If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you'll know that I recently visited New York for a second time, over Thanks Giving and Black Friday.
Tom and I went with a couple of friends and we have 5 days of heaven exploring the city and seeing things we didn't get round to doing last time when we visited in 2013.
Something that I find important when visiting a city is finding good food. New York has over 24,000 places to eat in the city alone so it's quite a minefield when it comes to choosing somewhere. New York is such a busy and happening place that it can also bite you in the but if you don't pre-book your restaurants if you're planning on eating out while you visit. I really recommend signing up to TripAdviser and creating a Saved Trip and reading the reviews and recommendations of places to eat. TripAdviser is also super handy because you can use it to book restaurants too, as you can on OpenTable also.
I found a great list of NYC dining destinations on Tanya Burr's blog which gave me some unique places to research and locate.
As there were for of us visiting the city we each decided to choose somewhere for lunch and somewhere for dinner each day which actually worked out quite well and meant there was no issues in being able to decide.
I thought I'd share with you where we ate and what I thought of the food and the location.
Rafele's was the first place we ate lunch on the first full day. Located in the stunning West Village on 7th Avenue it's a traditional Italian restaurant with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
The waiting staff were so lovely and made time to chat and share their food and wine recommendations.
The food was outstanding and very reasonably prices (which can be an expensive issue in NYC sometimes). The waiter recommended we try their signature cheesecake for dessert which is Voted 6th Best Cheesecake in New York City. It lived up to all expectations and if you visit Rafele's, you must try the cheesecake.
We loved our visit to Rafele's so much, we actually went back on the last day for lunch before flying home.
Midtown Manhattan
We all love curry and were super excited to visit Spice Symphony as it's voted 8th Best Restaurant in New York City. Close to our hotel in Midtown and only a short taxi ride away once we arrived we had a little chuckle as our friends had actually visited this exact restaurant when in NYC last year.
Spice Symphony is a very small and compact restaurant but that didn't hinder the atmosphere at all. It's quite relaxed feel and very informal. Staff were so lovely and the food was amazing, but not like traditional Indian restaurants I'm used to in the UK the food was different and super tasty.
Spice Symphony is a great restaurant, in a fab location of New York with amazing food. However as the seating is cramped I would strongly advise that you book in advance as if we hadn't there was no way we would've got in.
450 East 29th Street, New York
East River, Midtown
A Gossip Girl choice from my friend Chloe who is Gossip Girl obsessed.
River Park is located in what feels like a very business/industrial place, however once you've walked through an empty hotel-like lobby hidden is a stunning and picturesque restaurant with stunning views.
Firstly, the wine. We ordered the best wine we'd ever drank at River Park and ending up consuming 2 bottles between four of us over lunch - naughty, but oh so nice!
So you must try the 'Muscadet-Serve et Maine Sur Lie 2015' if you
The Menu is amazing with something for everyone. River Park isn't the cheapest of our choice of restaurants but is of incredible quality and has an elegant atmosphere.
Despite the rather slow staff, I do think it was one of my favourite dining experiences of NYC.
Butter
70 West 45th Street, New York
Midtown Manhattan
Another Gossip Girl locations, but has relocated since filming.
We went to Butter on our final night in New York.
A really trendy and cool atmosphere with low lighting which makes it the perfect evening location.
Again, with higher prices than most but a really unique but friendly menu and great cocktail options.
For us, Butter was more about the experience than the food as there was nothing outstanding about the courses, however the restaurant is beautiful.
Upstairs at Kimberley Hotel
145 East 50th Street, New York
Midtown Manhattan
After we left Butter, the bartender recommended we take a trip to the roof top bar of the Kimberley Hotel as it's one of his favourite evening bars, and we we're completely overwhelmed with The Kimberley's roof top bar, Upstairs.
If you love unique experiences, cocktails, a fun atmosphere and stunning views inside and out, you'll love Upstairs. We couldn't believe the views.
Upstairs, is almost like a trendy conservatory in the sky with an outside garden with sofas and fires. The cocktails and drinks are expensive at $20 each however, it's totally worth it for the experience.
Grounded Café
28 Jane Street, New York
Greenwich/West Village
Located in my favourite area of New York just around the corner from the famous Friends building lies the most adorable café. I'm not a coffee drinker myself however Grounded gave off the most amazing smell, like no other. The cool café seats around 20-30 with seat and sofa combinations, greenery and a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
But to the coffee, I've never seen a menu like it! We visited grounded because our friends visited last year, not big coffee drinkers themselves to be honest, but said it's the best coffee they have ever had.
