Recreate Yourself in NYC

Blinded by NYC’s shameless glamour, I became a new person the second I stepped off the Lucky Star; I found myself drinking $40 vodka martinis (does ANYONE actually enjoy the taste or are we all just trying to look hard-core?), getting my tarot cards read by a psychic who drove a Ferrari (I’m still a bit skeptical depsite her haunting accuracy), agreeing to go dancing with a Canal St. vendor (I’m sorry, but he was dead sexy!), and wearing a bright purple pixie-wig out in public (I won’t even attempt to justify that one). My new identity came equipped with an alias (Lola) and an incredible spontaneity, which led to the many wonderous discoveries that compose my list of NYC’s Finest:

Blue Fin Restaurant
I was exhausted when I arrived at W Hotel – Times Square, so I decided to be lazy and eat at the hotel restaurant, but this Zagat-rated and celeb-filled hotspot turned out to be MUCH more than that. I asked to sit upstairs because I thought it looked tres chic, but the hostess only agreed because she thought the same about my date; thus, I suggest you dress to impress. When it comes to ordering, the halibut is a must-have. I consider myself a seafood connaisseur, and it was the best I’ve ever had. And after dinner, it is absolutely necessary to sit at the bar, which I can only describe as a glass box plopped in the middle of Times Square’s glorious chaos. Surrounded by tourists prancing around in bright lights and pouring rain, I calmly enjoyed a delicious Razzatini. The contrast of the bar’s serenity and the streets’ mayhem was absolutely surreal.

Churrascaria Riodizio – TriBeCa
Two of my most massive obsessions are exposed brick and filet mignon. I’m happy anywhere that can satisfy my need for both, but this place really takes the cake because Ashley Olsen, my third obsession, is a regular. A Brazillian Churrascaria, this restaurant features a fixed-priced continuous tableside service. Countless waiters flocked to my table, all with a different mouth-watering meat. After tasting several types of lamb, duck, pork, beef, and chicken, I finally decided on my favorites and flagged down those servers for seconds, then thirds, and then fourths. Also included in my unconvential meal was a limitless supply of bread, pasta, shrimp, sushi, salad, cheese, potatoes, and even fried bananas. The only catch? Let’s just say this one ain’t cheap, so pick a fight with your man and tell him this date is his only way out.

Artista Salon and Day Spa
My hair was a mess after roaming the windy streets all day, so I wandered into this stunning Fifth Avenue salon for a blowout. My friend Suez was so entranced by the bohemian atmosphere that she randomly decided to dye her blonde hair black a mere three seconds after walking in. We then discovered that Sarah Jessica Parker was a regular, and that this salon was the backdrop of an episode of Sex and the City. Because it was a Tuesday night, we were two of only four women there. The sole stylist was a man who looked and acted more like a CEO than a hairdresser. He was a genius, dashing between us as we drank free wine, examining our hair quickly but thoughtfully, and mumbling frantically as if playing an intense game of battleship. “A84, B30, D2,” he’d grumble to his assistant, who’d obediently nod and immediatly take action. Two hours later, Suez and I strutted out the door and across the street to Victoria’s Secret. We then noted that we suddenly bore striking resemblances to Heidi Klum and Adriani Lima. Kidding. But our hair never looked better.

Mood Fabrics
I barely passed Home Economics; my roommate Brian has to sew my loose buttons back on for me. Suez and I journeyed here with the mere hope of seeing the Project Runway cast run around like headless chickens. No such luck, but we DID end up inspiring ourselves to redecorate our entire apartment. “This would be nice for a pillowcase,” she’d say. “And these could be your matching curtains!” I’d chip in. We spent a good three hours in the store, which says a lot considering we know nothing about fabric. For anyone with an interest in fashion or interior design, or even an appreciation for pretty colors and nice textures, this place is a must-see! There’s no predicting what you’ll inspire yourself to do…

The Beauty Bar
When I heard I could get a manicure AND a drink of my choice for $10 total, I pretty much sprinted here. I expected a mass of girly-girls trying to get their bang for the buck, but was surprised to find a stylish dive bar, where celebs like the not-so-girly Johnny Knoxville frequent. The “manicurist on duty” has a small station on the side which offers the bar’s only source of light, making for a very dark and mysterious atmosphere. The vibe is actually kind-of badass, and if it weren’t for the weird Indian guy creeping on me all night, I suspect I would’ve had quite an enjoyable time.

ABC Carpet & Home
Oh man. This place is simply indescrible; thus, I will not attempt to describe it (words just won’t do it justice). I will, though, advise you to allot yourself at least three hours to spend here. You’ll need about $6000 if you plan on making a purchase, but don’t fret: this store makes window shopping an exceptionally pleasurable activity.

*Note: Now that I’m back in Boston, my former identity has returned. Once again, my name is synonymous with the word Vagina (thanks a lot B.Spears!), my drink orders are embarrassingly girly, and my pickiness towards the male species demands that I only date Harvard grads. I do miss Lola’s bold and edgy ‘tude, though, and will be sure to meet her at the bus stop when I make my return.

~ by Brittany Fischer on March 21, 2008.