By Phil Birnbaum
The Getaway
Fly Porter
Rather than deal with the shlep to Pearson, just head down Bathurst Street to Billy Bishop Airport and grab a flight on Porter Airlines. The airline which launched in 2006 has made getting in/out of the downtown core SO much easier. Did I mention the lounge is open to everyone? It's definitely worth it to fly, as it's a quick commute from Newark Airport to Manhattan.
The Hideaway
Gansevoort Park
420 Park Avenue S. at E. 29th Street
The second New York location for The Gansevoort Hotel Group has created a new bustling area at 29th and Park. The large and sexy guest rooms are very welcoming, while also quite intriguing. Still in its freshman year, the hotel is working out a few of its loose ends, but the positives outweigh the minor negatives.
I happened to stay the weekend the rooftop club officially opened; it was a sight to be seen. A motif throughout the hotel of the 'sexy hotel stay' shows the work of the creative fashion photographer Deborah Anderson. The fun colour blocking in the hotel stood out to me, as the large magenta curtains, opening onto a 29th St. balcony, contrasted the sofa's lime green pillows. The bathroom comes fully loaded with Cutler's 'carry on' set to be used in the large glass shower and/or bathtub. Stepping out of the room, the hotel's brand new gym and rooftop pool are available at each guest's leisure. Even during the winter months, the rooftop pool stays open (and hot) and even opens for guests to swim out to feel the cool air.
The Takeaway
Morimoto
88 10th Avenue at W. 15th Street
This Asian-inspired restaurant in New York's Meatpacking District is an experience all in itself. Make sure you call ahead, as wait times in New York are longer than normal. The two story restaurant serves up some great dishes, including a whitefish carpaccio and fresh buffalo mozzarella with sashimi. Make sure you grab drinks beforehand, as they have a wide selection of sake and custom cocktails.
Diablo Royale
167 Avenue A at E. 11th Street
An East Village restaurant with great ambiance, Diablo Royale is filled with Mexican-inspired decor and menu choices. Starting off with a margarita, which can be customized from their wide selection of tequilas, be careful not to fill up on their housemaid nachos and salsa. Trust me, you'll want to leave room for one of their fish/meat taco dishes, which can be customized in case you're feeling up to a few different options.
The Goods
Jeffrey's
W. 14th Street
As luxury as a store could be comes this Meatpacking District mini-department store, which contains a highly edited collection of men's and women's wear. Known to host Chanel pop-ups and exclusive designer collaborations, this is a place to visit when looking for that special something that you won't find en masse at other larger department stores. A personal favourite is their collection of Missoni sweaters and Balenciaga for both him and her.
SoHo
Prince Street on the N or R train
With Alexander Wang (103 Grand Street) recently setting up shop here (with a fur hammock), and Prada's eye-catching boutique (575 Broadway), SoHo (south of Houston Street) is the place to get your shopping done.
The Intrigue
Alexander McQueen Retrospective At The MET
Exhibits constantly come and go in New York, given its presence as a cultural hotbed for film, art, fashion, music, and architecture. One of these exhibits which will take place at the MET this spring will draw a lot of style-minded visitors. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty will showcase some of the designer's greatest dresses starting May 4 (and running through July 3.) The nearly 100 piece collection is sight to be seen for fashion and art lovers, as McQueen was known for using the body as a canvas.
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