Asecond-generation, born and bred New Yorker, Aerin Lauder has an insider's perspective of her native city—the birthplace of AERIN and the inspiration for her new Rose de Grasse Joyful Bloom fragrance. Here, Aerin shares her tried-and-true list of favourite places and must-dos for a perfect day in New York City.
Best Coffee Shop: Sant Ambroeus
With outposts all over the city, this cult-favorite, all-day Italian café does just about everything with elegance and style, including the perfect cappuccino or espresso to start the day.
Favourite Urban Garden: NYC Flower District
Discovering the flower district in Chelsea is like walking through the ultimate urban garden. In high season, you can wander through blocks’ worth of fresh flowers and plants, creating your own bouquet as you go.
Best Burger: JG Melon
Old school and no nonsense, JG Melon is a classic Upper East Side pub with lots of history. Its diner style burger is perfectly New York—quick, delicious, and simple. Don't miss the crinkle cut French fries.
Favourite Museum: Neue Galerie
A jewel box of early 20th-century architecture on Museum Mile, the Neue Galerie was co-founded by Aerin's father as a celebration of Austrian and German art and design. Tucked inside is Café Sabarsky, a little oasis with beautiful Viennese coffee and pastries.
Best Bar for a Pre-Dinner Cocktail: Bar Pisellino
What's better than a relaxing aperitivo hour after a long day exploring the city? This West Village bar feels straight out of Italy with its little snacks, delicious spritzes and front row seat to the bustle of an evening in the city that never sleeps.
Best Restaurant for Dinner: Majorelle
Every detail at Majorelle, a French restaurant hidden in the Lowell Hotel, is elegant and thoughtful. From the pretty flower arrangements to the composed salads to the luxurious chocolate mousse, it's the closest thing to having dinner in Paris without hopping on a flight.