O J
Jeanne & Gaston
O J: Up-and-coming, low-key French restaurant on W. 14th St. Opened in 2012. Highly recommended. It smells so good on the street that you might get trapped in. Great atmosphere. There is a quiet garden in the back. Succulent dishes include the "tarte flambée" (appetizer), the sirloin steak frites with black pepper sauce (entrée), and the floating island Gaston style (dessert). 3-course dinner prix fixe @ $40. Bon appétit!
Dos Caminos Meatpacking
O J: Upscale, packed Mexican restaurant located on a quiet corner on a beautiful cobbled street. Perfect place if you like to be seen. The outdoor seating area is big so you are almost guaranteed to get a good spot if you want to. Among the few Dos Caminos restaurants across the city, this is the most pleasant one. However, it remains a bit pricey for your stomach.
The Biergarten at The Standard
O J: Caption this: see the line to get into this "beer garden" (Biergarten) at street level under the Standard Hotel? This place is definitely an ATTRACTION! Too bad Walk Score doesn't feature sounds and scents yet because the sound level is absolutely unbearable (given the size of the crowd inside and outside the bar) and it smells beer all around.
The High Line
O J: Relax, have a drink, and have fun on The High Line, a major new attraction on Manhattan's West Side, in the Meatpacking district. The High Line is an old, elevated train line that has been transformed into a pleasant promenade above the street. Beautiful views of the NYC skyline and of New Jersey. Packed with locals and tourists.
Pastis
O J: Overrated French restaurant in the renovated Meatpacking district. Beyonce Knowles is a regular. The chairs are not very comfortable, the decor is pretty basic, and customer service is a bit rough. However, the food is quite tasty, though generally overpriced. I particularly recommend the "île flottante" (floating island), a light, affordable, and delicious dessert.
Apple Store
O J: My favorite Apple store in NYC: bright, spacious, conveniently located on 14th Street, and less busy than the other stores on 5th Avenue, Prince Street, Broadway, or Grand Central Station. Very cool and professional staff. There is a small outdoor seating area right across the store if you need to rest after buying that new iPhone or iPad.
Chisholm Larsson Gallery
O J: Extraordinary gallery that showcases and sells vintage posters of all sorts: movies, sports, politics, tourism, etc. The two owners are from Sweden; they are really sweet and have connections with many galleries across the globe. Just say which poster you are looking for and they'll find it for you! Top-notch customer service and high-quality framing service.
Dallas BBQ
O J: Dallas BBQ is an institution in Chelsea. If you like BBQ, you have to visit. There are a few other locations in NYC, but this one is most fun. Courteous service, delicious dishes, and Texas-size drinks. Just love watching the people here, especially at night. Great for both small and big parties.
