From hidden-gems to places to people-watch, from bookshops to beauty spots – here is some inspiration, celebrating the independents in our local neighbourhoods around the world.
This week’s selection has been curated by multidisciplinary artist, designer, and writer, Edith Young. Based in New York City, Edith’s work has seen her collaborate with brands such as Google and Tory Burch, and just last year she published her first book, Color Scheme: An Irreverent History of Art and Pop Culture in Color Palettes.
FOR DRINKS
“Trailer Park Lounge is a bedazzled ‘50s kitsch shrine. I don’t live anywhere near it, which makes my cravings for their veggie nachos quite inconvenient. Per tradition, I think you must order a frozen margarita (probably a pitcher) when you go. Having dinner perched on one of their barstools constitutes a perfect Friday night.”
FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING
“The people-watching in New York is Olympic-level. I think the best way to see all kinds of characters is to walk the length of Manhattan on a nice day. Or you could Citi-Bike — you’ll cover more ground and the people-watching will feel panoramic.”
FOR MUSIC
“I’ve found that there is nothing more transcendent post-pandemic than four straight hours of karaoke. I’m a Midtown loyalist, so I’ll tell you that RPM Underground on West 54th Street is the place to do it.”
FOR WELLNESS
“My version of a wellness experience is figure drawing at Happy Medium, an art café/sanctuary ‘for casual artists’ run by my friends, Tayler and Rett. It’s in Two Bridges on Market Street, just east of Chinatown, and lately they’ve been hosting figure drawing most weeknights.”
FOR SHOPPING
“I love New York because the pursuit of it is a completist’s paradise — there’s always something new to discover and you can never conquer the whole city.”