In my personal warm-up in New York, however, I first have an appointment with Jean-Marc Houmard, owner of the restaurant ACME in NoHo (North of Houston Street). There is a new inspiring look to be discovered on every corner, the cafés, studios and posh shops oscillate between crazy and chic.
From the very beginning, the ACME has been one of the top addresses in New York’s creative scene. On our date, we sit at the table with boutique owner and designer Jen Mankins, Cecilia Dean, publisher and editor-in-chief of Visionaire, the unique style and art magazine, and Oliver Strand, “coffee critic” – only available in New York – the New York Times. He tells me where to drink his coffee: Blue Bottle Coffee (450 West 15th St). It’s freshly brewed and, you guessed it, probably the best in the world.
Don’t miss: For the shrimp and bison carpaccio with elderberries and rye alone, it’s worth the trip to the Big Apple.
Atmosphere: Somehow creative, somehow “typical” New York
Particularities: To stand out from the rest, Jean-Marc Houmard was able to convince none other than Danish chef Mads Refslund of his concept. The co-founder of Noma in Copenhagen, one of the best restaurants in the world, is now bringing New Nordic cuisine to the American audience.
Reservations: As is so often the case in New York: Make your reservation in good time!
Tip: If you want to see something more mind-blowing, then visit the Frick Collection (1 East 70th St), my current favorite museum in the former private home of Henry Clay Frick. There are probably trendier places by now, but in the afternoon I like to head to the Navy (137 Sullivan St) for its exquisite selection of fresh oysters.
SIXT IN NEW YORK
In New York, there is a particularly large selection of Sixt car rental stations and of course an extensive fleet. But surely the chauffeur service would usually be the right thing to do.