Head Of Front Office At The Bowery, Tilo Springs Shares Her Favourite Spots In NYC
By Something CuratedFor those unfamiliar with The Bowery Hotel’s brief history, you could be forgiven for thinking it had been there forever. Appearing like a handsome relic from a bygone era, Edwardian and art deco antiques in varying states of stylish deterioration are arranged atop artfully frayed Persian carpets. Having established itself as a New York institution during its relatively short existence, the hotel has become somewhat of a beacon of good taste. Something Curated asked Tilo Springs, Director of Front Office at The Bowery Hotel, to give us her run down of the best places to eat, drink, shop and more, in New York. Enjoy!
Food & Drinks
Atla
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Opened by Enrique Olvera, Daniela Soto-Innes, and their chef Hugo Vera, Atla is a neighbourhood Mexican spot. Flaxseeds are not a standard garnish for chilaquiles, but they are indicative of the contemporary strain of nutrient-conscious eating Atla displays. By night, when the eggs and other breakfast dishes roll off the menu, the room fills up with people more interested in mezcal and the “overproof margarita” than coffee and agua fresca.
Chinese Tuxedo
Chinese Tuxedo is inspired in part by the cooking of the Chinese diaspora and, more specifically, Australia. The country has a thriving East Asian food culture, and it’s where Tuxedo co-owner Eddy Buckingham first connected with chef Paul Donnelly. There’s Sichuan fish-fragrant dressing on the beef tartare and “mapo lo mein” instead of the more popular mapo tofu. Singaporean curried chicken is in the spring rolls, and crisp-skinned squab is served whole.
Cupcake Market
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Cupcake Market, a quaint little bakery in the east village, gained Instagram fame when they put their meticulously decorated face cookies on the menu. As evidenced by the name of the bakery itself, this place makes a lot more than just cookies. They have a beautiful selection of cakes with frosting flowers that look too real to be made of sugar. Some of their cupcake flavours include banana with peanut butter frosting, vanilla with cookies and cream, pumpkin with maple cream cheese, and more.
Matcha Cafe Wabi
“The best tasting Matcha downtown,” according to Tilo, Matcha Cafe Wabi is a tiny cafe where you can not only get seasonal Matcha drinks, but also enjoy tasty vegan and authentic Japanese treats. A true one off, from the classic Matcha drinks to the interior’s walls and counters that are a tribute to the earthy green colour of the powder, Matcha Cafe Wabi is worth a visit.
The Bowery Hotel Lobby
Originally intended to be the precursor to the upstairs bar, The Bowery’s lobby has become one of the most lauded in the city, thanks to the design of Sean MacPherson and Eric Goode. Here they have created a stylish and elegant space, discerningly appointed, with an abundance of wood panelling, vintage leather, wide Persian rugs and a historic mural. There is no shortage of places to sit and enjoy the “amazing and original cocktails,” as Tilo describes, with a choice of velvet settees, gargoyle adorned seats and church pews.
Shop
KITH
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Established in 2011, KITH operates on two planes – a multifunctional lifestyle brand for both men and women, and a progressive retail platform. The store offers an array of products, ranging from their own in-house label to a curated selection of multi-brand apparel and footwear. KITH was founded by Ronnie Fieg, a prominent figure in the footwear industry, who has over twenty years of hands-on experience in the field.
ABC Carpet & Home
ABC Carpet & Home’s six-floor Manhattan flagship retains a certain warehouse aesthetic: worn hardwood floors creak under your feet, glittering chandeliers and gigantic antique carpets adorn the high ceilings, and furniture vignettes stand everywhere. Here you can flip through piles of rugs, enjoy the Ralph Lauren rooms, get lost in the European antiques, and even shop a unique jewellery and clothing edit.
Pampering & Wellness
Valley Nails
If you can dream it, it’s most likely that Valley can make it happen on your nails. Since 2006, this downtown salon has been decorating digits with everything from Degas to Warhol, The Hunger Games to Grumpy Cat — and, if you bring in an inspiration photo, your manicurist will translate it to your nails.
Shape Up NYC
Shape Up NYC is a free, drop-in fitness programme with locations across the five boroughs. There is no class registration, simply show up to take fitness classes like aerobics, yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and much more.
Chelsea Piers Fitness
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“Fun for kids and adults,” as Tilo points out, with unrivalled space and activities, Chelsea Piers is a community with a passion for fitness, sports and wellness. Have fun while achieving your wellness goals at one of New York’s most charming gyms.
Place To Visit
The Highline
The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Grab lunch at Chelsea Market or one of many other restaurants. You can peruse some of the best Chelsea art galleries and museums, or stroll over to Hudson River Park. Notably, The Whitney decamped in 2015 to a brand new home conceived by international architect Renzo Piano. Planted at the foot of the Highline along Gansevoort Street, the new building boasts some 63, 000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor exhibition space.
Feature image via The Bowery Hotel