If only I COULD have lunch with all of you--especially at La Mangeoire, my new favorite French restaurant in midtown Manhattan. They make a fantastic quiche; a classic Croque Madame (ham and cheese grilled sandwich with a sunny-side-up egg); and a frisee salad with crispy lardons.. (Or just get the side of fries…well worth a visit.)
La Mangeoire; 1008 2nd Avenue, NYC; 212-759-7086. Lamangeoire.com

One of my favorite, luxury indulgences is a visit to the Donna Karan Boutique on East 68th street here in Manhattan. I just love it—ridiculous prices, but fabulous clothes. And I have to say that the pieces I’ve purchased over the years are truly investment items—fashion that ends up staying in my wardrobe over the long haul, and truly pays for itself. I’ve had a cozy, cashmere wrap sweater forever that’s become one of my favorites; and I recently bought a little flared knit skirt that I wore to the Behind the Chair Awards.

Next time you’re in NYC looking for an extraordinary place to sip a Cosmo, head over to the Two E Bar at The Pierre Hotel. (Two E: as in 2 East 61st.) This iconic five-star landmark opened its doors in the 1930s to New York’s finest clientele (Vanderbilts, Astors, J.P. Morgan, and friends), but the swank lobby lounge was redone not long ago in classic Art Deco style. It’s a lovely place for Afternoon Tea; and even nicer for a cocktail and a gourmet bite or two in the evening. 2 East 61st Street, NYC. 212-838-8000

Can’t tell you how excited I was when Il Mulino—hand’s down, one of my favorite Italian restaurants—opened a location right near my salon in Manhattan. Their claim to fame lies in preparing fantastic Old World standouts—everything from clams and scampi to veal and veggies—with bold, garlicky sauces that are beyond delish. (My personal fave? Pollo Alla Scarpariello—chicken sautéed with garlic (duh), wine, and mushrooms.)

It’s the most talked-about thing on the Upper East Side; everyone’s happy, and everyone’s going. Most of all, me!  37 east 60th Street, NYC. 212-750-3270

This lovely little upper-east-side shop is one of those perfect, wondering-what-they’re going-to-have-in-store-for-me-today places: They stock everything from beautifully-cut, European clothing, to a fine selection of parfums, to drop-dead gowns for that fabulous red-carpet moment. 1310 Madison Avenue; 212-534-2116

I just went to a fab little French restaurant for my birthday, called Jubilee. Not only is it excellent for celebrity sightings (Matt Lauer and Betsey Johnson are in there all the time), but they serve a great selection of wines by the glass, and the food is luscious. I love their steak au poivre as well as their fish; but if you’re into mussels, you’ll be in seafood heaven—they offer 11 different preparations for “les moules.” 347 East 54th Street; 212-888-3569

It’s hands down, my favorite New York escape. Some people are all about East Hampton…others won’t leave the confines of Quogue…but I’m an equal opportunist when it comes to summering on the tip of Long Island. If you’re hungry, check out The Clam Bar (between Amagansett and Montauk); famous for their overstuffed lobster rolls and corn so sweet, it tastes as if they picked it moments before serving.

I think putting the word “hot” in the name of my favorite West Village boutique makes perfect sense. This store—it looks like some swank VIP nightclub—stocks the most incredible clothes, shoes, accessories EVER. You’ll see high-end designs from all over the world…and even if you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask. My favorite gal, Nancy (go see her—she’ll take good care of you), will bring things out of her secret stash in the back.

Hotoveli; 271 W. 4th St., New York, NY 10014; 212-206-7722

New York State of Mine

I happen to live, work, and play in the best city in the world. And every time a client sits in my chair, I find myself sharing insider info about a hot, new restaurant, or describing the cocktail I sipped the night before. If you're lucky enough to call the Big Apple home, you might be familiar with some of my haunts. If not, be sure to check out these Minardi favorites on your next visit….