New York » Relaxin’

priti organic spa, East Village

Felicia Sullivan — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 20:50:05 +0000

Dying to get the celebrity spa treatment without the haute spa attitude? Tired of being shamed if your feet and bikini line are not up to snuff? Itching to be beautiful without harming our world and ourselves? Well, the environmentally-minded girl on the run can take a long, sweet pause at priti, an organic, non-toxic spa.

I try to avoid spas as much as humanely possible. From getting a hard-sale twenty-minute product pitch while flutes whistle in the background of my allegedly relaxing facial, to snickers at my non-perfectly coifed bikini line, to being herded between treatments like cattle, New York City spa visits have become akin to expensive Chinese torture. Until I discovered priti – a snug haven in the midst of the heavily trafficked, hip East Village. Owner and former fashion model/fashion photographer Kim D’Amato’s vision is simple: to support purveyors of organic products and to reduce chemically produced products, which are harmful to the environment, not to mention ourselves.

My kind of woman, and my kind of spa.

Upon entering the spa, be forewarned – it’s not your typical spa experience replete with faux Buddhas, unflattering fluorescent lights and a snooty reception staff, rather priti resembles a darling tea shop with it’s coolly purple and sage-colored walls, a charming owner who is busy planting her spring roses, and a staff ready to offer you organic green tea and a most lux experience.

priti offers the most luxurious services (and comparable pricing to the other fancy establishments) of manicure, pedicure, waxing, facials and massage, using only organic products and non-toxic paints. All their products (which also include fresh flowers, herbs, fruits and organic essential oils) are natural, deliciously fragrant and eco-friendly – right down to their slippers, which are biodegradable. Spending two hours with my uber-knowledgeable and incredibly fabulous technician, Michael, years of soot and oil were lifted from my stressed-out skin, leaving my complexion smooth and glowing. Might I mention the incredible neck and shoulder message, which hit all my pressure point and knots, and left me utterly blissed out? priti uses the rarefied Dr. Alkaitis line, which contains living, edible ingredients with no preservatives. After, I savored a mani/pedi and was delightfully surprised that I didn’t pass out from the heady, toxic fumes that are the norm in other spas/nail shops. My tired dogs soaked in a bath of fresh rosemary and citrus and my nails were buffed and moisturized to perfection. The spa uses “Uhma Nagri” and “Nature Girl” in their hands & feet boutique.

In Sanskrit, priti means “pleasure”, “joy”, “satisfaction” – no doubt as I headed back into the frenetic Manhattan streets, soothed, scrubbed and smelling sweet, I felt incredibly priti.

priti
35 East 1st Street
Between 1st/2nd Avenues
New York, NY 10003
212.254.3628
Email: pritihandsandfeet@earthlink.net
Subway: F/V to Second Avenue

192 Books, Chelsea West

Felicia Sullivan — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 20:01:59 +0000

We’re privileged, we book-loving New Yorkers, and we don’t even know it. As dedicated readers and writers, rarely do we experience a dearth of the corporate-dominated meccas as well as the slew of mom and pop shops that dot all areas of the city. If you’re looking for a book and you have to be in New York, odds are you will find it. You will find signed first editions, perhaps the dog-eared author’s copy, pen marks canvassing the insides. You want your foamy chai latte and a whole floor to devour the latest cookbooks, trash magazines, and plan that possible trip to Peru – then visit the closes Barnes and Nobles. No worries, they’re careful to be within a mile radius of one another.

However, if your palate is a touch more discriminating, visit 192 books. Owner, Jack MacRae, is practically an institution in the New York literary and arts scene. This is a man who knew everyone and always dishes great stories. The bookstores featuring key works of literature and history, art and criticism, the social and natural sciences, travel and children’s books, and more – you could tell all the books on the shelves and tables were chosen with particular and refined care. Careful to ensure that all the books, works of part, connect and disconnect in some interesting and pivotal way.

In addition to regularly presenting art exhibitions accompanied by a selection of titles relating to the artists or the theme explored, the store hosts reservation-only reading/speaking engagements with the world’s eminent authors: Veronica Gaitskill, Salman Rushdie, Joan Didion, Paul Auster, Paula Fox, just to name a few.

192 Books operates purely for the aficionado. Dig up those hard-to-find books on the obscure German artist you love, purchase the definitive book on New York architecture, and with a knowledgable staff, they’ll have find a new author to fall in love with.

192 Books
192 Tenth Avenue at 21st
New York, NY
Subway: C/E to 23rd Street

Grounded, Greenwich Village

Felicia Sullivan — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 19:40:35 +0000

At Grounded on Jane Street, a sun-drenched cafe hidden on the side streets of Greenwich Village, I was greeted by swirling ceiling fans and free wireless internet connectivity – crucial for the freelance writer in need of a quick java fix. Decidedly non-Starbucks, which has evolved to the Duane Reade of over-priced coffee shops, Grounded has a distinct downtown flavor, as single folks, buried in their laptop, indulging on oatmeal cookies and luscious mochas, quietly occupy each table. Cell phones are on low buzz, and all the accoutrements of the corporate set – vanished.

