INSTANT CHEMISTRY
This newly renovated Beaux-Arts boutique hotel is named for its past life as the headquarters of the Chemists’ Club, hosting scientific pioneers for meetings of brilliant minds. The building’s original grand facade and majestic marble staircase have been restored, and original artwork by Marcos Castillo and Carlos Bustamante grace public spaces. The 107 guestrooms and suites designed by Ilmiodesign span 16 f loors and range from cozy classic rooms to the one-of-a-kind Alchemy Suite with original gothic arches and stained-glass windows. With a convenient Bryant Park location just a block from Grand Central
CURATED KAISEKI
Chef Chikara Sono moved to New York from Japan in 1986 and he’s been schooling a new generation of chefs in treasured kaiseki traditions for decades. At Kappo Sono, hidden on the sixth f loor of an office building in Union Square with sweeping skyline views, there is just one seating a night for 12 guests, and the jewelbox restaurant recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. Dinner blurs the line between Japan and New York, past and present, blending international delicacies and fresh local ingredients, all served on handcrafted tableware sourced by Sono from Japan. Some of chef Sono’s favorite autumn ingredients include matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, sanma pike mackerel, and aigamo duck and lotus root. Arrive early or linger after dinner to enjoy a glass of wine or sake on the intimate outdoor patio. 39 E 13th Street, 6th floor, kapposono.com
NIFTY NAILS INSTANT CHEMISTRY
With 40 salons in the United Kingdom and two in Los Angeles, Townhouse, the world’s leading luxury nail brand founded by Juanita Huber-Millet, just opened its first two New York locations in Tribeca and Flatiron. Friendly nail technicians are all carefully trained on hygienic and safe cuticle care, with expert polish application and intricate nail art possibilities, plus a nail art lookbook that updates seasonally to reflect new trends. Manicures and pedicures are done simultaneously to save time, and a f lawless finish is guaranteed – any chips, smudges, and imperfections are fixed for free within a week of your appointment. 180 W Broadway and 27 W 20th Street, townhousebeauty.com
MEZZE MAGIC
At the intersection of 25th and Broadway, a cheerful yellow awning nestled in greenery serves as a portal to the Mediterranean coast. Mama Mezze debuted this summer in NoMad, the brainchild of seasoned restaurateur Mark Barak and chef collaborator Einat Admony. Inside, a towering citrus tree anchors the sun-blanketed dining room, while cozy cushion-topped seating invites guests to settle in for the main event: signature spreads served with house-made za-atar laffa, wood-fired skewers, and classic Eastern Mediterranean dishes like crispy cauliflower, spicy fish with couscous, and braised short rib dressed in a harissa-date glaze, all served on colorful mosaic plates. Weekend brunch additions include shakshuka, challah French toast, and a massive Jerusalem bagel served with eggs and assorted breakfast spreads for dipping. There’s also an outdoor patio shaded by yellow umbrellas. 1123 Broadway, mamamezze.com
BOATING WITH BACHELOR NATION
City Cruises recently launched a new series of live events featuring musicians, professional athletes, celebrity chefs, and reality TV stars for intimate cruises with opportunities for meet and greets and live Q&A. On October 5, join Bachelor Nation legends Chris Harrison, Ben Higgins, and Wells Adams for a fireside chat, where they’ll spill behind-the-scenes stories, drama, production secrets, dating advice, and so much more. Guests will also indulge in a decadent multi-course buffet dinner, open bar, and stunning skyline views while diving deep into the romance, drama, and secrets that have made The Bachelor an enduring fan favorite. Pier 15, 78 S Street, cityexperiences.com/city-cruises/live