Local Insights
Chef Concierge Maria Wittorp-Dejonge and her team share an array of spring offerings waiting right outside the doors of The St. Regis New York.
By Andrea Landis
Serving guests of The St. Regis New York for more than 10 years, Maria Wittorp-Dejonge and her expert concierge team know all the best places to indulge and unwind in the city that never sleeps. Here are their recommendations for where to brunch, beautify and blossom your home and wardrobe during the sunny spring months.
Brunch
A scrumptious start awaits you at New York standbys for the beloved combination of breakfast and lunch.
You won’t have to go far for what Wittorp-Dejonge assures is “a lovely Sunday brunch” at Beacon Restaurant and Bar. the daylong affair features unique brunch cocktails like the espresso martini—for those who choose to forego the “bottomless” wood-fired Bloody Marys, mimosas and Bellinis— and gourmet sweet and savory selections. (Beacon Restaurant and Bar, 25 W. 56th St.; 212-332-0500; beaconnyc.com)
Or enjoy the spring air, a glass of fresh juice and an elegantly plated contemporary American brunch at the Loeb Central Park Boathouse. “With its fantastic views of this amazing city from within central Park, the Loeb central Park Boathouse is always a hit as the weather gets warmer,” says Wittorp-Dejonge. (Loeb Central Park Boathouse, e 72nd St. and Park Dr.; 212-517- 2233; thecentralparkboathouse.com)
And “on the West Side, there’s a wonderful new French/ American restaurant called La Silhouette,” adds Wittorp- Dejonge. “Heralded by two alums from the famed Le Bernardin, La Silhouette offers a wonderful brunch option before a weekend matinee.” The rich textures and vibrant ingredients of La Silhouette’s soups, omelettes and breakfast sandwiches coordinate with the restaurant’s modern décor. (La Silhouette, 362 W 53rd St.; 212-581-2400; la-silhouettenyc.com)
Beautify
Nothing follows brunch better than a well-deserved pampering session at one of the best spas or salons in New York.
“Be it a massage or a facial, taking care of yourself is paramount,” says Wittorp-Dejonge. The Reméde Spa at The St. Regis New York offers in-room and in-spa services that provide comfort and relaxation at the utmost convenience. (Remède Spa at The St. Regis New York; 212-339-6715; stregisnewyork.com)
“Salon services are also available for the discerning traveler at Salon Fodera in the lower lobby of the hotel,” adds Wittorp-Dejonge. Salon Fodera delivers everything from up-dos to manicures and pedicures; its salon menu even includes a hot shave for gentlemen. “Now that’s a pampering experience.” (Salon Fodera at The St. Regis New York; 212-421-0002; salonfodera.com)
Or, for an alternative treat, Wittorp-Dejonge suggests trying Blue Light Flotation in Chelsea. There “guests can ‘float’ in a shallow tank, giving the body a chance to completely de-stress,” she says. (Blue Light Floatation; 212-989-6061; bluelightfloatation.com)
Blossom
Liven up your freshly spring-cleaned home and closet with pieces from New York’s sought-after galleries and boutiques.
“Strolling up Madison Avenue and Lexington Avenue in the 70s and 80s, you’ll find many shops that can refresh the looks of your home and wardrobe,” says Wittorp-Dejonge. Sprinkled amidst the “fantastic accessories” like handmade alligator handbags and diamond jewelry at celebrity-frequented VBH are “modern home goods” and art for a cultured palate. (VBH, 940 madison ave. near 74th St.; 212-717-9800; vbh-luxury.com)
Wittorp-Dejonge and her team also insist that the Ralph Lauren store on Madison Avenue is a “must-stop-by,” with timeless and impeccable bedding, decorative home accessories and apparel for the whole family. (Ralph Lauren, 867 madison ave.; 212-606-2100; stores.ralphlauren.com)“Alex & Lorenzo Home is another great place to find something new to spruce up the house,” she says. Whimsical wall art, lighting, pillows and tabletop accents fill this charming lexington avenue boutique. (Alex & Lorenzo Home, 1048 lexington ave.; 212-288-1920; alexandlorenzohome.com)After refreshing your space, refresh your own—or a special lady in your life’s—wardrobe with “the latest looks for spring and summer” from “quintessential designer Donna Karan” by visiting her sleek, couture boutique on Madison Avenue. (Donna Karan, 819 madison ave.; 212-861-1001; donnakaran.com)
For polished his and hers essentials, Wittorp-Dejonge recommends J. McLaughlin, a “very NYC clothier” and a local staple for “bold colors and signature prints.” (J. McLaughlin, 1004 and 1008 lexington ave.; 212-879-9565 and 212-879-2240; jmclaughlin.com)