Grounded is the ideal spot for those who want to mellow out or get work done. Finish that screenplay, put the finishing touches on the novel, or launch a new business – this office is certainly wallet-friendly.

With a fine selection or organic teas (raves for the blackberry and jasmine, both which were sampled by yours truly) and the yummy biscotti, plus some delicious, heady ground organic coffee, this is my new favorite haunt for sipping and sampling newspapers. Most of the sandwiches and sweets are organic and natural as well.

Grounded
28 Jane Street
New York, NY
212-647-0943
Subway: A/C/E to 14th Street

Sympathy for the Kettle, East Village

Felicia Sullivan — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 19:16:21 +0000

If you’re jetting about on autopilot, you very well might miss Sympathy for the Kettle, a magical oasis in the uber-hip East Village where the vibe is decidedly rock and roll. This teeny haven serves up a smattering (150+) of organic, free-trade, and luscious mix-brewed teas in teapots from the dainty to the Orient. Don’t be deceived by the softly-lit wire lamps, serene pink walls, and the display cases filled with whimsical china cups, sterling silver tea strainers, and aficionado books – owner, Jodi Holiday, stocks up whimsy alongside a rock and roll edge (from the tattoos to the Page and Plant blaring from the stereo).

But the teas are nothing short of divine. Holiday serves up the classic mainstays: earl grey, english breakfast, however, she’s creative, much like an obsessed French perfumier, creating new blends such as a Provencal blend of black teas and lavender. Customers have a choice of kettle teas, healing teas (infused with date, ginger citron or quince) or their famous honey/green tea lattes.

While the majority of their teas are from China, Sri Lanka, Japan, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, and emerging Rwanda, Kettle also offer herbs from South Africa, Argentina, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, France and the United States (including ginseng from Wisconsin and organic peppermint from Oregon).

So if you’re interested in proper tea with an edge, visit this favored East Village haunt where the teas and homemade treats (palmiers, scones) never fall short on flavor.

Sympathy for the Kettle
109 St. Marks Place
New York, NY
212-979-1650

Once Upon a Tart, Soho

Felicia Sullivan — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 22:59:42 +0000

Owner and baker, Jerome Audureau, a man who believes baking isn’t baking until you shape the dough with your hands, adds Parisian flare to this simple, sweet space that is warm in decor (wicker and iron chairs), with walls that are painted in serene hues. Amidst soothing jazz, you’ll hear a constant buzz from patrons clicking on laptop keys or the family of tourists seeking refuge from the maddening galleries and street artists that flank West Broadway. Akin to the sidewalk cafes and bistros in Paris, you’re not gently prodded to the door as soon as you’ve polished off your goat cheese and portobello sandwich. Table-turn is an evil word at Once Upon a Tart and on a chilly Saturday afternoon, I met an old friend for hot tea, delicious treats and good conversation. During the three hours we spent in the cafe, I sampled the pumpkin cranberry biscotti AND scone, the roasted turkey and cranberry mango chutney and frisee sandwich, and a selection of their British teas, and couldn’t have been more satisfied. Wonderfully seasoned with a care for presentation, my late lunch was not only savory but sweet and flavorful. The freshest ingredients are used here and the proof is definitely in the tasty fare. The baked goods were heavenly – biscotti, light, crispy and the scone unbelievably light and flaky.

Whether you’re jetting in for a quick pumpkin cranberry biscotti or spending a lazy afternoon sipping green tea and indulging in fluffy, decadent scones or being very, very good with a savory sandwich and tossed salad, Once Upon a Tart brings a little bit of whimsy into downtown bohemia.

Once Upon a Tart
135 Sullivan Street (Btwn Prince/Houston)
New York, NY 10012
212.387.8869
Subways: C/E to Spring Street or N/R to Prince Street

Rescue Beauty Lounge, Little Italy

Felicia Sullivan — Sat, 15 Oct 2005 21:11:44 +0000

Let it be known that I’m not privy to unnecessary, pricy pampering. My home is my day spa with my do-it-yourself facials (oatmeal and mint) and back massages replete with wooden spoons and lavender oil. However, after a week of the city’s torrential rain and a hectic schedule that simply hasn’t let up, I broke down and slipped into one of my favorite girl spots in the city: Rescue Beauty Lounge. And besides, it was a Friday and what better way to hail in the weekend with a lux manicure pedicure session. Evian bottle war, organic Dr. Hauschka products, et all.

