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Posts Tagged ‘Guest of a Guest’

When a new designer somehow manages to change the aesthetic scene of an entire event, it’s a pretty safe bet they’re the next big thing. Such was the case with this year’s Whitney Art Party, with Alexandra O’Neill giving the crowd a much needed ‘Kira Kira’ shine, dressing everyone from Hilary Rhoda to Ashley Graham in her line Markarian’s latest collection of dream, prêt-à-party dresses.Fresh off a November launch on The Platform, Moda Operandi’s new incubator for emerging designers, Markarian’s is a “feminine and ethereal” look – one pretty piece after another that will have you making an occasion out of just about anything. As one who clearly practices what she preaches, Alexandra’s Greenwich Village home is just as well styled as the designer herself. We caught up with Ali at her divinely decorated downtown abode to get the skinny on everything from her must-shop stores to that one piece every woman should have in her closet. 

 

 

 

How did you find yourself in the design world?

My grandmother, GiGi, lived with my family growing up and taught me how to sew at a very young age. I fell in love with making clothing when I was 10 and always knew this is what I wanted to do. GiGi still helps me with tricky patterns and structure now.

 

 

What’s your favorite occasion to dress for?

I will take any excuse to dress up a little and love getting dressed for the holidays. My grandparents throw a party at their home on Christmas Eve every year that our whole family gets decked out for. My Great Aunt Beth has worn this incredible gold velvet floor length skirt for the past 30 years that is beautiful. The party is so festive and puts you into such wonderful holiday spirits.

 

 

What’s your everyday go-to look?

Light washed Levi’s, a t-shirt, and a vintage jacket.

 

 

What are some of your most loved labels or stores?

I am a vintage hound. My favorite vintage store in the city is Edith Machinist in the LES. I also find such incredible treasures at the Manhattan Vintage show every time it happens. Other stores I love are Antony Todd home, the Apartment by the Line, and the well curated collections and events at the Moda Operandi Madison store.

 

 

 

What’s the one piece every woman should have in her closet?

A knock out dress that she always feels beautiful in no matter where she’s going or what she is doing.

 

 

Would your ideal night be going out or staying in?

I love having people over to my apartment for dinner parties or movie night, everyone feels at home there. I do also love to go out dancing every now and then though…

 

 

What was your favorite part of designing your apartment?

I loved scrolling through all of the listings on 1st dibs.

 

 

Who’s style do you just adore?

GiGi’s!

 

 

 

 

Written By: Christie Grimm

Summer has finally sprung upon us. Though you may prefer to escape the hustle and bustle in favor of the crisp air near the Aegean Sea, spending summer in the city is truly magical, especially since you can, literally, find a taste of Mediterranean serenity without having to island hop. If you can’t afford an exotic adventure to Greece or Coastal Italy, you can, at least, take your taste buds on vacation.

Cafe Medi

 Serving up dishes inspired by the traditional coastal fare of Spain, Italy, and France, Cafe Medi is not only a go-to for delicious and unique Mediterranean, but also for an amazing ‘gram. The beautiful space boasts an airy atmosphere, complete with high ceilings and stunning murals on the walls. Come summer, there’s also outdoor terrace seating – perfect for pretending you’re catching a seaside breeze.

Cafe Medi, 107 Rivington St.

 

Yefsi Estiatorio

Located on the Upper East Side, Yefsi highlights charm and sophistication in their authentic meals, focusing on appetizer meze dishes. Enjoy a plate of grilled octopus with a chilled Retsina white wine in this dimly lit restaurant. Date night, anyone?

 

Yefsi Estiatorio, 1481 York Ave.

 

Avra

Craving seafood? This upscale eatery on Madison Avenue emanates a “villa vibe” with extended outdoor seating available, displaying fresh whole fish from the Aegean upon entrance.

 

Avra Madison Estiatorio, 14 E 60th St.

The Greek

The Greek Tribeca offers a cozy escape, where creative dishes and natural vines and greenery capture the spotlight, as if you were sitting in an outdoor taverna in Mykonos on a hot summer night.

 

The Greek,  458 Greenwich St. 

Estiatorio Milos

Named after the volcanic island featuring pristine clear-blue water, Milos is an NYC favorite. Its sleek interior truly brings out the contrasting colors native to Greece and sharpens the focus on the incredible seafood.

 

Estiatorio Milos, 125 W 55th St.

