There’s no shortage of great restaurants in downtown New York.
New ones pop up nightly like mushrooms in the woods.
Cool shops are also ten-a-penny.
But hidden away in the light flooded streets of Soho, you’ll find the most perfect combination of the two that you could ever hope for.
Take a stroll down Howard St, awash with that particular New York sunshine that bounces from the windows and gives everything that beautiful crispiness.
Shearling coat // Blue scarf (similar)
And just before you hit Mercer, you’ll see it.
A navy blue beacon.
Filled with all sorts of wonders.
Part homeware shop, part restaurant, part bakery.
A treasure trove of interiors.
Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch are the husband and wife founders of this 7,000-foot design haven from the bustling streets of New York.
Absolutely everything is for sale, from the furniture to the flowers, even the plates you eat from.
Ms. Rose runs the kitchen and bakery.
A lively little space leading off of the showroom, where simple dishes are served on miss-matched crockery sourced from all over the world.
You sink into plush velvet while the friendliest of staff buzz around the happy crowd like bees tending to their garden.
The cocktail and wine list is extensive and well balanced, and you can order what they’re served in from an illustrated menu.
The crowd itself is hip, good looking and in no rush.
If you find the place packed, try for a late lunch at 3 or so.
We opted for sharing plates.
Camembert draped in apples cooked in Calvados.
The most spectacular taramasalata I’ve ever tasted, with warm blinis.
Goat’s cheese with pistachios and warm honey.
Smoked salmon and freshly made blinis.
Salad niçoise.
Soft boiled egg in cauliflower cream.
So rich, butso delicate.
Perfect little steak tartar.
And the most spectacular crepe with everything!
All polished off with something light, refreshing and most of all, slimming…
Profiteroles in hot chocolate sauce.
A truly memorable feast and one I fully intend to recreate on my next visit to The Big Apple.
There’s even a flower shop for those lucky enough to call themselves locals.
I thoroughly recommend dropping in for breakfast, lunch, tea or supper.
I heartily suggest you book a table, which you can do online.
If you want to risk popping by without one, they can always put your name on a list and give you a buzz when it’s ready. Giving you the opportunity to peruse a few of the shops nearby.
