Old And New In New New York

“Normalcy” is probably not a word one usually associates with New York City. But things in what is arguably the world’s greatest city are returning to being busy, crowded and…ever changing. There are, as ever, a hundred languages overhead in restaurants, galleries, museums, in boutiques and on the streets. New York City has once again returned to its Oscar-winning film theme (everything and everywhere, in addition to all at once) and residents and visitors wouldn’t want it any other way. 

If you live here, then you know. If you’ve never been, then you need to make the trip, or the return trip, if it’s been some time. And what’s in it for you? Surrounded by the Hudson and East Rivers leading out into Long Island Sound and the wider Atlantic, New York City has the infrastructure and the resources to make an excellent destination to sail to/from. New York City has always enjoyed an epic seafaring and migratory heritage. Luxury yachting came with the railroad and real estate barons of New York’s epic Gilded Age and still maintains its hold. So, whether you put into -- or charter from – Northcove Marina at Brookfield Place or further north at Chelsea Piers Marina, yachting here is scenic and impressive, with green space views interrupted by the noise and sight of traffic rushing by. 

Broadway Bits And Buildings

Theatre in the City is as you might expect, particularly for Broadway productions. The “standard” musicals remain, continuing to surprise and delight, even after repeat viewings. Bustling both night and day is 44th Street aka Rogers & Hammerstein Row with a half-dozen or more Broadway productions. There is literally new life, especially for revivals. Some Like it Hot, and Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’ have seen some re-writes and updates to appear “fresh as new.” Exceedingly new is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Bad Cinderella which just opened. As if New York weren’t already about drama, a revival of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House rivets viewers in a limited run. Beyond every performance, there is the house, this house being the Hudson Theater, Broadway’s oldest venue. The Beaux-Arts building opened in 1903 but had fallen on hard times – as well as multiple refurbishments -- over the years. Its final refurb in 2017 restored its former glory to landmark status, including regilded bronzes sparkling against the darkest marble in the lobby.

Within Tiffany domes, arches comprised of exquisite mosaics held up by stately white columns trimmed in gold, along with golden reupholstered seating will be just as inspiring as any performance on stage.   

Just a few steps east on 44th, across Sixth Avenue, is the headquarters of the New York Yacht Club, commissioned by Commodore J. P. Morgan and inaugurated in 1901.

Seven blocks from the Hudson River, a very grand and galleon-inspired façade shelters an interior that is equally impressive, if not more so. Within its immense model room, design features include fanciful plasterwork depicting seaweed and serpents adorning coves, supporting an exquisite Tiffany glass ceiling. Thousands of replicas of iconic vessels are on display here, including America’s Cup models, along with a trophy collection, recalling a glamorous heyday. A heady roster of races as well as regattas appear on the calendar in season, although its second facility, Harbour Court, in Newport, sees all the waterfront action.

Art, Galleries & Museums

It does take some work to wake a drowsy city or visitor up. Thanks to the City’s ever-changing art landscape, there is always quite a lot to shake things up. Often, the best method to engage an art safari is on foot. Chicago may have its “Bean “(officially known as Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor), but New York plays hard and works harder, so the city’s first permanent Kapoor artwork -- and a joy to unveil in the 2023 New Year -- is the exceptionally dynamic and balloon-like piece that “supports” the striking Herzog & de Meuron-designed luxury high-rise residence on Leonard and Church Streets. Just under a 10-minute walk from North Cove Yacht Harbor, 56 Leonard Street, which originally went up in 2013 only to become known as the “Jenga Building,” due to its layers of glass cantilevers, has sprouted another less-angular level of interest. Now it’s no longer necessary to crane one’s neck at the building. Just passing by this shiny support balloon provides a dizzying view of one’s infinitely morphing reflection. Definitely an interesting and Instagram-worthy diversion in downtown. 

Further north, heading toward Chelsea Piers, is one of Paris’ leading contemporary galleries, Templon, has been displaying ground-breaking artists since 1966 when Daniel Templon founded what is now a blue-chip space in the Marais. Templon opened a New York location in autumn 2022 on Tenth Avenue, not far from Hudson Yards. Templon Gallery Chelsea, helmed by his son, Mathieu Templon, is currently showing Michael Ray Charles’ VENI VIDI until mid-May 2023. The show represents the long-awaited return of the American artist who divides his time between Houston, Texas and Ghent, Belgium. Charles’ often-controversial work has a political focus and features recurring themes of race and identity. Templon also represents artists as diverse as Omar Ba, The Kid, and Jeanne Vicerial.

Of course, a visit to any Gagosian location in any city is always an energizing and exciting undertaking. Avedon 100, opening on May 4th in the Gagosian West 21st Street space, will celebrate the centenary of the acclaimed photographer’s birth. Over 150 artists and performers from a vast array of media (including Elton John, Jonas Wood, Spike Lee) were asked to select an influential photograph by Avedon and recount the importance or influence upon their individual life. The show runs until the 24th of June 2023. 

