CONCIERGE INSIDER | HOLIDAY GUIDE 2016 - 2017
CONCIERGE INSIDER • AVENUE MAGAZINE
DEAR READERS,
TM
Since 1987, The New York City Association of Hotel Concierges (NYCAHC) has been bringing together professionals committed to providing exceptional services. Our association is comprised of nearly 200 members representing over 30,000 hotels rooms in the New York Metropolitan Area. The concierge holds the key to the city. We are motivated by a genuine desire to serve and are committed to providing the best possible service to our visitors throughout their stay. From giving simple directions, to solving unexpected challenges, we are here to assist in creating lasting memories. We are a trusted resource for both business and vacation travelers. It is our goal to assist in making sure our guests get the optimum New York City experience.
There is no place quite like New York City during the holidays, and we are so excited to have once again collaborated with the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges (NYCAHC) to share the best that our city has to offer during this time. Members of the concierge community were each tasked with highlighting a special aspect of the season. From theaters to museums, festive light shows to carols, and of course dining and shopping, we hope that you’ll enjoy our insider tips on the greatest city in the world. Thank you to our partners for supporting this issue and to the concierges who will put it into the hands of 20,000 lucky visitors at the top hotels in the city. New York City is truly magical during this time of year. Wishing you and yours all the best for a bright and happy new year! Kind Regards,
Randi Schatz President rschatz@manhattanmedia.com AVENUE MAGAZINE • CONCIERGE INSIDER
SPHATIKA’S UNIQUE LUXURY HOLISTIC APPROACH TO BEAUTY & WELL-BEING, WITH THE AWARD-WINNING 100% NATURAL SPHATIKA SKINCARE, ENHANCES THE SPA EXPERIENCE TO ANOTHER LEVEL. - THE ULTIMATE ANTIDOTE TO EXECUTIVE STRESS AND JET LAG - REVITALIZE, REJUVENATE AND LOOK RADIANT “The Quintessential Spa Experience: Energetic Renewal, Rejuvenation, and Realignment. I wish it for everyone.” - Phylicia Rashad “Rarely do I have a spa experience these days which amazes me. But the three hour Royal Sphatika Signature Experience of the pristine clean and inviting Sphatika Spa...did just that.” - Susie Ellis, President of SpaFinder If the world leaders would all experience the Royal Sphatika Signature Treatment, our troubles would evaporate and peace would reign supreme.” -Magazine Editor, NYC
212-265-5885 . info@sphatika.com . www.sphatika.com
818 Madison Ave. 3rd floor New York, NY 10065 (between 68th & 69th Street).
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HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS Make your New York City to-do list with these wonder-filled holiday ideas!
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n true New York fashion, the city goes all out for the holiday season. From spectacular theatrical performances to ice-skating and the iconic Times Square ball drop, New York City shines for the holidays. Enjoy creating new memories, or supersizing longstanding family traditions. New York is home to the tree at Rockefeller Center—this year, a Norway spruce from Oneonta, New York—the Rockettes, the Winter Village at Bryant Park, and, of course, millions of twinkling lights. Here are our top picks for holiday cheer. Enjoy the dazzling displays!
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RING IN 2017
HOLIDAY SPOTLIGHTS
All eyes turn to Times Square to usher in the New Year: a formidable task, but not for the greatest city in the world. The annual ball drop and “Auld Lang Syne” are popular ways to welcome the New Year. There is no more electrifying place to celebrate than New York City. Here are a few not-to-miss activities:
Street vendors roast chestnuts on open fires, their sweet aroma dancing in the air, and handheld bells jingle over the Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles: New York City’s energy enhances for the holidays. Here are a few not-to-miss holiday attractions.
Times Square Ball Drop As the clock nears midnight on December 31, the gigantic crystal ball with thousands of dazzling lights descends into Times Square. Star-studded musical performances, balloons, confetti and colorful pyrotechnics add to the festive atmosphere.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular It doesn’t get more festive than Radio City Music Hall’s annual musical holiday stage show starring the Rockettes. (1260 Avenue of the Americas, 866.858.0007, rockettes.com)
New Year’s Eve Gala Cruise The gala, set aboard the “Hornblower Hybrid,” offers unparalleled views of fireworks set against Lady Liberty and New York Harbor. New York Road Runners Midnight Run Music and dancing starts at 10 p.m., and the four-mile run through Central Park begins at the stroke of midnight as fireworks light up the sky. Metropolitan Opera The Metropolitan Opera presents one of the most glamorous events in New York City, a new production of Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette,” starring the Italian tenor Vittorio Grigólo, with Diana Damrau as Juliet. The show is directed by the amazing Bartlett Sher. Coney Island Polar Bear Club Annual New Year’s Day Swim Every January 1, Brooklyn’s Coney Island Polar Bear Club takes its traditional dip into the Atlantic Ocean in Coney Island. All are welcome. It’s fun, it’s freezing, and it’s also a fundraising event.
