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GLR Scours New York City for Untapped Treasures as Part Two of Our “Diamond in the Rough” Series
One of the major upsides of living in New York City is having options. Drinks at the Pierre, dinner at Grammercy Tavern, award-winning Broadway shows, the world’s best shopping—the list could go on and on. The downside is that hitting up the city’s hottest spots often means waiting in lines and dealing with hordes of out-of-towners. Scoping out premium goods, services and venues where you can avoid the crowds might seem daunting, but sometimes, off the beaten path, waiting to be discovered in obscurity, there’s a Diamond in the Rough.
Nelson Blue
233-235 Front Street at Peck Slip
South Street Seaport, NY 10038
(212) 346-9090
South Street Seaport is always teeming with tourists, but around the block on Front Street you can dodge the crowds and step into the South Pacific at Nelson Blue, a gastropub featuring authentic New Zealand fare. Adorned with Maori tribal carvings and a hanging war canoe, Nelson Blue offers an upscale twist on Down Under favorites like New Zealand lamb skewers, green-lipped mussels, panko-crusted crabcakes, and corn and zucchini fritters. The extensive wine list features selections flown in from the Otago and Marlborough regions. If you’re lucky, the restaurant’s gregarious Kiwi owner, Pauli, will be behind the bar telling stories about his most recent skydiving trip and handing out free Steinlager pints to friendly patrons.
Gracefully
28 Avenue A
New York, NY 10009
(212) 677-8181
Alphabet City might not seem like the place you’d find a high-end grocery store, but Gracefully on Avenue A features outstanding Epicurean products with an emphasis on organic. Choose from a large selection of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, English candies and a large assortment of vegetarian-friendly items. The deli section offers a variety of unique signature sandwiches–try the Pope of Graceland or the Badabing–and excellent coffee.
Walker’s Restaurant
16 North Moore Street
New York, NY 1001
(212) 941-0142
Home to Bubby’s and the Odeon, Tribeca is well known as a bustling brunch destination. However, if you’re in the mood for a less “scene” Saturday or Sunday afternoon, head to the lesser known Walker’s on North Moore Street for a more low-profile, casual vibe and a hearty American menu. With tin ceilings and walls covered in old black-and-white photographs, Walker’s has an old Tribeca feel that neighborhood locals love. The brunch menu offers standouts like Eggs Walker’s–a benedict featuring fresh Nova lox–which comes with a side of fruit and complimentary mimosa, bloody mary or beer.
New York Tailor Shop
60 Kenmare Street
(between Elizabeth Street & Mott Street)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 343-8790
While crowds flock to SoHo for some of the best shopping and nightlife in NYC, few know that the neighborhood is also home to one of the city’s best tailors. For any type of clothing alteration you could possibly need, head to New York Tailor Shop on Kenmare Street and don’t think twice about the unassuming name. Quality alterations can be done in 20 minutes if needed and at an unbelievably affordable cost (standard pants alterations will set you back a mere $8). While you wait, get some shopping in or grab a bite in Little Italy.
––Sarah McClutchy
