Local Insights
Chef Concierge Maria Wittorp-DeJonge shares the finest fall selections for dinner, drinks and all things dapper in New York.- By Andrea Landis
With more than 10 years of experience serving the guests of The St. Regis New York, Maria Wittorp-DeJonge possesses a wealth of knowledge about the city that never sleeps. Here are her recommendations for the best places to savor, relax and shop this fall.
Savor
Make every NYC excursion a trip to remember with a decadent meal at one of the city’s most sought-after restaurants—the perfect punctuation to fall memory-making.
“CIANO in the Gramercy Park area is getting rave reviews from our distinguished guests,” Wittorp-DeJonge says. The menu of luscious Italian plates changes daily depending on the availability of its strictly farm-fresh ingredients, but patrons can look forward to the complex and detailed flavors of starters like the Nantucket Bay scallops with acorn squash mostarda, Brussels sprouts and hazelnuts, pastas like pappardelle with duck bolognese and pecorino di noce, and main courses like grilled veal chop, orzo perlato with pancetta, mushrooms and caramelized sunchokes. Owned by Shea Gallante, Cru’s beloved chef, and Stratis Morfogen, owner of Philippe Chow, Ciano brings a contemporary twist to classic Italian. Wittorp-DeJonge adds, “Notable chef Shea Gallante has created a divine menu and service is top notch!” (45 E. 22nd St.; 212-982-8422; cianonyc.com)
Midtown’s VITAE offers a comfortable menu for every occasion, from a power lunch to a romantic evening. “The modern, new, eclectic American restaurant has sprung up just off Fifth Avenue, a mere nine blocks away from the St. Regis,” Wittorp-DeJonge says. “Chef Edwin Bellanco sources only the finest ingredients for his menus, from the dining room to the bar. His well-heeled resume comes to life in this grand setting, high in both detail and service.” (4 E. 46th St.; 212-682-3562; vitaenyc.com)
Indulge
Vibrant and cozy fall fashions abound at boutiques throughout the city. One of the newest shops to debut on Madison Avenue is FIVESTORY, a multi-brand hybrid—department store meets boutique. “Fivestory features brands not easily found in the U.S.,” Wittorp-DeJonge says. With rooms dedicated to everything from high-end designers and contemporary clothing to baby goods, owner Claire Distenfeld has created a unique shopping experience. (18 E. 69th St.; 212-288-1338)
For what Wittorp-DeJonge calls a “classic New York look” this fall, guests should visit PETER ELLIOT. The designer’s signature bright colors, luscious fabrics and crisp structures have been raved about since the store’s opening in 1977. Four Upper East Side stores dedicated to men, women, boots and children carry rich treasures for the whole family. (1070 and 1071 Madison Ave., 997 and 1179 Lexington Ave.; peterelliot.com)
Pamper
Grooming is tailored specifically for men and women at renowned Manhattan salons, offering stylish services with New York flair.
“ROSSANO FERRETTI SALON, located at Madison Avenue and 57th Street in the Fuller Building, caters to the delicate craft of hair,” Wittorp-DeJonge says. Owner Ferretti has established salons around the world, bringing style, culture and expertise to his New York location. Ferretti is known for his unique hair cutting method, in which each strand is considered individually in an effort to produce the most natural haircut. Wittorp-DeJonge says that guests may retreat to the salon’s private room for a more secluded experience. (595 Madison Ave. and 57th St.; 212-759-9300; rossanoferretti.com)
“Just for men, there’s a wonderful grooming salon called Martial Vivot located a mere block away from the St. Regis,” Wittorp-DeJonge adds. A modern male oasis, Martial Vivot Salon Pour Hommes specializes in hot shaves, razor haircuts and scalp treatments. For the more beauty conscious man, the salon offers high-end services like keratin treatments, brow shaping and face bronzes. (39 W. 54th St.; 212-956-2990; martialvivot.com)