15th Annual Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal The model train maker Lionel gets the show chugging along at the New York Transit Museum’s Gallery Annex and Store at Grand Central. (212.878.0106, nytransitmuseum.org) The Rink at Rockefeller Center Lace up your skates and twirl away on this world-famous ice rink. (45 Rockefeller Plaza, 212.332.6868, therinkatrockcenter.com) Wollman Rink Great spot for ice-skating in the southern part of Central Park. (59th Street and Sixth Avenue, 212.439.6900, wollmanskatingrink.com) The Rink at Brookfield Place A one-of-a-kind skating experience waits on the Hudson River waterfront. (230 Vesey Street, 212.978.1698, brookfieldplaceny.com/stories/ therinkatbrookfieldplace)
MAXIMILIAN AT BLOOMINGDALE’S Bloomingdale’s is a major shopping destination that has been in business since the 1800s. Occupying an entire city block, “Bloomie’s” sits on the divide between busy Midtown and the fashionable Upper East Side. One of Bloomingdale’s biggest highlights would have to be the Maximilian Fur Salon. The salon carries its own private label in addition to designer furs. Find a selection including chinchilla, sable, mink, fox, shearling and more. MAXIMILIAN FUR SALON Bloomingdale’s 1000 Third Avenue, 4th Floor New York, NY 10022 212.705.3335 www.maximilian.com
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FEATURES • Cleaning and Reconditioning • Repairs, Alterations and Relining • Fur Design • Trade-In Discount
PHOTO BY GUSTAV LILIEQUIST
MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) champions the work of contemporary artists and designers. Since its founding in 1956, the museum has celebrated the creative processes by which materials are transformed, from craft traditions to cutting-edge technologies. Today, MAD offers a rich variety of exhibitions and public programs, presenting contemporary art and design in social contexts. MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN 2 Columbus Circle New York, NY 10019 212.299.7777 www.madmuseum.org
FEATURES • Contemporary Art and Design Exhibitions • Demonstrations of Artists at Work • Public Programs, Cinema, Talks, Performance • The Store at MAD: Distinctive Handcrafted Design Items, Fine Jewelry • Robert Restaurant with Views of Central Park and Columbus Circle CONCIERGE INSIDER • AVENUE MAGAZINE
THE BAKER HOUSE 1650 The Baker House 1650 is an upmarket English manor-style bed-and-breakfast that is the most exclusive on the East End. Homey yet majestic, this inn is located just a 10-minute walk from town and a very short drive to the beach. The grounds boast lush country gardens and the Baker Spa among the many amenities. Open year-round, it offers a great destination for a vacation, special event or romantic getaway. THE BAKER HOUSE 1650 181 Main Street East Hampton, NY 11937 631.324.4081 info@bakerhouse1650.com www.bakerhouse1650.com
FEATURES • The Carriage House • The Baker Spa • Amenities • Special Events and Activities
SANT ANDREA CAFE Located in the heart of New York City with enchanting views of Central Park, we serve authentic Italian favorites and nouveau Italian cuisine. Our kitchen and bar are open till 11:30 p.m. daily for business lunch, or family dinner. Available for parties and events in a private room SANT ANDREA CAFE 40 Central Park South New York, NY 10019 212.369.4000 www.santandreacafe.com
FEATURES • Fine dining • Venetian cuisine with a contemporary twist • Central Park views
CONCIERGE INSIDER • AVENUE MAGAZINE
Photo: Zachary Maxwell Stertz
The musical of a lifetime.
