Thankful for America
Touching base after a week in new york.
Hi everyone, and happy Valentine’s day. I’ve just spent an incredible week in NYC interviewing people for the new podcast season, catching up with old friends, visiting my old routine spots, and checking out the new trendy places. After being away from the US for over 2 years (!) it felt unreal to be back on home soil. I really missed the American optimism and the feeling that anything is possible. Despite whatever is going on in this country, it’s still the best place in the world for people who dream big.
This week’s interview with Peter Baldaszti (Nanushka, Sunnei, Aeron) is essential listening for anyone building in fashion. Thank you to Peter for being an open book and sharing some important lessons learned along the way so far.
In today’s newsletter: What I did in NY this week, deals in fashion, CPG, hospitality tech, London supper clubs, the future of luxury hospitality, the resale market
NYC HIGHLIGHTS
My first meal post touchdown was at The Corner Store. Shout out to Catch Hospitality Group founder Eugene Remm for helping me with the res. I had been craving “American food” - can you relate? Stand out menu items: spinach and artichoke dip, Wagyu french dip, all the sauces for the fries, and “The Filth” martini. If you’ve been trying to get a table like the rest of NY, you can book via Dorsia.
Casa Cip on Saturday evening was essentially a reunion of old friends and acquaintances you’ve only seen out at night. The biggest difference between Casa NY and Milan is the average age - so many young people in NY!
I visited Happier Grocery and observed how America’s capitalism fuels the “brand craze”. After some time away, I get why non-Americans are fascinated with places like this and Erewhon. Apparently raw milk is a thing now?
Finally got to eat at Torrisi - thanks to Dorsia I was able to get an impossible res, which was completely packed even on a Monday evening. It was pretty good, but I wouldn’t say it’s better than pre covid Carbone. Or maybe I’m just over-indexed on good Italian food…
Went to People’s and enjoyed a dirty martini while discussing the current age of grifters with friends. How many people do you know who have started grift-y tech start ups or VC funds, or stretch the truth a bit too much?
Toured Chez Margaux while the team was preparing for service yesterday evening. It’s a mish mash of London institutions 5 Hertford Street and Annabel’s, and the main dining area looks like Hotel Costes. It seems like the new nightlife aesthetic is exactly that. Low ceilings, jewel tones, and lots of printed velvet.
Toured The Manner hotel in Soho, the new 80’s Milanese style boutique hotel brand by the same team behind The Standard. Seeing Margaux before The Manner made me think about how Americans love to draw inspiration from European hospitality and F&B trends, almost as much as they love to spend money on European hospitality experiences. The Manner was very chic and for anyone who is into Italian design - loved the vintage Willy Rizzo coffee table in the penthouse, and the rosso levanto marble in the bathrooms. Special thanks to Lara Bogossian, who runs PR for The Standard, for the tour.
Last stop before leaving was Flyfish Club, Gary Vee and David Rodolitz’s (VCR Group) new omakase / fine dining members club. VCR Group operates a lot of sushi venues (Ito), and the entire meal was so delicious. I wish I could have had a few more of the fatty toro with caviar, and the wagyu hand roll to finish the meal punctuated the high of being in NY. Special shout out to Nick Diodato for being so welcoming and for supporting The Stanza.
The Manner, where the SIXTY Hotel used to be.
