THE JOURNAL
Solomon R Guggenheim Museum, 5th Avenue, Upper East Side, New York. Photograph by H&D Zielske/Gallery Stock
Paces away from Central Park, the Upper East Side is perhaps New York’s most affluent neighbourhood – the place to get a fix of refined culture and high-end shopping. Case in point: Museum Mile, whose institutions include big names like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum alongside gems such as Neue Galerie and the Frick Collection. But what else has the Upper East Side got going for it? This week, for our Style Council Weekend Guide series, we asked Mr Olivier Lordonnois, general manager at The Mark (a hotel best known for hosting the Met Gala before- and after-parties) and local resident, for some quick-fire recommendations on New York’s leafiest suburb.
Where to drink
The Mark Bar
Flora Bar. Photograph by Mr Johnny Miller, courtesy of Flora Bar
“The Mark Bar has quickly become a New York classic and is a neighbourhood favourite among locals. I also like going for a drink at Flora Bar, located in The Met Breuer. I love its modern aesthetic and moody ambience.”
Where to eat
Caravaggio
The main dining room at Caravaggio. Photograph by Mr Ron Amstutz, courtesy of Cicognani Kalla Architect, PLLC
“Caravaggio is a neighbourhood classic that I often recommend for a true New York experience. It has that old-school character that visitors often crave, and the Italian food is truly superb.”
What to do
The Guggenheim
Installation view of the Hilma Af Klint: Paintings For The Future exhibition, Solomon R Guggenheim Museum, New York, from 12 October 2018 to 23 April 2019. Photograph by Mr David Heald/2018 The Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation
“If the weather is pleasant, I recommend riding a bike around Central Park. You must also visit the museums along Museum Mile – my favourites are The Guggenheim and Neue Galerie. What else? The Upper East Side has some of the best shopping in town and Madison Avenue has every designer store imaginable.”
What to wear
“Style on the Upper East Side is quite refined – everyone is always dressed to impress – and weekends are no exception. I recommend a casual shoe or sneaker for a day of walking and in winter, I am a fan of a cashmere scarf and a very warm jacket (it is regularly sub-zero in winter).”