CITY GUIDE

Top: The entrance lit up at night. Inset: A variety of pastries served at the Food Hall inside The Plaza Hotel.

New York’s Indulgent Side If budget isn’t a question, ’s got the hotels, hot tables, and Did you know ? hangouts that make the splurge well worth it. By TRACY KALER Many believe that the iconic Flatiron ISH TO BE PAMPERED on your Toast a special occasion at the Champagne Building was named W vacation? From staying at Robert de Bar; nosh on the decadent food at the Plaza after the household Niro’s hotel to discovering where Woody Food Hall. Have a cocktail or afternoon tea in appliance. But the triangular region Allen goes jamming, New York has many the Palm Court, a grand space known for its contained by options for spoiling yourself. stained glass dome, wispy palm trees, and park- , Fifth like ambiance. September rates start around Avenue, and 22nd WHERE TO STAY $1,400 per night for a 730-square-foot suite. and 23rd Streets With its storied history and convenient location, was known as the you’ll feel like royalty at the Plaza Hotel. From If you imagine sleeping in an Upper East Side “Flat Iron” even amenities such as in-room iPads, 24-hour butler Pied-a-terre, consider the Carlyle Hotel. before the building’s service, and on-site health and wellness facilities, Recognized for its top-notch service and construction. this chateau-like landmark offers a piece of old utmost privacy, this elegant Rosewood

New York with modern conveniences. property will transport you to the New JON ARNOLD/JAI/CORBIS, OF (PLAZA HOTEL) COURTESY PHOTO GICA TAM. BY WEBSITE. ILLUSTRATION PLAZA HOTEL (FOOD)

42 Mabuhay Magazine / Semptember 2015 CITY GUIDE

Clockwise from top left: Some of New York’s award- winning hotels. Excellent service at Greenwich Hotel. A salmon with broccoli dish served at Bouley. Colorful, industiral interiors at Gato.

York of the 1930s, the period when the structure the world, with an array of seasoned top chefs and was built. hyper-talented newcomers.

Whether you stay at the Carlyle or not, go for Seafood enthusiasts swoon over Eric Ripert’s Le cocktails at its Bemelmans bar and its cabaret at Bernardin. Offering some of the freshest fish you Café Carlyle. A host of performers have graced will taste in your lifetime, this midtown restaurant the Carlyle’s stage over the years, including Steve continues to wow patrons with creative dining Tyrell, Judy Collins, and Rita Moreno, while Woody options, stellar service, and timeless appeal. Dinner Allen and the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band starts at US$140 per person for four courses. play a regular gig on Monday nights. The rate for a room with a or courtyard view in A story precedes each plate at Eleven Madison October starts at around US$700 per night. Park, a restaurant with stunning Art Deco interiors Did you know ? that overlooks Madison Square Park. Expect your If you prefer to stay downtown, head to Robert server to ask about any allergies and dislikes, and The hot dog was De Niro’s Greenwich Hotel in TriBeCa. The 88- design a personalized meal. Price per person is invented in Cony Island room boutique property exudes comfort, warmth, US$225 and comes with show-stopping foie gras. in Brooklyn, New York and a hip country house vibe. Lounge by the fire in 1867. Today, it can in the drawing room or have a glass of wine in the Head below 23rd Street and discover the diverse cost up to US$289,000 outdoor courtyard. dining scene downtown. Bobby Flay’s most recent for a hot dog push cart venture is , a Mediterranean eatery with permit in . Gato WHERE TO DINE standout dishes like Tarragon Chicken and Kale and

The food scene is one of the finest in Wild Mushroom Paella. DAVIDBOULEY. (FOOD) DJJEWELZ OF (WAITER) COURTESY PHOTOS GICA TAM. BY TASTINGTABLE.COM.ILLUSTRATION (GATO) COM,

44 Mabuhay Magazine / Semptember 2015 Left: A sunny day at Central Park. great for picknicking and people-watching. Right: An art installation at Lincoln Center. From Broadway shows to street art, marvel at creativity showcased in New York.

You’ll never want for memorable food with When it’s time to relax, head to Sixty-Five in 30 longtime West Chelsea fixture Del Posto, the , the cocktail lounge in the world- Italian brainchild of Mario Batali and Joe and Lidia renowned Rainbow Room. Your US$20 drink will be NEW YORK Bastianich. And don’t skip TriBeCa’s 25-year-old accompanied with spectacular city views. Bouley known for its luscious US$55 prix fixe lunch tasting. No matter what time of year you visit NYC, devote at least one afternoon to walking through Central WHAT TO DO Park. Gorgeous year-round, the 843-acre green Your trip wouldn’t be complete without shopping. space is the New Yorker’s backyard. Attractions Discover block after block of couture boutiques from include the Great Lawn for picnicking, Belvedere MANILA the East 50s through the 80s on Madison Avenue. Castle for stunning view, the cinematic Mall for Favorites include Dolce & Gabbana between 68th a stroll, and the bustling Bethesda Fountain for and 69th Streets and Ralph Lauren at 72nd. people watching.

Continue one block west on . Recall Set aside an afternoon for a tour of the Museum of the romantic opening scene at the Breakfast at Modern Art or the Guggenheim—both promise a Tiffany’s film at the Tiffany & Co. flagship store. And peek into the city’s extensive fine art scene. while you’re in the neighborhood, ramble north PAL flies between Manila a few blocks to Bergdorf Goodman (just across Spend an evening at the theater be it for a Broadway and New York four times weekly. For more information, from the Plaza Hotel), which has nine floors of show, opera, classical concert, or a ballet. These call PAL reservations office luxury shopping—across the street is a men’s store productions have performances every day—a fitting at (+632) 855 8888 or visit

PHOTOS COURTESY OF (CENTRAL PARK) TRACY KALER, (ART KALER, (ART TRACY PARK) OF (CENTRAL COURTESY PHOTOS KRAUS. MATTHEW INSTALLATION) worth visiting. wrap up to a luxury holiday. n philippineairlines.com.

45 www.philippineairlines.com