IN [ The LES ]
A Perfect NYC Day, LES Edition, and Selfish Delights for the Pizza Enthusiast.
I typically keep to the West side (snooze, I know) of Manhattan for efficiency’s sake, but I make sure to get my butt to the Lower East Side twice a month. It’s crazy how the vibe shifts so extremely from neighborhood to neighborhood in NYC, it’s one of the things I love most about living here. Discovering a new corner of the city is like micro-dosing that travel inspiration high.
Are you ever 24 hours into discovering a new city, sniffing the air and looking around, before you declare, “You know what? I think I could live here." Because same. NYC has a little bit of that magic baked in. I get antsy being in one place for too long- nothing fuels creativity like change and for me, creative clarity comes best in a change of location.
A friend recently asked me this question and was surprised by my answer, so I'm paraphrasing it here: If you could only spend your fun money on one of the following for life, which would you choose? Wardrobe, Travel, or Food.
I killed my wardrobe first, which was a shock, to say the least. Food gave me momentary pause, but travel was a clear and obvious winner.
What would you choose?
A Perfect Day on the LES: Volume 1
Back to today’s agenda: If you’re looking for a day Downtown, but have the basics (SoHo and WV) covered, here’s what I think you should do:
Start your morning with something sweet at Elbow Bread.
Then you’re hitting Orchard.
A.W. Kaufman is your first stop. Check the hours before you go! This is one of NYC’s best-kept secrets with a vintage silk and slip-dress selection to rival the best. Come with patience and plenty of time to explore. The store’s matron is equally fabulous and knowledgeable; be respectful of her family’s collection and expect a no-touching, no-frills dressing room experience with her at your side. If this isn’t your jam, this isn’t an experience for you. And an experience it is. Every corner is stuffed with goodness waiting to be unboxed and displayed. The first thing you’re going to want to do is go through the bra + undie sets by the register, I scored the most gorgeous light pink Dior bra and boy short combo that rang in at $30. (I wore it every day to do my makeup in our MTK sharehouse this past summer and it got glowing reviews. Hot Tip #1: It also makes a great gift for a fashion-loving vintage-hunting bride, bridal party, or best friend.) Next, move on to the dresses. She’ll show you everything from gauzy linen gowns to barely-there slips. Most will be worth trying on and if you’re on the fence, trust her guidance; she knows the precarious fit of each piece intimately. (Prices range from $200-$400 depending on brand and fabric quality.) Let’s keep this one between us, okay?
If you did your jaunt at A.W. Kaufman properly, you’re probably in need of some sustenance. For a sit-down situation, head to Corner Bar in the Nine Orchard Hotel. As usual, I prefer the bar. I recommend starting with oysters, splitting a burger, and washing it back with a crisp Coke. (They also have a great breakfast menu if you want to start your day here. Alternatively, the Swan Room is a gorgeous setting for post-shop cocktails. Reservations preferred.) If you want to keep it moving, may I recommend Scarr’s Pizza, it’s a classic for a reason.
Refueled and ready to pound the pavement, here is where you should check out on Orchard:
Coming Soon: wacky homewares for the color-lover. They just got in a selection from Gustaf Westman. I’ve had my eye on these for a while. I also added this lazy susan and one of these jelly vases to my wishlist. (Hot Tip #2: Make an appointment- or ask at the register- to see their furniture showroom. It’s a few doors down and worth a visit.)
Next door, peek your head into No Gem, they always have something interesting on display.
Suzie Kondi is across the street on Orchard and great for a summer sweatsuit with some flair, though the Amagansett location is preferable.
For a perfectly posh yet playful shopping experience, stop at Susan Alexandra. (Hot Tip #3: They have the most adorable selection of beaded dog collars and pet necklaces, which make great gifts for the maximalist pet lover in your life. See here, here, and here.) Also, their collaboration with Bose headphones is a best-in-class example of transferring brand DNA in a way that is both appealing and relevant to the consumer in a completely new product category. Kudos! I dig them; see here.
Tumbao has a great curation of Latin American designers, you’ll walk away knowing you have a piece that so few others will have. I recommend trying on a button-down by Banzo. I own one and think the collar detail is so unique, loving the new colorways too (the crop is also perfect if I do say so myself.) Now that I’m on the topic, Banzo has some great stuff out right now: these beaded pants in the summer with a white tank, dresses 1 and 3 as a throw-on post-beach, this silk sailor skirt as a mini dress, unusual neck-tie moments here and here. High probability I’ll be wearing one or more of these this summer, I’ll do a try-on via IG stories next time I get to Orchard.
Pop into Sandy Liang, I loved their last show (if you missed my stack reviewing NYFW read it here) and am excited about what they may put out from it. The trompe-l’oeil skirts are at the top of my list.