Ousia

Just a quick drive down the West Side Highway transports you to the beauty of Greece as you stumble upon Ousia, a recently opened restaurant on 57th and 11th. Conveniently located next to the Landmark movie theater, enjoy a bite of their hummus and pita, maybe some cocktails and a spanakopita, after a show.

 

Ousia, 629 W 57th St.

Souvlaki GR

Walking down the grey and white cobblestones, you will immediately feel as if you’ve stepped foot into a local taverna in Santorini, greeted with white walls and blue straw chairs. If you’re looking for something more laid-back but as equally delicious as an upscale restaurant, journey to Souvlaki GR for their famous bifteki sandwich or a few souvlaki skewers. Sit back, relax, and breathe in the fresh air of Greece while situated in the middle of the Lower East Side.

Souvlaki GR, 116 Stanton St.

Santina

Tired of Greek food? Hop on over to the Amalfi coast for this Italian-Mediterranean fusion restaurant situated just beneath The High Line. The glassed-in, jewel box of a space creates the perfect atmosphere to munch on some seafood and pasta after a day of roaming around Chelsea.

 

Santina, 820 Washington St.

Shuka

A small, intimate setting with colorful plates for curious palates awaits New Yorkers on Macdougal street. Shuka offers Mediterranean fare, creative cocktails, and a trendy clientele. Enjoy shawarma, shakshuka, and other small plates as you wine and dine while seeing and being seen.

 

Shuka, 38 Macdougal St.

 

Written By: Stella Stephanopoulos

1. Osteria Francescana – Modena, Italy

Don’t let its modest facade fool you. The world’s top eatery is once again Osteria Francescana, run by Italian-born chef Massimo Bottura and his American wife, Lara Gilmore. Previously named Number One back in 2016, the non-traditional restaurant serves up modern Italian cuisine like a story, with dishes woven with narratives and tastes of the region.

2. El Celler de Can Roca – Girona, Spain

 

The Roca brothers have made El Celler de Can Rocathe world’s top eatery twice, and although it comes in as Number Two this year, the innovative space in northern Spain is nevertheless a must-visit. The food is contemporary Catalan while the plating is purely imaginative. Some lucky few diners even get to tour Josep Roca’s unbelievable wine cellar.

3. Mirazur – Menton, France

 

Chef Mauro Colagreco is informed by his Argentine-Italian heritage, making his Mediterranean fare all the more adventurous on the French side of the riviera. Expect stunning views and fresh seafood at Mirazur.

4. Eleven Madison Park – New York, New York

 

After snagging last year’s top spot on this list, our very own Eleven Madison Parkclosed for a much-needed face-lift. Now it’s back and more modern than ever – and we’re not just talking about the interiors. Chef Daniel Humm has taken to more minimalist plating, but the European-inspired dishes are just as delicious. It might have fallen a few spots, but it’s still Number One in North America.

5. Gaggan – Bangkok, Thailand

 

Officially named the best restaurant in Asia for four years in a row, Gaggan is known for their progressive Indian creations mixed with traditional Thai hospitality. The tasting menu is written out in emojis so that each dish is a literal surprise.

 

6. Central – Lima, Peru

 

Peru’s unique biodiversity is celebrated at Central, which has topped Latin American restaurant lists for years. Husband-and-wife team Chef Virgilio Martínez and Pía León have become leaders in Peruvian dining, taking guests on a tasting journey through the land in 17+ courses.

 

7. Maido – Lima, Peru

Peruvian-Japanese cuisine reigns at Chef Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura’s Maido in Lima, where colorful Nikkei dishes include fish hot dogs and Cau Cau dim sum with sea snail. Unique to say the least!

8. Arpège – Paris, France

Vegetables take the main stage at Arpège, where Michelin-starred (a million times over) chef Alain Passard cooks fresh fare from his own farms. After years of going fully vegetarian, meat has returned to the French eatery in small quantities – so carnivores are welcome!

9. Mugaritz – San Sebastian, Spain

 

Traditional Basque dishes get a creative twist at Mugaritz during a 20-course meal, during which you’re asked to give over to your senses. All thanks to pioneering chef Andoni Luis Aduriz.

 

10. Asador Etxebarri – Axpe, Spain

Located in the Spanish countryside, Asador Etxebarri is worth the trek for Chef Victor Arguinzoniz simple, local dishes, and wood-fired barbecue. The stone dining room and service remains unpretentious, despite its world-renowned status.

Written By: Stephanie Maida