New York is New Yorking, Part 2
Everywhere I went + what I spent over 5 days
Here it is: Part 2 of my whirlwind trip to New York City, Fall 2024 edit.
ICYMI, here’s part 1:
For those wondering what a trip to New York City costs these days, I’ve decided to include highlights of my general daily spend while there.
I am not normally “out” this much, but I’m sharing a baseline for what to expect in the city especially if you’re moving around a lot like I was.
I flew into LaGuardia on a gorgeous, clear, and brisk autumn Monday afternoon.
Days and weather like this remind you of that special time just before the city gets brutally cold; New Yorkers often joke there are only 2 seasons: summer and winter, and you’re lucky for spring or fall.
Once I touch down, the familiar cortisol levels spike as I request and hustle over to the meeting point for my Uber.
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A classic West Village walk-up
Since last September when AirBnbs and short term rentals were effectively banned in Manhattan, hotel rates in the city are through the roof.
It’s not uncommon to see nightly rates from $400; I checked The Evelyn, The Ned, and The James in NoMad, and Soho House (in the Meatpacking District) and all were $550 to $1,200 per night.
For comparison, in February ‘23 my stay at the Aman New York was $2,300 per night.
So, I was incredibly grateful that a friend of a friend offered to host me for the majority of the week in a desirable location.
After little deliberation and with the only intel being that I would have a guest room with ensuite bath, I accepted.
Day 1 - Monday
I arrived at the classic West Village apartment only to realize the building was a 5-story walkup with no lift.
Ouch. Luckily for me, I’m a carry-ons-only kinda gal.
Once I dropped my bags, I walked to SoHo in search of 2 things: Prada loafers and a thicker coat than the Patagonia fleece I’d traveled in.
I know I said I wouldn’t buy anything new in 2024 and I’m doing pretty darn good.
However, accessories, souvenirs, sportswear, and emergency situations are exempt from the rule.
In SoHo, I immediately wondered why there were SO. MANY. kids—I loved seeing them in their baggy jeans and running amuck; it reminded me of Harmony Korine’s 1995 movie Kids, which I practically watched on repeat back in the day.
Then, I realized people weren’t at work or school because it was Columbus Day, duh.
It’s always fun to get a pulse on Gen Z fashion and what’s cool; the massive queues outside Brandy Melville and a new storefront called edikted told me crop tops plus low-rise, straight leg or baggy jeans are in.
With new Prada loafers in tow in an unmarked bag (because they give those out now upon request, to avoid getting mugged), I made my way back to dine solo and early at West Village local The Little Owl.
Counter dinner service was quick and delish, and I was even gifted a glass of Prosecco because the maître d' insisted on a wine pairing with my skate.
I love New York!
Damage
Shoes: $1K+
Dinner: $50
Transportation from LGA and around town (Lyft/Uber/Subway): $74
Day 2 - Tuesday
I woke up early and headed to my annual eye exam at 10/10 Optics in Madison Square Park.
I love my eye doctor (also Dr. Chen); he’s not only super attentive, but this boutique offers a unique selection of glasses for every shape of face; it’s also where I discovered Thierry Lasry frames.
After my exam, I stopped by my old neighborhood favorite coffee shop Seven Grams for a cortado.
Upon entering, an entire side was lined with young men in suits (Credit Suisse is a couple of blocks down), so I popped into the Dominique Ansel Workshop for arguably the city’s best croissant (not cronut).
I walked west and found myself at Hudson Yards (I know 🙄) where I re-upped my stock of trouser socks and tights at Calzedonia. I discovered these in Italy; they are my fave in terms of style and thickness.
I also purchased a light Zara jacket to hold me over in the cold.
Say what you will about Zara, but the few cute items I’ve purchased over the years I’ve taken care of, so they’ve held up fairly well—like a pair of frilly coats and everyday leggings.
I haven’t had as much luck with sweaters or blouses, which lose their shape and end up in the Goodwill bin.
At Hudson Yards, tourists approach every single retail worker as if they are ambassadors to the city, asking about everything from how to get Knicks tickets to where Starbucks is located (there isn’t one at Hudson Yards).
It's both amusing…and somewhat endearing?
