NEW YORK CITY/GOTHAM/THE BIG APPLE
FIELD TRIP 2
South of Soho/Chinatown

We all know about Soho, but the  big box stores have invaded, pushing the cutting edge design emporiums and eateries further south.

Although my most recent visit was during a week of reoccurring rain storms, the sudden dash into the closest space proved to be a lot of fun and opened a whole new world of recent discoveries.

Opening Ceremony
As its name implies, the Olympics of retail –the best of the best, the newest blend of emerging and proven talent from all over the globe.

With an emphasis on cutting edge design, this shop caters to both sexes and houses an interesting blend of fashion & art.

You may not find the outfit you are looking for to wear to the next summer wedding, but your creative juices will definitely be charged and you will begin to see a trend before it gets to Saks or Banana.

DeVera
Tuck in your shirt and brush your hair before you enter this museum quality chic boutique filled with accouterments to grace any interior.  Although the stock is composed of objets d’art and historic personal treasures, the amazing assemblage could grace both modern and traditional interiors, and give any space a needed punch of personality.

The merchandising and presentation done through the use of rich background color and finely tuned lighting takes the shopper to a new level.

BDDW
Furniture displayed in a beautiful space  makes a huge difference in shopping!  If you want your partner to enjoy the process of furnishing a nest,  make this boutique a destination.  The highest quality handmade (mostly wooden) furniture is handcrafted right over the bridge in Brooklyn.

Now it is time to refuel, and there are so many neighborhood eateries, all capable of dazzling the diner with a new twist on ethnic fare.

Bacaro
Dining underground in a cave-like atmosphere works miracles when one has come in out of the pouring rain or during a cold winter.  A self-described Venetian dining spot, this restaurant excels at fresh Italian dishes prepared in their own special manner, depending on the season’s bounty.

Bario Chino
You just have to love that name! Chinese Hood! The food is amazing-grapefruit margaritas and cactus tacos-all twists on traditional Mexican fare set in a décor that blends the two cultures.