Thankful for American optimism
What a week.
Hello everyone,
I’m writing this newsletter somewhere over the Atlantic as I make my way back to Milan from NY. Happy Memorial day weekend to my American readers.
I've been thinking about the feeling when you're skiing down a particularly steep slope that pushes you out of your comfort zone. I had an instructor who once told me to take a pause, look behind at the part of the slope I just skied down, and congratulate myself for making it to that point. Then, she said, appreciate the view of the mountains all around me and take it all in.
It's a metaphor for the type of reflection I'm doing now on this flight after a week in NY. The generosity, kindness, and support from The Stanza community in NY make me have to pinch myself. Never did I ever think that putting my voice out there would connect me with such aligned and accomplished people. Thank you everyone for an incredible week.
Here's a quick recap of the highlights:
Sunday: Thank you Anna Cogswell for inviting me to co-host a dinner for operators at the top members clubs in NY. It was great meeting everyone and learning what your pain points are in running these businesses in the most competitive market. London industry dinner next!
Monday: Dinner at Caffe Zaffri - order the grilled dorade with a side of fries, which are seasoned with a nice spicy cumin flavor. Congrats to Jen Vitagliano (Elizabeth Street Hospitality) on the beautiful execution of the F&B at The Twenty Two.
Tuesday: Dinner at Chez Fifi. The food absolutely lives up to the hype - order the roasted chicken with potatoes.
Wednesday: Checked into The Manner, the new hotel by the Hyatt-backed team running The Standard. It’s a 1970’s style 90-key Soho hotel designed by Milan-based Hannes Peer. Thank you Lara Bogossian for hosting.
Dinner at Corner Store nearby to satisfy my American cravings. Thank you Eugene Remm for the res.
Thursday: Toured Ray Harlem, the new art & design-led multifamily development that comprises 222 units plus a new home for the National Black Theater. More developers need to build Ray buildings! Thank you Gabriella Pedro for the tour.
Lunch at the new San Vicente West Village, which is what I imagine being at Ina Garten's city townhouse to feel like. I love everything Jeff Klein does!
Toured The Twenty Two (both the club and the hotel) during aperitivo hour. The decision to use navy blue as a base color in the interior will age well as it develops a nice patina over time.
Dinner at The Otter, the F&B outlet at The Manner. The razor clams and the scallop crudo were stand outs - love the creativity in the sauces.
Friday: Caught up with previous guest Gaetano Guarducci of Sant Ambroeus over a slice of princess cake before meeting the wonderful
, who is one of my favorite writers (highly recommend you subscribe to her newsletter, Feed Me). Then I stopped by previous guest Helena Ammitzboell's Asta Resort pop up. The knitwear is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to wear in Ibiza.On top of all the good vibes this week, so many of you have already sent positive feedback on my interview with Noah Tepperberg, who has shaped New York hospitality in a profound way. Thank you everyone for tuning in - it means a lot to me. And thank you Noah for being so open and sharing the many insights from your 30+ hospitality career. Listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple.
