One of the most common questions someone has when moving to Manhattan for the first time is should I live uptown or downtown. The two neighborhoods definitely have their distinct differences, and depending upon what you are looking to get out of your NYC life, you will find either uptown or downtown living suits you better! We have come up with some important topics to consider when choosing to live uptown or downtown, whether that be restaurants, night life, museums or easy access out of NYC! Keep reading to hear our opinion!

Uptown Living

Uptown living (considered above 57th Street) is great for families or anyone who wants to experience NYC and all its delights in a slightly more quiet manner! Uptown has something for everyone, great shops, restaurants, and residential areas that are close to parks, museums and excellent private schools! Glenwood has 16 buildings in uptown Manhattan. If you are set on living uptown but can’t decide between the upper east side versus the upper west side, click here to read a blog post we wrote about the differences between the two neighborhoods! If you are interested in Glenwood’s uptown buildings click here for the east side and here for the west side.

Downtown Living

Living downtown (considered below 14th Street) is a very lively choice filled with different neighborhoods, each having their own distinct personalities! If you are looking for more of a neighborhood, tight community feel in the big city–downtown living might be for you! If you want the hustle and bustle of stores, restaurants, and nightlife soho is a great option! The west village is quaint with great neighborhood coffee shop and beautiful townhouses! If you want to live downtown in a neighborhood that is very family try Tribeca where you can live, work and play all in the same neighborhood! Glenwood has 3 buildings downtown. If you are interested in Glenwood downtown buildings click here!

Let’s Dive Into It:

Restaurants

Both uptown and downtown Manhattan have great food options!

If you want to try a restaurant that is a little more trendy with often a festive vibe, downtown spots may be more favorable to you! Downtown restaurants are always packed with foodies trying the new and best spots! A 9pm table is not considered a late table, and if you love being able to walk to great restaurants downtown may be more favorable to you! Don’t forget Little Italy and Chinatown are so close to all the downtown neighborhoods, which ads a really fun dining element if you are a foodie! Some great spots to try are Lure Fishbar (in soho), Bondst Sushi (in soho), Mamos (in soho), Bodega Negra (in chelsea) and Morimoto (in chelsea). These are all great spots for Glenwood downtown residents to try!

Don’t be fooled by the fact that you hear it is impossible to get a dinner reservation downtown, if you want a table at a popular restaurant uptown,  you need a reservation weeks in advance as well! Uptown dining has endless options as well with all different cuisine types too! If you are looking for a more classic restaurant with a little more of a docile atmosphere that is still lively, uptown restaurants may be up your alley! With great spots like Omars, Le Colonial, Bar Italia,  Avra, Kappa Masa  (all on the upper east side), RedFarm (on the west side), and Red Rooster (in harlem)  there are definitely diverse cuisine types with great ambiances that is just a little more relaxed than many downtown spots come the later hours! Glenwood uptown east side and west side residents should try these great spots!

The Seaport has several restaurants all walking distance of Glenwood’s Liberty Plaza! 

Which Neighborhood Would You Live In?

Looking for endless dining options, high end shops, and parks that are within walking distance?

UPTOWN

Looking for an energetic atmosphere with historic landmarks and riverside views?

DOWNTOWN

Night Life

If you ask a New Yorker where the best nightlife is in Manhattan, most will definitely tell you downtown! And, if you are looking to live close to very lively, trendy, hot spots that can be walking distance from each other, downtown living is definitely for you. Downtown is packed with options in all of its neighborhoods like soho, the meatpacking district, and china town! There are also great late night activities in downtown Manhattan  like The Magician at The Nomad Hotel or Sleep No More at The McKittrick Hotel.

If you want to live in a quieter area, but occasionally want to frequent great nightlife and don’t mind hopping on a subway or taking a 20minute cab ride to get there, then uptown living will suite you! Uptown has some great bars too like the Mark Hotel’s Bar, The Regency Bar, the bar at Avra Madison, the bar at Omars (all upper east side), or Vanguard Wine Bar (upper west side). These are more lounge type of casual vibes that are great if you just want to enjoy a drink out on the town.

