New York – it’s back baby! Britons have had a long-standing love affair with New York. New York is constantly in motion thanks to its skyscrapers, ever-evolving food scene, constant noise and 24/7 buzz. It can even make London seem more peaceful.
As a precaution against pandemics, the City that Never Sleeps shut its doors to Brits, it was possible to hear collective grumbles from Manhattan-philes living in the UK. Now that the doors are open, here’s what you need to know.
It’s not exactly the same. This city, like everywhere else was affected by the crisis and its scars still remain. Everybody wears a mask in the interior. For entry to many restaurants and shops, you will need to have a card with the double jab vaccination.
New York is coming back to life after the pandemic – and it’s a reawakening that is very much worth celebrating
New Yorkers feel like they are always on alert. They may still be able to recall the days of lockdown.
This famously vibrant place was eventually abandoned by its inhabitants, who were trapped in tiny apartments with overloaded hospitals and Central Park as a temporary morgue.
Although many restaurants and shops have closed, the unstoppable spirit of New York is still evident. These are the survival instincts and resilience that were forged in the aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001.
In order to meet outdoor dining regulations, new restaurants have been establishing jaunty-looking marquis in blocks. The locals continue to walk the streets talking on phones, and are continuing to eat fast. This is the new buzz.
New York City is slowly but surely coming back to life. And it’s a reawakening that is very much worth celebrating.
You can find great steaks at these restaurants.
Pictured is the Grill at 52nd Street, which is located in a chic Philip Johnson-designed dining area.
Pictured is the entrance to The Grill in Midtown, where the menu is classic New York City chophouse
Ashley describes The Grill’s steak strip as a’standout’.
Shopping in Midtown is an absolute must, but it’s not easy to find great places for dinner if you have built up an appetite.
The Grill at 52nd Street is a chic, mid-century Philip Johnson-designed restaurant.
The menu is classic New York City chophouse – the New York Strip Steak is a standout, as is the lobster.
The Pool adjoining area is also great place for cocktails.
Families: The Best Places to Eat
Burgerology, an iconic Long Island restaurant, opened its first NYC store at Crowne Plaza, HY36, in Midtown.
Famous for craft burgers with unique flavours and over-the-top milkshakes, it’s perfect for families.
Opt for the Mac Attack burger with bacon, American cheese and Mac n’ Cheese on a Pretzel Bun, the Rockefeller with Kobe beef, or the Ice Cream Doughwich.
You can top shakes with anything from bananas, s’mores and rainbow cookies.
Food:A fun evening out with friends
Rosa Mexicana is a New York staple since 1984 when it was opened.
Rosa Mexicana’s frozen margaritas can be seen to the right. Ashley recommends that you order the pomegranate one. This restaurant serves up a refined version of south-of the-border food, including its made-to-order guacamole.
A New York classic since it opened in 1984, Rosa Mexicana was designed to show diners that authentic Mexican cuisine does not always mean tacos and chilli-cheese burritos.
Their tableside prepared guacamole is what they’re famous for, along with frozen margaritas and an elevated take on south-of-the-border cuisine.
Full of stylish people out having fun, it’s a great evening. Order the Carne Asada Con Roja – the Chihuahua cheese gives it its creamy texture and the marinated meat simply melts in the mouth. And don’t leave without trying the margaritas: spicy mango, and blood orange are great, but if you don’t order the pomegranate, you are seriously missing something special.
According to Ashley, Rosa Mexicana was designed to show diners that authentic Mexican cuisine does not always mean tacos and chilli-cheese burritos
The atmosphere at Il Cantinori is pure New York – and the service outstanding. Photo courtesy Creative Commons
What to Eat: The Best Place for Celeb-Spotting
Il Cantinori – an iconic Greenwich Village Italian beloved by locals (and by locals we mean Richard Gere, (you can usually catch him on a Tuesday), Al Pacino and Julia Roberts.
The atmosphere is pure New York – eclectic, buzzing, exciting – and the service outstanding.
Jerry Seinfeld celebrated his birthday at this location, and Gwyneth paltrow knew all of the waiters by name (Willy her favourite).
They are astonished by the authentic Tuscan food and love to return.
This restaurant appears in the famous Sex and the City Episode. Carrie goes there to celebrate her 35th birthday and is stood up by her friends who mistakenly go to “El Cantinoro” – which is a block away. It does exist.
Most innovative bar
Campbell Bar, pictured, can be found upstairs in New York’s iconic Grand Central Station. This image is by Ɱ / CC BY-SA 4.0 – courtesy of Commons Wikimedia
Grand Central Station is home to one of the best-known railway stations concourses anywhere in the world.
Don’t miss out on cocktails at the Campbell Bar – set upstairs in New York’s iconic Grand Central Station (15 Vanderbilt Avenue, just off 43rd Street). This spot is a great example of New York’s old-fashioned coolness.
You will find 25-foot high hand-painted ceilings and bold brass finishes, as well as custom wood and leather furniture.
The cocktail menu is amazing, as well as the glasses. These are worth every penny.
Don’t miss: Visit ‘Edge’
Hudson Yards’ Edge, pictured, calls itself the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere
Edge – located in Manhattan’s west side – is a 1,100-foot-high observation deck boasting a 360-degree view of NYC
Hudson Yards’ Edge, which calls itself the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, is a 1,100-foot-high observation deck boasting a 360-degree view of NYC.
