Tag Archives: upper east side

The Scoop On The Latest Fashion

Scoop’s byline is “the ultimate closet.” And how else could this – Alice & Olivia tunics, Zac Posen gowns, Tom Binns jewelry, Theory blazers, Helmut Lang tees, Marc Jacobs clutches, Vince camis, exclusive Stewart Weitzman heels and flats, Ya-Ya skirts, and Acne jeans – be described? Ultimate, for starters, because that’s just the women’s section. The men’s, kid’s, and home sections meaPicture 49sure up accordingly with brands like DSquared and Chip & Pepper.

For one-stop fashion shopping there are three Scoop locations in New York City to chose from. The SoHo Scoop, which is aptly referred to as the Mega-Scoop, is where you will find current runway trends and staples alike from every hip designer you’ve ever lusted over. Translation: this store is huge and has it all. The West Village Scoop houses a concept store that is referred to as “the ultimate attic” and tends more towards Ileana Makri jewelry, Havaiana flip-flops, and Freecity hoodies. And for uptowners, well, there’s the uptown Scoop. But regardless of location, the Scoop philosophy of shopping remains the same: all the clothes and accessories are organized by trend, color, and type so that the ever time-strapped New York shopper can find exactly what they want, right along side the right pieces to compliment what they came shopping for.

The Masterpiece That Is The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum is one of the most prized buildings and museums in New York City, and is often considered a masterpiece inside and out. Filling the famous rotunda halls with its highly-acclaimed contemporary art permanent collection and exhibitions, the Guggenheim always offers a unique and interactive experience to art.

Picture 25The Guggenheim Museum was integrated during the first half of the 20th century from several private collections. These private collections were so wonderfully different from each other that visitors have the opportunity to enjoy an enormous range of pieces from various historical as well as artistic periods: Mapplethorpe’s 200 finest photographs and objects, the Bohen Foundation’s room-sized film/video art works, and there’s an entire gallery dedicated to Kandinsky. The museum’s diverse and brilliant works reflect the course of modern art from the mid 1800’s to the present day via sculptures to light shows to paintings.

The Guggenheim is now celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in the landmark Frank Lloyd Wright building, with many groundbreaking anniversaries and exhibitions to come.

Biennial and Beyond at The Whitney

Many museums claim to be one of the leading institutions of art, but very rarely can one stake claim as the preeminent museum, but so is the case at the Whitney. Its specialty? Americana, baby. With installations, sculptures, photography, paintings, and film starring Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, and up and coming designers, The Whitney is known for its innovative collections and is one of the most beloved museums by in-the-know New Yorkers.

It’s fitting that the highly regarded American art museum has an equally fabulous American heritage. The Whitney was started by none other than American royalty, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. The sculptor/socialite found it nearly impossible for emerging artists to find an exhibition space, so in 1931, The Whitney Museum of American Art was born.

Its most famous exhibition is the annual Whitney Biennial from February to May; it’s become so popular that it’s now regarded as one of the leading art exhibitions in the entire world. Focused on contemporary art, The Biennial stays true to the Whitney’s foundations and is a grand debut for many emerging artists and an incredible showcase for the more famous ones. The Biennial is in its 75th year and is getting more diverse and innovative with age.

For those wanting a great taste of American art that’s surprising, thought-provoking and beautiful in the same breath, there truly is no better place in the world than The Whitney.

Sophisticated Jazz Club at Classy Cafe Carlyle

Picture 6Cafe Carlyle offers an oh-so-elegant change of pace from all the downtown jazz joints. This upper east side venue was made famous by Bobby Short and his decades of Cole Porter and Duke Ellington interpretations. On any given night the coolest of the cool slip into the ritzy Carlyle Hotel to hear the tunes in the subtle light of table lamps.

Woody Allen and the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band play Monday nights ’til June. Come here dressed to impress, jackets are required and so is the pocketbook- prices can start at $100 a person. But the performances and luxurious setting are well worth the price tag.

