We hate to say it, but with Labor Day now said and done, so too is summer. As we reluctantly get back into the swing of things (you know; like closed-toe shoes and hair brushes), we’re gearing up for a certain storm that’s about to hit New York City—no, not that literal impending hurricane, but New York Fashion Week. Soon, our Insta feeds will flood with blurry catwalk photos, the streets will fill with Carrie Bradshaw look-alikes, and, thanks to no central show location, fashion’s VIPs (think editors, models and celebrities) will circle uptown, midtown and downtown multiple times per day. Wondering what happens, then, when they’re in need of a quickie lunch (or, better yet, a cocktail) between front rows? Well, we went to some of our fav fashion friends like Jennifer Fisher, Zanna Roberts Rassi and Micaela Erlanger to round up the ultimate tips on nearby healthful meals, celebratory drinks and superlative people-watching. Check out all of the CITIPHILE.com recs below.
If you’re near Spring Studios…
“Little Park at the Smyth Hotel has colorful, delicious food and their cocktails are unrivaled in the neighborhood. My go-to dishes are the bigeye tuna with market vegetables, the snow peas with mint, and the cinnamon toast ice cream.” —Paul Andrew, designer
Photography by Trevor Smith for CITIPHILE
“Smith & Mills is an amazing spot for intimate drinks.” —Jennifer Fisher, designer
Photography by Mike Webb for CITIPHILE
If you’re near Skylight at Moynihan Station…
“Blossom du Jour is great because it has gluten-free and vegan [options]. We’re not either all of the time, but if we are most of the time, then we can go out, drink and treat ourselves—we’re fine.” —John Targon & Scott Studenberg, designers, Baja East
Photography by Trevor Smith for CITIPHILE
“L’Amico is my fail-proof dining option when I find myself in Midtown West. You can’t go wrong with any of the seasonal vegetable plates, and both the burrata dish with green tomatoes and the adriatic figs with sheep’s ricotta are otherworldly.” —Alexandria Geisler, editorial director, CITIPHILE
Photography by Trevor Smith for CITIPHILE
If you’re near MILK Studios…
“The Standard Grill for the ‘Million Dollar Chicken for Two’—I’ll sit on a red leather banquet inside or outside under the pergola (when the weather permits) and devour that roast chicken, washing it down with a good cab sauv of course!” —Zanna Roberts Rassi
Photography by Eric Isaac for CITIPHILE
“I love Toro and always order a salad, tomato bread and the chicken empanadas.” —Sara Sampaio, model
Photography by Trevor Smith for CITIPHILE
“[Now with a Meatpacking location,] I love Sweetgreen. I get the ‘Rad Thai’ salad (a mix of arugula, sprouts, carrots, cabbage, spicy sunflower seeds, cucumber and citrus shrimp).” —Ali Pew, senior style editor, InStyle
Photography by Trevor Smith for CITIPHILE
“The sushi bar at The Lobster Place in Chelsea Market…” —Cass Bird, fashion photographer
Photography by Trevor Smith for CITIPHILE
“Spoon for a quick and good Italian niçoise salad.” —Micaela Erlanger, stylist
Photography by Trevor Smith for CITIPHILE
“Barbuto—their great sliding garage doors make for fabulous al fresco dining.” —Nigel Barker
Photography by William Ross for CITIPHILE
If you’re here, there & everywhere…
Paris Fashionweek ss2015 day 5“For breakfast after a late night, I love Egg Shop—the avocado on toast and scrambled eggs can cure anything! For lunch on the go, Smile To-Go has the most incredible kale salad and other delicious, healthy meals. I like to go to Claudette for dinner; the restaurant has a great selection of vegetarian dishes and salads for a fashion-week-friendly meal (it can be so difficult to stay healthy when you’re on the run all day!). The Clock Tower in the EDITION Hotel is my go-to for drinks after a long day of shows.” —Gabriele Hackworthy, editorial fashion director, Net-a-Porter
Photography by Sandra Semburg; aloveisblind.com