Set on the west side of Manhattan it gives you a great skyline view – and you don’t need to get cold seeing it – they have a full indoor viewing deck.
If you plan your trip around sunset, you will be able to enjoy beautiful views over the Hudson.
Ashley recommends visiting Edge at sunset to see beautiful views across the Hudson and the flickering lights of the city
For something festive try the bar’s (of course there’s a bar) “Cocoa in the Clouds” hot chocolate layered with fresh, made-to-order whipped cream and topped with a Rice Krispie treat, coated in crushed peppermint.
Tip: You can mix the liquor you like to make things move along.
A kids’ paradise: Dylan’s
Ashley likens Dylan’s to a ‘magical cross between Candy Land, Disney Land and Willy Wonka’s Factory’
Hudson Yards’ Dylan’s, pictured, sells charming candy-themed lifestyle products – while there, try the toasted marshmallow shake
Also in Hudson Yards is this magical cross between Candy Land, Disney Land and Willy Wonka’s Factory.
Dylan’s is an NYC landmark and a must-do for children and sweet-toothed adults. There are over 7,000 different confections in the store, which includes a wide range of candy and other candy gifts.
It’s basically an edible museum of candy and every single treat has been carefully chosen and curated like art.
There are several throughout the city but the Hudson Yards’ Dylan’s includes really charming candy-themed lifestyle products and an incredible dessert parlour and ice cream shop. The children will enjoy themselves.
It was well worth it for the delicious toasted marshmallow shake. The New York City ice cream is also very good.
The store is now part of NYC folklore. It has been featured in TV shows such as Girls, Gossip Girl and Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
Stay where you want: voco The Franklin New York
Rates at Voco The Franklin New York run as low as £139 ($190) per night, proving affordable doesn’t have to mean less in NYC
The Fifty Room Voco The Franklin New York was originally constructed in 1930. It now feels classic, with modern touches
Affordable doesn’t have to mean less in NYC. This is one great example.
A stylish, chic and smart boutique hotel, rates at Voco The Franklin New York run as low as £139 ($190) per night – which for NYC is fantastic.
After extensive renovations, this 50-room hotel was remodeled to feel like a timeless classic, with modern touches.
The room featured a modern dark blue color scheme with contemporary art, crisp white linens and a super comfy bed.
‘Everything here feels new, modern and very clean,’ says Ashley, who checked into a trendy dark blue room during her stay
What’s more, it’s conveniently located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side – there’s a Starbucks steps away, a Whole Foods around the corner and a top Reformer Pilates studio right across the street.
It’s also close to attractions such as Museum Mile and Central Park.
All guests are offered free morning coffee, while a restaurant on the premises will soon open.
Stay at the Peninsula Hotel, a classic modern hotel
‘As you step into the imposing lobby of The Peninsula, you can tell that you’ve arrived at someplace truly special,’ says Ashley
It is centrally located in New York’s Fifth Avenue, which makes it a great choice.
The Peninsula spa’s pool is seen in this picture. Ashley refers to the hotel’s ‘oasis of soundproofed quiet’
If you’re going to treat yourself for a stay, there’s nowhere better than The Peninsula hotel. As you step into the imposing lobby, you can tell that you’ve arrived someplace truly special.
You feel completely at home in this room. There are lots of outlets and other cool tech, but it also feels very elegant, sophisticated and stylish.
In addition to the luxurious linens and marble bathtub, the private dining area has smart lighting and surround sound. There is even a nail dryer at the table.
It is a perfect location – a quiet oasis in New York’s heart, right on Fifth Avenue.
The Peninsula rooms feature smart lighting and surround sound. This is the bedroom located in the Fifth Avenue Suite.
Ashley reports the hotel’s new ‘Peninsula Time,’ which allows guests to check in at their own time and leave when they want.
A table is set up for an exclusive dinner on the Peninsula’s sun terrace.
Particularly worth noting is the hotel’s new ‘Peninsula Time’, which means you can check-in and check-out at any time you want.
No more waiting around to check in – you can arrive as early as 6:00am on the day and check out as late as 10:00pm at no extra charge.
It’s a nice addition to have guaranteed connecting rooms and eco-friendly guestroom amenities.
Stay in luxury:
Pictured: The Ritz-Carlton New York is located in a historic building at the border of Central Park
Ashley states that the recently renovated hotel “epitomises quiet townhouse tranquillity”.
This is the view from one of these rooms. Ashley recommends that you pay a visit to the La Prairie Spa during your stay.
Central Park Views at The Ritz-Carlton NY are breathtaking – this is what the image shows
The Ritz-Carlton New York is a great place to stop by. This charming hotel, which is situated in an historic building near Central Park’s edge, has just been renovated to bring you the perfect blend of townhouse calm and luxury.
Don’t miss out on its newly reopened La Prairie Spa. Set downstairs it feels like you’ve entered a sanctuary and the skilled therapists here can literally transport you out of this world.
The wide range of treatment options are designed to deliver both healing and effective results. Massages combine technology and decadent substances, while facials use the latest in skincare.