Gertrude Stein once said, “I like a view, but I like to sit with my back turned to it.” Whatever your view on views, GunkelmanFlesher wants to be sure you have some options. So, in each issue of Aesthetic, we offer up recommendations on some of the more fascinating places we’ve been or things we’ve done. Enjoy.
Restaurants
Morandi
7th Avenue @ Waverly Place
West Village
New York City
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A newer Italian restaurant that is owned by the same people who own Pastis in the Meat Packing District, and Balthazar in SOHO. The interior is very rustic/Tuscan and the food follows suit. It's great for people-watching but hard to get in. So make a reservation in advance.
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The Shake Shack
Madison Square Park
Madison Avenue @ 23rd
New York City |
A really casual burger "shack" that’s in one of the public park buildings in Madison Square Park. Chef Danny Meyer prepares unbelievable burgers, hot dogs, shakes, fries, etc. You walk up to a window and eat in the park. There is always a line. But they have a website, so you can determine the line-length, and time your stop accordingly. |
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Delicatessen
SOHO/East Village
54 Prince Street
@Lafayette Street
New York City |
This restaurant was once a diner, but they completely renovated the interior and made it very chic. It's warm and cozy at night. All of the windows slide into the walls, so it's completely open to the sidewalk. There are more intimate bars downstairs. They’re usually less crowded and easier to get a drink/service. |
Hotels
Hotel Majestic
Via Vittorio Veneto 50
Rome, Italy
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This hotel has been re-done recently and is very fresh and crisp. It was an old palace by the Spanish Steps, and near some exceptional shopping. The rooms are all white, and the bathrooms are white marble. If you can, ask for a “Superior Double” room. It’s worth it.
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Hotel Lungarno
Borgo San Jacopo
Florence, Italy |
This hotel is right on the river and very close to the Ponte Vecchio. It’s clean, minimal and modern, and has a great cafe/bar. There is even a shop that sells items that are used in the hotel rooms such as furniture, sheets and accessories. Request a room with a view of the river. |
Convent de la Missio
c/Mision 7 07003
Palma Mallorca
Barcelona, Spain |
This hotel is nestled into the hills of Mallorca and was formerly a convent. It's very clean and minimal. (“And it's where I fell in love with white combined with limed oak floors,” Andrew said.). There are very rustic, old architectural details artfully combined with a very sleek and modern aesthetic. |
Leon's Place Hotel
via XX Settembre 90/94 00187 Rome, Italy |
We’ve read about this new hotel, but have not yet stayed here. It was renovated recently, and is, again, very cool, hip and modern. (The way only the Europeans know how to do.) |
Places to Go
Eero Saarinen Exhibit
The Walker Art Gallery
and
MIA
Minneapolis
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The Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) are jointly presenting a major retrospective of architect and designer Eero Saarinen’s career. The Finnish-born Saarinen may be best known for his design of the St. Louis Arch and the TWA Flight Center at New York’s JFK airport. But he also designed corporate buildings, homes, churches, and furniture -- including many iconic mid-century modern designs. |
Prohibition
The W
Minneapolis |
You’ll feel like you stepped back in time when you enter this speakeasy-inspired experience at The W. This destination bar on the 27th floor of The Foshay offers a great view (both inside and out), full bar, elegant food and a stylish escape overlooking downtown Minneapolis. |
Museum of Arts & Design
2 Columbus Circle
(at 59th Street and Broadway)
New York City |
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is a must-stop when in NYC. The curators pride themselves in their explorations of how craft, art, and design intersect in the visual arts today. MAD’s permanent collection includes items from 1945 to the present day.
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