The Citiblog

Photo: Figaro Cafe

New York Fashion Week is almost upon us. This year it will be held from February 10^th through the 15^th. Here are fifteen places to stay, eat and drink during this fabulous, festive week of high glamor and extravagance.

EAT

Figaro Café

Figaro Café is the modern interpretation of the iconic Le Figaro Café that was once the go-to hangout for creative geniuses of the beatnik generation including Bob Dylan, Jack Kerouac and Al Pacino. Reimagined for contemporary crowds as a cocktail bar and classic American restaurant, it features an extensive martini program alongside decadent dishes – all served in a space that channels the timeless elements of the original ‘50s and ‘60s design.

Aldama

Located in the heart of Williamsburg, Aldama’s cozy, intimate interiors, elevated Central Mexican cuisine, and craft cocktails make this spot the perfect place to grab a bite this Fashion Week. Led by restaurateur and veteran bartender Christopher Reyes (Cosme and Employees Only) and Chef Gerardo Alcaraz (three-Michelin starred Martin Berasategui in San Sebastian), the Williamsburg restaurant brings Mexico’s vibrant culinary scene to Brooklyn. Here, Alcaraz spotlights lesser-known regional Mexican dishes like Carne Cecina – a favorite from his upbringing – as well as Tlacoyo de Pato, a vibrant Daikon Tostada and the signature Vegan Mole. For the cocktails, Reyes combines simplicity with innovative techniques picked up from his tenure at top bars to create signatures like the Citrus Fizz, Sangre de Mezcal and Mount Fuji.

Photo: Saint Theo/Kathryn Sheldon

Saint Theo’s

Saint Theo’s is a coastal Italian inspired restaurant from restaurateurs Robert Goldman [Goldman NYC] and Kyle Hotchkiss Carone [American Bar, Holiday Bar]. Executive Chef Diego Negri [Hoja Santa, Marea, LUPA] delivers a menu inspired by Venice and the Italian coast, highlighting fresh seafood, simple yet elevated housemade pastas, and seasonal ingredients, while Beverage Director Simon Sebbah [Angels' Share, Lyanness] leads the cocktail program with Italian classics and modern twists, as well as a collection of amari and vermouth. The breezy, vibrant 110-seat space boasts a dining room, bar, and lounge, with an eclectic mix of vintage and modern design features including colorful Murano glass sconces, Venice Biennale exhibition posters, framed Pirelli calendars and deep green linen banquettes.

Le Jardinier

Named for the French word for "gardener," Le Jardinier is a One-Michelin-Starred restaurant that evokes a modern greenhouse in the heart of Midtown East. The vegetable-centric menu from Culinary Directory Chef Alain Verzeroli, Chef de Cuisine Andrew Ayala and Corporate Pastry Chef Salvatore Martone utilizes the highest quality seasonal ingredients, fitting seamlessly into the sleek, light-filled interiors designed by award-winning architect Joseph Dirand. Led by The Bastion Collection, Le Jardinier’s refined yet approachable cuisine, atmosphere, and service create a holistic hospitality experience for guests.

Photo: Miladys/Daniel Krieger

Milady’s

Award-winning bar owner Julie Reiner (of Brooklyn’s Clover Club and Leyenda) along with partners Christine Williams, Susan Fedroff, and Chef/Partner Sam Sherman, have resurrected Milady’s, a famed SoHo dive bar that entertained patrons of all stripes for over 70 years until it closed in 2014. The address is the same, but the new Milady’s (opened Fall 2022) is updated with the team’s signature focus on quality and a lighthearted, nostalgic vibe. After a long night of partying, stop by Milady’s for weekend brunch, where Executive Chef Sam Sherman’s menu features elevated comfort classics such as Lobster Benedict, Cinnamon Apple Pancakes, and Warm Butternut Squash Salad. Wash it all down with a Bloody Mary, Pimm’s Cup, or a selection from Milady’s brunch champagne menu and let the fashion week celebrations continue.

Fandi Mata

Positioned in the heart of Williamsburg, Fandi Mata is a bi-level space featuring a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant downstairs, with a secluded mezcaleria upstairs. The rustic and industrial establishment is shielded by sky-high ceilings, with lush, verdant foliage and colorful mosaic accents giving an indoor-outdoor feel. On the ground level, the restaurant offers a seasonal, cross-continental menu, ranging from seafood-focused small plates and vegetable-driven mezze platters, to hearty, spice-fueled mains. Meanwhile, on the second floor, an intimate mezcaleria brings a line-up of delicious and creative cocktails, crafted by bar industry veteran, Milos Zica. Together, Fandi Mata is soulful and eclectic, bringing heartfelt hospitality to a warm and familial setting.

Photo: Lagos

Lagos Restaurant and Lounge

Nestled amongst the dazzling lights of New York’s most iconic visitor destination, Lagos is a vibrant, upscale restaurant and lounge bringing a taste of West Africa to Times Square. Nigerian-native John Paul Wadibia is the restaurateur behind the concept, combining the effervescent energy of Lagos nightlife with distinctive and delicious brunch and dinner menus. From starters to mains, dishes pulse with fiery West African flavors while nodding to beloved American staples. The cocktail list, built by Beverage Director Matt Scherl, is playful and elaborate, while wines offer an array of regional varieties from Africa and beyond. All of this, served in one of the most Instagrammable spaces in the city.

