New York is probably one of the only cities in the world that I know almost as well as Vancouver. I have been there for work and leisure trips at least 50 times in my life. Over the years I have definitely scoped out my favourite restaurants, shopping, attractions and hotels. Some great accommodation options are the Andaz 5th Avenue, a chic boutique hotel in Midtown that is quintessential New York City; The Royalton, a reinvented Manhattan classic for international travellers and the NYC elite; and The Surrey, an Upper East Side boutique hotel full of incredible art and modern décor. Any one of them would be excellent choices for a high-end stay in the Big Apple. As far as what to see and do is concerned, here’s my itinerary for a perfect three days in New York.
DAY 1
A.M.New York City’s go-go-go pace requires ample fuel, and breakfast at Jack's Wife Freda delivers. Try their rosewater waffles topped with Lebanese yogurt, berries and honey syrup. The yeasty batter is accented with rosewater and the resulting flavor is delicate with floral notes. I also love their take on the Middle Eastern egg dish, Shakshuka. This green version is baked in a tomatillo sauce and served with Challah (Jewish bread).Next, jump in a cab or subway to Battery Park for a cruise to the Statue of Liberty. Don’t miss the Crown Viewing Platform for incredible views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey. Reservations to access the Crown must be made online first and take note that there is no elevator so the stairs to the top can be quite a workout!
P.M.
Cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot starting from Center Street in Manhattan while taking in views of Governors Island, Statue of Liberty and Manhattan Bridge. Head to the iconic Prime Meats, in Brooklyn, for lunch. This German-style farm-to-table restaurant is famous for their handmade sausages created by their in-house charcuterie. For a true New York dining experience try their homemade hotdog with spicy mustard and sauerkraut.
After Dark
For a protein fix, and the best chicken in NYC, book a table at Le Coq Rico. French chef Antoine Westermann has made chicken his life, and he prepares it perfectly. This is his second location; the first is on Montmartre's Rue Lepic in Paris. He worked with hospitality architect Pascal Desprez to design the interior where works by the celebrated American visual artist, Doug Fitch are on display. The glamourous bistro also has a hip bar area.
Walk to Gansevoort Park Rooftop Bar for a cocktail or two. Twenty stories above Manhattan, it boasts unhindered views of the Empire State Building and other iconic New York architecture.
DAY 2
A.M.
Have breakfast at Balthazar, a timeless SoHo brasserie known for its homemade pastries and excellent eggs benedict. Then get your shopping fix at my favourite “three Bs”: Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s and Barneys, all within about a five to 10 minutes walking distance.
P.M.
Meander over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a dose of culture. The place is huge so I like to focus on a couple of areas like the Greek and Roman galleries. Until January 2018 there is a stunning exhibition of art by Rodin with nearly 50 marble, bronze, plaster and terracotta sculptures. Afterwards, stop for a Cereal Milk Soft Serve at Momofuku Milk Bar. Don’t forget to add the crunch (i.e. candied corn flakes). Delish!
After Dark
Squeeze in an early dinner of French and Italian Riviera cuisine at Ai Fiori before heading to a Broadway Show; Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen are current must-sees. Be sure to reserve tickets online at least three months in advance where you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars on a seat, but the performances are well worth it! Post-show, head to Loews Regency Hotel for a cocktail (where you might even spot a Real Housewife, or two.)
DAY 3
A.M.
Start your last day off with breakfast at my mother and my go-to brunch spot, Friedman’s in Chelsea. I love their Avocado Toast and their famous Fried Chicken & Cheddar Waffle. The food is always delicious and the hipster-ish ambience is quirky and cute! Walk about five minutes to the High Line Park in Chelsea, the elevated greenspace that was created on an unused section of the New York Central Railroad.
P.M.
Lunch at Grand Central Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station, a classic restaurant that offers a special glimpse into gilded-age New York before heading off to shop at Century 21 for discounts on designer brands such as Prada, Lanvin and Valentino. For an even better view than the Empire State Building with less of a line, head to the Top of the Rock (the 70th-floor of Rockefeller Center) for panoramas of Central Park and a head-on view of the Empire State Building itself.
Kick off your last night at GATO, Bobby Flay’s Mediterranean-inspired tapas lounge for delicious small plates like lamb tenderloin with salsa verde and artichoke heart, quail egg, salmon roe. Toast to a great trip off with a nightcap at the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar at the top of the Conrad Hotel for the famous, and refreshing, Prosecco Popsicle Cocktail.
