Sigerson Morrison shoes elicit fanatical responses from me: shrieks of glee over the new season’s styles, panic attacks when my coveted shoe isn’t in my size and sighs of comfort when I enter this sparse, minimalist space in the Nolita location. In short, Sigerson Morrison are downtown shoes with retro, yet elegant flavor. Pointy toed kitten heels, creamy velvet loafers, tall pony stiletto boots that all look so coquettishly inviting, quite honestly, why would you shoe shop anywhere else? Although I’m not a shoe addict (gasp!), I do believe in investing in high quality footwear that will last a long time. So every few years, I make the pilgrimage to a few different shops (including Sigerson) and purchase 2-3 pairs of sensible, but fashionable shoes that will last me well over five years, and Sigerson Morrison is a staple in my wardrobe. Always classic with an edge, the designer’s impressive craftsmanship and attention to detail (stiching, bows, two-toned leather) is so paramount, making me a satisfied, repeat customer.

[Read more →]

Shop Girl | Email | Print | //

When it comes to hunting for world’s most coveted bags, the Kelly and the Birkin (in snakeskin and burgundy leather, if you please), Fisch for the Hip is the real deal. Recently, Hermes announced a three-year plus backlog for these prestigious, and outrageously costly handbags and they’re not quite sure when this season’s production will commence. Before the tears are shed and the clicking to Ebay ensues, check out this small, yet smart consignment shop in Chelsea, where they offer the most classic designer pieces for the savvy, fashionista (or gals like us who just want to look like one). Housing an extensive collection of Hermes accessories, you can also snag great Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Prada, and Dior bags and shoes, in mint condition, for upwards of 60% off retail. Their merchandise hails from celebrities, fashion editors and hard-core fashion addicts. And with the precise and careful selection, the proprietors are picky, which reflects on the high quality, chic merchandise offered.

[Read more →]

Shop Girl, Thrifty Girl | Email | Print | //

For a city that touts itself as gastronomically forward, I’ve been hard-pressed to find delicious organic eateries in the form of restaurants and bakeries, and the answer is to not to erect a Whole Foods on every city block (although I humbly appreciate the gestures on Houston Street as well as the market in Union Square), or to sell one or two items on a lofty menu as if this way of life, organic, healthy living, were a novelty.

So it was with great pleasure (more like me crying tears of joy) that I discovered Babycakes, a sweet bakery in the Lower East Side, whose pristine 50’s style storefront is a welcomed fresh face amidst an otherwise bleak block. But trust me, there is nothing 50’s about the treats inside: 100% organic; free of glutens, refined sugars, eggs, wheat, casein, soy and dairy products, owner Erin McKenna (who was devastated to find that she was allergic to gluten and dairy and had to forgo her childhood love of chocolate chip cookies) created healthful recipes, which caught satisfied the finicky palates of her coworkers and a bakeshop was born. Cold-pressed coconut oil replaces the artery-clogging vegetable oils and guava nectar (instead of the corn syrups, fructose and cane juice, which has been proven to cause diabetes) provides the wholesome sweet taste in the delicious carrot muffin that I managed to down in record speed.

[Read more →]

Famished Girl | Email | Print | //

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.

[Read more →]

Fancy Girl, Pretty Girl, Relaxin' Girl | Email | Print | //

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.

[Read more →]

Famished Girl, Relaxin' Girl | Email | Print | //

Desperate to jet off somewhere exotic? Maybe Armenia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Egypt, Greece, Guatemala, Holland, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Vietnam, West Indies, Yugoslavia, but you’re short on cash and you haven’t renewed your passport? Try Kalustyan’s. Opened in 1944, the market is the eminent destination for premium Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Indian herbs (no kidding: they carry 4,000 variety of spices, herbs, sweets, coffee, tea and healthy snacks and over 180 variety of imported tea and 50 variety of imported coffee.), stocking a comprehensive array of condiments, dried fruits, prepared foods, lentils, dal, beans and more. Indian chutneys, Mujjaddara, hummus, wrapped grape leaves, falafel - if your mouth isn’t watering yet, trust me, it will.

[Read more →]

Famished Girl, Travelin' Girl | Email | Print | //

Face it, you covet that Marni jacket, distressed Prada hobo and the fall Manolo boots, but you’re sensible, you have looming credit card debt, and quite simply, that Marc Jacobs handbag could break your proverbial bank. You want Sienna Miller or Gwenyth Paltrow’s style without all the cost. Trust me, there is an answer, and it’s INA: the very stylish, the uber fashion-forward consignment shop and before you think that this is your local thrift store with shoddy castoffs, think again, for INA stocks the serious goods straight off the runaway and out of the fashionistas and celebrities’ Hermes-ridden closets. Conde Nast editors routinely drop off bags of bounty (think Tuleh, Comme de Garcon) at this trendy resale shop, which is a downtown fixture and my secret obsession for the past four years.