The display of coffee is amazing! But they have other drinks too. I decided to choose a blood orange iced tea - it was amazing.
K Rico Steak House
772 9th Avenue, New York
Midtown Manhattan
As a vegetarian you can tell this wasn't my choice. But this was a very cool restaurant.
Busy. Very, very busy. Even though we booked it still took them 40 minutes to seat us, but it was fine because there was so much to look at and lovely regulars to speak to.
If you love Steak then I'd highly recommend taking a trip to Rico's. I've never experienced anything like it or seen steaks of such size!
Dining Concourse Food Hall at Grand Central Terminal
89 East 42nd Street, New York
Midtown Manhattan
Possibly one of the most iconic buildings in New York, seen in all the movies. But it's not just a train terminal! Downstairs in Grand Central hidden is a foodie's dream, a really gem of unique food brands and some of the best food I've ever eaten.
I've been to Rome and eaten Italian pizza, but I've never even a pizza similar out of Rome, until now.
Nestled in the bottom left hand corner of Grand Central's food hall is the best pizza I've had out of Italy and they're so affordable, great portions, and extremely delicious.
Hell's Kitchen
754 9th Avenue, 51st Street, New York
Hell's Kitchen
While waiting to be seated at K Rico's we nipped a couple of doors down to a very quirky Mexican bar called Hells Kitchen on the well known foodie street of New York, 9th Avenue.
This happened to be just around the corner from out hotel too, which is always super handy.
A really quirky bar with unique drinks, great cocktails and a unique feels with unusual glassware and great decoration. I love bars that give a memorable feel and welcoming atmosphere.
Hudson Hotel, Bar
358 West 58th Street, New York
Hell's Kitchen/Central Park
Our hotel, The Hudson actually had a number of bars including a garden bar, indoor bar and roof top bar however, the garden and roof top are only open in the summer so we didn't get the chance to enjoy those. But, the in door bar on the lobby level itself is really something! A huge bar with a great array of spirits and beers with quirky seating too, priced similarly to most bars in New York.
But they also have
So, they are my Top Food & Drink Destinations when visiting the amazing, New York City.
If you have any favourite places in New York please let me know in the comments so I can add them to my list to visit next year.
New York Vlog COMING SOON!
Subscribe to 'Styled by Charlie' on YouTube.
East River, Midtown
A Gossip Girl choice from my friend Chloe who is Gossip Girl obsessed.
River Park is located in what feels like a very business/industrial place, however once you've walked through an empty hotel-like lobby hidden is a stunning and picturesque restaurant with stunning views.
Firstly, the wine. We ordered the best wine we'd ever drank at River Park and ending up consuming 2 bottles between four of us over lunch - naughty, but oh so nice!
So you must try the 'Muscadet-Serve et Maine Sur Lie 2015' if you
The Menu is amazing with something for everyone. River Park isn't the cheapest of our choice of restaurants but is of incredible quality and has an elegant atmosphere.
Despite the rather slow staff, I do think it was one of my favourite dining experiences of NYC.
Butter
70 West 45th Street, New York
Midtown Manhattan
Another Gossip Girl locations, but has relocated since filming.
We went to Butter on our final night in New York.
A really trendy and cool atmosphere with low lighting which makes it the perfect evening location.
Again, with higher prices than most but a really unique but friendly menu and great cocktail options.
For us, Butter was more about the experience than the food as there was nothing outstanding about the courses, however the restaurant is beautiful.
Upstairs at Kimberley Hotel
145 East 50th Street, New York
Midtown Manhattan
After we left Butter, the bartender recommended we take a trip to the roof top bar of the Kimberley Hotel as it's one of his favourite evening bars, and we we're completely overwhelmed with The Kimberley's roof top bar, Upstairs.
If you love unique experiences, cocktails, a fun atmosphere and stunning views inside and out, you'll love Upstairs. We couldn't believe the views.
Upstairs, is almost like a trendy conservatory in the sky with an outside garden with sofas and fires. The cocktails and drinks are expensive at $20 each however, it's totally worth it for the experience.
