Destination New York, USA

There is something special about New York! No matter how many times I visit, I always get an adrenalin-filled rush when I arrive. The city fizzes with energy. You can almost taste the “can-do attitude” in the air. Americans are proud of their national identity. They know who they are and that is infectious. 

Long ago I ticked off the sights. My first visit as a young girl felt like I had walked into a movie set. The tall granite buildings, the yellow taxis, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and the views from the top of the Empire State Building which had seemed another world away when I saw them on the TV, had spun to life in front of my own eyes. New York was a far cry from London. Things always seemed bigger and better and more exciting. I was hooked. New York had caught me up in its spin and l did not want to get off.

Over the years the things that I loved on my first visit still thrill me. However, the Big Apple has kept reinventing itself, changing more radically than most cities I regularly travel to. Areas become gentrified and quickly touted as the new trendy neighbourhoods. The shows on Broadway are constantly being refreshed. Restaurants come and go. What is hot one week maybe not the next. 

Fifth Avenue

This time I was told Asian fusion was the cuisine of the moment. I would not attempt to recommend restaurants here. No sooner than I would have written this post, there would be something newer and glitzier being hailed as the must-go to spot. 

With globalisation, most brands found in Britain’s big cities can be now found across the pond, even Pret A Mangers are littered all over Manhattan. While some institutions that have the city’s DNA in their walls may go unchanged, others have had makeovers to bring them crash bang into the 21^st century.

But, here is the thing: New York’s constant metamorphosis only adds to its allure. The thrill of walking around this melting pot of cultures is still there even after all the trips. 

Of course, if it is your first time in the city you will want to hop on a tour bus and see the fabled landmarks and take a look at the new 9/11 museum that pays homage to the worst day in New York’s history. But the best way to get around is walking. You can marvel at the architecture and you are sure to discover something new each time you are in town.  

Central Park

I love the incredible number of parks scattered through the city, so you will always find somewhere to sit and recharge the batteries while you people watch. Central Park, for me, still has a romantic feel and I can saunter around there for hours.

Totally relaxed, I was in the mood for some retail therapy. I headed for Century 21, at Lincoln Square on Broadway (between 66^th and 67^th), the well-known discount store. It can be extremely hit and miss. If you are lucky you may find some interesting little numbers from designers such as Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu. You should go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.  

It was not my lucky day. After mooching around in some small boutiques I found on the Upper West Side, it was on to the chic Upper East Side where you get a sense of classic New York. Designer stores such as Prada and Barneys New York which attracts sophisticated fashionistas and celebrities, line Madison Avenue. Though nowadays, there are some high street stalwarts in between. 

Flatiron Building

A stroll along Fifth Avenue tempted me to pop into two legendary department stores: Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. 

I also picked out a few neighbourhoods that I wanted to visit. For cutting-edge fashion, it had to be the cobblestoned streets of the Meat Packing District. The Flatiron District, named after the amazing wedge-shaped 1900s Flatiron Building, is the place for design aficionados to head for. Greenwich Village with Washington Square Park at its heart, oozes charm and is a haunt for old-time jazz clubs, bars  delis and restaurants.

SoHo and TriBeCa are full of the fashion-conscious taking in the high-end boutiques and galleries. It is always buzzing, especially on a Saturday. It is a great place for brunch.

Full of zest and zeal and with my thigh muscles thoroughly toned, it was sadly, time to return to London.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

London City

British Airways operates an exclusive 32-seat all-business class jet service from London City to New York 11 times a week

To book or for more information and best fares visit ba.com/New York

 

Heathrow

British Airways operates several daily services from London Heathrow to New York

To book or for more information and other airports visit ba.com/newyork 

Stay at the Loews Regency. For more information visit loewshotels.com

First published in All About Hair (All About Hair UK), the travel and lifestyle blog with a luxury twist

The Loews Regency Hotel, the birth place of the power breakfast

When I received an invitation for a power breakfast at the recently renovated Regency Bar & Grill, at New York’s legendary hotel, the Loews Regency, I was over the moon. This hotel is regarded as the birth place of the “the power breakfast” and right now is considered to offer one of the finest dining experiences in this great city. This would certainly be one to store in the memory books.

New York, in the 1970s, was on the brink of bankruptcy. Bob Tisch, the Loews Regency’s founder, invited the city’s business and political leaders there to discuss ways to put New York back on track. So the term “power breakfast” was coined.

The breakfast spot gained momentum and as it became the norm for people to have early morning meetings, the Loews Regency became the destination for people to go to see and be seen at the start of the working day.

Ready for breakfast

This tradition only stopped when the hotel had to close for the building works. But now the movers and shakers from the world of business, media, politics and finance are back in full force at this Park Avenue venue. Yet, despite this being a power house pulsating with energy as deals are made and sealed, it is extremely warm and welcoming.

Managed by New York City restaurateurs Gherardo Guarducci and Dimitri Pauli of the Sant Ambroeus Hospitality Group and spearheaded by culinary genius executive chef Dan Silverman, the menu at the Loews Regency Bar & Grill, using market-fresh ingredients, dishes up classics with a modern day twist and an international flavour.

There was not a spare place in sight at the beautifully-designed chrome bar which I passed on my way to the restaurant which has a contemporary classic feel about it. I loved the neutral upholstery which worked well with the boldly-patterned carpet.

Service was slick, thoughtful and friendly. As soon as I sat down coffee was served and kept coming. I needed the caffeine injections after being awake since 5am. I wasn't going to let a little thing like jetlag ruin my New York break. The coffee was really good and did the trick.

The bar

To start I had a plate of seasonal berries which tasted as if they had just been picked, followed by smoked salmon served with a bagel, cream cheese, capers, red onion and tomato. This, too, was excellent.

The fare is not cheap, but I guess that is relative. The two men at the next table were talking about transactions in amounts that made telephone numbers look small.

There are plenty of healthy options to choose from such as an egg white frittata which comes with broccoli, carrots and peppers and for those with a more heartier appetite, the full American breakfast will not disappoint. Another star, I am told, are the pancakes.

There were plenty of people eating while doing business which is a testament to the quality of the food.

Being in a room that fizzes with energy and creativity is great way to start the day whether you are in New York for pleasure or business.  You never know, some of the magic may just rub off.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

London City

British Airways operates an exclusive 32-seat all-business class jet service from London City to New York 11 times a week

To book or for more information and best fares visit ba.com/New York

 

Heathrow

British Airways operates several daily services from London Heathrow to New York

To book or for more information and other airports visit ba.com/newyork 

For more information about the Loews Regency, visit loewshotels.com

First published in All About Hair (All About Hair UK), the travel and lifestyle blog with a luxury twist