Sylvia Tan-Jong, professional Orthodontist and part-time writer for Wedding Guide Asia was in New York a couple of weeks ago with her husband. Next time when you are in New York, make sure you visit these places! Can't wait to go now!
With at least 10 new restaurants added to New York’s gastronomy delights every week, it is no wonder the city is hailed as food heaven year after year. This is why if you ask 50 New Yorkers to name their best restaurant, you will probably get 50 different answers. As much as I love trying the next hot new scene in the Big Apple, I also have a few firm favourites that have never let me down.
11am
BRUNCH IS THE NEW BREAKFAST
Tired and jet-lagged? Forget breakfast, have a lie-in and then head straight to Le Parker Meridien. Nobody does brunch like Norma’s and you certainly need a protein-rich meal to rid those post-flight blues. Why only have toast when you can pile up with pancakes, eggs Benedict along with their energy boost smoothie to kick start your day?
119 West 56th Street NY 10019 212.245.5000
1pm
LUNCH WITH A VIEW
Head to the Central Park Boathouse for the best view of the park, and their to-die-for crab-cakes that will make even Woody Allen tingle with delight. Then take a leisurely stroll around the park to work off those calories, but if you are in your 4-inch Manolos, the Boathouse runs the most adorable trolley/shuttle service to take guests from the Boathouse back to Fifth avenue where you can start your shopping galore!
East 72nd St. & Park Drive North NY 10021 212.517.2233
Or
If the weather is wet and windy, you may prefer to head indoors instead to The BG Restaurant on Bergdorf Goodman’s 7th floor. Mac and cheese may sound vile but BG serves it with fresh lobster and Gouda cheese, a far cry from the ready-made kind. Seven floor high, you still get that gorgeous view of Central Park and shopaholics can start charging their credit cards the minute you ask for your lunch bill!
7th Floor 5th Avenue at 58th Street NY 10019 212.872.8977
3pm
PICK-ME-UP
Who has time for a 3-hour long afternoon tea when there is so much to see and do in NYC? If you need a pick-me-up coffee, head to Dean & Deluca. They may have outlets world-wide, but the original shop in Soho serves the best key-lime pie and is just a hop away from Prada (with their fancy mirrors!). Don’t forget to stock up your pantry with their signature truffle salt and my personal favourite, their oh- so-sweet maple syrup.
560 Broadway (at Prince Street) 212.226.6800
8pm
PAPA-PAPARAZZI
Fusion food is a MUST in multi-cultural NYC. The Mercer Kitchen is one of my old time favourites and securing a reservation is the ONE thing I always do before heading to the Big Apple. Jean-Georges serves the best steak in town, cleverly mixed with Shiitake mushroom and caramel infused soy-sauce. Celebrity factor aside (you will see anyone that ‘matters’ stumbling out of their steps from Lenny Kravitz to Elle Macpherson), this establishment oozes New York glamour and the most delicious Cosmopolitan. Just be careful not to stumble upon those cameras on your way out!
99 Prince Street NY 10012 212.966.5454
10pm
I DID IT MY WAY
I was born with an old soul, and so I love the Flatiron Lounge for several reasons. Not only does this jazz bar serves martinis with names such as ‘Flight back in Time’, this landmark building was also once home to the Ballroom where Frank Sinatra danced the night away. However, if you prefer more contemporary music, you can head downstairs to their modern-age club where the jet-setters party the night away.
37th West 19th Street Flatiron District 212.727.7741
3am
POPed to the MAX?
Been in your dancing shoes all night and feeling peckish at 3am? Hail a cab and head straight to The Pop Burger to satisfy your hunger. It’s not just ANY burger joint, ask for their popcorn shrimp and root-beer, then sit back on their lounge chairs and enjoy the funky music with adorable Andy Warhol deco. If it’s good enough for SJP, it certainly is good enough for me!
14E 58th Street NY 10022
My NYC tip:
Book in advance if you want to secure a table at popular restaurants. Those living abroad can book via opentable.com. If you are lucky enough to be there during New York Restaurant week, then grab the opportunity to eat at NY’s fine-dining restaurants (yes, even Nobu!) for a mere USD 35.00 for a 3-course meal.
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