Grounded Café
28 Jane Street, New York
Greenwich/West Village
Located in my favourite area of New York just around the corner from the famous Friends building lies the most adorable café. I'm not a coffee drinker myself however Grounded gave off the most amazing smell, like no other. The cool café seats around 20-30 with seat and sofa combinations, greenery and a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
But to the coffee, I've never seen a menu like it! We visited grounded because our friends visited last year, not big coffee drinkers themselves to be honest, but said it's the best coffee they have ever had.
The display of coffee is amazing! But they have other drinks too. I decided to choose a blood orange iced tea - it was amazing.
K Rico Steak House
772 9th Avenue, New York
Midtown Manhattan
As a vegetarian you can tell this wasn't my choice. But this was a very cool restaurant.
Busy. Very, very busy. Even though we booked it still took them 40 minutes to seat us, but it was fine because there was so much to look at and lovely regulars to speak to.
If you love Steak then I'd highly recommend taking a trip to Rico's. I've never experienced anything like it or seen steaks of such size!
Dining Concourse Food Hall at Grand Central Terminal
89 East 42nd Street, New York
Midtown Manhattan
Possibly one of the most iconic buildings in New York, seen in all the movies. But it's not just a train terminal! Downstairs in Grand Central hidden is a foodie's dream, a really gem of unique food brands and some of the best food I've ever eaten.
I've been to Rome and eaten Italian pizza, but I've never even a pizza similar out of Rome, until now.
Nestled in the bottom left hand corner of Grand Central's food hall is the best pizza I've had out of Italy and they're so affordable, great portions, and extremely delicious.
Hell's Kitchen
754 9th Avenue, 51st Street, New York
Hell's Kitchen
While waiting to be seated at K Rico's we nipped a couple of doors down to a very quirky Mexican bar called Hells Kitchen on the well known foodie street of New York, 9th Avenue.
This happened to be just around the corner from out hotel too, which is always super handy.
A really quirky bar with unique drinks, great cocktails and a unique feels with unusual glassware and great decoration. I love bars that give a memorable feel and welcoming atmosphere.
Hudson Hotel, Bar
358 West 58th Street, New York
Hell's Kitchen/Central Park
Our hotel, The Hudson actually had a number of bars including a garden bar, indoor bar and roof top bar however, the garden and roof top are only open in the summer so we didn't get the chance to enjoy those. But, the in door bar on the lobby level itself is really something! A huge bar with a great array of spirits and beers with quirky seating too, priced similarly to most bars in New York.
But they also have
So, they are my Top Food & Drink Destinations when visiting the amazing, New York City.
If you have any favourite places in New York please let me know in the comments so I can add them to my list to visit next year.
New York Vlog COMING SOON!
Subscribe to 'Styled by Charlie' on YouTube.
Merry Christmas!
Thanks for reading,
Charlie xo
Find Me:
Snapchat: CharliePallett
Email: styledbycharlie@yahoo.com
PUG LOVER GIFT GUIDE
14.12.16
As a Pug Lover and Pug Mummy myself I couldn't not do a 'Christmas Pug Lover Gift Guide' could I? I love all things Pug related. No matter how crazy, or how Pug-patterned... I love it!
So, here we go!
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| Photo Source: Etsy |
If you're a huge Pug fan these will be totally up your street and will definitely make your Christmas. They're a really good idea for a stocking filler as well and under £25 budgets too!
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| Buy Here |
For the cook in the family who loves a Pug! How cute is this apron by Sweet William Designs at Not on the High Street. It's a great gift for the male or female pug lover!
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| Buy Here |
Whether you're a regular traveller or like a simple wallet this card holder by the amazing designer that is Gemma Correll is perfect, and a really cute and inexpensive stocking filler.
Gemma Correll does some of the most hilarious pug designs in her collection I'd definitely recommend checking them out!
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| Buy Here |
A pug lover or not, anyone would love this adorable peach toned scarf as a gift, it's an added bonus it has a pug pattern on it.
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| Buy Here |
I've been so excited about New Look bringing out a Pug pyjama set as their recent French Bulldog one was amazing!
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| Buy Here |
If you love Pugs, you'll know who the dog legend, Doug the Pug is!
Well, 'he's' bought out a book and I need to get my paws on it.
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| Buy Here |
For the fawn and black Pug lovers this is a super cute cushion and a great gift idea.
You could pop it on your bed or sofa.
