High time for a change from Times Square. Last night, I checked in the Affinia Shelburne, a small, recently remodeled hotel on Lexington Avenue, between 37th and 38th in an area called Murray Hill. The neighborhood is much quieter than midtown, the hotel is less expensive than the Marriott Marquis, and is within walking distance of Soho and Greenwich Village.
Nor’easters are no match for exuberant NYU students
A nor’easter moved in today, with bursts of wind driving rain across the pavement and sending it skittering and shimmying off awnings and umbrellas. The temperatures are nearly 20° F cooler than usual for this time of year. It may have slowed us down, but it didn’t dampen our New York spirit.
Nothing takes the edge off a morning mood like good coffee and a friendly face.
Penelope’s dessert cases
Penelope, a small, welcoming place on Lexington and 30th, serves homemade food. We warmed up with a breakfast of coffee, granola and an omelet. Yum.
Wandered around Gramercy Park, the city’s only private park, pressing our faces between the bars for a better look. Surrounding building residents have the privilege of using their own key for elite access to the precious space. Our ramble took us around Washington Square and NYU, where chattering students ignored the drizzle and rippled along sidewalks.
Soho used to have lots of galleries. There are fewer now, but there are plenty of shops and restaurants in vintage buildings. Prince Street shops were like bright, warm flames to two drenched moths: Anya Hindmarch, Face Stockholm, Armani, Intermix. Prada’s once-daring Rem Koolhaas décor still rocks some of the best monochromomatic downtown chic, unattainable fringed/studded 5-inch heels, and luscious handbags. You don’t have to be able to pay for it to drool over it.
Inside Prada, Soho, NYC
Finally gave into the cold and nipped into Zoe, where I remembered wood-burning ovens create the impression you’re about to be warmed by the fire, even if you don’t see the flames. Tea, spinach salad and shared pizza … divine.
Penelope for breakfast. Zoe for late lunch. We had luck with cute-girl name restaurants today.
