Tartine, West 11th Street
Tartine is one of the best finds in New York City. It’s right on the corner of West 4th and West 11th, which is the hottest corner in the West Village, and it has wraparound outdoor seating that is just amazing for people-watching in the summer. You can’t make reservations, but everyone is happy to stand in line because it’s BYOB and always worth the wait. The Tuscan kale salad and the pan-roasted salmon are always just perfection, and the spicy chicken with fries is so famous that you get whole tables all ordering it. The West Village is constantly changing, but Tartine has been there for over 30 years and it has tons of regulars who love going to a place they’ve been going to forever.
The Marlton Hotel, West 8th Street
The Marlton is such a hidden gem. I had lived here for 20 years before I found it and I’m constantly introducing New Yorkers to it, who can’t believe they’ve never been there before. It’s one of the oldest hotels in the city and it’s so charming. The couches and art books and fireplace give it a great vibe. The bar is beautiful and retro, and there’s a restaurant in the back, which serves excellent food.
West Chelsea Contemporary Gift Shop, West 23rd Street
This is the most amazing store for unusual art gifts, especially if you’re into work by street artists. It has everything from Andy Warhol skate decks to David Shrigley frisbees, and there’s loads of out-there furniture, like Keith Haring-inspired chairs for kids and Barbara Kruger stools. The art book collection is amazing and it has a great collection of prints from Cey Adams, Shepard Fairey and many others. It’s a treasure trove. Going there is always such a fun experience.
EN Japanese Brasserie, Hudson Street
This high-ceilinged Japanese brasserie on Hudson Street is such a great find. It’s very chic and it’s surprisingly spacious for this part of town, where the restaurants are usually tight-packed. The interior is beautifully designed and there’s always a great vibe in there, particularly up at the counter. It’s not really a sushi restaurant, but it does an amazing snow crab tempura and avocado roll. And be sure to order the Saikyo miso black cod – it’s incredible.
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