City Sunday... Gramercy Park

The old saying goes "the grass is greener on the other side" and that probably explains best, why after a year of living in the coveted neighborhood of Gramercy Park, I have yet to step foot inside the park. 

As Wikipedia explains: "The approximately 2 acre (0.8 hectare) park is one of only two private parks in New York City; only people residing around the park who pay an annual fee have a key,[8] and the public is not generally allowed in." (FYI- I do not have to pay a fee, any building that sits along the park is granted 2 sets of keys, for residence seeking their own set, they pay an annual $350 fee.)

When I found my apartment listed on Craiglist, I knew I absolutely had to have it. I imagined many a day where I would spend the afternoon leisurly reading on my kindle or perhaps playing with my puppy on the lush manicured lawns, but as soon as I moved in I quickly learned dogs are not allowed inside the park. And, while I could of course still read inside the park, I have not. It's basically the age old concept that now that I have free acceess to the park, it no longer interests me. Plus- the view from outside the gates isn't so bad. 

Anyway, for those of you visiting NYC- I highly suggest you stay at the Gramercy Park Hotel, across the street from me and alongside the park. As a guest of the GPH you not only have access to my favorite bar- the Rose Bar (insider tip- Lychee Rose Martini), my favorite Italian Restaurant- Maialino (insider tip - Suckling Pig) , but you also have unlimited access to the park, perhaps the most coveted perk. 

Image Credit 

City Sunday...Aldea

Not too far from where I live- and walking distance form Union Square,  my boyfriend discovered this gem of a restaurant. A George Mendes restaurant, Aldea is enchanting form the moment you walk in. The lush blue tone of the entire restaurant instantly transcends the senses to vivid memories of the ocean. The entire dining experience is superb, with an excellent wait staff, equally memorable presentation and of course a mouth watering experience. While some people rate "scene" to be almost as equally as important as the food for the ultimate dining experience, being a bit of a decor- snob I rank decor to be nearly as important and Aldea certainly meets my standard. Compiled below are a few of my suggestions of how to recreate the Aldea look in ones home. 

City Sunday...DUMBO

I can safely assume that the word "Dumbo" triggers an image of a floppy eared baby elephant attempting to fly, and its safe to say that until last year, my brain would have associated the same cartoon imagery. But, my former boss/current friend introduced me to a new Dumbo when she took the leap and moved out of Manhattan to DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass).

I was incredibly skeptical and confused when she announced she was breaking her lease in her amazing loft style apartment overlooking Union Square to move to Brooklyn and of all places, a neighborhood named after an elephant, but it turns out the joke is on me. DUMBO is a very up and coming neighborhood in Brooklyn and despite being super trendy (yet more affordable than Manhattan) her apartment and many apartments in the area have views that are the epitome of a "million dollars".

Her apartment is located in a super cool, industrial building on a super charming cobble stoned street. Just a stone throw away from her front door is the park on the river as well as charming restaurants such as Bubby's & Water Street Restaurant and Lounge. Art galleries are in abundance as are fine food markets and unique retailers. And for those of us still living on the island who believe "Brooklyn is tooooo far" the cab from Gramercy Park to Union Square was less expensive than getting uptown- $11 bucks and change.

I have only been to the area at night- to enjoy the view, but its definitely on my list of places to explore while I am still living in New York City- and who knows, the views are so amazing, it may even convince me to permanently relocate - and hopefully here.

view from Ali's terrace in DUMBO last 4th of July

City Sunday...Cupcakes (NYC edition)