Parks

If parks are very important to you, this is a big consideration when deciding if you want to live uptown or downtown. Uptown has so many great parks like Central Park, Morning Side Park, Riverside Park, Carl Shurz Park, and Fort Tyron Park. These are larger, more traditional parks with more emphasis on the greenery! If you love taking a morning jog around the reservoir, uptown eastside and westside are perfect for you!

Downtown parks are often smaller with a bit more concrete, but  have a lot of lively entertainment like at Washington Square Park! If you like to stroll after dinner and find some nice entertainment–from the occasional live music to performances, downtown parks are for you! Don’t forget about the High Line! This 1.45 mile park runs on what were old railroad tracks on the lower west side through the Meat Packing District and Chelsea.

Battery Park and Rockefeller Park are just steps from Glenwood’s Tribeca Bridge Tower!

Museums

There are great museums both uptown and downtown in Manhattan. You can’t go wrong visiting any of them! Here are a list of some of the top museums in each of the areas.

Uptown

East Side:

• The Met
• Met Cloisters
• The Met Bruier
• The Frick
• The Guggenheim
• The Cooper Hewitt Museum

West Side:

• The American Museum of Natural History
• The New-York Historical Society
• The Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Downtown:

• 911 Memorial
• Whitney Museum of American Art
• New Museum
• New York City Fire Museum

The Art Scene

There are definitely good museums and galleries both uptown and downtown. But, if you are a an art gallery lover, downtown has so many different options to pop into that frequently are displaying new works!

A couple of great art galleries uptown:

• Gagosian Gallery on Madison Avenue
• David Zwirner
• Almine Rech Galler

There are just so many great art galleries downtown, if you walk in Chelsea you are sure to stumble upon numerous  but to name a few:

• Andrew Kreps Gallery
• Mary Boone Gallery
• Gladstone Gallery
• Pace Gallery
• Hauser & Wirth New York
• Gagosian Gallery in Chelsea
• Taglialatella Gallery
• Chase Contemporary Gallery
• David Zwirner in Chelsea
• Click here to see a map of downtown galleries!

The Ease Of Leaving Manhattan

If you like to leave Manhattan either for some fun weekend exploration or for a work commute, it is important to choose where you live! If you love to go to Brooklyn and explore areas like Vinegar Hill or Dumbo, then living in Glenwood downtown buildings is much more convenient for you!

If you work or like to visit Long Island, Westchster or Connecticut on the weekends, living uptown will largely reduce the time spent in your car if you are driving!

What are your favorite reasons you live uptown or downtown? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

The post Uptown NYC vs Downtown NYC appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

Summer is the season for ice cream! Refreshing and tasty, there are some fantastic ice cream shops near Glenwood buildings that have unique flavors, gluten free cone options and are sure to keep you or your children happy in the summer heat! Keep reading to find out more.

Glace

Number one on our list is Glace, opened by Sasha Zabar just a few weeks ago, and it is worth the hype! Aside from the variety of flavors including Matcha, Yuzu Cherry, Sicilian Pistachio, everything here is gluten free! For those who are on the hunt for the perfect gluten free cone, you have found your new spot! It is located at 1266 Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Van Leeuwen has some of the best and most creamy ice cream in the market! It also has perfect summer flavors such as Honeycomb, Affogato, and Earl Grey! There are a multitude of locations all throughout NYC- and if you fall in love with a flavor, you can buy a pint to take home!

Read more

West Side Apartments at Hawthorn Park

Live your dream New York City life in Hawthorn Park. Browse available units today!

Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream

Morgenstern’s ice cream is located downtown at 88 W Houston Street- and is worth the stop if you are an ice cream fan who is adventurous trying new flavors! Some standout flavors are Strawberry Pink Peppercorn and Nutella Crisp. With conventional and nonconventional flavors, you will have endless options here!

The post 3 Ice Cream Shops To Try This Summer appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

Ladurée

World famous Parisian macaron and pastry shop Ladurée, founded in Paris in 1832, has one of the best hot chocolates in all of New York City! This is for the true chocolate lover who craves that thick, silky hot coco. Grab a seat in the beautifully decorated pastry shop and order some macaroons too! The Marie Antoinette-like decor is just emanating through the bakery! With two locations, on 864 Madison Avenue and 398 West Broadway, whether you live uptown or downtown, there is a spot near you.

