Lauren Santo Domingo’s Favorite Spots in New York City
Date: 8 March 2024
What are your earliest memories of New York?
“When I was 14, my parents let me take the train to the city by myself for modeling jobs. By contrast, I get anxiety when I send my daughter alone to Starbucks, so I’m constantly amazed at the liberties I enjoyed at her age. I grew up in Connecticut, outside the city, so there were the obligatory trips to see Broadway shows, and always The Nutcracker during the holidays – they were practically state visits. By the time I moved here at 21, I was more familiar with the city than some of my new friends who had grown up on the Upper East Side.”
Did you go to the Tiffany store during these visits?
“It was maybe the only shop we went to when we visited New York City. I vividly recall family outings to choose gifts from a wedding registry or pick out a present for a new baby. I feel as if I have my own visual archive of Tiffany & Co.’s history through the 1980s and 1990s. The store is a quintessential American landmark, and a rite of passage for New Yorkers. Founded here nearly 200 years ago, it’s more than a shop – there have been countless special moments here, including, obviously, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which is just so iconic.”
Where do you start your day in the City?
“One of my favorite neighborhood spots is Daily Provisions, a smart little café on West 33rd Street that does fresh bread and pastries. I go for a cappuccino and a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich while watching the world go by through the large, blue-framed windows.”
Where do you go to soak up some culture?
“The Shed in Hudson Yards is an incredible new multi-disciplinary cultural center. The building’s space-age retractable shell is worth the trip alone.”
For a shopping trip?
“Showplace in Chelsea has three floors of vintage and antique treasures. I used to love coming into New York for the flea markets that popped up in parking lots every weekend. Sadly, those spaces have now become luxury condos, but Showplace is great for seeking treasures, such as vintage mahogany gueridon tables. The Met gift shop is my favorite spot for presents. You can always pick up something unique or unexpected. I love Beverly’s in Chinatown for home goods, but some of the best homeware stores are across the river in Brooklyn: Cibone in Greenpoint stocks pieces sourced from Japan, and Porta on Atlantic Avenue has a really beautiful curation of European tableware.”
To eat lunch?
“With the exception of Caviar Kaspia, you’ll rarely find me at a trendy restaurant. For lunch on the go, the sandwich shop S&P (formerly Eisenberg’s), next to the Flatiron Building, still feels as authentic as the original. Its 40-foot counter serves items such as tuna melts on rye and peanut butter with bacon on white bread. And then there’s Ichiran in Midtown, a ramen counter with individual booths so you can slurp in total privacy.”
For a pit stop?
“Caffè Panna for ice cream. It has the best fresh flavors served up in photogenic scoops, but be warned: there may be some foodie influencers here. Eataly, a giant Italian food hall, is the best snacking spot for grazers. For something sweet, I’ll go to Flipper’s in Soho. Its soufflé pancakes are so light and fluffy, I don’t believe there can be any calories in them.”
Any other foodie highlights?
“In Grand Central station, the Oyster Bar’s clam chowder is the best outside of New England. I also love Basta Pasta – the only pregnancy craving I ever had was for its pasta alla ruota. Not surprisingly, it’s now my son’s favorite dish.”
What about nightlife?
“I know I can always find friends at The Nines, a velvety piano lounge on Great Jones Street. It’s the best place to go for a drink in the evening or to meet up after dinner. There’s also Casa Cruz, a members’ townhouse on the Upper East Side.”
Which outdoor spaces do you like to explore?
“New Yorkers may have taken Central Park for granted before the pandemic, but we have a new appreciation for it today. I love rediscovering new areas of the park – I don’t think that novelty will ever wear off. Now, my children have after-school gym classes and football games there.”
What are your top tips for hosting here?
“Candlelight is a must for any dinner party. I love the way that silver or china catches the light. The Valse Bleue collection for Tiffany is one of the many that I absolutely love and would include as part of my tabletop display. It has all the elements: elegance, refinement, and a touch of playfulness. The linens and swirled Murano glassware with a pop of gold make it perfect for both town and country.”
What is it about New York that inspires you?
“Some people use meditation, detoxifying cleanses, or sound baths to feel centered. I crave beautiful or interesting things. Whether at a museum, a gallery, the park, or a thrift store, my eye has to explore.”
Lauren was speaking to Charlotte Davey.
