There’s A LOT to talk about, and I’m so excited to share! Are you ready!?!
Whenever I go to NYC, despite the pace of the weekends, I always come back home feeling exhilarated. Each visit is jam-packed with inspiration and both well-loved and new experiences. This trip was no exception! The only downside to my visits is that there never seems to be enough time, regardless of the length of the weekends. Ever since Tess moved to the city two years ago, we’ve made a point of having different game plans for the time we have together. For our “Autumn in New York” this season, we aimed for a more neighborhood-esque, low-key vibe – with a little city cozy chic vibrance peppered in. And in retrospect, I have to say, we planned it just right!
Long Lunches Guaranteed
It’s become a tradition (regardless of the city Tess lives in) to begin our visits at a restaurant that feels like a second home. In New York it’s Altro Paradiso. We call it our “cozy corner”. Situated on a quiet street in the heart of SOHO, Altro offers what we call “Barefoot Contessa style” Italian food. Meaning, impeccable food that concentrates on the quality versus the quantity of ingredients. I’d be remiss to omit the atmosphere (we call it our cozy corner for a reason!). The outdoor tables are under Hawthorne trees whose golden leaves drift down as we enjoy an autumn lunch. In the evening, the glimmering brass and light wood inside the restaurant, offer a lively dining experience. Either time of day, it’s a win-win.
On day two we experienced La Mercerie, a restaurant on my “wish list”. Located inside Roman and Williams Guild in Soho, La Mercerie “celebrates the delights of everyday French cooking”. This is a fact! Consider Pain Au Chocolat, crepes adorned with French ham, Comte cheese and a sunny side-up egg, etc., etc. The wait staff is welcoming and gracious and the environment couldn’t be more charming. The addition of the gallery is literally a gift to the senses. Amazing!
One More…
I’d never been to Harlem, and it’s so charming. The blocks around our lunch destination there were brimming with life. Imagine, brownstones oozing with character, children playing on the sidewalks, and unpretentious, soul-satisfying eateries. So, Tess met me at Sottacasa that day, and she says that this is her go-to for the “best ever” Neapolitan gluten-free pizza. Why “best ever” you may ask? According to Tess, the crust is chewy and crisp, and fold over-able. It should be noted that this is a rare occurrence in the gluten-free pizza arena. I shared it with her, and from a non-GF point of view, there was no difference from a traditional crust. Is it the flour sourced from Italy or the wood-fired oven? Probably both!
Dinners To Die For
With La Mercerie kicking off our Saturday, we still had a cult favorite to look forward to for dinner. Staying true to our comfortable and unpretentious vibe, we dined at Carbone. I’m not going to lie, this may be our #1 in the city, and here’s why! Although Carbone is on everyone’s radar, it remains unaffected and true to its Italian-American culinary roots. One step into the cozy yet vibrant space and your senses are awakened. The atmosphere: dripping candles, lively conversation, and the inviting aromas of Spicy Rigatoni and Lobster Fra Di Diavola (among other favorites). This is a not to miss experience.
It’s pretty obvious we’re suckers for French food. So, if you’re a Francophile at heart, La Goulue is the real deal. A neighborhood institution, La Goulue is tucked away in a quiet spot on the Upper East Side. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It’s the perfect destination when you’re craving meticulously prepared food, a great wine list, and a relaxed bistro setting. Truly, the ultimate cozy-chic spot. Warm wood, candlelight, a great wine list, and attentive service…you get the picture!
A Final Thought
If you haven’t already been to the city this autumn, the timing is perfect for crisp air, and jewel-toned trees lining the sidewalks. Consider the “cozy chic” approach. Why not visit NYC’s enchanting neighborhoods for an ultra-chill fall weekend? I promise you won’t be disappointed!
