City Lifestyle

So you want to spend the day acting like a Parisian? Perhaps you’re a bit of a Francophile looking to sate your French tastes. Maybe you’re dying for a vacation, but a trip to Eiffel Tower is out of your budget. Or, even better yet, you’re trying to plan the perfect date night for a special someone or your gal pals. Whatever your mission, we’re here to help.

Before we even start listing destinations and restaurants and events, let’s first cover a bit of ground, here. Parisians are a breed all their own. Similar to New Yorkers in many ways, sure, but very different in their own regard. If you want to aim for authenticity, consider nailing the “Parisian look.”

According to Marie Claire author Susie Moore, who lived in France, “It is all about the timeless, well-cut, and classic look – snug jeans, tailored blazers, classic trench coat, cashmere sweaters and little black dresses. They obsess over fabric too—it has to feel expensive (even if it’s not)!”

Those little details — like the French silk scarf hand-me-down from grandma or the effortless chignon – make all the difference.

Finally, you’ve got to nail the attitude, too. This cheeky article at Garance Dore insists there are a few keys to being a proper Parisian. For starters, you’ve got to turn your nose up a little bit at tourists, even if you’re a tourist yourself. Blend, walk with confidence, and act like you belong. Also adopt a “woe is the world” stance, and make an effort to engage in healthy complaining about the state of things these days. It’s the Parisian way to bond.

Another must: frankness. Flattery only gets you so far, but the cold hard truth shall set you free. And finally, you mustn’t go without a glass of wine in your hand for any extended period of time. It’s preferred that, whilst sipping, you passionately converse about current hot topics. A Parisian is always well versed. Mix in a little bit of that complaining and you’ll have it nailed, for sure.

Food and Drink

Now that you’ve got the commandments down, it’s time to go along your merry way. We recommend these three restaurants to start, but of course New York has plenty more to offer. We chose these restaurants because they’re not over-the-top expensive, but still promise comforting Parisian cuisine and the authentic charm of a neighborhood bistro.

La Mangeoire

1008 Second Ave. at 53rd Street
New York New York
212-759-7086

La Mangeoire is noted for its cozy, romantic charm and authentic French rustic charm. Since its inception 35 years ago, the food has consistently been ranked high by restaurant-goers. For a real bargain and delicious dining experience, try the lunch or dinner Prix Fixe, $25 and $45 per person, respectively.

Demarchelier Restaurant

50 E. 86th Street
New York New York
212-249-6300

Opened in 1978, Demarchelier Restaurant is another go-to for New Yorkers looking for a genuine French experience. They now offer a completely organic menu, in addition to their regular menu, which also makes it popular among the environmentally conscious.

Maison-Kayser

Multiple Locations – New York City

We’re putting Maison-Kayser on this list for several reasons. First, it’s an “authentic artisanal French Boulangerie.” That means the baked goods, including perfected French bread, are made and baked on site all day long. Second, because there are numerous locations, this is an accessible one for many. Consider dropping in for just desert, or opt for the full blown meal. P.S. They also deliver.

La Sirene

558 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
212-925-3061

Finally, we must mention La Sirene. We’re particularly fond of their BYOB ($10 cork fee), and the menu is a delight. It’s “crafted to reflect the best of South France” and promises delectable bites thanks to in season, fresh ingredients.

Events and Destinations

Food out of the way, let’s discuss some other ways you can get your Parisian on in the Big Apple.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

This is a no brainer destination for both tourists and residents alike. To make it a truly French experience, swing by the French Impressionist exhibits and soak up the culture.

Jean-Claude Carrière Cine Salon

On Tuesdays through June and July, FIAF is hosting what they call a Cine Salon. “Catch some of the most subversive and surreal films of the past 50 years. In this series, works by leading directors—including Buñuel, Malle, and Godard—are united by one common thread: the imaginative French screenwriter Jean-Claude Carrière.” Dates include Tuesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 and July 7, 14, 21 & 28. Get more info on the website.

Bastille Day

Bastille Day, France’s national holiday, takes place on July 12 this year. New York will host a street fair on 60^th street between Fifth and Lexington Avenues from noon to 5 p.m. “This year’s edition will include an even greater line-up of exciting events, with new activities including a champagne tasting in our beautiful Skyroom, free film screenings for kids and families, and talented performers making their Bastille Day debut on the main stage,” says the website. Get more info via the link.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Opened in October of 1904 and closed in 1945, the City Hall subway stop has recently been opened again to the public. Visitors were able to check out the gorgeous tiles, stunning skylights, and original chandeliers of the preserved stop. The last tour date was February 16, and the next one is April 12. Sadly, tickets have sold out for the April showing, but get your fingers ready to click purchase for the upcoming summer tour. The dates will be announced soon. Meanwhile, check out the story by Curbed and ogle over the photographs posted there.

“Tours are led roughly 16 times a year to groups of about 40 people at a time. To attend, you have to have to be a member of the New York Transit Museum and be ready to act quickly. Tickets for the City Hall station tours cost $40 each and always sell out fast,” says Curbed.

City Hall subway station

City Hall subway station entrance

Ticket office, City Hall subway station

City Hall subway station name plate

By Wendy Rose Gould

Image credit: via Flickr: Ed Yourdon City Hall Subway Stop, Library of Congress

NYC bibliophiles rejoice, for there’s a new way to buy books in town. Meet CityShelf, a project launched in December that’s “a combined search tool for eight of New York’s indie bookstores.”

