul Smith We love Smithey! And so do New Yorkers - and finally, they have been treated to a Flagship store. Stripes are set to paint the town red. 108 Fifth Avenue, Midtown 142 Greene Street, SoHo (opens October) 212 254 3530 La Di Da Cool clothes from interesting designers. 147 Orchard St, Lower East Side 212 529 7384 Thom Browne NY designer du jour. Get your hands on one of his bespoke skinny suits. Look out for his new TriBeCa store. This man is moving up in the world. 17 Little West 12th St, Greenwich Village 212 633 1197
Edge Cutting 'edge' designers all under one roof. Has a market feel, but is in a covered retails space. 65 Bleecker St, between Broadway & Lafayette, NoLita. 212-358-0255 Apple The newest flagship offers a great glass space with the usual techno treats, and this one is open 24-7-365. 767 Fifth Avenue at 58th St, Midtown 212 336 1440 Century 21 Make sure you're rested and well fed before you even attempt to attack this multi-story mecca. You will be overwhelmed, they have everything here. Mens, Womens, shoes, homewares and kids. Enough said. 22 Cortlandt St, Financial District 212 227-9092 Loehmann's Reduced price fashion emporium- head straight for the backroom, where you’ll find the designer wares. 101 Seventh Avenue at 17th Street, Chelsea 212 352 0856 Sample Sale booth in the fashion district Visit the Fashion Centre Information Kiosk, W 39th St & 7th Ave. 212 398-7943 in the Garment District. (W37-W40th Street between 7th and 8th) - if there's someone in there, there are sales, if not, try again tomorrow.
NoLita Market Up and coming fashion designers 268 Mulberry St between Houston and Prince, NoLita 212 580 8995 Chelsea Market A block long gourmet food market. And home to Spice Market. 75 Ninth Avenue between 15th and 16th, Chelsea THINGS TO DO - RECOMMENDATIONS You're grown up people and know how to get your own guidebooks and how to pass time, so we won't preach anything on you. But these are some of our favourite things to do and places to visit in New York. Ellis Island Did your grandparents emigrate to the United States? If they entered the country between 1892-1924, their documents, including 30 entrance questions, certificate, and photo of the boat they came over on, if you’re lucky, are available to access and print. A very special day if you find them; make sure you bring maiden names, age and year they entered.
		David Letterman Book online, save yourself from the daily wait (people queue from 2pm). No filming Friday-Sunday. 1697 Broadway between 53rd and 54th West Streets, Midtown Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum The Met, MoMa and the Guggenheim easily make it into any guidebook, but the Cooper-Hewitt is often overlooked. Go discover this gem. 2 East 91st Street and Fifth, Upper East Side 212.849.8400 Hudson River Park One of the most notable redevelopments in The City, but least noted by visitors, has been the development of the Hudson River Park, creating a bike and pedestrian path along the river from the Financial District to Harlem. Get yourself a pair of rollerblades (buy or rent, e.g., in Central Park) and enjoy. Green-Wood Cemetery The only US cemetery that visitors typically bother with is the Arlington Cemetery outside DC. Don’t deny yourself a visit to the opulence of this enormous resting place of New York’s most notables and notorious. 500 25th St at 5th Av, Park Slope Brooklyn 718-768-7300
Staten Island Ferry If you don't have the urge to see the Statue of Liberty close-up but just want a few waterside snaps, save yourself the cost of the tour boat and jump on the free Staten Island Ferry instead. Leaves from Whitehall St, Financial District every 15-30 minutes. 24 hour Juvenex Spa Only because we can't do this at 3am at home. Detox in the igloo shaped sauna, and then head for Kimchi in Koreatown. 25 W 32 St between 5th and 6th, Garment District 646-733-1330
MAXjet, the affordable all business class airline flying from London Stansted to New York, Washington and Las Vegas from only £854 return inclusive. Everything you’d expect from business class, except the price tag.
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