Social Diva’s Guide to New York—This Diva Knows What’s Best in NYC
Just in time for New York Fashion Week, New York’s Social Diva, Peg Samuel, took time out of her hectic schedule for an interview with Jetset Extra to clue us in on her fabulous NYC faves. The best-selling author and founder of SocialDiva.com, Peg started producing chic, unique events for fellow New Yorkers looking for hip happenings in the city. The Diva continues to produce must-see events in cities worldwide. Peg has tons of tips for New York locals and first-timers alike. Here’s what she had to say about Diva-worthy destinations in NYC:
Jetset Extra: Do you have a favorite go-to place for dinner?
Social Diva: Gemma in The Bowery Hotel and Locanda Verde.
JSE: For lunch?
SD: Cafe Habana.
JSE: Is there any place that knows your name?
SD: Il Buco—John (manager) always finds me a table even if I walk in on a Saturday.
Balthazar—Bobby (at the bar) makes sure my glass is never even close to empty.
Travertine in Nolita—we love Travertine and Travertine loves us!
JSE: Are there any unheralded gems you love to tell people about?
SD: Westville, Les Enfants Terrible, and The Pink Pony. Also Butterlane Cupcakes on 7th street. The Summit Bar on Ave C has the best cocktails in Manhattan.
JSE: If you’re planning brunch with the girls, where do you go?
SD: Nero, Balthazar and Freeman’s Alley.
JSE: And if you and friends are getting together for happy hour after work?
SD: Any hotel! Ace, Thompson LES, Rose Bar, The Bowery Hotel Bar/ Back Patio, and The Standard are our faves!
JSE: How about date night?
SD: Let’s hope he decides… and if he’s smart he will pick Extra Virgin, Locanda Verde, Bond Street Sushi, or Peasant.
JSE: A lot of my friends struggle when guests come in to town, and are looking for a “New York” night out. Where would you take them?
SD: A fun dinner with people watching, i.e. at La Esquina. Out-of-towners bug out that we walk through a kitchen to get to the restaurant. Afterwards, head to Los Feliz for divine tequila and then enjoy late night fun at Kenmare (98 Kenmare St.) or Brinkley’s. Another option, because guests have a way of staying more than one night in NYC, don’t they? Any place with a killer view, like Le Bain, the rooftop at the Standard Hotel. The views are spectacular! For dancing and live music, go to Nublu on Ave C.
JSE: Are there any bar/dining trends you are over? Love?
SD: Definitely snooty door people/hostesses, those are always a buzz kill. We are loving fancy tequila bars!
JSE: Recently, my friends and I attended a bachelorette party in the city, but the organizer had trouble finding a dance club—are there any dance clubs you suggest?
SD: Gold Bar, Sway, Sullivan Room, Santos Party House, Greenhouse and Above Allen at The Thompson LES.
JSE: Are there any new bars/restaurants you’ve been dying to try?
SD: No. We’re Social Diva—we make it point of trying everything that interests us right away. We don’t wait for everyone else to give us his or her feedback, we deem if it is Diva-Worthy.
JSE: One of the things I enjoy doing is just picking a neighborhood, and walking around, exploring what it has to offer—do you have any neighborhoods that are particular favorites? Are there any stores you’ve found that you can’t live without?
SD: One fave thing to do is get lost in the city—just wander around the cute streets and shops until we inevitably stumble on something new, cool, unseen, and unexpected! Favorite shops are in the LES or Soho, i.e. Maryam Nassirzadeh for unique jewelry and offbeat labels. Isabel Marant for gorgeous Parisian chic clothes. 3.1 Phillip Lim, Madewell, and APC! For shoes, divas tend to go a department store—Barneys, Bergdorfs!
JSE: Are there any upcoming events you are super excited about?
SD: Really looking forward to Fashion Week, it always makes for fun parties and great people watching! And of course anything and everything we have planned at Social Diva!
JSE: Favorite thing about going out in the city?
SD: Seeing so many interesting people. You really never know who you will meet or where your night will go.
JSE: What are your must-read blogs?
SD: boyslifenyc.com, mypurplediary, soooimetthisguy.com, and garancedore.com.
JSE: Favorite day trip out of the city?
SD: A winery tour on Long Island.
JSE: Favorite weekend trip?
SD: Hampton’s baby – particularly Montauk!
JSE: Finally, when people ask me for advice on visiting the city, I always tell them anything goes, don’t engage the crazy people and if you think there will be 10 people at an event, there will probably be 100. Do you have any words of wisdom for those visiting the city, possibly for the first time?
SD:
- Wear smart shoes!
- Always have cash on you
- Don’t be afraid to ask for directions, NYers are nice!