If you're a vintage shopper, Pilgrim, Desert Vintage, and The Vintage Twin are my go-to. I don’t love rack racing and prefer a slightly more curated selection to start with. Of the three, I have the best luck at Pilgrim.
On the hunt for shoes? Pêche is a must. They have those trendy pieces you want to test drive before committing to them with the big bucks for $89.99. It’s hard to justify dropping a lot on shoes when the NYC streets do a number on them. (If you’ve seen my kitten heel collection, I know you’re rolling your eyes at me. I get it- hello, hypocrite! I said it was hard to justify, not impossible.) Also- don’t sleep on their clothing selection, I’ve found some treasures there.
November 19 is where I found that vintage cigarette case I’ve been using as a wallet. Think trinkets, homewares (got this cute enamel splatter paint mug set there too), random vintage pieces, etc. It’s a fun stop-in.
If November 19 is for the eccentric collector, Beverly’s is for the understated cool girl. I know I’m crazy, but why do I want a foot pillow? (Rest assured, it costs around $400, so you will not see it on my couch any time soon.) I immediately cataloged this interesting take on a sink skirt, too. The aluminum bar top and silver vinyl fabric is such a fun (monochromatic and more modern?) take on a style that typically leans more toward farm kitchen. I’ll take advantage of this inspiration if I ever have the opportunity to recreate it.
Le PÈRE is a new favorite of mine. It offers sport-centric menswear in luxe fabrications and interesting silhouettes. I think I’m due for a jersey. The mechanic shirt meets button-down is stellar, too.
Unisecon is across the street and very unique, I always take a spin in there.
Lastly, Sweet Pickle Books is adorable. Drop off an old book and receive a jar of pickles in return.
For drinks, I’d head to Le Dive on the earlier side and then over to Kikis for dinner. Thank me later, it’s that good.
Alternatively, if you want to have the most amazing wholesome night, head to Happy Medium. It’s a special place, you’ll leave a little lighter in spirit with a bit of that NYC magic in tow.
Selfish Delights: For the Pizza Enthusiast
If you trust me on one thing, let. it. be. this. I can’t begin to qualify how well-suited I am to be giving these recommendations, just know that if one could be schooled in Pizza, I’d have a PhD. My thoughts on this matter are too intricate to detail in this quick-hit section, so expect a full dissertation at a later date…And lastly, if you’re one of those “all-pizza-is-good-pizza” people, kindly log off here. This is not for you. Xx, A Pizza Snob
Best Pie: Lucali
I’ll say it because no one else will. This is THE ONLY reservation in New York City worth the hassle. And it really is a huge hassle. As in you’ll spend more time waiting outside for your table (at minimum 3 hrs) than you will be dining. Why is that? There are rules. 1 hr at your table for 4ppl or less, 1.5 hrs if you get the single table of 6. BYOB. Expect only pizza- no side salads, no pasta, no meats (this has changed a bit in the last year, but if you’re a real one, you know). Toppings are limited and change daily. I’ll get into the nitty-gritty of it all in my dissertation, here are my three final remarks for right now: 1. The calzone is essential to your order 2. Ask for a side of spicy sauce (off-menu), 3. Whatever time you’re thinking of getting on line, go an hour (or two) earlier.
Best Slice: L’Industrie
Typically I think the original location of any joint is the only location you should be dining at. It’s hard to recreate the magic elsewhere, and even harder still when it comes to weathered pizza ovens. That being said, I find L’industrie’s West Village location an exception to the rule. It’s really just as good as the original 2nd Street location, which I frequent whenever I’m in the area. You can catch me in the Christopher Street location once (okay, maybe twice) a week. Don’t be afraid of the lines at both locations, they move fast. AND DO NOT GET IT TO GO. PIZZA SHOULD NOT BE EATEN OUT OF A BOX.
Here’s what you’re ordering: 1 Spicy Salami Slice (my personal favorite), 1 Burrata Slice (not usually a cold cheese topping gal, but damn), and if this is your first encounter with L’industrie, 1 Margarita (as a baseline for comparative assessment). A coke (because, duh.) And if you have a sweet tooth, the froyo with olive oil and salt is good, but the chocolate chip cookie is GREAT. (It could be my favorite ever, but I’m not ready to set that claim in stone yet.)
What to expect in your inbox on 3/7: Another Perfect NYC Day? A Fashion Month follow-up? I have Prada on my mind. Interior Tidbits? What’s in my cart for summer? TBD. What do you think?
Have a Selfish Delight you want to share? Drop a Comment.
As always,
If you’re not going to be nice, at least be funny,
Maggie
I would like this itinerary next time I’m up