A Day Exploring the Upper East Side
Morning
Start at the
Guggenheim
and admire Frank Lloyd Wright’s great architectural
achievement before seeing the fine modern art collection. “Must sees”
include Chagall’s Paris Through the Window, Modigliani’s Nude, and Picasso’s Woman Ironing. Stop for coffee at the café on the main floor of the museum before leaving.
Head east along 92nd Street to see two rare
remaining wooden houses, No. 120, built in 1859, and No. 122, in 1871.
Continue east for Gracie Mansion and Henderson Place and rest on a bench with a river view in Carl Schurz Park. One block west on York Avenue, a No. 31 bus will take you to the spectacular
Bridgemarket
. Recharge your batteries at
Daniel
, an elegant French restaurant.
Afternoon
Take the 57th Street crosstown bus back to
Madison Avenue and head uptown, browsing the designer boutiques. Detour
on any of the side streets in the upper 60s and 70s to see the
townhouses of affluent New Yorkers. Pay a quick visit to the
Frick Collection
then stop for coffee at one of the cafés on Madison Avenue.
Spend the rest of the afternoon at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art
, a New York “must,” and see Rembrandt’s Self-portrait, Cypresses by Van Gogh, and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel studies. End the day with a candlelit meal at
Erminia
.
Madison Avenue Boutiques
Bottega Veneta
The first in the uptown Madison Avenue boutique line-up, known for luxury leather goods, shoes, and fashion.
Shanghai Tang
The colorful townhouse home of a well-known Hong Kong retailer, selling luxury fashions and home furnishings.
Valentino
If you can afford it, join the rich and famous; many of his gowns are worn at the Oscars.
Giorgio Armani
The New York flagship of the Italian master, known for his superb tailoring, offers a good range from his collection.
Giorgio Armani
BCBG Max Azria
“Bon chic, bon genre, “ (good style, good attitude), is the motto of this hot designer. Fans of his sexy fashions include many young Hollywood stars.
Tom Ford
Off-the-rack
options at this dual-level store include three-piece suits, dressing
gowns, and dress shirts in 350 colors. The store also offers customized
suits and private shopping appointments.
Dolce & Gabbana
Spot the celebrities at this chic Italian outpost which reopened in 2007 after major renovations.
DKNY
Donna Karan designs wearable fashions for every lifestyle and occasion.
Yves Saint Laurent
The legacy of the legendary French couturier lingers, with a particular appeal to the young.
Yves Saint Laurent
Ralph Lauren
The
1898 Rhinelander Mansion is the backdrop for the king of preppy
fashion, who spent $14 million renovating the old mansion. Sportswear is
in a separate shop across the street.
Restaurants
Daniel
A flower-filled dining room provides the setting for Daniel Boulud’s award-winning seasonal French menus
Ottomanelli New York Grill
This
Italian restaurant-cum-steakhouse serves delicious food at bargain
prices. The cons? The place is small and a little low on ambience.
Payard Bistro
Although
the French food is superb, the drawcard is François Payard’s exquisite
desserts, such as “New York, New York.” Open for morning pastries,
afternoon tea, light snacks, and dinner.
Café Boulud
Since
Daniel opened, Boulud’s original restaurant here has become more
casual, but the menu and tab are serious. In summer, the terrace tables
are a fine dining spot convenient for Museum Mile.
davidburke town house
Creative New American cuisine, inventively presented, is served in a stunning modern space.
Erminia
They
don’t come more romantic than this tiny, candlelit Italian with beamed
ceilings and a menu of well-prepared classics. A popular choice on
Valentine’s Day.
Etats-Unis
Despite the French name, the inventive cuisine is New American and draws a loyal following. The menu changes daily.
Orsay
This chic French café is busy and cozy, serving authentic bistro fare. It also has a Gallic vibe.
Orsay
Taste
Self-serve
commissary by day, sophisticated ambience by night. The simple style
allows the flavors to speak for themselves. The wine list provides some
bargains to accompany the new American cuisine.
1413 3rd Ave at 80th St
212 717 9798
E.J.’s Luncheonette
A
family-friendly diner that serves large portions of well-prepared
American breakfasts. Great pancakes are served all day, along with
granola and fresh fruit.
1271 3rd Ave at 73rd St
212 472 0600
No credit cards
|
Unless otherwise stated, all restaurants accept credit cards and serve vegetarian meals |
