BACCARAT BAR
episode of the series And Just Like That..., when Seema assures Car- rie and her friends that they are in the right place to meet single men. Under the light of Bacca- rat chandeliers, fine wines and deftly prepared cocktails are con- sumed, served (yes, you guessed it) in Baccarat crystal. Another fa- mous nightlife spot seen in the same series is the Monkey Bar, where it’s almost impossible to secure a table. A key role in its art-deco interior is played by a mural – a work by Ed Sorel that features icons of jazz. When it comes to restaurants, our recommendation goes to the unpretentious Cecchi’s, an eatery where everyone feels as if they belong there. It has a wonderful atmosphere, small tables covered with white tablecloths in a dis- creetly lit interior and upholstered booths for larger groups of din- ers. Self-styled as an American bistro, it does indeed have just such an atmosphere. They serve ribs, wings and one of the best burgers in town. If you would nonetheless pre- fer to dine in a venue that appre- ciates the style mantra “dress to impress”, you should opt for Be- noit, the Michelin-starred bistro of superstar chef Alain Ducasse. Benoit NYC is this year celebrat- ing its 15 th anniversary, which is an enviable success in any sphere of business, especially New York’s cutthroat hospitality industry. Be- noit is the closest you’ll ever get to a classic French bistro on this side of the Atlantic – the onion soup is divine, as are the snails. Leave room for dessert too, to ensure you don’t miss out on the cher- ished chocolate souffle. Of course, no guide to New York could be complete without a story about shopping. The mecca of shopaholics worldwide always has something new and surpris- ing on offer. Although boutiques offering vintage branded clothing and fabulous accessories from by- gone times have always been on
CECCHI‘S
New York’s fashion menu, there have never been as many as there are today. If time isn’t on your side, head down Mercer Street to the Treasures of NYC Clubhouse, which resembles a place straight out of a fevered Andy Warhol fan- tasy. Its checkered tile floor and leopard print couch set the scene for first-class designer delicacies: the most desirable handbags from Dior’s Galliano era, Tom Ford's signature lingerie for Gucci, and a bunch of phantasmagorical de- tails that would cause The Nan- ny’s Fran Fine to shriek with de- light. If your style is somewhat subtler than hers, you’re sure to love the Tarin Thomas boutique. It might be new to the Village, but it’s already built a solid reputation among trendsetters thanks to its custom-made jewellery and per- fect selection of pre-loved Levi’s. To conclude, you can seek the an- swer to the question of what New York smells like at the niche Aedes Perfumery on Orchard Street. De- spite having relocated throughout its existence, this fantasy for the senses has belonged to the same owners since it first opened its doors back in 1995 – which is a total rarity for New York.
BENOIT
New York » Njujork | 89
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