Tres Bon!

Enjoy quiche, delicious soup, hearty sandwiches and some European charm? I've got the place for you. Josephine (40 Harrison Street) is a new(ish) French cafe/bakery/wine bar set amongst the many other delicious eateries on Greenwich Street in Tribeca. Look for the quaint red awnings and you'll know you're in the right place. On my first visit I was blown away by their asparagus quiche which came with a refreshing mixed greens salad. My dining partner had a turkey panini and was thrilled with her choice. Upon entering the cafe, you initially think you've been transported to a pastry shop in Paris. You are immediately met by a glass counter fully stocked with croissants, apple turnovers and other delicate pastries and desserts. In true French fashion, you can also pick up some of the best bread around. That would be enough to get me excited, but wait, there's more. Walk further into the cafe and a hostess will ask you if you'd like a table. The answer? Yes, please. You will not be disappointed. Walking across the black and white tiled floor, you can only hope to be seated in one of their tufted banquettes. Either way, Josephine serves as the perfect place to warm up on a cold weekend afternoon, but also a great spot to meet-up for some much needed post-work day wine. Now open all day long, and serving lunch and dinner, there's no reason not to stop into Josephine for every meal of the day. Bon Appetit!

Tory Says...

A woman after my own heart, designer Tory Burch has launched "Tory's City Guides." These online guides offer an insider's guide to the hottest cities around the U.S. and Asia (OK - they're really chosen based on where Tory has her boutiques) - what to see and where to stay, shop, and eat. For the midwesterners out there, Tory has two locations in your 'hood - Troy, MI and Chicago, IL. You can see what she recommends in your city by visiting the website listed below. I personally couldn't wait to delve into the New York City guide -- here's what Tory recommends. And I have to say, in regards to the places I have visited, I couldn't agree more.

To Sleep: The Mark Hotel, Crosby Street Hotel, The Carlyle, The Lowell New York

To Eat: The Waverly Inn, JG Melon, Sushi of Gari, Milos New York, La Esquina, Lupa Osteria Romana, Cafe Habana, Fred's at Barneys New York, Lovely Day, Antica Bottega del Vino, People's Pops, Ciao Bella Gelato, Cupcake Stop, William Greenberg Dessert

To Shop: John Derian Company, MoMA Design Store, Opening Ceremony, Ina, Boutique D. Porthault, Crawford Doyle Booksellers, Tracie Maryn Salon, Gagosian Shop, Plaza Flowers, Verdura, Marie Robinson Salon, Jeffrey, Kirna Zabete, Clay

To See: Neue Galerie, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, The Highline, The Standard, The Museum of Modern Art, The Angelika Film Center & Cafe, Joe's Pub, The Staten Island Ferry, SoulCycle

After an intense, business school-style calculation, I've determined that I've only been to a measly 18% of these destinations. Clearly I have my work cut out for me in 2011. Time to get out there and explore! For the full listing of Tory's recommendations and to check out her guides for other cities, click here.

Muchas Gracias, New York

All I can say is "thank you" New York for the delicious and festive Mexican spot I discovered during the last few weeks of 2010. Perfectly situated on a tree lined street in the West Village (and walkable from where I work), Diablo Royale (189 W. 10th Street, http://www.diabloroyale.com/) serves up scrumptous and reasonably priced Mexican dishes with a fantastic atmosphere to boot. Although they don't take reservations, it's relatively easy to walk in on a weekday night to meet a couple of friends for some fajitas and margaritas. The bar scene was equally as hopping and seemed to be a great place to meet up for some much needed post-office hours cocktails. Va ahora! Es magnifico!

NYC - Smitten with the Mitten?

As I prepare to head home to Michigan for the holidays, I can't help but notice how many reminders there are of my home state here in the big city. Over the past four months I've been so surprised by the many Michigan references around town - whether on store windows, on sweatshirts zipping past me while jogging along the Hudson, or on restaurant menus themselves. Perhaps I'm looking for them more than the average person, but they're there nonetheless. Here are some of my favorite Midwest reminders --

Grey Dog Cafe (Multiple locations, http://www.thegreydog.com/) - With three quaint locations in downtown Manhattan, these spots absolutely exude a Midwest mentality. Each cafe's atmosphere mimics that of a farm house with wooden benches and chalk board menus. They are best known for their 20+ "Michigan Sandwiches" on the menu which range from the complicated Grey Dog Club to the fan favorite Grilled Cheese. The owners are University of Michigan grads and proudly display some fun paraphernalia around the cafes.

Duane Park Patisserie (179 Duane Street, http://www.duaneparkpatisserie.com/parkpatisserie.com/) - While strolling around my neighborhood this past weekend, I was thrilled to see "Go Blue" written all over the windows of this adorable neighborhood bakery. They have all of the traditional items you would expect of a bakery - croissants, scones, specialty cakes, custom cookies and fun seasonal items - and everything is made on-site and from scratch. The owner was the first woman to be hired as a cook at the Plaza Hotel - if that isn't enough of a reason to trust the goodies at DPP, I don't know what is.

