October 5, 2009

Crosby Street Hotel New York

The first U.S. property of UK hotel chainlet Firmdale, the Brit-pop space has 86 wildly designed bedrooms and suites with upholstered walls, bold color combos, and floor-to-ceiling warehouse style windows. There’s also an outdoor garden, a guest drawing room, high tea service, and 99-seat screening theater (a Firmdale trademark).

  Downtown, Food & Drink, British Imports, Good for Groups

September 8, 2009

Blue Ribbon Bakery New York

Downtown’s beloved brunching, lunching, and supping staple never disappoints. Convivial atmosphere has guests lingering for hours (with the waitstaff!) — enough time to justify ordering chocolate chip bread pudding for dessert.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Brunch, Good for Groups

September 8, 2009

The Compound Brooklyn New York

A Brooklyn collective that works to bring charities and cause groups together to “save the world, one party at a time.”

  Bedstuy, Home & Garden, Do-Gooder, Live Music

September 8, 2009

Del Posto New York

Bastianich-Batali’s Italian glamour girl (sexy, flashy, pricey) flanked by high rollers who enjoy a bit of spectacle with their spaghetti.

  Chelsea, Food & Drink, Celebrity Sightings, Impressive Decor

September 8, 2009

Tia Pol New York

  Chelsea, Food & Drink, Bar Menu, Brunch

September 8, 2009

BEast New York

Tiny brick lounge with booming sound system and rotating cast of scenesters, DJs, artists, and fashion designers. When things get tight, spread out in the restaurant upstairs (which is currently suffering an identity crisis).

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Celebrity Sightings, Dancing Queen

September 8, 2009

Karuna NYC New York

Small yoga company with a downtown sensibility and fashiony following. Teachers go to you for one-on-one or small group sessions. They also schedule retreats and corporate classes. For appointments, e-mail yoga@karunanyc.com.

  Beauty, Comes to You, Private Classes

September 8, 2009

Frankies 457 Spuntino New York

Rustic Brooklyn hotbed for serious food types with a coveted outdoor garden and old stable for private parties. Envy of the neighborhood.

  BoCoCa, Food & Drink, Alfresco, Birthday Parties

April 30, 2009

City Winery New York

Want a robust merlot from the Manhattan region? Get it at this gigantic winery/event space/restaurant. Hear live music while you sip one of the many wines by the glass, or sit down for small bites from an Italian/Middle Eastern menu. The ambitious can become barrel owners to create their own vino.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Boozehound, Handcrafted