Further north leads up to the High Line which effectively connects Chelsea with Midtown at the Hudson Yards. Once dangerous and ugly street level freight tracks, the High Line transformed into a popular urban green space. More ingenuity than greenbacks mercifully saved the space, enabling organizations such as High Line Art to successfully commission as well as produce artworks in and on the High Line. From the inaugural concepts first planted in 1999, today the High Line has become a nearly 2-mile-long urban greenway, with trees and plants surpassing 500 species, and featuring world-class performances and artworks. Nearby at The Shed, which commissions and produces original works of art in all media for public enjoyment, begins the transition to the Hudson Yards Complex. Although this has been in various stages of development for only a decade, the Hudson Yards area, too, had a bit of rough history. With the Hudson River and Javits Center as its anchor up to Madison Square Garden sitting atop a commuter hub, at night, the area of West Side cleared out, eerily so, and only the vehicles entering the Lincoln Tunnel provided any signs of “life.” Today there’s still traffic, and a lot of it, but with an extension of the rail yards and a subway line along with a brand-new station that just sings 21st Century, even that has lessened. This is now a vibrant community, one that beckons new residents with soaring luxury residences and international corporations in the thousands designing office space here. Joining enhanced transport options, is a new Blade Helicopter facility on West 30th Street to shuttle (or charter) passengers to/from New York City area’s three airports in about 5 minutes, as well as to The Hamptons, Nantucket, or Palm Beach or beyond. Here in Hudson Yards, Edge, part sculpture and all Skydeck, affords exceptional views of this exciting hub of life along the Hudson River. The Edge has a heart-pounding secret, it’s also home to City-Climb, featuring the City’s highest outdoor platform 1,200 ft. above the ground for the adventurous to climb. The perhaps infamous The Vessel, was built as an attraction as well, although it no longer permits visitors to enter, it still remains a great photo-op and place to meet before heading elsewhere.

Resting The Head

For lovers of “new” and “noteworthy,” these sought-after attributes appear in varying stages in New York, since many offerings in the City were interrupted, not once, but several times. One would expect Manhattan to continue to be at the epicenter of luxury hotels, and this is valid. Two iconic brands – Baccarat and Equinox – not previously associated with lodging now have representation and have influenced the hospitality game in the best and most creative ways possible. 

While The Baccarat Hotel New York isn’t precisely new (it first opened in 2015), but with an enticing 53rd Street location a stone’s throw from Fifth Avenue and shopping nirvana, this 114-room jewel box is certainly worth a stop. Inside, the hotel is like another world, one of enchantment, glamor, sophistication: a haven amid New York’s unending noise, scaffolding, continuously resurfaced streets. If an overnight stay isn’t on the itinerary, then an afternoon tea in the Grand Salon, evening drinks in the exquisite Bar, or a treatment in its lavish spa (the only La Mer-branded spa in the U.S.) are definitely worth the time and energy. A location across the street from the Museum of Modern Art adds another further appeal here, although there’s never a loss for things to do or experience in this neighborhood. Food and beverages at The Baccarat are under the direction of Gabriel Kreuther, the Michelin-starred and James Beard-award-winning chef behind the eponymous French restaurant across from Bryant Park, and its neighboring chocolate shop, Kreuther Handcrafted Chocolate which graces nightstands here at turndown. Guests at The Baccarat have privileges at the restaurant, although his influence has a decidedly inspired effect on the French-focused menu offerings at the Bar, the Grand Salon, as well as in-room dining here. 

Equinox Hotel New York, a luxury lifestyle and wellbeing hotel, anchors a sprawling complex – including a fitness facility – which will continue to grow its locations and offerings globally. As part of the aforementioned Hudson Yards complex that continues to develop, despite being surrounded by towering apartment complexes, luxury retirement condominiums, and prestigious corporate headquarters, Equinox Hotel New York has become the beating heart of this complex. Again, things in New York City change rapidly, and the quick-thinking brand bent on performance and success, has effectively surpassed the ominously vacant Vessel as the community’s core.

Steven Starr’s Electric Lemon Restaurant and its indoor/outdoor 8,000 square foot terrace Bar on the hotel’s 24th floor is a food & beverage haven for area residents as well as guests. It is an unending scene of movers and shakers. This hotel works hard and thoughtfully to please its guests. All are welcome here, thanks to an engaged, teamwork-oriented staff, and a bevy of ground-breaking health offerings both in-room and in the high-tech spa and fitness facilities. Its proximity to the Hudson River affords fresh breezes outdoors in addition to lovely views from its 212 spacious rooms and suites. For mariners, it means more inspirational views and time to reflect. Its prime location also facilitates interesting opportunities for novice sailors or even those who might need a quick refresh, during two-hour lessons Equinox Hotel New York offers in conjunction with Hudson River Community Sailing. The lessons are, of course, private and feature some of the newest J/80 small performance keelboats.

For tennis lovers, the hotel partners with Blade Helicopter not only for transport to and from area airports, but the U.S. Open, offering private helicopter transportation to bypass New York City’s famous traffic. It’s clear that a serious amount of investigation went into target market touchpoints to take both Baccarat Hotel New York and Equinox Hotel New York to the next level. For Equinox Hotels, it is the exceptional level of wellbeing in its hospitality focus that truly sets them apart. From the state-of-the-art fitness center, to onsite sleep coaching, and guest rooms optimized for sleep, Equinox Hotel New York is a haven for those seeking to prioritize their health as they travel. The hotel’s commitment to providing an immersive wellbeing experience is unparalleled, making it the perfect destination for those looking to recharge and rejuvenate. For Baccarat, it is the ongoing passion to charm and delight, to spawn creativity, and weave tales that inspire guests to imagine stories of their own creation. 

Taste Appeal

Between old and groundbreakingly new, there are infinite variations. With its ideal location, Baccarat Hotel New York makes an old favorite, Benoit New York, a fitting incarnation of the Parisian original. Another piece in the Maison Ducasse culinary empire, and only two blocks away, Benoit is an easy choice. Not formal, just fun, with exceptional meals perfectly served in a lively atmosphere. This is classic French bistro standards with an Italian touch, thanks to the energetic Executive Chef, Alberto Marcolongo. Every time visit, Benoit just keeps getting better. 

New York City may be many things, but it is never, ever boring. There are always surprises in store for every visitor, new attractions and older ones sporting newer features. Here, infinite experiences of art, culture, science, activity, and restful relaxation beckon continuously. Ignoring New York’s siren call would be a definite disadvantage