DRINK

Photo: Lounge on Pearl

Lounge on Pearl

Between Pearl and Water in the Financial District is Lounge on Pearl, The Wall Street Hotel’s lobby lounge that offers cocktails and light bites for an intimately cozy and luxurious experience. Designed as a space that is the perfect balance of modern and nostalgic, this timeless atmosphere gives guests that ambiance of pure relaxation. Cocktails crafted by JF’s Restuarant’s Beverage Director, Amy Racine, guests can explore the menu of a range of delicious martinis, perfect for after-hours of New York Fashion Week.

Mister Paradise

Mister Paradise, an East Village standby since its opening in 2019, offers the highest quality bar experience without pretense. Guests can expect a raucous party vibe and above-all-else unexpected but approachable and delicious cocktails. Mister Paradise invites all to be adventurous and playful with their cocktail choices. A new menu is a marriage of a serious cocktail program meets light-hearted fun, showcasing 17 drinks spanning classic, signature, and low/no-ABV options. Mister Paradise’s decor is as playful as the flavors you’ll find on the menu. The entire storefront is a striking emerald green, and the candlelit interior is anchored by a tiled back bar that carries that emerald green inside. A private room that seats 15 in the back is saturated in red (which goes nicely with the Toucan-shaped wall sconces). The Red Room’s vibrant coloring was inspired by the mid-century, Art-Deco hotels that you’d find in Havana, and you’ll find entertaining surrealist art and a collection of other inspirations throughout the space, which aims not to take anything too seriously.

Photo: Apotheke NoMad/Gabi Porter

Apotheke NoMad

For more than a decade, Apotheke has been testing, tasting, creating, and collaborating; mixing botanicals with artistry; blending creativity with craft to offer patrons excellence in the form of mixology. Born on the quiet streets of the Bloody Angle in Manhattan’s Chinatown, Apotheke is now a bustling brand and recognized as one of the most notorious cocktail bars in New York City and beyond. Opened this past July, and featuring a subterranean speakeasy, penthouse lounge, and rooftop terrace, Apotheke NoMad is the second NYC outpost for the brand, expanding Apotheke’s apothecary-inspired cocktails and experience. With ornate marble bars, gilded ceilings, and breathtaking stained glass windows, Apotheke NoMad is a stunning must-visit destination during this year’s New York Fashion Week.

Valerie

Valerie, a bi-level cocktail bar and restaurant located on West 45th Street evokes the golden era of Manhattan with its timeless drink list, bistro-inspired menu, and Art-Deco-inspired decor, with inspired updates for modern crowds. Have a drink and quiet conversation underneath one of those murals in the Art-Deco inspired Gatsby Lounge, indulge in some casual New American fare in the dining-oriented Den or find more space upstairs in the Blushing Bar, a full-service space that also happens to be perfect for private events

Photo: Madame George/Alex Staniloff

Madame George

From the team behind Valerie – the home of New York Cities largest gin library and bi-level cocktail destination – Madame George is a 4,400 square-foot subterranean cocktail lounge focused on cocktails that pay homage to the history of New York City’s cocktail culture. Curated by Beverage Director Marshall Minaya, the beverage menu is inspired by New York City through the ages, complete with various categorial collections referencing historic and prolific cocktail culture and refreshed using modern techniques. With an eclectic vintage design from Adorn Design, Madame George will evoke an intimate space for late-night imbibing.

Ponyboy

Party amongst New York’s most notable at Greenpoint’s Ponyboy, one of Brooklyn’s most unique nightlife destinations. Guests can sip on the ever-popular Forgtmenot (Ilegal Mezcal, watermelon, ginger, lime jalapeño, matcha salt rim) while dancing to genre-bending live music performances and disco-infused DJ sets. Nested on bustling Manhattan Avenue, Ponyboy is Greenpoint’s premier destination for top notch fare, craft cocktails and unmatched vibes. Here, co-owners Christopher Reyes, of Aldama fame, and James Dorje have joined forces to further establish the beloved nightlife spot as Brooklyn’s hottest.

STAY

Photo: The Wall Street Hotel

The Wall Street Hotel

Located along the winding roads of the Financial District is The Wall Street Hotel, a luxury Beaux-arts property that exudes old world charm and soul. The 180-room hotel has suites that range from 300 to 800 square feet, from intimately cozy to spacious. Inspired by classic New York, the interior design has a light, yet saturated palette that evokes a sense of calm and warmth. Both the hotel’s lobby lounge, Lounge on Pearl, that features small bites and after hour cocktails, and La Marchande, the restaurant within the property, are run by Michelin star Chef Jon Fraser and his team. The elegantly upscaled Wall Street Hotel is a necessary travel destination for NYFW.

Photo: Dream Hotel

Dream Downtown

Dream Downtown is a lifestyle hotel with extraordinary design, unique characteristics and an emphasis on after-dark possibilities. A place to play and a place to stay, Dream Downtown offers everything today’s traveler seeks from buttoning down, loosening up or a little of both. Located in the hip Chelsea neighborhood, it's a quick walk to nearby top designer stores, Chelsea Market and a great F&B scene. The property includes 315 loft-style guest rooms and suites, luxurious amenities, unique dining and nightlife brought to the property by TAO and a talented staff that knows the ins and outs of everything NYC. Dream Downtown is a destination to be and be seen, perfect for New York Fashion Week.