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| Buy Here |
I actually own two of these mugs already, however I would happily be gifted many, many more so I have a hug collection. I love Emma Bridgewater and I love Pugs, it's a match made.
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| Buy Here |
I'm a fan of rustic-look signage and this is the perfect sign to display in your house is you're a Pug lover.
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| Buy Here |
| Black Pug Print Mule Slippers - £14.00 | River Island Slippers are the ideal gift for Christmas as they're not really something you tend to buy yourself, so these are an ideal present for a Pug lover!  |
| Buy Here |
This really cute pug door stop is great gift for the home and a little different to the standard cubic ones you can find around in the shops.
This adorable and very quirky gift if great for any creative. It's also the perfect stocking filler for a Pug lover of any age!
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| Buy Here |
So, they're my Top Gift Picks for a Pug lover this Christmas!
Let me know your favourite pick in the comments bellow.
Merry Christmas!
Let me know your favourite pick in the comments bellow.
Merry Christmas!
Thanks for reading,
Charlie xo
Find Me:
Snapchat: CharliePallett
Email: styledbycharlie@yahoo.com
I love unique gifts at Christmas, especially ones I can keep forever and use over, and over.
Cooking and Baking books are great for this because they're gift you can return to for years and use every weekend or dinner time and really get creative too.
If you're looking to surprise someone this Christmas with a good ol' book then second in my 'Days til Xmas' series, here is a list of my favourite and top picks to gift this Christmas.
A festive recipe book is a great gift idea and IdealWorldTV are offering 3 Christmas books for only £8.99. So whether you gift them to one person or split them in to three gifts, it's still a great bargain and a lovely one to receive.
Madeline Shaw is a health coach and friend of the stars with a real eye for nutrition but her book shows how to make healthy food, taste and look amazing with hundreds of pages full of totally stunning recipe ideas anyone would love to try.
Whether you're a Youtube fan or a Blogger you'll know who Tanya is as she's a super successful, self-made Internet sensation. Tanya now has a cosmetics line as well as 2 books. Her first, about her life and her second (this book) a baking recipe book - How cool!
This book a great gift whether you know who Tanya is or not. As her recipes are just amazing and some even recipes passed down through her family.
The Hummingbird Bakery book is one I absolutely love and constantly return to. The lemon meringue pie recipe is the best I've tried and one my family ask me remake a lot.
Hummingbird Bakery are well known for their cakes and cupcakes so if you know a cupcake lover, this book would be great for them.
As a dog lover myself I longed for this book for ages! So much so I ended up buying it for myself because I couldn't wait until Christmas. Maybe you or the person you're buying for is more of a dog lover than cook or baker, if so this is a great and unique gift idea.
Lily's Kitchen is a brand of animal food who've created a cookbook for dogs - How awesome is that?
This trio of cookbooks from Gilli Davies celebrate wales dishes and ingredients. Each with 48 pages of traditional welsh flavours The Seaweed Cookbook, The Welsh Cake Cookbook and The Sea Salt Cookbook are a great selection of gifts for the keen cook in the family.
So, they're my Top Cookbook Gift Ideas for Christmas 2016 with a unique selection of cooking and baking books (even some for dogs too!) all under £15.00 - How good is that?
Merry Christmas!
Thanks for reading,
Charlie xo
Find Me:
Snapchat: CharliePallett
Email: styledbycharlie@yahoo.com
SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel:
'12 THINGS I LOVE' GIFT GUIDE
13.12.16
My favourite time of year is well under way and the festivities have definitely began!
I've been super busy and have been lucky enough to go on two holidays recently, and even done lots of shopping in New York! But, that means whilst shopping I've always seen some really beautiful and amazing things that I just love! So I thought I'd collect these together in a blog post for you of 'things I love' that could maybe give you some gift ideas for your friends or even some Christmas outfit options for the festive party season.
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| My favourite things right now! |
I spotted these incredible boots in RI when the AW16 Collections came out and I've had my eyes on these for ages and now they're in the sale for only £25. They are super bold but I think they're ideal for the festive season with a party dress or dressed down with black jeans and a wooly jumper.
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| Buy Here |
As you guys probably know far too well by now, I am pug obsessed.
I've been eyeing-up Fenella Smith's Pug design homeware collection for ages and I really hope to own the complete collection one day as it's just sooo me!