Read more

The Andover – Upper East Side Luxury Apartments

Located in the quaint village of Gracie Point, The Andover boasts spacious apartments and first-class amenities. With units specifically designed for small and growing families in mind, browse available apartments today!

Sant Ambroeus

Sant Ambreous is a great Italian restaurant with locations both uptown and downtown. They have delicious hot chocolate that is very rich and creamy! I highly recommend trying it! You can also grab a small panini to go as well! Their uptown location is 1000 Madison Avenue and they are located downtown at 259 W 4th Street.

Starbucks

This holiday season, maybe giving up caffeine is one of your New Year’s resolutions! Don’t fret, you can still enjoy the Starbuck’s holiday cups by ordering a hot chocolate with whipped cream! The holiday cups are here, and thy add that little extra winter cheer during long winter work days! Starbucks also has cute and tasty winter snacks like the red and white cake pops to pair with your hot coco! Your kids are sure to love the cake pops as much as you do!

In the comfort of your home!

Sometimes you just want to curl up at home with a good book or movie and a hot chocolate! With a little secret tip, we are sure to help you enjoy a great at home treat! To avoid a watery flavor, use milk or milk substitute like soy milk as the base of the drink. If you want that extra silky chocolaty taste, put a Hershey kiss in the bottom of you mug and let it melt before adding in the hot coco powder. Now you have a perfect at home mug of hot chocolate! This is great for those times you are stuck in your apartment due to a snowstorm! You and your entire family are sure to love this at home winter treat!

What are your favorite hot chocolate spots? Let us know on Facebookand Twitter!

The post Warm Up With NYC’s Best Hot Chocolate appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

For Your Basic Self-Storage Needs: Manhattan Mini Storage

Located on East 62nd Street, Manhattan Mini Storage may just be the right option for you if you’re looking for self-storage. They have various size units available, ranging from a closet starting at $20 a month, to a large space for $294 a month. However, while this is a self-storage facility, you do have the comfort of knowing that a full-time maintenance staff is available at the building, they are open 365 days a year, and there’ss even a free storage shuttle that you’ll have access to. This last one is a plus because if you’re hauling an entire summer wardrobe back to your unit, you can use the shuttle rather than hailing an expensive Uber. The shuttle is available 7 days a week from 8am to 9pm, and reservations can be made ahead of time.

Read more

Tour Upscale Apartments at The Pavilion

Book your tour to browse available one, two, and three bedroom units today!

For Daily Storage Needs: Bounce

While this may be initially created for tourists visiting the Upper East Side, it’s also a great hack for locals in the neighborhood to know about, too. Situated on East 77th Street near The Pavilion is a Bounce storage point, which allows you to drop bags or items for only $6 for the entire day. Why would this be helpful, you ask? Let’s say you are a Downtown resident who is planning on spending an entire Saturday Uptown. Your plans include going for a jog through Central Park (then changing outfits), grabbing brunch, visiting several of the Museum Mile exhibits throughout the afternoon (then changing outfits), before capping the night off with a nice dinner and a comedy club. As you can see, being able to store a duffle bag filled with your outfit changes, shoes, makeup bag, book, phone charges, and anything else you may need would sure be helpful and much easier than hauling it around all day! And at that price point (with $3,000 insurance included)… why not?! It’s also a nice thing to have in your back pocket to share with any out of town visiting friends or family.

For High End Storage Needs: Morgan Manhattan

While you probably feel comfortable using self-storage for your non-luxury items, there’ss certain things you want to take more care in storing, such as wine and fine arts. Morgan Manhattan, located at East 91st Street close to The Cambridge, has created a state of the art warehouse for storing your special bottles of wine, tracking case-specific information such as vintage, producer, arrival date, access information, and even “drink by” dates. You can use their online inventory viewer to place a delivery order straight to your home, anytime. And if you have fine art for storing, take advantage of their fireproofed, alarm protected storage which can hold anything from small, museum quality paintings to huge antique cars and boats! And they even offer a moving crew if you need to put any regular household items in storage, too! Prices for all this vary wildly, so it’s best to give them a call directly and to obtain a personal quote.

So whether you’re remodeling a room and need to store furniture for the short term, want to maintain a more concise and clutter free closet and switch out your clothes seasonally, or need specific, temperature controlled spaces to hold your valuables, you can see that this all exists right on the Upper East Side!

