Manhattan Digest

All you need to know about Manhattan culture and so much more...

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Fall Season Getaways You Need To Book Right Now!

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Being in New York during the fall season is an eventful experience. People from all over flock to New York to encounter the wonders of leaf peeping, festivals, or just a night on the town with that crisp breeze that the fall season is famous for. If you’re looking to book a staycation or autumn-filled getaway, we have a list of accommodations we think you should consider.

If you love live jazz, mulled wine and the expansive sights of a New York City rooftop then “Autumn in New York” presented by Arlo Hotels should be your destination.

Arlo SoHo

They are bringing the Canadian Rockies to Soho with complete outdoor log cabins where visitors can relax in and imagine they are overlooking snow-covered hills. All of this with a cup of spiked cider while listening to live music courtesy of Sofar Sounds, an intimate, pop-up concert organizer.

Arlo Midtown

If skyline dining is your thing then the Rooftop at Nearly Ninth overlooking the city’s skyline is for you and your crew! The extensive views highlight Times Square, Hudson Yards and the Empire State Building to name a few. Visitors will be 26 stories above the city taking in chilly autumn evenings with a beverage and personal rooftop chocolate fondue, complete with all the fixings for a fun fall evening.

Arlo NoMad is the place to be if you’re looking for an evening filled with of up-and-coming musicians across jazz, blues, roots and Americana genres in its new Room 31, an intimate listening room. Be sure to grab an autumn-inspired cocktail from BARlo, then grab a seat for a cozy night in.

 

Set Forth to Graduate Roosevelt Island For a Cityscape Staycation

If you were looking for a reason to visit Roosevelt Island then look no further! This fall season Graduate Roosevelt Island is offering a Falling for the Island package.

This package will allow guests and locals to take in the gorgeous surrounding fall foliage. Bask in all of the cherry tree foliage from the iconic Roosevelt Island Tram then be sure to check out the weekly farmer’s market just down the street from the hotel to pile up on fall staples like apples, pumpkins, and cider of course.

Visitors who book a staycation using the code FALL22 will receive a CitiBike pass to cycle around the island to see the foliage along the city skyline. This is the perfect accommodation if you want to experience fall foliage without leaving the concrete jungle.

Head Upstate to The Point Resort for Crisp Fall Foliage + Outdoor Activities 

The Elco

Situated in the lovely Adirondacks of upstate New York, The Point is surrounded by stunning fall foliage and changing leaves making for the perfect fall getaway. Situated on 75 acres of land, with 11 distinct guest rooms, The Point offers outstanding fall views that include an intimate escape from day-to-day life.

If you’re looking to dine in luxury, The Point now offers curated menus with daily 5-course dinners, and 7-course black tie dining on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Presented by, Executive Chef Löic Leperlier he is emphasizing slow cooking within his recipes from meat to vegetable and of course local herbs that are foraged from the surrounding area. Those looking for an outdoor Fall vibe with the right amount of luxe then this is the place for you.

Whether you’re a local stomper or a getaway bandit these accommodations have offerings to tickle all of your Fall fancies!

 

A New York Noir Christmas: A Midtown Photo Journal

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New York City at Christmas is a magical time. The lights, the crowds, the noise. This post is the opposite. Black and white, quiet, pensive. Moments of quiet reflection I managed to catch even in the chaos of Rockefeller Center. [Read more…] about A New York Noir Christmas: A Midtown Photo Journal

Your *Affordable* Spring Style Guide For Manhattanites

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Believe it or not spring is right around the corner! The first official day is March 20 and you’ll definitely want your wardrobe to be ready in time for that glorious day. Considering how stressful it can be to deal with all of the clothes in your closet when trying to dress for just one season, we’re always looking for ways to cut down seasonal wardrobes into easy to maintain and organize collections. This year, there are just six versatile items you’ll need for great spring style.

Click to see our spring style guide!

 

[Read more…] about Your *Affordable* Spring Style Guide For Manhattanites

Promoting a Trans-Friendly Environment

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Consider the ongoing debate regards public access to bathrooms for gender non-conformists. We often hear of incidents where men who identify and appear as women are often shamed and chased from women’s bathrooms. There may be a solution, we could continue to segregate our public bathrooms, but in a different way. Rather than being gender focused, we could be age focused. 