Upon my arrival, the manager whisked me through this beautiful spa to my private pedicure station, into the hands of my pedicurist and manicurist for the evening. Armed with all the required, trashy reads (OK!, Vanity Fair and US Magazine), I was given the princess treatment as my poor, tired tootsies soaked in Dr. Hauschka’s healing bath. What sets Rescue’s manicure and pedicure apart from the cheap deals you can get on any New York City street corner are the premiere products used in your ultimate foot and nail treatments – exfoliants, lotions and soothing, fragrant oils. And did my yoga-burned feet need some serious TLC. Aromatherapy via Weleda Arnica oil for the cuticles was a joyous phenomenon I was more than happy to experience.

Rescue Beauty Lounge is famous for their 3-step Nail Treatment System: The Base Coat Prep bonds to the nail to ensure a long lasting manicure; the Base Coat acts as a primer to neutralize the color of the nail bed so yellow nails do not change the color of the chosen polish color; and the Top Coat dries through all layers and dries them fast, leaving a high gloss finish. After my gorgeous mani/pedi, I indulged in their almost pain-free Australian wax, they combine essential oils to the wax, followed by tea tree lotion and antiseptic treatments.

Venturing out into the cruel, cold streets was made a touch easier after my princess treatment. Highly recommended for any gal needing to put her life temporarily on pause.

Rescue Beauty Lounge
8 Centre Market Place
New York, NY 10012
212-431-0449
Subway: 6 to Spring Street

Oasis Day Spa, Midtown

Felicia Sullivan — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 06:58:04 +0000

After months locked indoors, slaving on my debut book, my face having grown used to the phosphorescent glare of the laptop screen, believe me ladies when I tell you that these had become precarious times for my pores. And on one particular Sunday, it was absolutely necessary, if not mandatory, that this over-worked writer, who found herself screaming Serenity Now! Serenity Now! in her apartment, lay supine on a quilted table, getting my face lathered in creams that smelled of banana and juniper, blackheads extracted, and a good talking to (more like a kick in the pants) from Shatelle, my esthetician, on the state of my scary skin-care regime.

Founded in 1997 by husband and wife, Bruce and Marti Schoenberg, Oasis (with its four convenient locations, including one at the Jet Blue Terminal at JFK terminal!) provides a tranquil sanctuary where their highly trained, friendly staff will attend to your every indulgence: “We are not about spa trends, but offer spa treatments providing the utmost in relaxation and rejuvenation, along with the latest developments in massage, skincare, hydrotherapy and other spa services.”

As soon as I walked through the door, I was whisked away to change into a lux terry robe and soft slippers. I sipped herbal organic tea and munched on dried bananas and apricots in the relaxation lounge furnished with soft leather seating, flipping through the latest issues of Elle and Vogue via candlelight. For a few precious hours, my world was freed from cellular phones, car horns, sirens, and a city that operates with the volume turned way up. I was promptly escorted to a peaceful room replete with zen flutes and oboes where I would receive my customized facial.

And I must confess I cringed when Shatelle queried me on my beauty routine, which quite simply included a cleansing and a moisturizing. After a deep analysis that involved a magnifying mirror and some unfriendly light, my therapist spoke to me honestly (and thankfully not pushing products on me, which I loathe) about the state of my skin. For 60 minutes, I was a pampered princess. My skin was cleansed, toned, exfoliated, massaged and then, oh yes!, there was the head, neck, upper back and wrist massage (as if Shatelle secretly knew of my endless hours developing my carpal tunnel like an Olympic sport) and when I left, I was truly blissed out and glowing. I also received a comprehensive skin care analysis that detailed my skin’s hydration levels, nerve activity and oil secretion, as well as helpful suggestions to alter (ie, get my skin into proper form) my daily regime.

Facials and spa treatments can be costly, this is true, but how frequently do we treat and pamper ourselves? Take the time to preen, feel beautiful, feel more like a girl. And in this frenetic city, it’s only fitting that we indulge in some quiet, some tea, and some proper scrubbing.

Tip: At the flagship Park Avenue spa, not only can you book your lavender scrub, lava stone massage, aromatherapy body wrap, and customized facial, have your coifs, emergency manicure and pedicures attended to (great for brides to be). Oasis also offers studio classes, including yoga and pilates at both the Park Ave and Affinia Dumont locations.

Oasis Day Spa
One Park Avenue (flagship location) @ 32nd Street
New York, NY 10016
212-254-7722
Subway: 6 to 33rd Street
Check website for other locations/services

INO Cafe & Wine Bar, West Village

Felicia Sullivan — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 06:03:57 +0000

If you’re new to the city (or just visiting) and the idea of dining out alone gives you vertigo, INO, the cozy but chic eight-table Italian panino cafe & wine bar, is warm and inviting. Conceived by owners Jason and Jennifer Denton while at a friends wedding in Italy, the couple was mesmerized by the simplicity of many of the paninoteca’s classic offerings of savory panini, tramezzinni (tea sandwiches with the crusts cut off), bruschetta and robust Italian wines. Also influenced by famous chef, Mario Batali, Jason Denton believes in serving authentic and tantalizing cuisine accompanied by the very best Italian wine.

