On April 6 and 7, real estate industry elites will descend on the Mandarin Oriental Hotel to share ideas, introduce new products and unveil the latest marketing technologies with the top brokers in the business at Global Connect 2016.
Springtime in New York is like no other place in the world. To best take advantage of your downtime, I have made a list of my top picks.
There’s still time to register for Global Connect!
Things to do
Central Park is across the street from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Slip on some comfortable shoes to take a walk among the tulips and daffodils.
Grab a bench at The Sailboat Pond (around East 72nd street) to watch kids discover old fashioned radio-controlled boat racing, dine at The Loeb Boathouse (212-517-2233) overlooking the lake or grab a drink with new friends, and watch tourists attempt to row their own boats.
If you’re adventurous, go for a long walk through The Ramble, past the Great Lawn and around the cherry blossom-ringed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
There is no better way to see Central Park than on foot. Afterward, The Plaza Hotel Food Hall (1 Central Park South) is a great place to explore the best of local restaurant vendors cooking up everything, including lobster rolls (Luke’s Lobster), beef pho (Chi Noodle Bar), caviar from Olma Caviar Boutique and Bar and crepe cakes from Lady M.
Todd English has a restaurant there where you are seated at different counters (fish, meat, pizza), and you can sample different fares from all over the world. This is truly a must-see, taste and share experience.
Another great walk is the Highline, a 1.45-mile-long elevated park that now extends from West 34th street near 11th Avenue down to Gansevoort Street. Check out the building of Hudson Yards at the West 34th Street section and walk down to the newly opened Whitney Museum (99 Gansevoort Street) designed by Renzo Piano.
After viewing art to your heart’s content and Instagramming great Meatpacking District vistas from the various outdoor perches at the museum, grab a bite inside at Untitled from celebrated Chef Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern, or head outside and try the Torisi Brothers Santina (820 Washington Street) for Italian farmers market-inspired delicacies.
Classic dishes become inspired (and tasty) masterpieces. The people-watching is also a dream with locals and tourists alike. One of the best views in the city can be had at Top of the Standard (848 Washington Street).
Dress up, and imbibe hand-crafted cocktails while enjoying spectacular sunsets with live jazz, or go upstairs and outdoors for some small plates and photo ops beyond your wildest expectations. This is a must-do if you are all about the view.
Feel like sticking closer to Global Connect? Billionaire’s Row, also known as 57th Street, is the epicenter of the building boom, with five-star hotels and restaurants to match. One57’s (157 West 57th Street) competes for airspace with 111 West 57th Street (JDS Development), 625 West 57th Street (Durst), Central Park Tower (Extell-225 West 57th Street ), 432 Park Avenue (Macklowe-57th and Park Avenue) and 252 East 57th Street (World Wide Properties).
Also rising is 220 Central Park South (Vornado) — it’s the one to watch as the front-runner for a billionaire must-buy.
If your neck starts getting tired and you want a more grounded feel, head to Le Parker Meridien’s (119 West 56th Street) secret burger joint, complete with a line out the door and graffiti walls.
Burger Joint is a cash-only, no-frills, hidden jewel behind the curtain in the atrium of this storied hotel. Locals and tourists vie for space and the few tables it holds. No matter — every bite is worth it.
If a view of the new developments and Central Park is what you a looking for, head to The Roof of the Viceroy (120 West 57th Street) for cocktails and sustenance from Kingside al fresco, complete with panoramic views of New York City. If sushi is more your speed, Nobu 57 (40 West 57th Street) is always a crowd-pleaser.
Sounds that will delight the ear
Jazz at Lincoln Center is located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and Dizzy’s Jazz Club is Nicole Beauchamp’s (from Engel & Völkers) pick for a mid-week late night session. The music, the view, the ambiance and Southern cuisine make this a must.
If you prefer heading downtown, Terra Blues (149 Bleeker Street between Thompson Street and Laguardia Place) is a Greenwich Village fixture with two bands taking the stage nightly. If you are looking for a dimly lit, intimate blues bar where the musicians sing the blues just for you (because you are that close), Terra Blues is your place.
Places to spend your wad of cash
Uptown favorite Barneys New York returned to its Chelsea roots with a spectacular new 58,000-square-foot (over four stories) store on Seventh Avenue and 17th Street. Anchored by an Andree Putman designed spiral staircase, which has already become an Instagram star, cutting-edge designers for men and women, a barbershop, accessories and a stellar cosmetic department complete this mecca of fashion.
Fred’s is here as well for the well-heeled shopper to see and be seen. Barneys New York on 61st and Madison still reigns supreme if you don’t feel like venturing downtown.
New York City is a neverending parade of new and old favorites. For more ideas, follow me on Instagram @RebeccaCavallaroNYC. See you at Global Connect 2016!
Rebecca Cavallaro is an associate broker Sotheby’s International Realty. Follow her on Instagram or on Twitter.