In the midst of the summer you arrive in JFK airport luggage in hand ready to step out into the warmth and bustling of a concrete jungle. You check into the Dominik Hotel in Soho which has some of the best views of the city and room service breakfast. From there you stroll to the nearest Maman coffee shop for lattes and enjoy the company of fellow travelers and locals. For lunch, a train ride over to Williamsburg for Birds of a Feather dan dan noodles and spicy fish filet then a walk through Central Park’s hidden oasis Swedish Cottage, which is surrounded by blooming flowers to finish off the afternoon. The perfect end to the day is reservations for two at L’artusi for Italian-inspired cuisine in the West Village and post-dinner cocktails at Lovers of Today nestled in the East Village. Now, as I paint the perfect summer day in New York the exploration does not stop there. As we dive deeper into a whirlwind of culture, cuisine, and excitement for vacation goers, let this be a guide for anyone who may be locals or visitors from across the globe that are eager to explore the hidden gems of New York City.

*Courtesy of Pinterest (Left to Right: Maman Cafe, Swedish Cottage, L’Artusi, Lovers of Today)*

It is no coincidence New York is called the “Big Apple,” the city has a multitude of rare finds for the summer season. The West Village is a delightful neighborhood in Manhattan embodying music, art and cuisine. If you find comfort in the peace and quiet of museums then you can find yourself at The Whitney Museum of American Art. The Whitney features a wide variety of twentieth-century and contemporary American art with a main focus on living artists, this museum is noted as one of NYC’s favorites and has views for all to admire and enjoy. The West Village does not fall short with a unique shopping experience, if you are a lover of vintage pieces then Dauphinette founded by Olivia Chang is the shop for you. Everything in Dauphinette is eclectic and colorful, with a full range of unique vintage pieces for your closet. If your taste is more home decor then pop into Big Night for all the aesthetic pieces to furnish your home. Big Night’s slogan is “come over” and that’s exactly what you’ll be saying this summer once you set your eyes on the vibrant martini glasses for your next dinner party. After burning calories from shopping in the heat, take a trip to France on 99 7th Avenue South for lunch at Boucherie indulging in a Le Parisien sandwich paired with a La Vie En Rose cocktail.

*Courtesy of Pinterest & @BigNightShops Instagram (Left to Right: Whitney Museum, Dauphinette, Big Night Shop, Boucherie)*

The limit does not exist for coffee shops in NYC, you can find a diverse mix of locals and tourists alike, huddled over laptops or engaging in lively conversations, their laughter mingling with the gentle hum of steaming milk and grinding coffee beans. If you find yourself in Greenpoint, Brooklyn then make sure you enjoy the essence and peacefulness of Milk and Roses, the elements of this cafe make you feel like you just stepped into a European time machine.

The interior has exposed brick walls and the vintage books and art evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm, offering a glimpse into the past through their weathered pages and intricate designs. Coffee not your preferred drink of choice? Then Not As Bitter has something for you to enjoy as well. New to the East Village, Not As Bitter greets you with a warm embrace of dimmed lighting and the scent of summer as they serve up coconut matcha. Matcha seems to be the new caffeine lover’s beverage and NYC is no stranger to the drink. Although it may not be hidden, Cha Cha Matcha should be at the top of your vacation list and we highly recommend an iced strawberry matcha for a delightful fusion of two distinct flavors.

*Courtesy of Pinterest and @natalieeab TikTok (Left to Right): Milk and Roses, Not As Bitter, Cha Cha Matcha*

As the sun sets over the skyline, the city begins to awaken with an energetic anticipation for the evening ahead. Dinner in New York is an experience unlike many others, the aromas of culinary excellence flood the streets and reflect upon the city’s melting pot of cultures and flavors. Nestled in Manhattan, you can immerse in asian cuisine at Spicy Moon, this vegan szechuan restaurant has something for all types of eaters. On the menu, Kung Pao style and vegetable lo mein with a side of scallion pancakes rich with flavors and the spice level of your choice. The ambience and eclectic team of Ella Funt is a wonderful choice for a weekend dinner, this Neo-Bistro offers a parisian culinary experience. For starters the uni toast, topped with burrata, scallion jam and mala oil on sourdough bread and for the main dish roasted chicken with smoked maitake and turnip. Dinner is not complete without a cocktail, the sound of clinking glasses, lively music and conversation fill the atmosphere for jazz at the Aman. “In homage to the city’s many cultures, inventive cocktails, the finest wines and spirits and a light fare menu showcase flavors from across the Aman globe, accompanied by world class entertainment and the most intimate of atmospheres” (Aman website, TheJazzClub.com). An NYC classic is Attaboy, located in the LES Attaboy gives a speakeasy vibe mixed with some of the best drinks in the city. With so much to do and so little time during a vacation, these spots are a must and just scratch the surface of a diverse night in NYC.

Courtesy of Pinterest & @hotspot_toni TikTok
(Left to Right): Spicy Moon, Ella Funt, Jazz at the Aman, Attaboy)

Article by Leah Williams, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Georgia Wallace, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine

Exploring New York’s Hidden Gems: Summer Edition