This is Best of New York, a monthly recap of the city’s very best restaurants, bars, arts, culture, shopping, etc. etc. It’s not necessarily the latest, greatest, newest, hottest (but those spots find their way in, too); it’s simply the places that made the city sing every month that I think you might like, too.
A short and sweet rundown of the best in culture, restaurants and bars, plus a day trip to the Jersey Shore in June. Enjoy!
Culture
Gypsy – Because why wouldn’t you witness Audra bring down the house?
Picasso’s ‘Tête-à-tête’ at Gagosian (above, through July 3) – Curated in collaboration with his daughter Paloma, Picasso’s Tête-à-tête features rarely before seen works spanning his entire career, organized thematically (rather than chronologically) with the idea that they’re in conversation, just as Picasso wished them to be experienced. It’s a delightful, must-see final show at Gagosian’s longtime Upper East Side gallery.
Little Island’s dreamy summer performing arts series is back for its sophomore season. I already caught the rousing classic Beggar’s Opera reimagined as the Counterfeit Opera. Also on my calendar: Suzan-Lori Parks’s The Tune Up (July 30-Aug 3), a blend of new plays and music, and fronting her band SLP & The Joyful Noise (July 23 & 24) in a free performance at the Glade.
Paradise Records – Rapper and musician Logic writes, directs and stars in his feature film debut at Tribeca Festivalwith Kevin Smith as producing partner (complete with a Jay and Silent Bob cameo). It has all the makings of a cult classic.
Mast Books (East Village) – possibly the coolest bookstore in NYC with a thoughtful curation of art books, literature and works in translation, including some of my favorites, like Ed Ruscha and Annie Ernaux
Codex – another East Village bookstore gem with an eclectic blend of new releases and second-hand finds
In case you missed the marathon eight hour reading of Mrs. Dalloway at the 92nd Street Y on June 14 (the day the book takes place) in celebration of its 100th anniversary, well, you can always read (or reread) Virginia Woolf’s masterpiece yourself. It proved to be an immersive experience; during my break from the reading, I couldn’t help but feel like Clarissa Dalloway window shopping along Madison Avenue before hurrying back to the Y just in time for her party.
Restaurants
Teruko – moody new subterranean Japanese/sushi den at the Hotel Chelsea
Atoboy – Innovative Korean powerhouse with $75 four-course tasting menu + transcendental double fried chicken served with spicy peanut and yangyummy dipping sauces
Mokyo – sweet little modern Korean small plates restaurant on Saint Marks Place
Pâtisserie Vanessa – a trip to the South of France via the Upper East Side at this bright and airy patisserie with petit banquette and mezzanine seating. As I delighted in the final bites of a sublime strawberry and cream-filled choux during my Mrs. Dalloway intermission, I realized I had momentarily embodied a character in a scene from the book: the housekeeper Clarissa hates is running errands with her daughter and stops to savor a chocolate éclair while thinking that her only pleasure left in life is food. VW knows how to bring down the hammer.
Soho Diner – when you’re in Soho mid-day or late night and you don’t know what else to do
Lattanzi – Times Square Italian stalwart on Restaurant Row where Lorne Michaels famously takes SNL hosts on Tuesday nights
Bars
Deux Chats – sweet little Parisian-feeling cocktail bar in the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge by the Le Dive etc. etc. team w a much chiller vibe
Weather Up – solid Tribeca cocktail bar go-to
The Smyth – hotel, tavern and lounge, ideal for Tribeca after parties
Day Tripping
Highlands, New Jersey – I almost forgot how easy it is to hop on the Seastreak ferry and spend a day at the beach at Sandy Hook near Highlands. The ride is just over an hour and I even had time for ice cream at Moby’s before sailing back to the city.