Sample many of the bite-sized brushcetta (for a mere $2!) and create your own tasty menu of butternut squash, walnut oil and asiago or asparagus, truffle oil and parmesan. Personally, I adore the soppressata, fontina and rucola panini (fontina is a creamy, thick cheese, a staple in Italian cooking paired with the delicately-sliced salami) as well as the three cheese: crotonese, cacio, grana and truffle oil. The fresh ingredients are complimented by thin, crusty ciabatta from the nearby Blue Ribbon Bakery.

The atmosphere reminds me of the cafes in Paris and Rome, free of pretension, energetic and filled with frenetic conversations. It’s surprising how little they obsess over table turns. Dozens of magazines are piled by the windowsill and outlets are provided for laptop computers – translation: you can stay as long as you like, and trust me, you want to. The wine list is outstanding, showcasing the finest from all Central, Southern & Northern Italy (also the islands) and prices range from $29-$90/bottle with delicate merlots to more complex, medium-full bodied cabernets and pinot noirs. The whites range from the sweet dolcetto to the crisp, dry blancs.

Pop in for a quick drink after a full day of sightseeing and Soho boutique shopping or cruise in for a relaxing afternoon of reading, munching and relaxing.

TIP: Bring cash ladies, INO does not accept credit cards.

INO
21 Bedford St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 989-5769
Cross Street: Between Houston Street and Downing Street
Subway: 1/9 to Houston St

OM Yoga, Union Square

Felicia Sullivan — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 21:52:30 +0000

In a city where flyers advertising yoga studios share real estate alongside vendors selling imposter Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs handbags on the sidewalks of trendy Union Square, it is an Olympic feat to discern the real thing amidst the slew of imposters. A studio that stresses principles of alignment, places a distinct focus on breath instead of the fanfare and confetti of gym billboards toting bleached blondes in white leotards that read, “No Pain, No Gain!” is what makes OM YOGA, steps away from Union Square, such a delectable find. Under the direction of the renowned Cyndi Lee (a twenty-year practitioner of both Hatha Yoga and Tibetan Buddhism and author of several books and DVDs, most recently, Om Yoga Beginner/Intermediate Class.), her and her team of over thirty experienced teachers will lead you through a vigorous, but playful, alignment-centered asana practice.

Entering the huge, softly-lit studio, the atmosphere is spacious and comforting with high billowing ceilings and distressed hard wood floors. Color, from the purple and electric blue blocks, to the satin saris draped from the ceilings, is abundant and makes for a sensual, lux experience. The studio is efficiently run by friendly staff that provides relief after one’s stressful workday through speedy service. The rooms (named Sun, Earth, Sky, etc) swell with natural light and whirling fans. While you find a spot to plop your mat, you’ll hear the chatterings of the community of students forged, or perhaps soothing music with Indian, and Asian roots, everything from Moby to Coldplay to WAH!

OM offers classes for all levels, including specialized attention to moms-to-be (Prenatal and mOMs), as well as Buddhist meditation classes for those folks who need to distress from everyday life. Cyndi Lee notes, Learning Buddhist meditation helps us to see what is, as it is, rather than wishing things were different or trying to change our reality. Meditation and yoga is about living your practice off the mat.

Whether you are just starting your practice or you seek teacher certification at flexible times, OM offers a healthy selection of classes for morning into the late evening, including “express” classes (a 1hr practice) for gals on the go. “Open” classes that encourage attendance of all levels are usually full; however, the atmosphere is inviting and friendly for the beginner. The teachers add to this non-intimidating atmosphere by encouraging questions and learning each student’s name. Additionally, the studio also sponsors retreats from the Hamptons to Brazil for those yoginis who want cart their mat on a whirlwind, exotic holiday replete with waterfalls, fresh food and sun salutations on the grass.

A common misconception about yoga is the fact that people believe yoginis never break a sweat. Head over to OM and experience an hour and half of challenging poses that leave you breathless, that strengthen your body, and provide a sense of calm, the buzz, when you leave.

TIP: The studio does not take class reservations, so plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to secure a spot, especially for the 6:15 after work classes that fill fairly quickly. Also, yoga classes (like anywhere in New York) are fairly steep. Secure a class card to reap huge discounts on a per-class basis. Keep an eye out for monthly unlimited, discounted specials.

OM YOGA
826 Broadway 6th Floor
New York, NY 10003
(212) 254-YOGA
Subway: 4/5/6, N/R to Union Square