Read more

Luxury Apartments at The Cambridge

The Cambridge offers luxurious one, two, and three bedroom apartments. Book a tour today!

Do you use storage? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

The post Storage Facilities In Manhattan’s Upper East Side appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

 For Uptowners: Public Parks, Private Gardens

Summertime is a season to immerse yourself in all things green. Just because you’re spending a little time indoors to escape the heat doesn’t mean the nature has to come to a half, quite the opposite, in fact. Head to the Upper East Side’s very own Metropolitan Museum of Art on 81st and 5th Avenue, where you can enjoy the exhibit: Public Parks, Private Gardens: Paris to Provence. The exhibit features nineteenth-century artists who celebrated the out-of-doors as a place of leisure, renewal, and inspiration. You’ll recognize gardens of Paris (in those beautiful pastel hues) in the fabulous collection of paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, illustrated books, and objects in this collection. There’s over 150 works in the exhibit, stemming from artists such as Henri Matisse.

After enjoying the exhibit, make sure to head to the MET’s rooftop, where you will be able to get a first class view of NYC’s own public park, Central Park, much of which was designed after the French gardens you just saw on the walls of gallery.

Read more

The Marlowe – Upscale East Side Apartments

The Marlowe is a great location for luxury living in the heart of the Upper East Side. With 4 unique units per floor, make your next home in one of these exclusive apartments with airy rooms and 9-foot ceilings. Book a tour today!

The MET is open 10am to 5:30pm Sunday through Thursday, and 10am to 9pm Friday and Saturday. General admission is $25 for adults and free for children under 12. This particular exhibit is up through July 29th, but there’ss so much more to explore in the space, too. Glenwood residents living at The Marlowe are so close they might as well get an annual membership to the MET–it’s right in their backyard! A little bonus tip: General admission tickets to the MET include exhibitions and are valid for three consecutive days at The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters, meaning you can head back another day to enjoy the immense museum, or check out one of the sister museums. Basically a 3-for-1 deal!

Once you’ve explored the MET, make sure you check out these 7 great things to do in Central Park when the weather is warm, it pretty much makes for the perfect New York City day.

For Downtowners: Happy Go Lucky Pop Up

Years ago when you went to an art exhibit, you’d glance at the back of people’s heads as they took in the art. Now, you glance at heads and smartphones, as everything is photographed and filmed and live streamed in real time. This can be a little annoying (at best!) when you’re trying to enjoy a more serious museum, such as the MET. However, for those who enjoy photographing and sharing your exhibit experience, your ideal spot has popped up Downtown: the Happy Go Lucky Pop Up! It includes eight themed rooms that are as colorful as they are photogenic. From fields of sunflowers to a wall full of balloons (moveable for posing with, of course), everything here is made with the purpose that it would make a fabulous Instagram photo!

The exhibit takes place at 43 Wooster Street, and will be open daily from 11am until 9pm through July 8th, 2018. A huge perk of this exhibit is that it is done via timed tickets (that can be purchased ahead of time on their website), and they only allow one group in at a time. This means you have plenty of time to capture your perfect photographs, without having to deal with the back of other people’s heads in the shots! There’s also plenty of staff on hand throughout the rooms to take pictures of you, for you!

Tickets are $28 on weekdays and $34 on weekends. Children under 3 are free, and while the exhibit was made with adults in mind, it’s actually a blast for kids to explore too! Plus, there’ss an ice cream treat awaiting you at the end (also absolutely adorable and worthy of a picture), that’s included in the price of tickets. Glenwood residents living at Barclay Tower will love the convenience of this pretty pop-up.

Read more

Residing at Barclay Tower

Every detail  speaks quality - schedule a tour to see how these upscale units compliment your lifestyle.

What exhibit are you most looking forward to this summer? We’d love to know on Facebook and Twitter!

