Hooked on Art

And now you know that I am hooked on art museums so of course I love to go to MoMA- a museum dedicated to being THE museum of modern art in the world. It is such an open exciting building with such amazing art that I always make a point of going there even if it is only for a stolen hour or two!
TT1 As I always say about museum visits- focus on one area and promise yourself a return visit.
TT2 Have a coffee or light meal in Terrace 5- the restaurant overlooking the Sculpture Garden- it is a lovely space and has this wonderful outlook, with New York sky line in the background.

 

Treasure Trove

I felt as if I had found a treasure trove when I discovered The Frick Collection- and of course I had! This beautiful mansion on 5th Ave (1East 70th St.) was built by Mr Frick, a coke and steel industrialist, in the early 1900’s and even then was designed with Mr Frick’s intention to leave the house and his art collection to the public. I love to visit this small museum because it seems so peaceful and the art so beautiful- to say nothing about the furniture and clocks. So it is a treasure trove for me with works by Ingre, Whistler and Degas and several of Francois Boucher’s charming paintings.
TT1 Do make time to visit this museum
TT2 It really is worthwhile watching the video on the history of the museum that is run throughout the day.

 

Views and Tapestries

Catch Subway A to 190th Street and walk through Fort Tryon Park to The Cloisters. It is a lovely walk with wonderful views of the Hudson River and then you arrive at this beautiful museum – a branch of The Metropolitan Museum especially known for its collection of tapestries. The buildings and cloistered gardens are in themselves worth seeing but so is the collection of art and architecture of medieval Europe housed here.
TT1 Call to find out the times of the free guided tours
TT2 Bus M4 goes from the subway station right to The Cloisters if you don’t want the walk uphill-but then you would miss the views so walk back down to the subway.

 

The Other Half

The other half of the excitement of being in New York has to be the wonderful museums! I never miss a chance to go to The Met- the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Even just walking up the beautiful staircase makes me feel that I am in a very special place.
TT1 Choose only a section or two to see in one visit and enjoy that rather than trying to see too much!
TT2 Notice the flower arrangements in the entrance hall-a result of a bequest to the museum and they are always quite beautiful
TT3 From May to late fall the Roof Garden Café is open on the 5th floor. While it is very informal and you often have to stand to have your cocktail the view over Central Park is fantastic and not to be missed

 

Enchanting tapas

Pipa, a Spanish tapas restaurant at 38 E 19th Street near Broadway, is big and noisy and totally enchanting! Many chandeliers, all for sale (I have my eye on one in particular!) hang from the ceiling and antique mirrors adorn the walls.
TT1 Make a reservation.
TT2 Arrive early and get a cocktail at the busy bar, order piggyback dates to go with your drinks.
TT3 Do not leave without having at least one order of the mushroom flat bread!!

 

Party feel!

It just seems right when you are in New York to go for cocktails before going to dinner! I love the party feel this gives an evening and no better city to do this than New York!
TT1 Thom Bar at the boutique hotel 60 Thompson is perfect for a pre-dinner stop. Its eclectic and luxurious décor sets the tone for cocktails or after dinner drinks!

 

A cake boutique!

If you are on the upper eastside and in need of a cup of coffee or if you just want a treat and to experience a “place where ladies lunch” then visit Lady M at 41 East 78th Street.
A very slick cake boutique- expect all white décor and chandeliers, teas and coffee and champagne by the glass and their delectable hand-made desserts and cakes.
TT1 Try their gateau au chocolate
TT2 You can order a slice or whole cake to take home

 

Don’t miss Union Square

I really enjoy Union Square- from the Farmers Market, where you can buy fresh produce and beautiful flowers, to Barnes and Noble Book Shop and the very hip Diesel store. Add to that some great eating places and it is a must on any visit to New York.
TT1 Republic is a big buzzy restaurant with a bar and great noodles! I can never resist the fried wantons.
TT2 Do not miss the herb fries and tuna salad at Union Square Coffee Shop (29 Union Sq. West)- my mouth waters just thinking about them and definitely worth waiting for a table in this trendy diner- style restaurant.

 

Shop ’til You Drop

Half the excitement of being in New York is the amazing shopping- from the big brand names to the unique little boutiques – you are certainly spoilt for choice!!
TT1 I love Darling (1 Horatio Street at 8th Ave) a boutique with vintage and new clothing, accessories and a treasure trove of evening dresses in the basement!
TT2 Fishs Eddy whose slogan is “We do dishes” and they certainly do! It is so difficult to make a choice from their extensive range of crockery, with plates and servers for every occasion.

TT3B&H is the place to go for anything to do with cameras and digital imaging needs! I always tag along on a visit just to experience this very efficient mega store. It’s at 420 9th Ave. between 33rd and 34th but remember it is closed on a Saturday.

 

Hooked on Dessert

A visit to New York is not complete for me without a visit to this gorgeous dessert bar! Yes a restaurant that only serves dessert- but dessert like you have never seen before! Do not be put off by the thought of large helpings of diet exploding food… Chikalicious is the very essence of delicate touch and restraint. On the menu is a starter and finale with a choice for your main dessert. Everything is beautifully presented and delicate. Choose to have coffee or tea or a glass of champagne with your desserts.
TT1 Sit at the counter if you can and watch Chika herself prepare the desserts with the touch of a true artist.
TT2 Go in the afternoon to avoid the queue.