Philippe

The day before I left for Italy, Andy and I decided to try a place that has been on "the list" (my list of NYC restaurants to try & notes is 50 pages long) forever.  Philippe is owned by the same person that owns Ciano, one of my new favorites in New York.  Philippe has also made more than a few appearances on Real Housewives of New York City, so naturally I loved it before I went.

It was really fun Chinese food, and they'll even do a "healthy" brown lesser-fried rice if you ask - don't miss the chicken lettuce wraps, crispy seaweed or their famous green prawns.  Our server became a new friend and I loved meeting the wonderful and famous Chef Philippe Chow himself, formerly at Mr. Chow for years (but no relation). There's also one of the best lunch deals in town - 3 courses for $20.12.  If you need a Midtown lunch spot, this is it!

Lettuce WrapsGreen prawnsRed Velvet Cake

New York City Hotels: The London NYC

LobbyI recently went to The London NYC for afternoon tea in the London Bar, which confirmed the fact that I wish I could have afternoon tea daily. Not only do I want scones with every meal, the ritual is always so calming. Nothing bad can happen at afternoon tea. I'm in the midst of planning a two-week trip to England in March, and although there is no sister property in England to The London NYC, I had heard wonderful things from friends that had stayed and wanted to get a better look at this all-suite hotel (read: LARGE ROOMS!) If you're a guest, there are free calls to London from your hotel room! Plus, free WiFi and it's pet-friendly, which I love.
Everything feels very English throughout the hotel--refined and beautiful, but a little bit saucy and colorful, with all the interiors done by leading Brit designer David Collins.

Living Area in Sky SuiteSome of the suites have gorgeous views of Central Park, the Hudson River, and the George Washington Bridge. My favorite was the London Sky Suite, with a sophisticated living area and great bedroom.

The London NYC has one of the best hotel gyms I've ever seen-huge weight and cardio area, new machines, city views. I wanted to sneak a photo but always feel bad when I'm in there snapping photos and people are sweating on the treadmill.

City View

Gorgeous table

Loved Tic Tac Toe in the rooms

Bar Americain: Best Midtown Lunch Spot

Midtown tends to be a wasteland of either tourist-centric dives, overpriced steakhouses, or chains.

Bobby Flay's Bar Americain is the perfect spot for lunch, business or personal, and was a highlight this week for me. The chopped salad doesn't compare to La Scala's in L.A. but it's a good New York stand-in.