EDITORIAL FEATURE
Where to Eat, Play and Stay in New York City
There’s so much to see and do in The Big Apple, besides of course visiting 200 Lex and attending “What’s New, What’s Next.”. Sometimes a new discovery excites us, and sometimes it’s just as thrilling to return to a trusted destination. We asked our 2024 WNWN Ambassadors to share their favorite spots in New York for indulging in a spirited nightcap or mouthwatering meal, their must-see shops, sites and cultural meccas, and their top choices for accommodations while they’re in the city. Here’s what they had to say.
Check them out when you’re in town for WNWN on September 19. And keep up to date on all WNWN programming here to build your ideal itinerary.
EAT
“Double Chicken Please in the Lower East Side, and I’m getting the Japanese Cold Noodle (a cocktail!) and their gigantic grilled cheese sandwich!” —Noz Nozawa, Noz Design
“When I’m in NYC, I head to Cafe Rue Dix in Brooklyn! I always run into friends there, and it’s like the old ‘Cheers’ TV show. The burger or the branzino are my go-to’s!” —Nasozi Kakembo, xN Studio
“Qanoon. Definitely ordering Musakhan.” —Ahmad AbouZanat, Ahmad AbouZanat Studio
“Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle hotel for a club soda with cucumber.” —Mark Williams, Williams Papadopoulos Design
“The Waverly Inn and Garden for a blood orange martini with a splash of Champagne!” —Gray Walker, Gray Walker Interiors
“The Jazz Club at the Aman New York is like an old speakeasy with live jazz music, and then at 11 p.m. it turns into an amazing dance party.” —Amy Lau, Amy Lau Design
“Ulivo in the Flatiron is a go-to for rustic Italian. While I am normally a bourbon guy, give me a good glass of red and the Margherita pizza for a late-night indulgence.” —Brad Ramsey, Brad Ramsey Interiors
“I prefer the aperitivo to a nightcap. Fossetta NYC is our fave spot to hit up pre-dinner. Their natural wines, homemade focaccia and array of olives and charming staff are a must-visit every time we are in NYC. And Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels is a must-visit too for their Cacio e Pepe Popcorn (and wine). The people watching is prime.” —Meredith Heron, Meredith Heron Design
“The rooftop at the Refinery Hotel or Winnie’s Jazz Bar in the lower level of the hotel. I’m grabbing a Rye Manhattan.” —Antonio DeLoatch Jr, Antonio DeLoatch
“Russ & Daughters for morning bagels and I love Jack’s Wife Freda for dinner. I’m most likely ordering a glass of Chardonnay (which too often gets a bad wrap!)” —Laura W Jenkins Interiors
“Whether at The Cafe at 200 Lex or in one of their stand-alone locations, Amy’s Bread is one the best bakeries in NYC. Everything is delicious, but their sticky buns are exceptional. Amy’s is always my first stop when visiting the design center for coffee and pastry, and usually my last– I can’t resist the famous frozen yogurt!– Tina Ramchandani, Tina Ramchandani
PLAY
“The new Gilder Center designed by Studio Gang at the American Museum of Natural History.” —Mark Williams, Williams Papadopoulos Design
“Upper East Side shopping. Love going to Roger Vivier and Bergdorf Goodman for unique shoes!” —Gray Walker, Gray Walker Interiors
“Living in Manhattan allows me to visit galleries and museums on a regular basis, one of my favorites is the Neue Galerie, which features early 20th-century German and Austrian art and design and has an incredible Austrian restaurant called Café Sabarsky.” —Amy Lau, Amy Lau Design
“Doors. is a boutique that represents independent designers from around the world. I always make a point to stop in.” —Lucinda Loya, Lucinda Loya Interiors
“I live in the city. A day gallery hopping in Chelsea or East Village is always great and I tend to do that on a weekday and disconnect from a work day.” —Ahmad AbouZanat, Ahmad AbouZanat Studio
“I’ve got to make a stop at the Brooklyn Flea. I always go to the same vendor, Lamine, who I’ve sourced from for years. We spend a lot of time catching up and I always learn so much from him, as he was born into the trade of importing traditional African art and objects. He’s been doing this work for decades.” —Nasozi Kakembo, xN Studio
“Grab a coffee to go at the Plaza Hotel, take a stroll through Central Park and head northeast to the Met! After the Met, stroll down Park Avenue and stop at Bergdorf Goodman. If you want a fun lunch, find the hidden speakeasy burger joint in the lobby of the Thompson Hotel. Look for the red curtain!” —Antonio DeLoatch Jr., Antonio DeLoatch
“For me, it is always and forever art museums but my favorite would have to be the Met due to the mix. Anything from Medieval works to the Decorative arts to the Costume Institute, and on and on (I am all about the mix).” —Laura Jenkins, Laura W Jenkins Interiors
STAY
“Warren Street Hotel: I adore Kit Kemp’s whimsical, collected aesthetic—it’s like stepping into a dream. Plus, it’s nestled in Tribeca, one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods to stay in.” —Emily June Spanos, Emily June Designs
“For clever ways to maximize a tiny hotel room, PUBLIC hotel. For the exceedingly inspiring details, The Hotel Chelsea. And for vibes, The Bowery Hotel.” —Noz Nozawa, Noz Design
“I love The High Line Hotel. It’s a small, quirky hotel crafted from an English Gothic building built in 1895 as student housing for the General Theological Seminary.” —Mark Williams, Williams Papadopoulos Design
“The Bowery Hotel for its bohemian comfort!” —Gray Walker, Gray Walker Interiors
“I love The New York EDITION on Madison. The detailing throughout is very handsomely done and definitely appeals to my aesthetic. I also like how walkable it is to The Flatiron District and Union Square.” —Brad Ramsey, Brad Ramsey Interiors
“The Ludlow on the Lower East Side. I love the vibe and the mix of vintage.” —Laura Jenkins, Laura W Jenkins Interiors
“I love Kimpton hotels for the scent and the bedding. The 5 p.m. cocktail hour in the lobby is always a great touch. Makes you feel at home and welcome. Did I mention the scent? Amazing.” —Meredith Heron, Meredith Heron Design