When I returned to the WV and couldn’t find a blowdryer in the apartment, I booked an emergency blow-out with Eito at Three Degrees Salon in the East Village.
At $40 (+ $10 gratuity) this was quite possibly the most affordable blow-dry in the city and far better than DryBar in experience and attentiveness.
It was the best money I spent in NYC, because my hair looked great through Friday.
From my blow-out, I walked over to my client’s office in Union Square, for a successful work meeting. (I’ve begun taking on private client work since August for writing and editing content projects.)
The night concluded with a lovely dinner with my old neighbor at the new middle eastern Zaytinya in the Ritz NoMad.
The José Andrés restaurant was packed on a Tuesday night, and full of busy-looking, beautiful and fashion-y people.
Damage
Eye exam: $236
Blow-out: $50
Transportation (Uber/taxi/bus): $94
Day 3 - Wednesday
I woke up early and grabbed a coffee at Rhythm Zero with my gracious WV host.
After an attempt to work at Soho House which failed because there wasn’t a free seat to be found, I ate breakfast at Banter.
Then, I stopped to pick up a gift at Air Mail, a boutique from the eponymous magazine, retreated to the apartment to knock out some work, and prepped for a lovely birthday gathering with longtime New York friends.
Damage
Coffee: $12 (for 2)
Lunch: $21
Transportation (Ubers/subway): $29
Day 4 - Thursday
My morning started with a brisk walk from the West Village east to SoHo where I took the subway to the Upper East Side.
There, I had a lovely bougie breakfast with a dear girlfriend at Sant Ambroeus. Their pink marzipan iced principessa cake is divine, if you ever get a chance to try a slice. It’s always been my fave.
We caught up on life and then sauntered over to Jenni Kayne and James Perse, where we browsed jackets and cashmere.
After saying goodbye, I popped over for a quick visit to The Met for the latest exhibit: Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350:
On my way back, I also stopped at one of my favorite bookshops in the city: Three Lives & Co.
When I got back, I felt a little worn out and felt a headache coming on, so I ordered some of the best bone broth I’ve ever had from Springbone, along with salad and salmon.
My evening ended with an invite from it girl Cole Spike for a fun soirée at Jean’s downstairs, to celebrate comedienne Cat Cohen’s new comedy special, Come for Me.
…Followed by dinner at one my favorite spots in town for Taiwanese beef noodle soup, Ho Foods.
Damage
Breakfast: $41
The Met tickets: $30
Transportation (Ubers/subway/bus): $28
Lunch: $28
Day 5 - Friday
I was invited to the New York Stock Exchange just before the opening bell by reporter J.D. Durkin.
I first met J.D. back when he was co-anchoring Cheddar TV, when I was featured as a guest for a segment about Fed rate hikes.
Nowadays, he’s still reporting live from the NYSE, but also recently launched Common Threads, a politics/comedy/debate podcast featuring a Democrat and Republican.
He’s also a fantastic NYSE ambassador and tour guide. J.D., if you ever quit your day job…just sayin’.
By Friday I had to give up my WV guest room, so to avoid couchsurfing (I mean, I’m a woman with means) and overstaying my welcome, I packed up and checked myself into the Moxy in NoMad which had a very reasonable(?) nightly rate of $450.
After cranking out last week’s newsletter and work deadlines, I prepped and took the subway over to Citi Field, where I attended the NLCS game 5 of Mets vs. Dodgers.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have seen one of the most incredible players of today: Shohei Ohtani.
I’m also incredibly fortunate to have grown up with a big brother who taught me all the rules about, and how to watch most pro sports.
After the game, my group and I finagled 3 slices just before closing time at West Village pizza shop L’industrie. Protip: Save the crusts to dip into the olive oil ice cream.
After pizza we went to the bar Due West to watch the final moments of the Yankees vs. Guardians, and where I proceeded to explain how baseball works to a Brit.
As if by magic, my trip ended much as it began, surrounded by lots of bright young things…
Damage
Food: $45 (Citi Field hot dogs, water and pizza slices)
Hotel: $500 after taxes
Transportation (Uber/taxi/subway): $50
Day 6 - Saturday
I was up and at ‘em on an early flight out…and in desperate need of sleep.
Damage
Uber: $44
**
Until next time,
Shindy
On Instagram + TikTok
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