The release of the hit TV series American Love Story and the film The Devil Wears Prada 2 helped make this a big year for New York City on screen. It also transported many people back to the John F. Kennedy Jnr and Carolyn Bessette era of the late 1990s, and the mid-2000s of the first Devil Wears Prada.
Many of the institutions of that era – whether culinary or cultural – are still popular today. But, needless to say, the in-crowd has also uncovered new gems. Here, four New York creatives reveal their best-kept secrets.
ROB GRIMA
An Australian-born fashion and beauty photographer, Grima is based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This is where he kick-starts tours for visiting friends keen for a taste of local flavour.
“Let’s begin with what I call the Greenpoint loop. It starts at Radio Bakery, genuinely one of the best in the city – the sandwiches are extraordinary. Grab something to go and walk five minutes down to Transmitter Park, where the view of the Manhattan skyline is one of the great unsung New York moments.
From there, swing by The Lot Radio – an open-air bar built from shipping containers that streams live DJs every afternoon, completely free. Finish at Caffè Panna around the corner for gelato. The whole loop takes a few hours and costs almost nothing.
For dinner, I love Bernie’s, Greenpoint’s version of Cheers, if Cheers had better lighting and a wedge salad worth crossing a borough for. Bernie’s is a Greenpoint institution, not just for wedge salads but also dirty martinis and chicken parm [Americans say “parm”, not parmie]. After, head to Animal in Williamsburg, the fashion-forward gay bar everyone ends up at.
Heading over to Manhattan, The Odeon has been the fashion and film industry’s unofficial canteen since the 1980s. Celebrity and industry sightings are genuinely common – it’s that kind of room – and the frites are iconic. Then visit Bemelmans Bar inside the Carlyle Hotel, one of the last truly great ‘old New York’ experiences. Go for cocktails. Go dressed. You will see someone famous.”
MINNIE KEMP
An Englishwoman in New York, Kemp is an interior designer and artist, working closely with her mother, Kit Kemp. Helping to open Warren Street Hotel in Tribeca is one of her most recent projects.
“I often head to Bubby’s in Tribeca for brunch. Order the James Beard pancakes or the buttermilk biscuits – what Brits would call scones. Nearby, actor Hugh Jackman co-founded Laughing Man Coffee, which our guests love, as do I. Rigor Hill Market, a beloved neighbourhood institution with fresh produce and baked goods, is another great spot, particularly if it’s warm enough to sit outside.
If I want to spoil myself with a leisurely lunch or dinner, it’s Frenchette, The Odeon or One White Street, which has a six-course chef’s tasting menu based around fresh seasonal produce.
We have live jazz on Thursday and Saturday nights at Warren Street Hotel’s restaurant and bar. Enjoy an aperitif, then head out to nearby Primo’s, which has brilliant ice-cold martinis. Terra wine bar is another local favourite.”
NATASHA SILVA-JELLY
Author of The New Front Row on Substack, Silva-Jelly has also held roles with Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Australian-born and raised, she moved to New York 12 years ago with her husband and two sons.
“The real magic of New York is found in its neighbourhoods, so experience the city like a local. Base yourself downtown in Tribeca, SoHo or the West Village, or uptown near Central Park, then wander. Sit in cafes. People-watch. Admire the architecture.
I live in Gramercy, one of Manhattan’s prettiest and most historic areas. Created in the 1830s, it has a European gilded-age vibe. Its crown jewel is Gramercy Park, the city’s only private park — access is still controlled by the original iron keys.
My regular local haunts include Pete’s Tavern, the city’s oldest continuously running restaurant and bar, which opened in 1864 and survived prohibition by disguising itself as a flower shop. Try the signature Gramercy burger or a thin-crust pizza.
Finish with dessert at the Gramercy branch of Caffè Panna, the city’s hottest ice-cream spot, founded by Hallie Meyer. She fell in love with Rome’s cafe-and-gelato culture, so came home to re-create it for New Yorkers.”
KATE BETTS
A former editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar and Time magazine’s Style & Design issues, Betts is the author of Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style. Her substack is Editors@Large.
“I’ve lived in Tribeca for 25 years, so some of my neighbourhood haunts, like The Odeon and Zutto, are old favourites. Another is Locanda Verde, which serves the most delicious Italian food and has a great wine list. In warmer months you can ask to eat outside either on the terrace or in the inner courtyard of The Greenwich Hotel.
But Tribeca has also changed a lot! For something more casual, grab a lunchtime salad, soup, or sandwich from Cafe Clementine and have a picnic on nearby Pier 25 in Hudson River Park. Also on Pier 25 is Grand Banks – brilliant for a drink and a plate of oysters; go at dusk to see the sun set over New York Harbour.
Shopping in nearby SoHo is an obvious treat, but while most people focus on the luxury boutiques, I head straight to McNally Jackson to peruse their fantastic selection of books. Further uptown, who can resist the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art? Also head for lesser-known galleries such as the Art Students League and the Acquavella Galleries.
The other thing that’s hot here right now are private members’ clubs. I love to be a guest for lunch or dinner, particularly at Maxime’s on the Upper East Side. I also feel transported when I go to dinner at the San Vicente Club in the West Village.”
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