It’s the city that never sleeps. And nor should you on a visit to New York City. With five boroughs brimming with quirky boutiques, hole-in-the-wall eateries, iconic landmarks and night-haunts tucked behind back alley doors, a two-day sojourn in this city is like a flavour-packed amuse-bouche that will definitely leave you wanting more.
Stay
Fancy mingling with Midtown Manhattan’s cultural elite? Don your designer heels and make for Viceroy New York, a 29-storey stay that rubs steely shoulders with the likes of Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center and Radio City Music Hall. With Bergdorf-bag-loads of downtown swagger, this sophisticated structure has been styled from pavement to peak by design powerhouse Roman and Williams. Sleek and elegant rooms are tucked away behind red portal-like doors and are kitted out with custom cabinetry and woodwork, walls of windows, soft leather accents and piles of hand-picked books. The Kingside Restaurant dishes up chef Marc Murphy’s take on New American fare with small plates, charcuterieand breakfast goodies to go.
See
Venture out the lobby of Viceroy New York and you’re hardest decision will be which way to turn. A few steps away, Central Park is a lush green getaway in the midst of a sprawling metropolis; warm weather sees the park play host to concerts, plays and film festivals; ice-skating classes and holiday-themed tours are available during the colder months. The Museum of Modern Art at 11 W 53rd Street is a melting pot of creative inspiration, with collections ranging from printed and illustrated books to painting and sculptures. If the mere mention of Madison and Park Avenues has you itching for your wallet, don’t fret; simply follow the designer-clad fash-pack two blocks to find haute-couture boutiques and high street stores. Of course, you’ll need swanky new duds for a night at the Metropolitan Opera in Lincoln Centre Plaza; highlights of the 2014 season include Madama Butterfly, La Bohème and Prince Igor.
Eat
Overlooking the museum’s sublime sculpture garden, The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art offers fine-dining fare – squab and foie gras croustillant, rabbit terrine, chorizo-crusted cod – with a prix fixe menu and a wine-list with 900 choices. Award-winning chef Michael White’s Ai Fiori on 400 5th Avenue #2 dishes up French and Italian flavours: pork shoulder ravioli, sweetbread parcels with black truffle and pan-seared Nantucket Bay scallops. Can’t decide between fresh fish and house-made pasta? The four-course prix fixe or the six-course chef’s tasting menu will ensure your tastebuds won’t be disappointed.
Play
Have a chuckle at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre at 145 W 30th Street #4, a 74-seat theatre that boasts serious comedic credentials; think Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin. Still in Chelsea, seek out 132 9th Avenue for Bathtub Gin, a suave speakeasy with a menu of Collins drinks, slings and a wicked Martinez. Follow the glammed-up night-owls to Provocateur at 18 9th Avenue, a moodily lit club decked out with imported black chandeliers, LED ribbons and an eye-catching pair of Egyptian Phoenix wings hovering above the bar. The adjoining Provocateur café features an ethereal, dream-like design and its walls are lined by eight banquettes, styled like rooms from a European dollhouse.
To book any of Mr & Mrs Smith’s stylish boutique hotels visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the expert Travel Team on 1300 896 627. Smith guests enjoy exclusive extras at all stays.