[Read more →]

Shop Girl, Thrifty Girl | Email | Print | //

I have long awaited the inevitable demise of the Atkin’s revolution and all things no/low carb much how a child awaits unwrapping presents on the holidays. Bread lovers beware because the simply and aptly paninoteca, Bread, in downtown trendy NoHo (Nolita), will satisfy all latent cravings for the ultimate pressed sandwich and then some. With a sparse menu filled with minimal ingredients, quality is paramount, and Bread acquires its impeccable homemade cheeses, rustic breads and meats (prosciutto, parma hams) from the finest local purveyors (DiPalo’s, Balthazar Bakery) to fill its sandwiches with heart and flavor. Whether it’s their sweetly seasoned olive oil or sweet ricotta, gorgonzola paninis with sliced apple and maple honey syrup served up on cranberry bread, the owners indulge in mixing up flavors and textures to perfect the simple sandwich, always with the concept that the best ingredients will render the very best fare.

For the panic-filled anti-carbers, don’t fret, Bread also has a variety of fresh salads (pungent, delicious tuna on a bed of spicy arugula leaves dressed with a peppery lemon vinaigrette) as well as a savory frittata done in the Tuscan style (so, please, whatever you do, do not ask for ketchup or tabasco sauce, that, my friends, is criminal). Everything, down to the strong cappucino (guaranteed to keep you up for at least ten hours) to the simple, yet enjoyable wine list (riojas alongside some Napa reds), is undoubtably tasty, plated wonderfully, and served with panache.

Bread
20 Spring St
New York 10012
Btwn Elizabeth & Mott St
Phone: 212-334-1015
Subway: 6 to Spring Street; N/R to Prince Street

Famished Girl | Email | Print | //

I am a professed panini addict. Slap some fontina and smoked mozzarella, fresh herbs and seasoned sopressata on a crisp ciabatta on a hot press and trust me, I will be there, napkin in tow. Cruising the sweltering streets of Park Slope, desperate for a bite, I encountered Press 195 - a small cafe that serves up satisfying fare and packs a gastronomic punch.

Named by the Food Network as the “Sandwich Kings of Brooklyn”, Press 195 serves up down-home comfort food in the form of tasty panini sandwiches, mouth-watering salads (yes, you heard me correctly, mouthwatering: picture toasted pumpkin seeds, grilled chicken, caramelized walnuts and goat cheese), and savory munchies such as grilled asparagus, Brie & apples marinated in wildflower honey, all plated up in impeccable style and enormous flavor. Serving lunch, dinner and late-night snacks seven days a week in the restaurant and the backyard garden, this tucked away gem, minutes from the subway, offers a comfortable, relaxed environment replete with smooth sounds and quick service.

Jaded by the corporate suits and daily grind, college pals and Brooklyn natives, Brian Karp (chef/owner) and Chris Evans (director/owner), left their jobs to return to their restaurant roots. And I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I’m glad they did. With an impressive menu of over 30 hot press sandwiches (the simple caprese panini topped with pure maple syrup basil pesto is a favorite as well as the aged Genoa with provolone topped with sweet onions and grilled portabella mushrooms), a delish selection of cold cuts and accompanying soups. Not happy with anything on the menu? No problem, simply create your own sandwich.

And let’s not forget the devilish desserts. The nutella press with fresh bananas and ice cream is sinfully delicious. Or perhaps seal the deal (because you’ve been so good with the sandwiches and veggies) with a Ghirardelli double chocolate brownie.

For folks seeking a laid-back spot for drinks and conversation, sample their fine selection of beers and wines while kicking back in the backyard.

Press 195
195 5th Ave
Park Slope, Brooklyn
718.857.1950
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night & THEY DELIVER!
Subway: N/R to Union St.

Famished Girl | Email | Print | //

Greenwich Avenue in the West Village is fast becoming the international smart spot for tea shops, Brit boutiques that sport London wares, quaint French bistros, and a newly-opened delish Argentinean restaurant, yet, Tea & Sympathy is my perennial, long-time favorite; this cozy restaurant hosts an insane selection of leaf teas (which you can get by the pot with infuser - and all the pots are dainty, stylish, porcelain, perfect for a mid-day tea date) and might I say that the T&S has probably THE BEST macaroni and cheese and bangers and mash in New York?! Gab and gossip while checking out the restaurant’s premiere selection of teacakes, scones with clotted cream, or perhaps sample their warm berry crisps drowning in rich custards? You’ll be satisfied either way.

Eating at T&S could be home if only your home were British and cooler, decorated with warm floral wallpaper and table lamps and candles. Whether you seek hearty fare (their steak & kidneys and Shepherd’s pie elicit raves) or a simple pot of tea with a tasty desert, the wait staff is warm, attentive and a New-York-minute fast. Go decadent with the afternoon tea for one: $21.95 snags you an unbelievable assortment of finger sandwiches (vegetarian upon request), scones with clotted cream and strawberry or raspberry jam (however, for $8 you can have a nice pot of tea and a little pastry). A selection of cakes and a pot of steaming hot tea (Seville orange to my favorite blackberry) rounds out your afternoon tea. Dash out after your meal to their shop next door where you’ll find your favorite British groceries, chocolates, sweets, teas alongside authentic tea pots, mugs, to name but a few. Seeking a little Union Jack or just an afternoon hideaway? Then Tea and Sympathy is the ideal nook.

Tea & Sympathy
108-110 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 989-9735
Subway: 1/9 to 14th Street or A/C/E to 14th Street

Famished Girl | Email | Print | //