STAY
The historic Bowery neighbourhood in Lower Manhattan is renowned for its music and arts scene, and I love The Bowery Hotel. The rooms are small (it’s New York!) but you can always tell a good hotel by its bathrooms, and the one in my room was decorated with The Bowery’s signature red accents.
SUP
When it comes to dining, Estela in Nolita is a must-visit. This intimate eatery features a delectable menu that champions seasonal ingredients and inventive flavour combinations. This is where we chose to celebrate Yu Mei’s launch into Bergdorf’s with friends old and new.
SHOP
Speaking of, Bergdorf Goodman is the department store par excellence. A fashion institution since 1899, it offers the latest in design, including Yu Mei, which can be found on the fifth floor. To get the authentic experience, visit around lunchtime on a Sunday, when the locals go, and take the elevator to the upper floor, where you’ll find the restaurant, vintage jewels and the iconic letters Jackie Kennedy-Onassis wrote to her personal shopper.
SEE
For artistic inspiration, visit the Noguchi Museum in Queens, which pays homage to the oeuvre of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi. Its serene galleries offer a beautiful contrast to the city’s restless energy.
