Emily's Birthday Celebration in the Big Apple!

Anxious for a quick weekend getaway that would not break the bank, my husband and I decided to spend my recent birthday weekend in the Big Apple.  We spent one night on the Upper East Side at the NY Palace and one night downtown in the West Village/ Meat Packing district with friends.  The contrast reminded me how diverse the city is.  Each neighborhood has such a distinct energy and its own attributes. 

Fans of the show Gossip Girl will recognize the gates of this NYC landmark.  The former Helmsley Palace is now part of the Dorchester Collection and maintains its status as one of the best old hotels in NYC.  The rooms are larger than average and it’s located just a couple of blocks from Rockefeller Center, in the middle of some fantastic Upper East side shopping opportunities.  Think Barneys, Saks and Bloomingdales, all within a couple of blocks….

Just around the corner from the Palace hotel is one of the outposts of a local chain, Fig and Olive.  It’s a light and airy wine bar with a crostini menu to die for.  We walked in for a glass of wine and ended up devouring an entire meal.

One of my favorite museums in NYC, the Museum of Modern Art offers free entry on Friday evenings 4-8pm.  Perfect timing for weekend visitors and a deal since it is one of the most expensive museums in the city (regularly $20 per person).  Their extensive collection includes works by Picasso, Matisse, Kahlo, and Van Gogh.  The line to gain free entry looks scary on approach but they have it down to an “art.”  It moves quickly and if you don’t mind the masses, it is a great free activity in NYC. 

What is New York without a Broadway show?  We caught Race, a hot new Broadway show starring James Spader, David Allan Grier and Kerry Washington.  This David Mamet play is provocative and entertaining. A caveat, this play is not for the faint of heart or the easily offended!

Two new hotels have recently opened downtown to further appeal to the young and the hip.  I am anxious to try both the new Standard Hotel and the Trump SoHo.  Maybe next time!

Commerce!  This Greenwich Village hot spot has amazing food.  Nothing too exotic, just really amazing food.  They offer a mouth watering desert menu (I mean, how often do you want to order every single thing on a dessert menu?!)  and they stay packed with locals.  It is super loud, like most popular NYC restaurants, but the food makes it well worth straining to hear what your companions are saying.

 I can help you celebrate your birthday in the Big Apple too!  Contact me!