The post Must-See Summer Art Exhibits appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

The Upper East Side community of Yorkville was for decades one of New York City's largest and most vibrant German enclaves, with beer gardens and wurst- and schnitzel-shops the norm between 96th and 79th Streets, from Third Avenue to the East River. Today, of course, much has changed in this neck of the woods, but there is a notable pair of old-school eateries carrying the Germantown torch: Heidelberg Restaurant (which has been around for more than 100 years) and, right next door, the legendary sausage shop and charcuterie Schaller and Weber. Both of these vital neighborhood institutions have recently been hit with Second Avenue Subway construction fallout and deserve your support no matter what, but Schaller and Weber is also being aggressive in its efforts to remain relevant in its long-time home, with the recent opening of the fun and even a bit funky quick-bites offshoot, Schaller's Stube Sausage Bar.

Yorkville's Schaller's Stube 

Schaller's Stube is housed in a one-time meat locker, and they've done a terrific job with the space. The front of the place is, smartly, open to the sidewalk, and this where you do your ordering from the Stube menu, which includes nine different types of sausage (bratwurst, weisswurst, kielbasa, spicy cheddar brat, etc.). on top of which you can pile everything from sauerkraut and pickles to daikon-carrot slaw, frisse, and chicharones. If you don't feel like many a million decisions, Schaller's Stube also has about a half dozen suggested combos, including the Steuben Rueben, the King Ludwig (with grilled leberkase) and what is apparently the most popular item on the menu, the Saigon Special, which is like a German banh mi. There's a bench right outside if you're not doing the to-go thing, as well as a surprisingly stylish back room with stools, counters, and the full typography treatment. Very cool and comfortable. Bonus: the playlist during my meal was 100% Clash

What To Eat At Schaller's Stube Sausage Bar

There was a steady stream of customers when I ate at Schaller's Stube in the early evening, but most were ordering take-out. More room for me in the awesome dining area! I went with one of Stube's suggested sandwiches, the Schaller Double, which features a bacon cheddar brat topped with additional cheese, additional bacon, pickles, tomato and the creamy Stube sauce. It was a little overwhelming, everything competing for my attention like that, but would serve particularly well as an before-bed bite on your way home from the bar. But the stealth winner on the Stube menu has to Mrs. Schaller's Fried Chicken, which is inexpensive and straightforward (both welcome, and increasingly rare, qualities for any food these days), the bird itself plump and juicy (at least, the dark meat pieces were, which is what I always order), the coating nicely seasoned and super-crisp. Great stuff.

For Menu and More Information on Schaller's Stube Sausage Bar

Schaller's Stube Sausage Bar is located on Second Avenue between 86th and 85th Streets, right behind all that construction debris on the east side. Stube is open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., except for Sundays when it closes at 5:00.

The post Schaller’s Stube Sausage Bar Keeps That Old Yorkville Spirit Alive appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

Upper East Side Welcomes Xi’an Famous Foods

I stopped in at the Upper East Side Xi’an the other night, my first time at this newish outpost on 78th Street, mid-block between First and Second Avenues, to see how their rightly Famous Foods had weathered the trip uptown. First, I was happy to see that, even given a much larger space than, say, their East Village spot–though it’s still not “large” by any stretch of the imagination–that Xi’an retains its no-frills, slightly hip charm. There’s the photo menu on the wall (order by letter-number combo, like “N2”, not “Spicy and Tingly Beef Hand Ripped Noodles”), backless stools in front of narrow counters, bright lights and red tiles, and, taking advantage of the room, a communal table. Even the music here is the same old-school hip-hop mix, chosen by Xi’an founder Jason Wang himself, though they do feel the need to explain their taste in tunes in a little plaque, rather than just assume Upper East Siders will totally get it, because it’s good.

What To Eat At Xi’an Famous Foods

So, the fun and functional quick-bite vibe remains in place–as do the pleasantly low prices–and, I’m happy to report, so does the deliciousness of the food. I had my go-to dish, N1 (Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles), and it was excellent as always, the wide noodles chewy and satisfying, the meat intensely spiced and tender, just a fantastic winter-night’s supper. Note: Xi’an doesn’t do delivery because these noodles are meant to be eaten immediately, before they get all mushy, so if you’re doing take-out, for heaven’s sakes hurry. Anyway, I’m betting that my other favorites–the cold Lamb Face Salad (L3), the superb Lamb Burger (B2), the Stewed Oxtail Noodle Soup (Ns10)–are just as good here as elsewhere in the Xi’an Famous universe. I also tried something new at the UES Xi’an, and it was terrific, a plate of about eight fat Spicy and Sour Spinach Dumplings, which are definitely both those things and are actually packed-full with spinach, so you can count it as your vegetable. Bottom line: Xi’an Famous Foods clearly should expand to EVERY neighborhood.                  

