My New York

View from the Cooper Square Hotel penthouse

When Katy Brown of From Primark to Prada, asked for New York tips for her upcoming trip on Twitter, I responded. She ended up being really excited about what I sent her, so I thought I’d share it here too. Of course Katy has not been here at the time of writing, so you’ll have to take my word for it. There may be a reference or two not everybody will understand. Bear in mind this little guide started life as an email from one Londoner to another. Here’s (an edited version of) what I told her:

The High Line
It’s quite crowded at the moment but they are about to open up an extension. You can already see it from the other side of the fence and it seems almost ready. Such a tease! Anyway, once that’s open I think it’ll be much more enjoyable.

Prospect Park
If you need a time-out from the *constant* noise in Manhattan, head to PP in Brooklyn. It’s the most quiet place I’ve found so far. It looks like a cross between the Heath and Richmond Park. Only with many more people.

Eating out
Dean & Deluca is great when you’re in Soho and you just want to grab something quick but yummy. Not exactly cheap but such a beautiful shoppe. Kind of reminds me of Partridge’s on the King’s Road.
Cafe Gitane on Mott Street if you’re into people watching.
The Shake Shack is a NY institution! The classic one is in Madison Square Park but there are a handful of branches around town. Amazing mushroom burger!
Motorino 2 blocks down from Graham Ave on the L train in Brooklyn does really good pizza and salads.
Grimaldis does lovely pizza too.
Oh, and let’s not forget Katz’s. Delis are big here and Katz’s is one of the most famous (Houston St at Ludlow St). Tried so far: Pastrami sandwich (Out of this world and too much for one person. You can get a doggy bag at the sweets counter. We have no shame and take them into bars after dinner.), Matzo ball soup, tuna sandwich, fries, NY egg cream (Needs some getting used to but nice. Better after dinner than with.) And while you’re there, head down Ludlow Street afterwards. There’s bar after bar after bar.
Festival Mexicano in 120 Rivington Street is amazing. Huge portions for about a tenner.

Drinks
Even though it’s a bit of a cliche at this point, I love Schiller’s on the LES. Food looks great too but I’ve never tried it myself. Kinda fashion-y in an upscale Shoreditch kind of way.
There’s a place called Back Room in 102 Norfolk Street (LES as well) which is a speakeasy. It’s VERY dark inside and they serve their cocktails in tea cups and beer in mugs. They pretend it’s all hard to find blabla but the bouncer in the street in front of a little gate is a dead giveaway
Zebulon in Williamsburg is great for Jazz and it’s the historic place where I discovered my love for Lillet. My general advice for Williamsburg is: by all means go but stay clear of the joints on Bedford Avenue.

Shopping
Beacon’s Closet is great for vintage. And it barely smells which is a definite plus in my book. There’s one in Park Slope but I recommend you go to the bigger one in Williamsburg. If you have a boy with you you can drop him off at the Brooklyn Brewery opposite. But check their opening times and bring an ID.
And don’t let them trick you into thinking that Macy’s is a must. It’s the single most awful shop I’ve seen in my life. It’s like a run-down version of Debenhams. Urgh!
There are many, MANY nice little shops around Nolita and generally everywhere.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten to mention a ton of things but I feel it covers the essentials for when you visit but also want to avoid the tourist herds in Times Square. What would you add? Which places would you recommend to visitors or even locals alike?