InSCENTives to visit Manhattan
a little nudge to explore outside your borough
Why is it so hard to leave Brooklyn?
When we first moved to Brooklyn, I had a steady number of weekly engagements in Manhattan. My regular trips across the East River offered spontaneity—trying a new restaurant, wandering into a boutique, or dropping into a pop-up. Unsurprisingly, this all came to a stop during Covid and never quite returned. For the better part of three years, I’ve worked remotely from the comfort of my incredibly insulated and idyllic Brooklyn neighborhood, rarely venturing far beyond its borders. My privileged comfort is, of course, at the cost of discovery.
This winter, I set an intention to visit Manhattan more, compiling lists of places in my notes app & building an itinerary as if I were a tourist rediscovering my home city. I am happy to report that the island is, in fact, still thriving and worthy of an occasional pilgrimage to tickle the senses—even in the face of harsh winter weather.
See the most exquisite interior design and styling at the hybrid boutique/bar at Quarters, in Tribeca.
Conceived by the brilliant team behind In Common With, this space is a true feast for the senses. Designed to feel like a home, every carefully considered detail is available for purchase, from curated pantry essentials to the ethereal glass creations of Sophie Lou Jacobson.
Shopping here feels less like retail and more like visiting the impeccably styled home of an interior designer. The rich millwork, moody saturated walls, and luminous glass sconces invite you to reimagine your own space, inspiring bold choices for your next design project.
To fully immerse yourself in the experience, book a table at their bar ahead of time and sip a glass of Lambrusco while you bask in the beauty.
Smell the toasty aroma of oven-fresh sourdough at Gem Home in Nolita where house-baked breads are just the beginning.
The concept café showcases an ever-evolving menu of season-specific offers, from bright soups and salads to the signature savory cardamom roll. Flynn McGarry, the prodigy behind Gem Wine, brings his passion for seasonality, quality, and craft to this new hybrid space, offering a richer glimpse into what inspires him.
Here, design and gastronomy intersect beautifully. Treasured objects of desire from his LES restaurant, like the New York Times-praised ceramic soap vessels and the elegant ruffled curtain lamps by Ana Luisa Corrigan, are now on display for purchase. It’s perhaps the only spot in the city where you can stock your fridge with house-made provisions while exploring a bespoke collection of antiques personally sourced by the chef. Gem Home isn’t just a café—it’s an homage to things that take time and the artisans who infuse an appreciation of material and ingredients into their wares.
Touch the irresistibly soft knits at Suzie Kondi in LES.
A fashion lover’s petting zoo, running your hand over these lux garments might have you convinced that the goats behind the yarn are part rabbit or chinchilla. Apologies in advance, if $775 isn’t what you typically associate with a sweater, you will likely find yourself leaving wistfully, as I did for the cozy Kadria Cardigan, (complete with delicately wrapped buttons). A girl can dream.
Taste the pissaladière at Zimmi’s in the West Village.
Executive chef Maxime Pradié is reimagining the French dining experience with unexpected delights. Most notable is the Niçoise street food that features a perfectly flaky, buttery crust topped with sweet caramelized onions and briny anchovies—a harmonious blend of flavors that lingered in my mind long after the meal, even inspiring me to try my own hand at the dish over the holidays. Pair it with a glass of Morgon Beaujolais for a quintessentially French touch, and don’t miss the persimmon rice pudding to tie a bow on your euphoria. The pudding is elegantly spiced with cardamom while the sweetness is reserved for the bright jammy center of persimmon fruit.
Listen to Mike Birbiglia live at the Beacon Theater.
In light of basically all current events, it’s safe to say we could all use a good laugh. Known for his a-political subjects, his performances provide a refreshing escape, shining light on the absurdities of life in the city, family dynamics, and embarrassing health issues.
I hope this inspires a weekend excursion for anyone else who needs a little nudge to break the Brooklyn seal. I would love to hear what else is drawing you across the river these days :heart:
Postscript: Hybrids, concept shops, and redefinitions
I think I first read it in an art history book, or perhaps heard it in a lecture about Fluxus. It resonated with me and has stayed with me for over a decade. A single line, packed with meaning:
“Blur the lines between art and life.”
To me, it reads as a manifesto—to break convention, lead with the heart, and chase beauty even in the mundane. Much of my drive is rooted in the pursuit of living life artfully, and I am drawn to others who do the same.
This post began as a simple list of charming shops to visit in the city. But as I reflected on my first draft, I found myself revisiting this favorite mantra. A throughline emerged: a desire to celebrate businesses that structure their purpose beyond conventional definitions. These hybrid cafes and concept shops do more than reject tradition—they create new realities. They are driven by imagination and optimism, offering spaces that feel like a world apart.
The introduction to this year’s 2025 Future 100 trend report captures this spirit beautifully:
“Realities collide in the pursuit of meaning.[…] New realities are being made—by technology and our imaginations. More than escapism, this is helping to ground a world grappling with polarization, distortion, and uncertainty. Faced with unsettling issues, people are creating a soothing reality that makes sense to them—one that is imaginative and optimistic.”
I wanted to provide this same optimistic frame, a silver lining. Many of us are longing for a new reality, and it’s thrilling to witness what’s being built by those who trust their imaginations.
Nicely put