High Tea or a Night Cap at Alice’s Tea Cup

At Alice’s Tea Cup the air seems to be filled with ferry dust and sweet dreams. It’s actually just glitter and the scent of freshly baked cupcakes but when you are here in one of the exquisite tea rooms, the magic of Alice In Wonderland takes over and even the grumpiest adults can become kids again over the famous Pumpkin Scones and a pot of Birthday Tea. Or if you are more adventurous try the Chocolate Mint Tea, that’s Indian black tea with mini chocolate chips and peppermint leaves, and Alice’s Hamburger, it comes with Lapsang and Rooibos tea infused sauteed onions and mushrooms – yum! For the grown-ups in the group there is also the inventive menu of “Mar-tea-nis and Such” serving up creative libations like the Admiral’s Mar-tea-ni which is Rooibos tea, Kahlua, and Kettle One. You can’t go wrong with the restorative powers of tea and the ancient effects of liquor all in one! Now with three uptown locations serving a huge selection of teas and beverages, tea sandwiches and soups, treats and cakes, and other delights you should have no problem fitting a little afternoon tea into your afternoon.

Indulge at Dylan’s Candy Bar

With over 5,000 types of candy on three sweet floors, the New York Candy Cafe and multiple private party rooms, Dylan’s Candy Bar is not only the largest candy store in New York, but the largest in the world. As featured in Vogue and the New York Times, Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York is the ultimate sweet-tooth attraction for the candy lover in you. Peruse the award winning displays of candy – there’s a life-size tree made of over-sized lollipops – or challenge yourself and your belly to an I Bet You Can’t Sundae – that’s ten scoops of ice cream and ten toppings for twenty bucks! Make sure to go in on this one with a friend or two if you hope to get up out of your seat when the spoons have hit the bottom of the dish. Or if you prefer to save your figure, just buy a few of your favorite childhood candies, they are sure to have whatever you are looking for here in this spectacular world of lollipops, gummy bears, jelly beans and chocolate. Looking for gourmet sea-salt caramels? They’ve got that. Kosher Marshmallow twists? You’ll find them here. Yummy edible bikinis? Yeah, they’ve even got those.

Affinia Gardens

Picture 10This stylish, 14-story hotel is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Affinia Gardens is less than a two mile walk from some of the best New York attractions, including Times Square, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.Recently renovated in 2005, Affinia Gardens is nestled amongst sycamore-shaded blocks and stylish brownstones. This all-suite hotel was converted from an apartment building, and exudes the feeling of a private Manhattan residence. The hotel’s lounge offers complimentary morning coffee and herbal teas, in addition to weekly wine-and-cheese receptions. A lobby area workstation has a laptop, and wireless Internet access is available in public areas and in guestrooms for a fee.

Plaza Athenee

Picture 9Nestled among the residences of the East Side, on a quiet tree-lined street, this charming boutique hotel is just a stroll away from Central Park, Madison Avenue shopping, museums and business areas. This elegant, European-style hotel, known for providing the ultimate in personalized service, has 114 guestrooms and 35 suites, some with glass enclosed indoor terraces and outdoor balconies.

Surrey Hotel

Picture 23Fitting right into the Upper East Side’s exclusive environs is the Surrey Hotel, a favorite of sophisticated travelers and international guests seeking a tranquil retreat. Set among stately townhouses, the Surrey is convenient to Madison Avenue boutiques, renowned museums and Central Park.

The Lowell Hotel

Picture 27Located on a quiet, tree-lined street off Madison Avenue, The Lowell is in the heart of New York’s most exclusive and fashionable Upper East Side enclaves. With 47 individually decorated suites and 21 deluxe rooms, the hotel lavishes guests with personalized service. Most suites have wood-burning fireplaces, and some have terraces.

The Mark

Picture 29The Mark is located on the fashionable Upper East Side, at Madison Avenue and East 77th Street. The hotel is close to major attractions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim, Whitney, The Frick, Central Park and boutique shops on Madison Avenue. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle to and from Wall Street.

Franklin Hotel

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Hailed as one of New York City’s most romantic hotels, The Franklin sits nestled on a quiet tree-lined street in the heart of Manhattan’s cultural center in the prestigious Upper East Side.  A short walk from Central Park, the famed Museum Mile, Madison Avenue shops and an array of superb dining options, The Franklin is a perfect getaway.