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 which is between 14th and 17th St. along Broadway and NoHo which means north of Houston St. We recommend:
Eataly NY: 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 other locations in NYC as well.
Union Sq. Green Market: I loved walking through the Union Sq. Green Market on Saturday morning. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday also. It has been a neighborhood staple for 35 years.
NoMad: The hip NoMad hotel at 1170 Broadway, at 28th St., is one of the top new places to stay in NYC. The restaurant, under the supervision of Chef Daniel Humm and Restaurateur Will Guidara, is a great dining spot. This is the same team as the critically acclaimed, Michelin three-star rated Eleven Madison Park. It consists of an attractive atrium, and several other rooms including an elegant two-level library, parlour and bar. I had an excellent breakfast with great service in the atrium. It is actually located in NoMad which means north of Madison Square Park.
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. Also located at ABC Carpet & Home, is ABC Cocina which recently opened to very good reviews and press.
Acme: No. 9 Great Jones St. which is W. 3rd St. between Broadway and Lafayette. “Acme is a modern bistro helmed by Executive Chef Mads Refslund (one of the founding chefs at Noma in Copenhagen) offering locally sourced seasonal New American fare with subtle Nordic influences”. It is perfect for a Sunday brunch. The salmon benedict was perfect.
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.
Make sure to stop into Flying Tiger at 920 Broadway. This is a Danish design store that featues great gift items, kitchen items, glasses, textiles and personal care items. You can find luggage tags to passport covers and much, much more.
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 piecees.