The Flatiron District /Union Square/NoHo is becoming of the best places to eat, stay and explore in New York. The Flatiron District is a neighborhood named after the Flatiron Building at 23rd Street, Broadway and Fifth Avenue. Union Square is the neighborhood centered around Union Square Park which is between 14th and 17th St. along Broadway and NoHo which means north of Houston St.
I recommend the following:
On my recent trip in July, 2023 I enjoyed brunch at Boucherie Union Square at 225 Park Ave. S. I had read about it and decided to go after arriving in town. It is a traditional French bistro and steakhouse with great food and ambiance. I enjoyed the smoked salmon eggs benedict and the service. They have three other locations in NYC.
Make sure to stop in at Venchi at 861 Broadway for chocolates and authentic Italian gelato.
I also enjoyed the Blue Bottle Coffee shop at 257 Park Ave. S. They have multiple locations in NYC and Brooklyn.
Eataly Flatiron: Located at 200 5th Ave. between 23rd and 24th Streets, this is a large complex consisting of a fresh food market featuring breads, pastries, cheeses, pastas, meats, fish, produce, beers, wine, chocolates and other specialty food items. There are a number of cafes and restaurants as well. They also offer a number of cooking classes and special events. Partners include the well-known restaurateurs Joe Bastianich and Lidia Bastianich. This is well worth the trip on your next visit to NYC.
Shake Shack: Don’t miss the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park for burgers, fries, hot dogs, shakes and more. There are close to 40 locations in NYC.
Union Square Green Market: I love walking through the Union Square Green Market on Saturday. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday also. It has been a neighborhood staple since 1976. Here you will find local produce and artisanal food.
Union Square Park is a beautiful park in the neighborhood, located between 14th St. to 17th St. and between Broadway and University Pl.
Torch & Crown Brewing Company recently brought its popular beers to Union Square Park at 20 Union Square Park West in the historic Union Square Pavilion. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the park and the neighborhood.
ABC Kitchen: The restaurant by the famous chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten was named Best New Restaurant of 2011 by the James Beard Foundation. This was a tremendous choice with a great décor and perfect menu for sharing. We chose several appetizers including the roasted butternut squash with hazelnuts, goat cheese and spicy onions and the pretzel dusted calamari with marinara and mustard aioli. We also had the kasha and bowtie pasta with veal meatballs plus the spinach, herbs and goat cheese pizza. Their focus is on organic and local ingredients. It is located at 35 E. 18th Street (between Broadway and Park Avenue). Make sure to take the time to check out the ABC Carpet & Home store where the restaurant is located. It is a beautiful home-decor store.
Also located at ABC Carpet & Home, is ABC Cocina which features an international menu and a commitment to the freshest organic and local ingredients possible. Recently opened is there new concept, abcV, with a menu of plant-based and vegan items.
ACME: Located at No. 9 Great Jones St. which is W. 3rd St. between Broadway and Lafayette, Acme was a modern bistro helmed by Executive Chef Mads Refslund (one of the founding chefs at Noma in Copenhagen), which now offers a menu of Italian/modern American cuisine.
The New York EDITION: This is the new, sleek boutique hotel that is a joint venture between Marriott and Ian Schrager. It is in the perfect location across from Madison Square Park in the Flatiron District. It was the former headquarters building of New York Life Insurance Company, opened in 1909. It is a stunning property. 5 Madison Ave.
Cosme: At 35 E. 21st St., this is well-known Mexican chef Enrique Olvera’s new restaurant in NYC. I have enjoyed his Pujol restaurant in Mexico City and his Moxi restaurant in San Miguel de Allende. Located in the Flatiron District, it has a warm, contemporary atmosphere with really excellent food. The menu is contemporary Mexican, yet blending Mexican flavors and traditions with local and seasonal ingredients. I enjoyed the cobia al pastor with pineapple purée and cilantro plus a crispy octopus with hazelnut mole, pickled potatoes and watercress. The service was excellent.
If you have time and love art, make an appointment to visit the studio of French artist, Danielle Desplan, at 142 E. 16th St. #23. I love her mixed media on paper and have a number of her pieces.
