NEW YORK

LEGACY RECORDS
From the same guys as Charlie Bird and Pasquale Jones, I can’t think of another restaurant that has more soul. Chef Ryan Hardy knows how to throw down but the way they incorporate a wine bar, wine shop and private dining spaces galore is the true work of art.
517 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018

DI FARA PIZZA
No frills is an understatement but there is something nostalgic about a New York slice by “Dom” himself. After over 50 years, there is never a bad day to go, because each pie is only by the master himself.
1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230

MISSION CHINESE FOOD
Unconventional. Wild. Unapologetically bold. These are a few of my favorite things. Mission Chinese Food is like taking an adrenaline shot right to the intestines and every decision feels like the most interesting kid in class thought of everything. Danny Bowien is my hero whether he gives a damn or not.
171 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

PAUL'S COCKTAIL LOUNGE
If you want to find me on any given night, I will probably end up at Paul’s. Paul Sevigny delivers an experience with the help of artists André Saraiva and Josh Smith that keeps you dancing and drinking with some of the most interesting people in the 5 boroughs and like Studio 54, it’s dictatorship at the door and a democracy on the dance floor.
2 6th Ave, New York, NY 10013

LE COUCOU
A tall candle can do a lot to change the tempo of the room but Le Coucou does so much more. Start with Savart Champagne and end with the same actually because at Le Coucou no detail goes unnoticed. For a complete, proper dining experience look no further.
138 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013

CHEEKY SANDWICHES
Full disclaimer: I haven’t come by a po boy I don’t like but what I appreciate most is the unapologetic use of flavor, music and juiciness that makes it the go-to spot for the lower east side. Turn up and go full big easy.
36 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

FELLOW BARBER
Nope. It isn’t a restaurant. Also, not a hotel. But on the attention to detail front, they are certainly deserving of notice. They don’t just give a really great haircut but they do so with a selection of amazing products and swagger without feeling like an outdated episode of Girls, if you catch my drift.
Many locations but I was a regular here:
33 Crosby St, New York, NY 10013

DOUGH
Listen, if you’re going to gain a waist size, then make it worth it. THIS IS WORTH IT. I am not going to say I have been there multiple times the minute they opened, but I am not going to say I haven’t either. Addictive is the only word to give Dough justice.
14 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011

11 HOWARD
It’s design stupid. Thoughtful, intentional and just exactly what you need. Grab a drink at The Blonde or just take in Aby Rosen’s ridiculous art collection.
11 Howard St, New York, NY 10013

BUVETTE
There doesn’t exist a more charming place on the island for breakfast or brunch or even late night. Very French and oh so rustic and chic. Warms you up like a fresh croissant. Brunch it up.
42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

LUCALI
Authenticity at its finest. There is no place I know that has an equal amount of respect from the local Italian community of Carroll Gardens while also convincing people to travel from the far away island of Manhattan and even farther to partake in a proper pizza and calzone.
575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

LILIA
Missy Robbins has never made a pasta I didn’t close my eyes while eating. Moreover, the restaurant is exactly what a restaurant should be: simple, to the point and about the food. I am a sucker for clean lines and great wine glasses as much as I am about a wood-fired grill with dishes that have just the perfect amount of ingredients on every plate or in every bowl .
567 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

SCARR'S PIZZA
Always a soft spot for pizza but these guys know how to embrace nostalgia in their own unique way. Pizza on paper plates, ideal wood panelling and the right crowd makes it worth the visit in Soho.
22 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

BROOKLYN FARMACY
No visit to Lucali, down the street, is complete without a short walk to Farmacy after dinner. It is a true relic but with the best Egg Creams money can buy. Former apothecary turned soda fountain, don’t think, just enjoy.
513 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

LA BONBONNIERE
Sentimental and nostalgic, this diner became a bit of a go-to on the west side. The best Easter I ever had was here and as a much more articulate person once said, it is what a New York City diner is supposed to feel like.
28 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014

ACHILLES HEEL
Tight is the best word to describe everything from the space, drink list and menu. My friend Quincy can’t get enough of the place and although I am sick of seeing his posts about it, I get it. Best value in New York and the team redefine fantastic.
180 West St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

ROSE BAR AT GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL
This is probably where it all began. The first time I had a (then) expensive cocktail in thoughtful lighting and a lush environment with music that was just a vibe. This could be the exact same recommendation for the hotel itself which the inspiring Ian Schrager did with such grace that it has truly stood the test of time. I hope to get both married and divorced here one day but in the meantime I am simply going to ask for a Diamonds and Pearls and enjoy the Le Labo in every inch.
2 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010

Freehand Hotel
Don’t call it a hostel, it’s been here for years. Okay, no it hasn’t but I fell in love with Freehand in Miami and on a quick trip to New York, why stay anywhere else? This hotel is like a Donald Judd work of art: only what is necessary is there and clearly there is so much necessary.
23 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010

EAST HAMPTON GRILL
Okay, we are going east to lamping in the Hamptons. Full disclaimer: I ran this place for a bit, but not mentioning the best fried oysters, biscuits and intentional lighting that defined my whole career would be a mistake, huge. You won’t find more consistent service and thoughtfulness anywhere. Guaranteed. God Bless Hillstone Restaurant Group.
99 N Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937

POLO BAR
American as apple pie or should I say, as American as Ralph Lauren. The goal was to create an iconic, timeless institution that redefined New York and became an instant classic. Success… handsome success.
1 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022

HOLIDAY COCKTAIL LOUNGE
Holiday Cocktail Lounge is an “on purpose” dive bar but with style and character. The cocktails are actually interesting and good but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. I love the attention to detail and it feels a bit like a secret just for those that call the East Village home.
75 St Marks Pl, New York, NY




















