Viriginia Woolf once said that one cannot think well, live well, and sleep well, if one has not dined well, and owner & executive chef Stephen Lyle (famous for the landmark, Odon restaurant), has taken this old adage to heart in his local favorite French-American bistro, Village. It’s apropos that Lyle has restored this superb 1920′s grand space, as the feel is decidedly a throw-back to the Algonquin set with its wood-paneled walls, antique fixtures, and dashes of vibrant red, everywhere. A vintage skylight that was uncovered and refurbished by the owners holds court in the dining room amongst locals feasting on oysters, steamed mussels, and perfectly-seasoned roasted chicken with lemon and thyme.

The menu is elegant and fish-friendly, and also ideal for the veggie-conscious diner (delicious fresh roasted beets with tarragon, arugula salad), but what makes patrons swivel in their seats are the frites, cooked to perfection.

A fine selection of French and Italian vintage wines and a cafe menu that offers American comfort food favorites, makes this the eatery you wouldn’t mind having around your corner.

Village Restaurant
62 W. 9th Street (6th Avenue)
New York, NY 10011
212-505-3355
*reservations highly recommended
Subways: F to 14th Street; Path train to 9th Street Station

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Sometimes a girl just needs a cookie…or two, three – who are we kidding here? Go in for the baker’s dozen at City Bakery, the iconic cafeteria-style shop that sells delicious sweets and decadent treats – a must-have for the gal with the sweet tooth.

Although the decor inside is industrial, and the arrangement of the cafeteria sort with metal chairs, tables and the lunchroom line, don’t be deceived. Peer over the glass at warm pretzel croissants, piping hot chocolate (I dare you to drink the entire cup) and marshmallows for dunking, and enormous chocolate-chocolate chunk, oatmeal raisin, or black chocolate cookies. Prepare for the sugar rush, ladies, and be ready to indulge.

If you’re serious about your chocolate addiction, go the distance in the curtained off connoisseur’s room, where you’ll find bars of Dutch and Belgium treats, cocoa, and other savory delights. The fine variety will make your head spin.

And yes, this gourmet emporium offers healthy items with a salad bar that can’t be beat, lunches and brunches and other waist-conscious what-nots. But why would you want a chef’s salad or buffet-style fare, when buttery cookies await?

The City Bakery
3 W 18th St (btwn 5th and 6th Avenue)
New York, NY 10011
212-366-1414
Subway: 1/9 to 18th Street, F to 14th Street, 6 to 23rd Street, N/R to 23rd Street

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Voted “Best New Bar/Lounge” by Time Out New York, this saucy brothel-turned-bar heats up the revitalized “Loho” (Lower Houston) lounge scene. You may just miss it with its non descript entryway with a hot pink awning that reads “health club”, but those in the know have just spied the hippest downtown lounge.

But once inside, lounge in set-in red velvet banquettes on street level, where you always feel like a VIP, or descend to the DJ-ready basement, where the original steam rooms have been renovated as tiled booths hosting private parties. The almost naughty feel harkens back to a 70′s New York where it was the last days of disco and anything could happen below the Bowery.

The patrons are mostly fashionistas who haunt the nearby trendy Chinatown shops, however, a bevy of bi-weekly reading series has drawn the smart art kids. The now-infamous Happy Ending Reading Series (2 Wednesdays per month) hosted by the charming author, Amanda Stern, showcases emerging authors and musicians, who are all required to take a public risk during their performance. Village Voice columnist, Rachel Kramer Bussel’s new In the Flesh Reading series, evokes nostalgia for this former massage parlor, where a happy ending, rather than decadent cocktails, was on the menu.

Happy Ending Lounge
302 Broome Street
New York, NY 10002
(212) 334-9676
Cross Street: Between Forsyth Street and Eldridge Street
Subway: B, D train to Grand St or F to Delancey

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