[Read more…] about Promoting a Trans-Friendly Environment

Join Local New York EatWith Chefs for Thanksgiving

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Not all of us are lucky enough to make it home for the holidays.  Sometimes we are stuck in the city for business or whatever reason possible, and still want to do our best to enjoy the holidays to the best of our abilities.  For any last minute people out there who still don’t have set plans for tomorrow night, let me introduce you to this great initiative prepared by EatWith.

Credit to: Eilon Paz
Credit to: Eilon Paz

What is EatWith exactly?  EatWith is a global platform for home restaurants that brings local hosts, with a passion for cooking and entertaining, together with locals and travelers looking for an authentic and totally new dining experience. Connect with
 guests in a way that cannot be experienced at a restaurant.  By creating the first home-restaurant community, citizens of the world can use EatWith to gain access to local culture, and enrich their connection to a destination by eating with people in their home.

So essentially, EatWith is looking to make the experience that much more personable while keeping the environment lively and the food just as delicious as you would get in any of the top restaurants here in New York City.  There are two different events you can attend tomorrow night, with all of the proceeds going to La Concina.  La Concina is a non-profit that empowers food entrepreneurs.

EatWith is also giving away a pair of tickets ($130 value) for another dining experience to 5 lucky winners!  Simply like EatWith’s Facebook page, tag a friend in comments, include #EatWith and the winners will be announced on Facebook and Instagram by the end of the week.

Credit to: EatWithMe
Credit to: Eilon Paz

Here is, in full detail, the events for tomorrow night-

WHEN:

Thursday, November 26 at 7:30 p.m.

$20 per ticket with all proceeds going to La Concina

WHERE:

Zuhra or Simon’s home!

MENUS:

A Nigerian Inspired Thanksgiving – Eat with Zuhra

A note from the chef:  As a Classic Culinary Art student at the International Culinary Center, I started to create menus based on popular Nigerian dishes.  Here, I have a Nigerian Inspired Thanksgiving dinner that will take you on an exciting trip to Nigeria without taking you too much out of America. You will leave my table having learnt not only about our food, but also our cultures, traditions and our incredible diversity. I look forward to the privilege of showing you a part of my country through food.

A Little Paris in New York Thanksgiving Dinner – Eat With Simon

A note from the chef:  Thanksgiving may be an all-American holiday, but its traditional dishes lend themselves beautifully to French influences. With simple but elegant twists on the classic menu, a holiday meal becomes a transporting experience.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

5 Great Scarves for Fall- A Manhattan Digest Exclusive

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Temperatures are dropping and most of have started switching out our sundresses and sandals for sweaters and boots. And while all love our fall wardrobes, but it can be hard to find the right finishing touch as it gets colder. And that finishing touch is not always jewelry, but it can be a scarf. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 5 great scarves to finish off your fall outfit. All of these styles are currently trending, so you’re sure to find something that fits your fall look. And best of all, they’re all affordable! That means guilt free shopping for the season, whether you’re buying just one or quite a few.

zara scarf“Basic Knit Snood”

Store: Zara

Price: $12.90

Why you’ll love it: This scarf isn’t as much a scarf as it is a neck sleeve. It’s great for anyone who is on the go and doesn’t have the time to wrap or tie a regular scarf. The basic knit snood, as they call it, just goes right over your head and you’re ready to go. Plus, it’s thick knit, so you’ll be able to snuggle your face into it and stay warm. Since it is just a plain knit, with no pattern or detail, it can be worn with absolutely anything.

 

“Striped Scarf”forever 21 scarf
forever 21 scarf

Store: Forever 21

Price: $14.90

Why you’ll love it: It’s a large square with fringe on all edges, which makes it look good no matter how you put it on. For a level up from the snood above, this is another quick and easy option that only takes a minute to wrap perfectly. This one is lightweight, so it won’t be as warm as heavier scarves, but it is a great scarf for that in between weather when it is chilly, but not too cold yet. The simple black dotted pattern on a neutral color material make this a great add on to warm up a cardigan with jeans look, or to toss on with a dress and tights.