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Stephen Sondheim Theatre 124 West 43rd Street Telecharge.com 212-239-6200 BeautifulOnBroadway.com
OFFICIAL AIRLINE
11/18/16 5:16 PM
HOLIDAY
FOOD
MAGIC The city’s top concierges offer their best tips for enjoying the holiday season in New York BY ANDREA DOYLE Library at the NoMad
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ndy Williams’ song said it best—“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”—and the holidays don’t get much more wonderful than they do in New York. “It’s a time when even the greatest city in the world presents itself with added luster,” says Regena Falling, concierge at the Park Hyatt. Ice-skating under the iconic Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, shopping along Fifth Avenue and being awed by the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall are a few of the not-to-be-missed holiday experiences that the city’s top concierges recommend. Here are others:
ADRIAN PROIETTI Chef Concierge InterContinental New York Barclay Pete’s Tavern It doesn’t get more local than Pete’s Tavern, New York City’s oldest continuously operating restaurant and bar. They go all out for the holidays, even decorating the ceiling with lights. (129 East 18th Street, 212.473.7676, petestavern.com) Gotham Bar and Grill One of the best American menus in the country, this restaurant has been sheer quality for more than 30 years. A lovely, classy spot for some holiday cheer. Their chocolate cake is a must-have! (12 East 12th Street, 212.620.4020, gothambarandgrill.com) Library at the NoMad A James Beard Award winner for Best Bar, this venue boasts one of the best Christmas trees in town. Reservations are only accepted for hotel guests, but later in the evening they will often open the space to walk-ins. (1170 Broadway and East 28th Street, 212.796.1500, thenomadhotel.com) Cafe Sabarsky When it gets cold outside, there is nothing like this beautiful Viennese café to warm you up. Try the strudel here. Located inside the Neue Galerie. (1048 Fifth Avenue, 212.288.0665, cafesabarsky-ny.com) CONCIERGE INSIDER • AVENUE MAGAZINE
HOLIDAY MARKETS
ARTISTS
Winter Village at Bryant Park
MAURICE DANCER Chef Concierge The Pierre, A Taj Hotel Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park Bryant Park’s Winter Village surrounds the skating rink. The atmosphere is magical. (Behind the New York Public Library, between West 40th and 42nd Streets, 212.768.4242, wintervillage.org) Grand Central Holiday Fair Keep warm while visiting the 76 indoor vendors. (Grand Central Terminal, East 42nd Street and Park Avenue, 212.340.2345, grandcentralterminal.com) Union Square Holiday Market This is quite a large market with a downtown, funky vibe. (Union Square at 14th Street, 212.529.9262, urbanspacenyc.com)
CULTURE
Marc Chagall. “The Flying Carriage (La calèche volante),” 1913. Oil on canvas, 42 x 47 1/4 inches (106.7 x 120.1 cm). Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection. © 2016 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris
CARLOMAR RIOS Concierge Sofitel New York Agnes Martin at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Through January 11, visitors will be able to experience Martin’s oeuvre almost like a character in a movie that develops over time. (1071 Fifth Avenue, between East 88th and 89th Streets, 212.423.3500, guggenheim.org) Carmen Herrera at the Whitney Museum of American Art At the age of 101, this artist is finally getting the recognition she deserves. Check her out at the Whitney through January 2. (99 Gansevoort Street, between Washington Street and Tenth Avenue, 212.570.3600, whitney.org)
The Morgan Library & Museum
ROBERT WITHEROW Concierge The Knickerbocker Hotel The Morgan Library & Museum Once the private library of financier John Pierpont “JP” Morgan, the setting of the Morgan Library is exquisitely rich and old-world in a way that perfectly complements the magical feeling of New York City during the holidays. You can have a cocktail at the Morgan Café, and enjoy holiday music in Gilbert Court. (225 Madison Avenue, 212.685.0008, themorgan.com) Museum at Eldridge Street The Lower East Side is full of so many wonderful surprises from its past. One of the most stunning is the Museum at Eldridge Street, a National Historic Landmark synagogue. On December 27, people of all faiths are invited to celebrate Chanukah with a tour, wine, latkes and the lighting of the menorah. (12 Eldridge Street, 212.219.0302, eldridgestreet.org) AVENUE MAGAZINE • CONCIERGE INSIDER
Pipilotti Rist at the New Museum One of the most compelling video artists of the 1990s, Pipolotti utilizes the entire space to create a fully engaged experience at the New Museum through January 15, 2017. Most people believe that Pipolotti’s video “Ever is Over All” inspired the scenes in Beyoncé’s controversial “Hold Up” video where she smashes a car window with a baseball bat. (235 Bowery, between Stanton and Rivington Streets, 212.219.1222, newmuseum.org) “Manifesto” Exhibition at the Park Avenue Armory What is New York without the art and celebrity culture? For the perfect fusion of the two, visit the “Manifesto” exhibition at the Park Avenue Armory from December 7 through January 8. (643 Park Avenue, between East 66th and 67th Streets, 212.616.3930, armoryonpark.org) Harlem: The New Art Gallery District Gavin Brown’s Enterprise With the traditional Manhattan art gallery district in Chelsea becoming more expensive, Gavin Brown’s Enterprise and the Elizabeth Dee Gallery packed up and moved to Harlem to open large, new spaces. (439 West 127th Street, 212.627.5258, gavinbrown.biz; Elizabeth Dee Gallery, 2037 Fifth Avenue, 212.924.7545, elizabethdee.com)
BEAUTY TREATMENTS
HOLIDAY CHEER
Aire
ABRAHM VALDEZ Head Concierge Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC Exhale Their signature facials are customized for powerful results. From acne to aging to sun damage, your concerns will be addressed. The result will be smooth, invigorated and hydrated skin. (Multiple locations, exhalespa.com) Aire A great place in Tribeca to relax the body and mind according to ancient traditions of water with temperature contrasts. (88 Franklin Street, 646.878.6174, ancientbathsny.com) Dermalogica Academy This academy in Chelsea offers facials for a steal. They’re actually done by students under instructor supervision and start at $50. (140 West 22nd Street, 212.243.3000, dermalogica.com)
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
MARY MURPHY Assistant Chef Concierge Omni Berkshire Hotel Mulino’s of Westchester I never miss a year, and go as close to Christmas as possible. Thousands of extravagant lights and decorations, strolling carolers dressed in Victorian costumes, a bag of freshly roasted chestnuts waiting for you upon departure: no holiday season is complete with a trip to Mulino’s. (99 Court Street, White Plains, 914.761.1818, mulinosny.com) Christmas Carols at St. Patrick’s Cathedral This annual musical event is one of my must-dos as it reminds me so much of Christmas in Ireland. (Fifth Avenue at 51st Street, 212.753.2261, stpatrickscathedral.org)
HOLIDAY MELODIES
Little Italy This area is transformed into a Christmas wonderland awash with holiday lights and antique decorations. After a stroll, pop into Café Ferrara for pastry and cappuccino.