It’s kind of like Amazon, only it’s specifically for books, and it comes without the controversy surrounding the major retailer’s author compensation practices. Not to mention, you’re buying local, which ignites that, “I’m contributing to society,” warm and fuzzy feeling.

Cityshelf’s goal is to augment sales for indie book sellers and make books more accessible to New Yorkers. It’s currently an app for smart phones, and founder Ben Purkert says he’d like for it to continue growing by word of mouth.

Get more info on Cityshelf here.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Image credit: Flickr: Nate Bolt

Who doesn’t love to eat? Answer: Nobody. Because everyone loves to eat. The key, though, to happy living and eating, is to only eat food that’s amazing. Calories spent on something less than delightful to your palate are simply a waste, my friend.

That’s why we’re pretty excited about Foursquare’s “Restaurant Challenge,” AKA a checklist of 50 of the best NYC restaurants.

“Foursquare’s team of data scientists crunched the numbers, looking at where more than 50 million people go and what they do,” explains the site. “The result: top trending tastes in New York and the best places to experience them.”

From pancakes to burgers to bagels, from pastries to pizza to ramen, it’s all on the list. Will you take the Foursquare challenge with us?

• Bagel: Everything Bagel at Ess-a-Bagel (Turtle Bay)
• Bloody Mary: Bloody Caesar at Joseph Leonard (West Village)
• Bourbon Cocktail: Old Fashioned at Maysville (NoMad)
• Burger: Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern (Greenwich Village)
• Burrito: Ramenrrito at Press Tea (West Village)
• Cheesecake: Famous No. 1 Original Cheesecake at Junior’s Restaurant (Downtown Brooklyn)
• Chicken: Roasted Chicken at Barbuto (West Village)
• Chipotle Sauce: Crack Sauce at Calexico Cart
• Chocolate Pastry: Chocolate Babka at Breads Bakery (Union Square)
• Cold Brew Coffee: Cold Brew at Little Collins (Midtown East)
• Cookie: Chocolate Chip Cookie at Levain Bakery (Upper West Side)
• Corn: Jerk Grilled Corn at Miss Lily’s 7A (East Village)
• Craft Beer: NY Local Brews at The Jeffrey Craft Beer & Bites (Upper East Side)
• Cream Cheese: Wasabi Cream Cheese at Tompkins Square Bagels (East Village)
• Croissants: Pretzel Croissants at The City Bakery (Union Square)
• Donuts: Cronuts at Dominique Ansel Bakery (SoHo)
• Dumplings: Pork And Crab Soup Dumplings at RedFarm (West Village)
• French Fries: Pommes Frites at Balthazar (SoHo)
• French Toast: Parmesan French Toast at L’Apicio (East Village)
• Gnudi: Ricotta Gnudi at The Spotted Pig (West Village)
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Three Cheese Grilled Cheese at Milk Truck Grilled Cheese (Midtown East)
• Hidden Place: Japanese Restaurant at Bohemian (NoHo)
• Ice Cream: Chorizo Caramel Swirl at OddFellows Ice Cream Co. (Williamsburg)
• Lamb Chops: Tandoor-grilled Lamb Chops at Tulsi Restaurant (Turtle Bay)
• Lasagna: Yesterday’s 100 Layer Lasagne All Piastra at Del Posto (Chelsea)
• Mac & Cheese: “world’s Best” Mac & Cheese at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese (Flatiron District)
• Margarita: Margarita De Toronja Picante at Gran Eléctrica (DUMBO)
• Off-menu Item: Cheeseburger at Gramercy Tavern (Flatiron District)
• Outdoor Seating: The Patio at Central Park Boathouse (Central Park)
• Pancakes: Blueberry Pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Co. & Restaurant (Lower East Side)
• Pastrami: Pastrami Sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen (Lower East Side)
• Pie: Crack Pie at Momofuku Milk Bar (East Village)
• Pizza: Vodka Pizza at Rubirosa (NoLita)
• Pork: Rocket Pig Sandwich at Rocket Pig (Chelsea)
• Ramen: Akamaru Modern Ramen at Ippudo (Greenwich Village)
• Rooftop Garden: Rooftop Bar And Cafe at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Upper East Side)
• Sandwich: Fried Chicken And Waffle Sandwich at Root & Bone (Alphabet City)
• Scenic View: Bench Seating At 17th Street at High Line (Chelsea)
• Seafood: Grilled Octopus at Taverna Kyclades (Astoria)
• Sliders: Meatball Sliders at Little Owl (West Village)
• Smoked Salmon: Bagel With Lox And Cream Cheese at Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side)
• Southern Food: Shrimp And Grits at Red Rooster (Central Harlem)
• Speakeasy: PDT at Crif Dogs (East Village)
• Steak: Porterhouse at Peter Luger Steak House (Williamsburg)
• Sushi: Uni at Sushi Nakazawa (West Village)
• Taco: Short Rib Pastrami Taco With Mustard Seed Salsa at Empellón Taqueria (West Village)
• Tasting Menu: Chef’s Tasting Menu at Per Se (Hell’s Kitchen)
• Toast: Crab Toast at ABC Kitchen (Flatiron District)
• Vegan Food: Vegan Blt at Blossom Restaurant (Chelsea)
• Wine Tastings: Tasting Pours at Terroir (Tribeca)

See the full list here.

By Wendy Rose Gould