 

nordstrom scarf“BP. Autumn Plaid Scarf”

Store: Nordstrom

Price: $26.00

Why you’ll love it: It says so in the title, it’s an autumn scarf! The warm oranges with blues, reds, and yellow in the plaid pattern are reminiscent of pumpkin picking and latte sipping. This would look great with a sweater, jeans, and boots, or even a dress. It’s cozy, comfortable, and super cute.

 

macys scarf“Collection XIIX Free Style Solid Loop”

Store: Macy’s

Price: $28.00

Why you’ll love it: This adorable loop scarf is another great on-the-go option. Just loop it twice around your neck and you’ve got a full, warm scarf to get cozy in. It comes in a few colors, and the fringe detail on the edge adds a cute and casual edge. This one is perfect for warming up your everyday look.

 

bloomingdales scarf“Echo Roving Spacedye Wrap Scarf”

Store: Bloomingdale’s

Price: $68.00

Why you’ll love it: This wrap scarf is plain with an edge. It has a sewn on checker pattern with three colored lines along each side. The unique pattern makes it great for styling since it can look like a totally different scarf each time you wrap it up. You can show the three stripes without showing their intersection for a rounded, more continuous look. Or, wrap it where you can see where the stripes meet for an edgier, more squared look. The fringe detail on this scarf makes it great for casual wear.

So whether you’re looking for something easy, plain, or fun, there are tons of great scarves out there right now that you definitely want to get your hands on before winter rolls in. Love one of these? Just click the store name to shop!

Q&A with Top Italian Leather Handbag Designer Patricia Nash

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As some of you may already know, there is an absolutely amazing premium leather handbag designer named Patricia Nash. Her products are not your run of the mill leather bags. They have beautiful detail, old world touches, and are built to last.

Patricia Nash had spent years designing for other companies like Disney, Warner Bros., Banana Republic, Express, and American Eagle- just to name a few. A challenge from a friend led to the launch of Patricia Nash Designs in 2010, which has received an overwhelming response with her products extending to stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and various boutiques nationwide.

Patricia Nash Salerno Saddle BagI am a proud owner of the Salerno Saddle Bag, and I can tell you that Patricia Nash’s products’ quality are like no other. The leather strap is so sturdy, and the bag itself is small and structured- great for a day out or daily use. The inside is perfect for orderly keeping of your wallet, phone, and planner. The structured sides are perfect- you’ll never go diving into the bottom of your bag again. Plus, there are two pockets inside that are perfect for keys, change, or other small objects you like to keep easily accessible. And, my favorite feature is the snap that secures the the flap to the purse itself. I accidentally sent the purse crashing down my steps, filled with my wallet, phone, pens, spare change, and various lip balms and absolutely nothing came out! It is absolutely the best snap closure I have ever experienced, which makes it perfect for clumsy folks like myself.

I was given the opportunity to ask Patricia a few questions, so here is what she has to say about her brand.

Your designs are not like anything else that we see today. They have such intricate detail that I have yet to see from any other designer. What are some inspirations behind your brand?

Patricia Nash: “My travels across Europe have provided many inspirations, including vintage shopping in Bologna, London, and Paris. I’ve developed friendships with people who share the same passion for vintage Italian leather bags as I do, and have been inspired by their collections as well as my own.”

You’ve accomplished so much with your brand in a short period of time. So, how does it feel for your career to be where it is now, and for you to do what you love everyday?

Patricia Nash: “Surreal! I am just humbled by the outpouring of women who reach out to me and share their passion for and loyalty with the brand with me.”

With such stunning and high quality products, I’d imagine that a lot of women appreciate your designs and your brand as a whole. What about Patricia Nash Designs really sets your products apart from other leather handbag designers?

Patricia Nash: “The old world craftsmanship and vintage vegetable tanned Italian leathers along with printed and tooled leather are unique to the entire market of handbags sold in the U.S.”

First of all, thank you to Patricia Nash for taking the time to tell us more about her one of a kind brand, Patricia Nash Designs.

The handbag shown in this article is the Salerno Saddle Bag in Florence.

Get your own Patricia Nash authentic Italian leather handbag and other great products like wallets, stationary, scarves, footwear, and more at patricianashdesigns.com