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tartinery

The next best thing to catching up with friends at the Stationery Show is being able to wander NYC. My base camp (as usual) was the Crosby Street Hotel: the location (and hospitality) can’t be beat. Here are a few of my favorites, broken into two parts, if you’re headed to NYC to “explore”.

Tartinery (photo at top) I arrived at the Crosby on Sunday at 2pm, a (literal) hot mess as the 86-and-humid weather mixed with my jet lag, but I was determined to stay up and watch the Mad Men series finale “live”. So, I quickly checked in and then hit the streets to catch as much daylight as possible to adjust to EDT. Around 6pm, I was ready for a light dinner but didn’t want to resort to takeout. I’d been to Tartinery right after it opened in 2010 + remembered that the menu would suit me perfectly. A glass of champagne and a croque monsieur tartine was just what I needed to keep me going ’til 11pm, and the interiors were as charming as ever. (Tartinery / 209 Mulberry Street / @tartinery)

tokyo bike

Tokyo Bike I am on the hunt for the perfect ‘kicking around’ bike, and I keep coming back to Tokyo Bike’s beautifully simple ‘Bisou’ model. The only questions are: 1. which color? and 2. will I be brave enough to ride the streets of London on it? (Tokyo Bike / 1 Prince Street / @tokyobike_nyc)

antique garage

Antique Garage I spent a lot of time in New York walking up and down the grid of SoHo streets: Antique Garage charmed me each time I passed. There was always a gorgeous arrangement of flowers out front, and the clientele seemed to be having a wonderful time sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the weather. Next visit brunch and I have a date here. (Antique Garage / 41 Mercer Street / @antiquegaragesoho)

back forty west

Back Forty West Speaking of charming, Back Forty West is right up the street from the Crosby, and that wall of plates has me completely besotted!! I took at least five photos of the wall (from outside), trying to get the perfect shot each time I passed by. Another “next time” spot. (Back Forty West / 70 Prince Street / @backfortywest)

buvette

Buvette I had grand, adult plans for dining this trip that did not include Buvette. (I go every time I’m in town and the thought was to spread the love and see more of NYC and all that nonsense.) But then I walked by and the seat in the front window was open and that plan went right out the window. One French 75 + a croque monsieur later (are you sensing a trend?), I was in heaven. I’m still kicking myself for thinking I was too full to order the chocolate mousse. Do NOT repeat my mistake. ( Buvette / 42 Grove Street / @buvettenyc)

meg cohen design

Meg Cohen Design I happened upon Meg Cohen Design by accident, as I spotted this book about cricket in the window and was sufficiently intrigued to go inside. My curiosity paid off: it was the perfect little shop. Meg Cohen is known for her cashmere hats and scarves, but the boutique boasts a wide array of gift options, from vintage books and Bakelite pool balls (and mini penguin figurines) to the sweetest embroidered baby hats (above). I picked up a surprise to give my buddy at high school graduation: I hope I can remember where I’ve hidden it next June! (Meg Cohen Design Shop / 59 Thompson Street / @megcohendesign)

milk

Milk Bar Another serendipitous find: I’ve never been to Milk Bar, but am well aware of its cult status ‘cereal milk’ soft serve, crack pie ®, and compost cookies. And then there it was, calling to me from across Wooster Street, begging me to indulge. As my sweet tooth brakes for cookies, I chose the cornflake/marshmallow/chocolate-chip cookie, and let’s just say, an addiction is born: they ship internationally and I think a care package may be in order. (Milk Bar Soho / 72 Wooster Street / @milkbarstore)

all photos by jane potrykus

note: “@” addresses denote instagram handles