Salt Block Scallops - Omnivore Originates

Himalayan Salt Block: First go at it with scallops- definitely imparts a salt flavor. Keeps the scallops juicy and firm. I can't wait to try it with other foods!

Gansevoort Park Avenue - Gramercy Park, NYC

The Gansevoort is one of those hotels that is stuck in the middle- nice but not luxurious- good service- not great- nice amenities but not wonderful. The park ave location is wonderful- and there is a killer rooftop bar and pool!   There is an exhale spa on the third floor where you can take a core fusion class (hard!) or get a massage.

The bed in my room was king sized- perfectly crisp sheets and firm mattress with a feather bed on top- which is my ideal bed situation. Another positive was that it was a really dark and quiet room.  Almost no noise from street and except for one small red light on the cordless phone on the desk (easily covered) pitch black dark.

I'd say that if you "get a deal" - it's a great place to stay- fun - modern- easy and comfortable.

Address: 420 Park Avenue S., New York, NY
Website: GansevoortHotelGroup.com

Shuko - Union Square, NYC

Peeky toe crab salad.

If you're lucky enough to snag a table at this amazing Japanese hot spot you won't be disappointed. The two chef-owners have an impressive pedigree- both alumni from both Masa (the NYC gold standard for sushi with a crazy price tag to go with it) and then the hipper version of Masa -Neta. This is their own venture- and is a unique place. From the u shaped ash wood bar behind which a mesmerizing dance of wait staff, chefs and sommeliers all working in synch occurs, to the pulse pounding sounds of Kanye or old school rap, it all results in a cool sophisticated vibe. But on to the food...

You have to do the sushi kaiseki menu- roughly 20 plates- half composed plates of seasonal dishes and half sushi and sashimi dishes. It's all unbelievable - flavors, textures, heat, spice- all flawless. Close your eyes and suck it all in because this is damn near perfection.

Address: 47 East 12th St., New York, NY
Website: ShukoNYC.com

Florian Cafe - Gramercy, NYC

There are a few reasons to go to florian on park ave south.

1) Big impressive room mimicking the 300 year old Venetian coffeehouse, Cafe Florian.

2) Cool and racy statues.

3) Wonderful sparking chandelier (just like ours!)

4) And the real reason- Lobster pizza. A whole lobster on a cracker thin pizza crust cooked in a brick oven. Squeeze fresh lemon on it- voila! Incredible.


Address: 225 Park Avenue S, New York, NY
Website: FlorianNYC.com

NoMad Bar - Flatiron, NYC

I'm a big fan of the Nomad restaurant and specifically their signature chicken dish- stuffed with a challah foie gras and truffle stuffing, I love everything about the food and vibe there so naturally I have had the nomad bar- a space right next to their hotel/restaurant- on my list for quite some time.
I was finally able to make it there last night, and I was not disappointed. Long, dark, mahogany bar with every cocktail imaginable expertly swirled, shaken and crafted by handsome well-coiffed professional mixologists.


If you're ever in need of an indulgence that is really an unrivaled culinary sensory experience - go to the nomad bar- treat yo self!

Address: 1170 Broadway & 28th St., New York, NY
Website: NoMadHotel.com

Gramercy Park Hotel - Gramercy, NYC

I could move into this hotel. The location is incredible - situated on the exclusive and gorgeous Gramercy Park (accessible only with a key) and close to many great restaurants. The hotel itself is a rare combination of old world charm and elegance and modern conveniences. I stayed on the penthouse floor in one of the king Lexington rooms. Quirky and unique decor- cool art work - boudoir like chaise lounge couches- lush velveteen drapery - swanky bar with crystal stemware. And my favorite Aesop products in the bathrooms.

However...the room service was a little bit disappointing- with Danny Meyer's amazing Maialino restaurant in the lobby- seems like it would be a no brainier to serve their food. They don't- and the menu was uninspired and the food was only fine- and on the pricy side.

Address: 2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Website: GramercyParkHotel.com

Maialino - Gramercy Park, NYC

Source: GramercyParkHotel.com

Danny Meyer's take on an Italian trattoria tucked away in the Gramercy park hotel. Warm and inviting space- huge beautiful brass and wood bar and glass cases filled with bread cheese and prosciutto. Menu is adventurous- crispy sucking pig face (poor piggy!!) sweetbreads, liver etc. and a huge selection of cheeses,meats & bread to nibble on when choosing your meal.

Address: 2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY

Website: Maialinonyc.com

Edi and the Wolf - East Village, NYC

This east village Austrian restaurant is cozy and quaint- think reclaimed wood ceilings- rustic antiques - slightly grungy decor. Menu is heavily influenced by German/Austrian specialities schnitzel, spatzle, schnapps and the like.  Great beer & wine menus- good sharing plates. Overall very nice experience.

Address: 102 Ave C, New York, NY 

 Website: EdiandtheWolf.com

Empire Hotel - NYC

Location location location.
Across from Lincoln center, 2 blocks from Central Park and Columbus Circle, this hotel is a perfect spot from which one can experience  some of the best NYC has to offer. Clubby lobby with lounge-y furniture and a great rooftop bar round out the package.  The rooms are nothing special - and are in need of renovation  (cracked paint, old air conditioning units, chipped tiles) but perfectly comfortable and clean.

Address: 44 West 63rd St., New York, NY 

 Website: EmpireHotelNYC.com

The Place - Guilford, CT

On the main drag of Guilford, CT is a rustic, throw back summer shack called The Place. Very no frills operation with stump seating around wooden tables, an open wood fired grill and a BYOB vibe. Patrons walk in with coolers filled with everything from bottles of Jordan to large plastic containers filled with macaroni salad. The menu is simple, likely the same since 1971.

Address: 901 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT
Website: ThePlaceGuilford.com

The Whelk - Westport, CT

Chef Bill Taibei's tribute to local seafood near the Westport, CT train station.  Smartly nautical decor- chalk board lists of oysters and beers- place-mats made of recycled newspaper.  The impressive raw bar selection is the only way to make it out of there with your arteries in tact.  Many of the composed plates are ultra buttery, decadent often fried, and of course delicious.

Address: 575 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880
Website: TheWhelkWestport.com

Martha Washington Hotel - NYC

Sleek lobby - hipsters waiting to munch on Danny Meyers delicious pizza. Tiny rooms tastefully decorated with extra comfy bed pillows sheets. Good location in heart of flatiron district close to tons of great restaurants.

Address: 29 East 29th Street, New York City, NY 10016
Website: ChelseaHotels.com