For Menu and More Information on Xi’an Famous Foods

Xi’an Famous Foods has multiple locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. For complete details as well the Xi’an Famous menu, see their first-rate website, here.

The post The Great Xi’an Famous Foods – Now on The Upper East Side! appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

Way to go out with a bang, Upper East Side Whitney. For its final exhibition in the iconic, modernist Madison Avenue building that's been its home since 1966, the Whitney gives us a true blockbuster, filling nearly the entire space with one of the most crowd-pleasing, successful and, perhaps for those very reasons, polarizing American artists of his generation, Jeff Koons. This is Koons's first-ever retrospective in New York City, it's the first time (and, by default, also the last) the Whitney has ever given over all of its galleries to a single artist.

The Whitney Museum – Open Mondays!

Every Jeff Koons sub-genre is on display at the Whitney retrospective, along with plenty of periods you've either never witnessed or forgot about. There are several of his big shiny balloon animals here, as well as the cheap-plastic-toy-looking Gorilla and a fun version of the Hulk encased in an organ, pedals and pipes included. There are Koons's horribly gaudy table sculptures from his Banality series, including the vaguely unsettling String of Dogs and one of his most famous works, Michael Jackson and Bubbles. And there his porno shots, starring himself (of course) and his wife at the time, Ilona Staller.  The landmark exhibition has become so popular that the museum has struggled to keep up with its demand. Their solution? To start opening their doors on Mondays – a day the museum is normally closed – just to accomodate weekenders looking to visit the wildly entertaining show.

Camera-Friendly and Kid-Approved

I enjoyed myself quite a bit throughout this massive show, and the museum, and Koons, have smartly allowed photography in all of the galleries (much to the relief of the security guards, who otherwise would have to spend their entire day scolding guests), so amusing photo-ops abound. The camera-friendly exhibition, generously stocked with over 120 pieces, is at the least amusing and occasionally amazing, with a couple of smiles guaranteed. Really, it's such a pleasure to see so many people having so much straight-up fun at an art exhibition. 

Amazing & Amusing Artwork

It's all enormously engaging, but my favorite parts of Whitney's Jeff Koons Retrospective would likely include the giant pile of colorful Play-Doh, the vacuum cleaners encased with fluorescent lights–his The New series–and his collage-y Easy Fun-Ethereal oil paintings, with theme-appropriate names like Sandwich and Lips. The Koons Retrospective will be at the Whitney through October, as will huge crowds, but my suggestion is to go during the summer if you can, when so many New Yorkers are away. This is a show you don't want to miss. 

For More Information on the Jeff Koons Retrospective

The Jeff Koons Retrospective will be at  through October 19. The Whitney is open Mondays Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Fridaynd Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Monday (Starting September 1st) . Admission is "pay-what-you-wish" on Fridays from 6:00 to 9:00, and the msueum is closed on Tuesdays. For lots more information, Click to check out more information on the Whitney Museum. 

The post Whitney Museum set to Open on Mondays for Koons Retrospective appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

The Macaron has enjoyed an unrivaled place at the top of the French pastry mountain lately, with excellent boutique bakeries opening up all over the city, from the funky Macaron Parlour in the East Village to the fabulous Ladurée on the Upper East Side. And no wonder: macarons come in lots of appealing flavors, fun colors, and, bottom line, they're freaking delicious. But wait! What about those other French classics, like the financier chewy/custadry canelé? They deserve some NYC love too, oui? 

Céline Legros Nails The Canelé Every Time

Enter Canelé by Céline, a brand new bakery on East 82nd that's serving up fantastic little treats in both traditional and more creative varieties. The best canelés have that wonderfully caramelized exterior protecting a luscious, creamy core, and proprietor Céline Legros nails it every time. I went to Canelé by Céline one afternoon to sample the goods. I was a bit disappointed by the less-than-welcoming atmosphere. There's really no place even remotely inviting to stay and enjoy your coffee and pastries, which made me think it might have been nice to configure the store horizontally, with a counter and stools by the front window. Either way, I definitely am a fan of the sweet canelés and the terrific mini financiers.