OUTDOOR FUN
The Cloisters
TINA MCLELLAND Concierge Four Seasons Hotel New York Lincoln Center I love Jazz at Lincoln Center. In December they have Big Band Holidays. Make sure to get your tickets early, as there are only four performances. (10 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212.875.5456, lincolncenter.org) Christmas Caroling Christmas caroling is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. I love to go to the West Village Chorale. Also, on Christmas Eve, carolers can access Gramercy Park for one hour of joyful singing. (westvillagechorale.org) The Christmas Story at The Cloisters The Waverly Consort, an ensemble of 13 musicians and singers, perform the Christmas story, including hymns and mass compositions, all from the Middle Ages. (The Cloisters, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, 212.923.3700, metmuseum.org)
Harlem Meer
JEANIE VOLTSINIS Chef Concierge Viceroy Rockefeller Center Quite possibly the world’s most famous Christmas tree and skating rink is a staple over the holiday season. (30 Rockefeller Plaza, 212.332.6868, rockefellercenter.com) Harlem Meer Central Park has more nooks and crannies than you can cover in a single visit, but be sure to pay the northern portion of the park a visit. There is actually a floating Christmas tree display in the Harlem Meer of Central Park and skating in the nearby Lasker Rink.
CONCIERGE INSIDER • AVENUE MAGAZINE
PLACES TO CELEBRATE HANUKKAH
THEATER
TILO SPRINGS Front Office Manager The Bowery Hotel Best Menorahs A 32-foot-high, gold-colored menorah sits across the street from the Plaza. Across the East River, a similarly sized menorah graces Prospect Park’s Grand Army Plaza. Before heading out, we recommend checking out NYBlueprint.com, a fantastic resource for urban Jewish events in the city ranging from gallery tours to local holiday parties and celebrations.
The Nutcracker
JUAN ESPINAL Concierge The Chatwal Hotel
SHOPPING
“The Nutcracker” The New York City Ballet’s annual production of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” is at the heart of New York City’s year-end holiday season. The show runs from November 25 to December 31. (David H Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212.496.0600, nycballet.com)
NICOLE LONGCHAMP Concierge 1 Hotel Central Park Camilla Dietz Bergeron A perfect place on the Upper East Side that features fine antiques and estate jewelry. (818 Madison Avenue, 212.794.9100, cdbltd.com) Five Story Five Story is not five stories but two-and-a-half floors of a gorgeous townhouse. The boutique features a curated and unexpected selection of women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, jewelry, shoes, kids and home wares displayed just-so in a space designed by Ryan Korban. The floors are black and white marble, and the staircases are lined with wrought iron balustrades. It’s a mix of haute fashion and contemporary. (18 East 69th Street, 212.288.1338, fivestoryny.com) & Other Stories A spin-off of H&M offers women a wide range of shoes, bags, accessories, beauty and ready-to-wear to create their personal style—or story. (505 Fifth Avenue, 212.328.4012, stories.com) AVENUE MAGAZINE • CONCIERGE INSIDER
“The Magic Flute” at the Metropolitan Opera House This unique production caters to all crowds six and up. Pursued by a serpent in a strange land between the sun and the moon, Prince Tamino soon finds himself at the center of Mozart’s wild adventure. The show runs December 21, through January 5. (Metropolitan Opera House, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, 800.901.4092, newyorkcitytheatre.com) “A Bronx Tale” Directors Robert De Niro and Jerry Zaks bring their triumphant New York musical to Broadway, following an acclaimed run in Millburn, NJ. The show will be playing from December 1 through April 2. (220 West 48th Street, 212.239.6200, abronxtalethemusical.com)
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