I've only been in NYC since February, so I'm still learning all the good spots. I figured I'd bring you along as I explore! I'll be constantly updating this post with places to eat, drink, shop, and relax, so keep checking back for new finds! My apartment in the West Village sits right on the border of the Meatpacking District, so some of my recs might not *technically* be in the West Village, but they’re like a 2-minute walk, so SUE me!
Where to eat:
Palma: This restaurant is SO pretty. Flowers and beautiful greenery cover the walls and it provides the most lovely ambience. Perfect for dinner dates with your girlfriends. Favorites from my last meal there included the Arancini (crispy risotto bites), Ravioli Cacio e pepe, Fettuccine Funghi e tartufo, and 'la Vie en Rose' (vodka, pomegranate, natural elder flower liqueur and fresh lemon juice with a splash of prosecco & a rose petal) to drink!
L’Artusi: I had the BEST dinner here a few weeks ago. The cocktails were delicious AND pretty: I had the 'Bodega Flowers' and the 'Tiger Cub'. For dinner I got the Hangar Steak with roasted potatoes and a side of brussel sprouts. The brussel sprouts were delicious and the steak perfectly prepared, but the real MVP of the meal was the potatoes. They came with a dollop of 'Salsa Bianco', which is creme freché with some sort of other magic in it. UNREAL. If I could eat that meal for the rest of my life, I would be totally content. A must try!
Westville West: My favorite spot in the city for a healthy, guilt-free meal. I love going to their various locations and it's also one of my favorite spots to order in. My go-to is the greek salad with chicken. While I love a good greek salad, the real seller is that it comes with grilled baguette with a goat cheese spread. Since I'm a sucker for goat cheese that's an obvious yes from me. I also love getting their market plates. They have a variety of sides and you can choose up to 4. My favorites are the beets with goat cheese, garlic mashed potatoes, soy glazed green beans, and the brussel sprouts with honey dijon. They also bake a great peanut butter chocolate chip cookie, because who can resist?!
11th Street Cafe: My favorite breakfast spot! Fabulous omelets, delicious bagels, and the BEST iced hazelnut coffee. Added plus, it's right next door to Savor Spa so you can pop on over for a post-brunch facial!
Bistro Pierre Lapin: The cutest little French Bistro. This is supper close to my apartment, so when I'm in the mood for french onion soup, I'll wander over and sit at their chic bar. The decor is so pretty, the serve their baguette with a side of homemade butter, and they make a fabulous French 75. What more could you want?
Where to shop:
Intermix: I have two Intermix locations within walking distance of my apartment, which is extremely dangerous! My favorite is the Meatpacking location. Intermix has the best styles and nicest sales people!
Jeffrey New York: The chicest mix of high-fashion designers. Just walking through will give you a fashion high.
Where to Relax:
Four Seasons Bodyworks: This place came as a recommendation from a friend and it has changed my life! It is a bit of a hole in the wall, but it is constantly packed, so you know it's good! They offer both full-body massages and leg/foot massages. A 60-minute, full-body massage is, get this, $39! And it is the best massage you’ll ever have. No website, but their address is 57 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011.
Savor Spa: One of the first things I did when I moved here was search for a new facial place. Savor is right next to my favorite coffee spot and I wandered in one day on a whim. I had their fabulous champagne facial and left feeling glow-y with a bunch of new products to try. I posted about Savor's Pumpkin Enzyme Peel in my Favorite Face Masks post and it is beyond fab. As I write this, I'm waiting to walk over to Savor for their Vitamin C Glow facial. The facial promises to "purify, exfoliate, renew, hydrate, and repair for gorgeous glow." and includes acupressure massage, which I'm more than here for! Will report back on results. Savor also offers massage and make-up services, which I'm anxious to try; the Organic Chardonnay Massage is calling my name!
Spa Belles: The best nail place! They have a variety of other services from waxing to ear candling, which I haven't tried but fully intend to. They give you the best shoulder massage while your nails dry, so done deal!
Where sweat:
Equinox: I go to the Greenwich Avenue location. Equinox has an awesome variety of classes, plenty of cardio machines, a great weight-room area (though I'm not gym-confident enough to brave going in there), a steam-room for the chilly NYC winters, and a fabulous spa!
Barre3: My college girlfriends first told me about Barre3 after they did the 30-day challenge up in Minnesota. I stumbled upon the West Village location on my way to get a massage at Four Seasons (see above) and signed up for the one-month unlimited new member deal! I've done a few different variations of Barre classes, but Barre3 kicked my butt! It's a mix of barre and dance cardio with about a million squats thrown in; my legs burned for about a week after my first class! The West Village location is their only one in NYC proper, so I lucked out!
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