A More Satisfying and Less Expensive Treat

Céline Legros got into the French pastry racket, so the story goes, after a fluky encounter with none other than Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who tried a few of her creations and asked where he could buy some more. Legros subsequently quit her corporate lawyer job and launched her line of canelés, which you can order online, at various retail outlets and, now at this UES storefront. Anyway, I tried three of Legros' savory canelés–a Chorizo, a Truffle, a Parmesan Cheese–and while they were fine, at about $2 each (and one canele = one bite) not worth it as an on-the-go snack. The sweet Canelés by Céline were much more satisfying (and less expensive!), both the Caramel and the Dark Chocolate. My favorite sweet treat of the pastry feast might have the Financier Pink Praline, with a sneaky crunch and great depth of flavor. 

The post Watch Your Back, Macaron! The New Canelé by Céline Brings Other Classic French Pastries to the UES appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

New York Loves a Good Burger on the Upper West Side!

We New Yorkers know a thing or two about what makes a good burger, which is why New York City has some of the best burgers around. We come by this expertise just based on the sheer number of great burger joints that dot the city. Heck…we're not home to the country's most expensive burger ($295 at Serendipity) for nothing. One place serving delicious burgers on the Upper West Side burger place, Burger Bistro, caught my attention this year with it's "build your own burger" menu. When you can remember a burger more than eight months later, it's a winner!

Gluttenous Gluten-Free NYC Bakery

Maybe you jumped on the gluten-free bandwagon this year, maybe you didn't. And if you didn't, it might have been because you figured gluten-free meant taste and creativity-free, too. Pip's Place gluten-free Upper East side bakery is changing a lot of minds sharing that opinion. When I visited there in February, the sights and smells were incredible. You just HAVE to try one of their cookie sandwiches stuffed with thick, sweet cream.

Columbian Authenticity Right Here on the Upper East Side

Speaking of unique bakeries, I came upon the Dulce Vida Cafe and Bakery on Lexington in March. I described it as, "the kind of place you'd probably hurry past a hundred times without much more than a glance or two in the window." More cafe than bakery, you can lose yourself in the authentic Columbian offering that will tempt your palate: empanadas, soups or "sopas," and the Cazuela de Frijoles (pictured above). And the desserts?  Well, you'll need to try them yourself. Words fail.

Sushi on the Upper East Side: Some of the Best in NYC

When I went looking for Gajyumaru Japanese and Sushi Restaurant, I could see why some said it was easy to miss…the name on the awning was wrong, presumably left from a long-closed past operation at that location. Regardless, once inside, the food made things quite clear…this is some of the best sushi in NYC! The fish quality, so criticially important of course, is top notch. While the place may lack the creativity of some much more high-profile (and expensive) sushi places around town, read my review and you'll see why Gajyumaru is always on my list of places to head out to for sushi in Manhattan.

New York Italian Restaurant Surprises with New Chef

In July, I ventured out to 83 1/2, a "new" Italian restaurant in NYC that had undergone a rather quick chef change. I was a bit apprehensive. But almost immediately, I was won over. My experience, which started with risotto fritters, poached tuna with grilled ramps, and ricotta with a pesto-like sauce, made me a believer in Chef Will Foden. The rest of my meal, which you can read about in the review, matched the start. Here's hoping this place stays around for a long time.

And a New York City Donut for Dessert

If there is one trend I hope never dies, it's the decadent donut and it seems that donuts in New York City are only getting better as time goes on. No longer reserved for stale displays or the back seat of patrol cars, the donut came alive in 2013 and Dough Loco on Park Avenue was right there to serve it up in amazing ways. How about these for unique donut flavors: Curry with Dulce de Leche, Blueberry with Rosemary and Lime, Pineapple Brown Butter and many more. My review included some tempting photos and the hint of how great their Blue Bottle Coffee compliments the sugary goodness of the donuts.

That's it for now for our recap of some of the best Upper East Side Restaurants. What are some of your favorite restaurants that you have been to recently?

Leave a comment and let us know about any culinary discoveries you made this year. 

The post Best Upper East Side Restaurants and Places to Eat appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.