Originally published on Wednesday, 8th April 2009

So you know NYC is literally just a hop, skip and a jump over the pond, and you keep telling yourself you’ll go… someday. But if ever there was a ‘perfect’ time, it’s now. With BA flights clocking in at under £300, even the strength of the dollar isn’t putting us off. Add the fact that the Tribeca Film Festival is about to start and Museum 52’s new temp space is almost open, and you’ve got the perfect Springtime getaway.

SLEEP: The Greenwich Hotel

Go Here for
A quiet oasis in the heart of NYC

The Low-down
Extending his multi-talented reach beyond Nobu, Robert De Niro’s new hotel does not disappoint. This discreet abode comes complete with palm tree-lined reception, unique furnishings, an outdoor courtyard, library with honesty bar, and service even Goodfellas would approve of. 

The Rooms
Each of the 88 rooms are completely individual, drawing on design influences from all over the world – it’s easy to see how this has been a labour of hand-picked love.

Highlights
UJ loved the mahogany beds, thoughtfully chosen in-room libraries, Moroccan-themed washroom (the turquoise tiles, we lust!), and larger than large flat screen TVs. The soft lighting throughout the hotel was a serious plus, and the help yourself mini-bars (everything is free, except alcohol), and baskets of American treats are a nice touch. Pocket a Charleston Chew for later.

Treat Yourself
If you can’t bring yourself to test-drive the elegant gym, book into a massage. Japanese-styled treatment rooms come with plunge pools and ceiling bars (so your therapist can walk on your back, obviously).

The Greenwich Hotel
377 Greenwich Street,
NY 10013
+212 941 8900
Room rates from $625

To Book
Tribeca Film Festival at the Greenwich, April 22- May 3rd
For more information about exclusive access/accommodation packages at the Greenwich for the Tribeca Film Festival (another De Niro production) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the Innerplace.

AND WHILE YOU'RE IN NYC…

SEE: Fuerzabruta

If you missed it at Camden’s Roundhouse, and are up for a bit of a pick me up- book tix for this HIGH ENERGY show. Look up! Just don’t wear heels- no matter how hardcore you think you are-as it’s an hour and a half on your feet, and you move around. Ouch. 

Fuerzabruta
Daryl Roth Theatre,
101 East 15th Street at Union Square,
NY 10003
+212 239 6200

Poppy de Villeneuve

Brit-born photographer and NY resident, de Villeneuve’s signature photographic style hits the Soho Grand Hotel in May with  a specially commissioned series capturing immobile, star-struck crowds watching live music.

Poppy de Villeneuve
May 25-Sept 2 2009, The Gallery in the Soho Grand Hotel,
310 West Broadway,
NY 10013 
+212 965 3000 

Museum 52 NYC

The first of three shows at this temporary location features the work of four artists, all loosely connected by their work with abstract painting. Sarah Braman’s poetic sensibility, Joe Bradley’s ‘Schmagoo’ sketches, Ida Ekblad’s relationship with words, and Stefan Sandner’s mix of language and paint make this inaugural showing a must-see.

Museum 52 
4 East Second Street (at Bowery),
NY 10003
Exhibition: 22 April - 23 May, Wed - Sat, 11am - 6pm
+134 778 97072

SHOP: Jeffrey

Labels at this local fave in the meatpacking district include Brit stars Kane (they bought the baboon dress, so of course we approve) and Saunders, as well as their in-house label selling American classics (read: seersucker and cable knits) in contemporary cuts. Perfect for Hamptons Summer stockpiling.

Jeffrey
449 West 14th St,
Between 9th & 10th Ave,
NY 10014
+212 206 1272

EAT: Casual/Late night

Oh, the options. We say check out the Blue Ribbon group, The Brasserie for oysters, brick walls and low lighting, and their Manhattan sushi haunt for fresh fish and hip hop.  

Blue Ribbon Brasserie
97 Sullivan St. (b/t Spring and Prince streets), NY 10012
+212 274 0404

Blue Ribbon Sushi
119 Sullivan St. (b/t Prince and Spring streets), NY 10012
+212 343 0404

OTHER: John Dory

Sit at the bar and embark on a crustacean feast at the Spotted Pig’s second venture – John Dory – which recently opened to rave reviews (Sir AA approves).

The Waverly (Greydon Carter’s spot) and Pastis are still drawing in the crowds, and if you’re after something a little more local, we say head to Bobo. A cosy dining room upstairs, and hopping bar downstairs make this a great place to start your night.

Bobo Top Tip: Make sure to pocket a coaster from the bar. The prints are Victorian silhouette adaptations of the owner and his extended family. Nice touch.

DRINK: Macau

Macau is a pint sized resto/bar with an underground atmosphere and great cocktails (beware of the goes down like a charm absinthe variety), while the scensters are still hustling to get into Beatrice (run by Paul Sevigny, and ex-Bungalow peeps). Get past the doorman and you’ll be amidst models and names to know a plenty. At least there’s a dance floor upstairs and the strict door policy means the bar won’t be three deep. And if you feel like an old faithful, Mlkhny never lets you down, as long as you call first.

DEVOUR: Pop

Still hungry? Head to Pop for a mini-burger. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.

Pop Burger
58-60 Ninth Ave,
NY 10011
+212 414 8686

by AF