Manhattan

Graci to Urban Daddy for rightfully comparing the new spot at One Little West 12th, oddly called The Collective, to something the Mad Hatter might muster up. The giant warehouse space looks like someone stuck a bar at one end then sneezed out a hodgepodge of tables throughout. The Collective might have thought to call themselves “The Collection” as they appear to have “collected” random items from other city destinations like LES’ graffiti, and Urban Outfitter’s pendant lights and from Chelsea, some faux Eames chairs. (Or maybe they are real. How would I know?) But the windows are wonderful and the randomness somewhat endearing. It might be the perfect place for the city variety to gather, er…collect, for post-workday wine or a cocktail before a night on the town.

From the masterminds who brought you STK and Bagatelle (The ONE Group), The Collective is bottle-service free and serves cholesterol heavy American fare (see also: drunk food) that just might give you a heart attack. I still cannot figure out why they added soy kettle chips to a menu that has blue cheese tater tots and short rib sliders, and I gave up chips for lent, but apparently, they are amazing. The menu offers a “Taste of The Hoods” with different entrees from each city neighborhood. (The Harlem is chicken and waffles with gravy. The Upper West side is lamb shank with fruity couscous. And so on…) So you won’t emerge skinny or ready to mix with B&Ters at Meatpacking clubs; but you’ll emerge happy. And that’s all that really matters anyway.

The Collective 1 Little West 12th Street  212.255.9717

Emma Dinzebach

German-born luxury women’s apparel retailer, Escada, was bought Megha Mittel after filing for bankruptcy in August 2009. Megha Mittal, daughter-in-law of he Lakshimi Mattal (CEO of the world’s largest steel company and 8th richest person in the world), plans to turn the brand from red-carpet only to everyday ready-to-wear.

Maybe that explains the deeply discounted pieces at the Escada Sample Sale, at the Metropolitan Pavilion on West 19th Street. Luxury clothing and some accessories up to 90% off retail values. Yesterday, the apparel section offered a large variety with timeless classics and wardrobe backbones as well as the marked Escada evening dresses. There are many pieces for work, interview or a day of shopping. Our Editor scored a pristine English riding-style jacket for $95 marked down from $950. The accessory selection was slimmer. Shoes were marked down, most of them 90% off retail price.

The sale drew a more conservative crowd of middle-aged, well-dressed professionals, which may explain how the organization remained in tact. Sizes are plentiful and staff are friendly and there to answer questions about sizes, prices and damages. Be prepared to check your belongings at the door. All sales are final.
       

WHEN: 3/7 – 3/10 Sun-Tues. (10-7), Wed. (10-5)

WHERE: 110 W. 19th St. between 6th & 7th Ave

Emma Dinzebach
 

Living in the fastest city in the nation, we often forget to breathe deeply and appreciate the moment. So we seek symptom mollifying facials, massages and pedicures to make ourselves feel better; and for a moment, we relax. Mastering the art of extending that moment is a task most New Yorks aren’t up for. Enter your serenity savoring savior: Exhale Mindbody Spa.

In the past several years, a new breed of spas have sprouted in the concrete jungle that aim to provide services for complete mind and body well-being. Exhale spa’s website explains the concept as “merging the paths of mind and body well-being and fulfilling the need for an experience that improves and transforms lives in one environment.” To achieve this, Exhale offers Yoga classes, Core strengthening classes, Spa services and a menu of Healing services such as acupuncture, cleanses, nutrition, even fertility and reproduction. Each individual services emphasizes the importance of the others in an effort to integrate the concept of balance and well-being into a lifestyle. Because a massage is great but better when accompanied by regular yoga practice.

Exhale has three locations in the city – Midtown, UES and Soho. Other spots that aim to fuse the mind and body to create well-being include: Soho Sanctuary, Ishta Yoga in the East Village and Reflections Yoga in Hell’s Kitchen.

References: Acupuncture & massage Aberdeen

You know how no one in Soho (minus delivery persons) go out to breakfast. So when my client wanted to meet in Soho for breakfast, I had a minor panic attack. Balthazaar? No siree. My editor and I tried that a few weeks ago, and it was tourist hell.

My friend suggested a neighborhood favorite on West Broadway called The Cupping Room Cafe. I had been there for dinner and was less than impressed but had few choices open before ten, so I decided to give it a go. The atmosphere is a bit blah. It’s too rustic/indoors/restaurant for breakfast but would be too cafe-esque for dinner. But if you can get past that, you get the food.

Basically everything you could possibly want for breakfast they can cook for you. They make waffles (whole wheat A-mazing waffles), oatmeal with berries, brown sugar, raisins…whatever, stuffed french toast. Yes, I said “stuffed french toast” complete with cream cheese, granola nut and raisin. I don’t even like raisins on things, but this was so sweet slash tart with melt-in-your-mouth yumminess I thought I might faint. In terms of baked goods, you name it, they carry it. I’m not sure who/where the baked goods come from and the waiter pretended he didn’t know what I was talking about when I inquired.

The eggs! You can have any omelet any way you want. They serve delicious eggs benedict, florentine, or customized eggs benedict. My favorite side was the chicken sausage (avove). The whole experience was delicious and best of all, transpired before 9 a.m.

The Cupping Room Cafe opens for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and has a quiet, kind group of locals who defy Soho norms and create a peaceful start to their day.

The Cupping Room Cafe  corner of Broome & W. Broadway 212.925.2898

Emma Dinzebach