New York, New York

New York is my adopted home. I first visited New York in 1978 when I was a teenager. We had flown halfway across the world, made it through the chaos of JFK, and arrived past midnight, exhausted and jet-lagged, to the bright lights and hustle and bustle of Manhattan. It was love at first sight. I could hardly contain myself in my skin. Despite the severe jet lag, I could not waste a moment on mere sleep when every corner of the city, with grit and all, was a universe waiting to be explored. That’s when I first dreamed of one day living in this city. Many years later, almost exactly twenty-seven years ago, after having lived in all corners of the U.S., from Florida to California to various beautiful & quaint college towns, I moved here, to my home, and I never looked back. For me New York represents “possibility.” Its streetscapes are energizing. The city is full of promise: around every corner I may find something curious, run into a friend, maybe a long-lost one. Or I may make a new friend, or experience something unique, interesting, extraordinary.

While excruciatingly hard to single out a few “favorite spots”, here are some of my beloved ones in this amazing city…

I live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, close to Central Park, and along , where within 10 blocks, you can enjoy three of the finest museums in the world: the distinctive Guggenheim, the intimately fabulous Neue Gallery, and the extraordinary Metropolitan Museum of Art. A visit to at least one, preferably all three, along with MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in midtown, and the Whitney Museum located in the Meatpacking District, is a must.

Exquisite art, in these inimitable institutions, from classic Greek, Roman, Near Eastern, Asian, African, American, and Egyptian art, to modern and contemporary art, to emerging artist showcases is true nourishment for the soul. The holiday gift shops of all these museums have the most unique gifts inspired by diverse art spanning the ages, cultures, and styles. Don’t miss a visit to these gift shops.

Central Park is a remarkable sanctuary with its marvelous walking, running and bike paths that meander through exquisite nature. A favorite spot in Central Park? The Reservoir. Officially called the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Reservoir, the walking/running path around it spans almost the width of the park and affords the visitor some of the most beautiful views of the city: from magnificent skyline views looking south, where soaring residential towers dwarf such classic icons as the Empire State Building – dressed in its holiday lights – and the Chrysler Building. Then there is the grand architecture along Central Park West – including the double towers of the Eldorado – and the octagonal towers of the majestic Beresford, which is an Emery Roth masterpiece. Finally, the posh buildings lining world famous Fifth Avenue come into view as well.

Another New York favorite of mine is right outside my doors: Madison Avenue. This renowned avenue is a chic hub of some of the world’s most exclusive designer boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and so much more. Adorned with sparkling white holiday lights, a stroll along Madison Avenue will be a feast for the eyes, especially during this season when shop windows are decorated with the most magnificent holiday-inspired displays.

A meal in any one of the exclusive restaurants along Madison Avenue, while not light on the pocketbook, will surely be a feast for the taste buds. Daytime favorites here include: breakfast at Sabarsky cafe (located in the Neue Gallery), hot cappuccino at St. Ambroes, lunch at The Mark, afternoon refreshment at Via Quadrono where you can taste a scoop of delicious gelato, or tea at Lady M accompanied with a slice of their exquisite ‘Mille Crepes’ cake. For cocktail hour, head straight to Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle! You may have to brave a line, but patience will pay off. Take in the gorgeous murals, the energy and vibe of the crowd, and of course the live piano music, that for the season will include classic holiday tunes.

For dinner, head downtown. Limitless choices of great, cool spots with fabulous food await you. The choice depends on what you’re in the mood for. If I had to choose one spot where I’m almost always in the mood for, holiday or not, it would be Pastis in the meatpacking district. It’s a cool spot frequented by the chic and the “in” downtown crowd, serving delicious French bistro fare. If the weather is nice, for drinks and to soak in sparkling downtown views, the Restoration Hardware rooftop is fabulous.