Here’s a luscious update from the fabulous travels of author, Emmie Dark, who is guest posting for us from New York!
I’m lucky enough to spending some time in New York and was honoured when Natasha asked if I might contribute a guest post to Luscious. Of course I said yes, because it gave me the perfect excuse to create the perfect “Luscious Day Out”!
Learn more about SoHo (“SOuth of HOuston street”) in lower Manhattan, New York
Clearly the first place to start is with somewhere luscious to stay. I picked the Soho Grand on West Broadway and I’m so glad I did.
Not only does it offer one of SoHo’s most popular bars – perfect for the summer with a breezy outdoor area – it also provides stylish and sophisticated decor and well-appointed rooms.
Most importantly, the beds are comfy and the pillows fluffy. There’s nothing less luscious when you’re travelling than a hard bed and lumpy pillows. Beauty sleep is all important when you need to look your best and recover from jetlag!.
I always like to make my first stop in the morning a good breakfast. Especially in New York – whatever you’re doing, you’re going to need energy for the day ahead!
My pick is Balthazar on Spring Street where you can enjoy a suitably luscious mimosa or Bloody Mary along with your eggs and crispy bacon. Just be sure to get there before 11.30am, when the kitchen closes for breakfast service.
Once you’re fed and ready, it’s time to venture out for some shopping. All the Luscious favourites are available in walking distance: Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney.
There are also high street favourites for the basics: Gap, Espirit, American Apparel. And a Bloomingdales if you want to shop under the comfort of one roof.
NYMag.com has this printable map which you might find useful.
Those who are fans of vintage aren’t going to want to miss What Goes Around Comes Around. I was sorely tempted by a little pair of Chanel ballet flats, not to mention an original, Victorian lace blouse… But I refrained. (Only just!)
One particular block on Soho took my fancy – around Broome/Mercer Streets. Here I was particularly entranced by floaty, filmy florals at Zimmerman, which just coincidentally also happened to be having a sale. Oh, be still my beating credit card!
Next door, Valeria Smith seduced me with a range of the cutest little handbags in a range of funky colours and occasional bursts of glitter. I restrained myself, but only because there was a sale at my old favourite, Kate Spade, and so I spent my pennies on a gorgeous little clutch purse there.
I was also taken by French-designer-based-in-New-York, Catherine Malandrino. Her lusciously lacy knits and soft leather dresses had me spending quite a bit of time in the fitting rooms trying to make some very difficult decisions!
Amidst the shopping you’ll need to take a break, and as a confirmed (and very fussy) tea drinker, I can highly recommend Sanctuary T.
In my few days in Soho I’ve become a bit of a regular at Sanctuary T – I’m trying to work my way through their entire list of delicious teas. Once the sun is past the yard arm (or earlier, if you’re in the mood!) you can also sample their range of tea-inspired cocktails.
Lovely, friendly service, a relaxed vibe, and great drinks – what more could a girl ask for?
Well, she could ask for dinner, I guess. And I’ve got two options for you to consider.
If you’ve worked up a considerable hunger with your shopping escapades and are looking for an upscale dining experience, I’d recommend Blue Ribbon, but unless you’re early, you’ll most likely need to book.
Their raved-about specialities are a bone marrow appetiser and fried chicken main course – and that’s exactly what I had. Mind you, there was no way I could finish the huge plate of chicken – delicious as it was.
I ordered a cocktail called “The Saint” which was listed as including brandy, St Germain and lemon juice, so I was expecting a martini-style drink. But it was served long, over ice and was so full of sugar syrup I couldn’t drink it.
But to the bartender’s credit, I mentioned that it was too sweet for me, so he asked about my tastes and produced a suitably delicious gin fizz replacement in minutes.
For a more funky-casual but just as delicious experience, I highly recommend Lucky Strike. It’s not necessarily the most innovative menu ever, but the grilled salmon on creamy mash was totally delectable, and the Sancerre available by the glass the perfect accompaniment!
If you’re new to New York, or just to SoHo, it’s a good idea to get to know the area by booking a walking tour. City Rover Walks‘ “The City of Dreams” tour offers a knowledgeable guide and a great insight into the East Village, Little Italy and Soho.
After you’ve got your way through all that, you’ll appreciate those fluffy pillows at Soho Grand. I know I did!
See the places listed in this post, plus more shopping locations, via our interactive map.
Emmie Dark is a romance author.
Her latest book, a Harlequin SuperRomance titled Just For Today, is out now in North America, Australia and New Zealand or available online.
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Editor’s note: My thanks to Emmie for this post, and our best wishes for the new book! And also my thanks to Andrew, the son of our fabulous Luscious Lifer, Christine Wilson, who kindly provided some suggestions of his own “luscious New York” – thank you!
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