The Hill (416 3rd Avenue, http://thehillny.com/) - Changing things up a bit, The Hill is an upscale sports bar and lounge on 29th and 3rd. It was started (once again) by Michigan grads living in the city who dreamt of setting up the destination spot for Wolverines to cheer their team on from the East coast. I've been a few times and can attest to the deliciousness of the tater tots and the festive Michigan fans that set up court each week. Definitely a fun stop for a Wolverine fan.

Do you know of other businesses with Michigan or Midwest roots in NYC? Let me know on the Midwestern Manhattanite Facebook page or by Tweeting @MWManhattanite.

In the Limelight

Those from the Midwest are used to hopping in their pre-warmed vehicles (hello automatic start) and driving comfortably to the nearest indoor shopping center. Here in New York City? We're not so lucky in the chillier months. Lucky for us, I recently discovered a unique, boutique and yes, indoor(!) shopping destination called The Limelight Marketplace (656 Avenue of the Americas, http://www.limelightmarketplace.com/). The Limelight has an interesting history. In 1844 the facility was built as an Episcopal Church, later to be turned into both a drug counseling facility and then a nightclub (whose opening night was hosted by none other than Andy Warhol). These days, the Marketplace has been reborn and remodeled (thanks to a $15M gut renovation), and features 35 upscale boutiques and restaurants. The more established brands with booths inside include Hunter Boots, Havianas and Le Sportsac, but there are equally adorable no-name brands as well with intriguing merchandise to peruse. If the shopping isn't enough to get you there, the famous Brooklyn Pizzeria, Grimaldi's, will soon be opening its doors in the "food court" area. The food options don't stop there -- in one section of the Marketplace you'll find scrumptous treats such as gelato, cupcakes and other baked goodies to sample on those long shopping days. On the Saturday that I stopped by, there was even a a grill (and grill-master) set up in the courtyard outside providing delicious eats for patrons. Definitely a must see for Manhattanites!

Delicious, Party of One - Weekend Restaurant Recap

Over the past few weekends I have eaten at some truly fantastic places. Some trendy, some hole-in-walls, some super casual, all delicious! Instead of posting about each place individually, I thought it would be easier to digest all at once.

When my family comes to visit, I'm always in search of the perfect place to eat - something that provides an easy transition from suburb to city life. I always tend to look for restaurants with a patio or outdoor seating option because it reminds my family that yes(!), there is some semlance of nature in the city. On this particular visit I hit the nail right on the head in choosing De Santos (139 W. 10th Street - http://www.desantosnyc.com/) in the West Village. I knew from past visits that my family enjoyed the neighborhood feel and tree-lined streets of the West Village, so I was certain they would like De Santos, a converted brownstone on W. 10th Street - and I was right. Everything from the beautiful patio seating to the service was outstanding and each of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals. We even split their special chocolate ganache dessert which was to die for. While it was the perfect family dinner spot, it would also serve as an ideal date spot, night out with friends or special occasion venue. They also serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday which looks equally delicious.

Ever feel like there's no place reasonably priced to eat in the Meatpacking District? Well you were right -- until now. The same group that owns Spice and Peep have recently opened up Sea (835 Washington Street - www.seainnyc.com/sea/ ) - a very moderately priced Thai restaurant with outstanding food and the ever-coveted opportunity for outdoor seating. The lunch entrees are only $8 or $9 and come with a free appetizer. They also serve one of the most refreshing pitchers of mojitos I have ever seen. Bonus Perk: The restaurant is directly across from The Standard Hotel so provides some of the best people watching in the city. Also, if you're up for something slightly adventurous after lunch, venture across the street to The Highline - New York City's elevated railroad track park (you'll understand when you see it) that runs from the Meatpacking District to Chelsea.

Ready for a night out on the town and in need of a trendy spot that won't break the bank? Look no further than Mercer Kitchen (99 Prince Street - http://www.jean-georges.com/), one of the many fantastic places in chef Jean-Georges's portfolio (which also includes Spice Market, Matsugen and the newly opened ABC Kitchen). The upstairs bar warrants a visit in itself, but I was thrilled to spend a few hours with my girlfriends in the sexy, energetic downstairs dining room. Not wanting to choose just one entree, we split a variety of appetizers and side dishes including the Tuna Spring Rolls, Shaved Fennel Salad with Argula & Parmasean, Macaroni and Cheese and two pizzas - Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil, and Black Truffle and Fontana Cheese. Everything was outstanding and the cocktails only added to our happiness. Mercer Kitchen is the perfect beginning to a fun night on the town.