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| Shop the Collection Here |
In 2016 I definitely fell in love with eyeshadows. I've never really worn them before but after collecting a few palettes this year, I've become a huge fan.
This totally adorable and affordable palette from NYX has every shade I love in it and for only £16 is an absolutely must have!
I came across Cluse watching when I was searching for a watch for my boyfriend back in September, I'd never heard of them! They're quite similar to Olivia Burton and Daniel Wellington watches as they have similar faces and lots and lots of styles. However, I'm particularly in love with this mixed metal watch with rose and silver detail, I think it's so simple it's just totally perfect, and they are really quite prices for stylish watches.
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| Buy Here |
When in New York in November I took a trip to Sephora (I mean.. It's kinda a must right?) and found my dream fragrance. I'm a huge perfume whore and have far to many, but it's something I like to collect and switch up every now and again. I'd never really considered Elizabeth and James as fragrance brand before, however if it wasn't for the lovely man forcing it under my nose I would've never known! I've fallen in love with the Nirvana Rose scent from E&J as it's just the perfect balance of floral. It wouldn't be everyones favourite choice however, I absolutely love it!
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| Buy Here |
As a huge fan of Tanya Burr Cosmetics I couldn't wait to get my mits on her latest lipstick release. However, trying to find the shade 'Pink Cocoa' is proving difficult as the collection favourite.
So, this is definitely top of my stocking filler list this Christmas!
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| Buy Here |
I've been on the lookout for a fur lined parka for what feels like forever. Little did I know that Missguided sold the perfect one. This blue lined parka is completely perfect and soo me.
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| Buy Here |
It's fair to say I'm obsessed with my dog, Arla. She is literally my best friend, we do everything together. I actually think I now spend more on treats and clothes for her, than I do myself.
So these awesome idea from Friendship Collar is super cute and unique.
What an awesome gift idea for dog & cat lovers?
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| Buy Here |
Sagittarius Star Sign Charm - Pandora | £25.00
I'm a big lover of star signs and recently received a Pandora bracelet for my birthday (can you believe I haven't owned on until now? LOL). If you or someone you know owns a Pandora, you'll know they are an amazing gift and I think this star sign charm is perfect!
Velour Liquid Lipstick in 'Designer Blood' by Jeffree Star Cosmetics - Beauty Bay | £16.00
I've become a huge Jeffree Star fan recently after discovering his YouTube Channel which I totally love! His cosmetics brand has become one I want to own every item from especially his liquid lipsticks. He's recently revealed his Christmas collection of which contains the most beautiful dark red liquid lip called 'Designed Blood'. A deep red matte lip is ideal for Christmas time and I would absolutely love to receive this lipstick in my stocking this year, and I'm sure any beauty addict would too.
I'm a big lover of star signs and recently received a Pandora bracelet for my birthday (can you believe I haven't owned on until now? LOL). If you or someone you know owns a Pandora, you'll know they are an amazing gift and I think this star sign charm is perfect!
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| Buy Here |
I've become a huge Jeffree Star fan recently after discovering his YouTube Channel which I totally love! His cosmetics brand has become one I want to own every item from especially his liquid lipsticks. He's recently revealed his Christmas collection of which contains the most beautiful dark red liquid lip called 'Designed Blood'. A deep red matte lip is ideal for Christmas time and I would absolutely love to receive this lipstick in my stocking this year, and I'm sure any beauty addict would too.
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| Buy Here |
When I work I scribble and doodle all the time! I'm always in need of a pad especially when I'm at my computer as I end up scribbling on ripped pieces of scrap paper, and I'm forever using my iPhone Calendar for date references. This is where this adorable dog themed Saver Set from BusyB would come in hand and is the perfect stocking filler!
Busy B Discount Code: BB15
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| Buy Here |
If you're a Blogger or interested in the Blogging world then Blogosphere Magazine will be your bible. After they recently revealed their Christmas cover with Zoella I felt I needed to get my paws on every issue from here after. They can be quite difficult to source in shops so receiving a yearly subscription delivered to your house could be the best gift this Christmas and one I'd totally love to receive.
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| Buy Here |
They are the Top 12 things on my Christmas list this year and things I think would be a great gift for others too! What are you excited for this Christmas, and is it your favourite time of year too?
Merry Christmas!
Thanks for reading,
Charlie xo
Find Me:
Snapchat: CharliePallett
Email: styledbycharlie@yahoo.com
SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel:
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