The New York Guide
An Opinionated List
I haven’t written much about New York for the newsletter, which is curious since I’ve lived here for twenty-something years. The city has certainly changed—Other Music, Great Jones, Barneys and the Rusty Knot are no longer with us, alas. But New York is still one of the greats, no matter how much local residents complain, and I thought it would be good to collect some favorite spots in one list.
These are places I actually go. They’re all in Manhattan. That’s just the way it is.
DINING / DRINKING. I don’t anything that feels like an intense scene. I don’t like places that are loud. I don’t like places that are gimmicky and expensive. And if a place feels designed with Instagram in mind that can’t be a good thing. Now that we have that out of the way, here are places I do like. Most of these have been around for a while and aren’t exhausting.
-Frenchette. Great modern French cooking. If you want a little sunlight then sit in the bar at lunch. There’s a natural wine list, but they’re not annoying about it. If you’re lucky to get a banquette you’re very happy with how things are going.
-I Sodi. Beloved West Village Italian. Haven’t been to the new, larger space (around the corner from the old one). But it looks great.
-La Mercerie. I love this room for lunch. The light is lovely and the entire space, designed by Roman + Williams is fantastic. Don’t sleep on the buckwheat crepe!
-Dr. Clark. Not just Japanese, but specifically Hokkaido cuisine (which means more lamb) spearheaded by the genius Yudai Kanayama. Lively room with a younger crowd.