Jewellery designer Marlaa Aaron has travelled extensively and lived overseas in Spain and Argentina, but for her, New York City remains the ultimate destination. 'It is the place I know best and the place I love the most. It is a part of me,' she says. Here, she shares her personal guide to the Big Apple.
Favourite Meal in New York
Choosing a favourite meal is difficult, but Aaron highlights several: a steak from Peter Luger; salmon, whitefish salad and wasabi roe on a bagel from Russ & Daughters (enjoyed on a bench on the East River); cassoulet at Quatorze; the artichoke salad at Sant Ambroeus (uptown) with their Principessa cake; sushi Box of Dreams at Hatsuhana, one of Manhattan's oldest Japanese restaurants; the Couscous Royale at Maison Harlem; anything at Balthazar; an omelette at The Odeon; fried chicken with lima beans and collard greens at Charles Pan-Fried Chicken; dining at the bar at Caravaggio; and the sliders in The Gallery at The Carlyle.
24 Hours in New York
If Aaron had only 24 hours, she would start at Grand Central Station, then head to 47th Street for its unique energy. She would walk downtown to the East Village, meander to the Lower East Side to visit her tailor of 30 years, Express Tailoring, with a stop at the New Museum. Then back uptown to Bergdorf Goodman, requesting the table by the bar overlooking Central Park and ordering the Gotham Salad ('it's insane'). Next, she would visit The Frick Collection, which just reopened, followed by a walk through Central Park and early dinner at Café Sabarsky at the Neue Galerie. The evening would end at Tomi Jazz with her husband, and she would stay at The Carlyle. Breakfast would be eggs and parmigiana at Sant Ambroeus, perhaps with another slice of Principessa cake.
Three Favourite Restaurants
Beyond the many mentioned, Aaron names Le Bernardin as a special occasion spot.
Unmissable Experience
Walking over the Williamsburg Bridge is a must, according to Aaron.
Hidden Gems
Aaron willingly shares her hidden gems: Jim's Shoe Repair, which can fix anything and even make shoes platform; and Belgian Shoes, where the original store offers custom colours.
Where to Let Loose
Aaron playfully declines to reveal her spot for letting her hair down.
Favourite Shops
Blue Tree for gifts, with its extraordinary edit, and Zitomer Pharmacy for every conceivable need.
Souvenir to Bring Home
A Marla Aaron Manhattan Lock, a gold lock inlaid with rocks found around New York City.
Favourite Beauty Spot
The monkey bars at Marcus Garvey Park, where she trains with pull-ups and jump rope. 'My definition of beauty is fitness and strength,' she says. She also mentions a recent procedure with Dr Andrew Timberlake and her hairstylist Sophie Georgiou at Sharon Dorram, whom she has visited for over 20 years.
Packing Essentials
A 'sick pouch' containing remedies for colds, cuts, fevers, and more, which has saved her and travel companions. Also, a pair of Comme Des Garçons or Salomon sneakers, and a small bottle of Marc-Antoine Barrois Ganymede perfume.
Song That Reminds Her of New York
'Me and Julio Down by the School Yard' by Simon & Garfunkel, which her parents played when she was a child in New York.
Dress Code
'Dressed. Always. A great coat, a perfect fitting pair of jeans and a comfortable platform for walking.'
Emergency Incident
An emergency appendectomy. 'If you are going to have an emergency, this is the city for you to have it in. Our doctors and hospitals are among the finest.'
Dream Building to Live In
Aaron already lives in her dream building, but if not, she would choose The Carlyle.
Favourite Memory
Too many to count: having her son, the date in Tompkins Square Park where she knew her husband was 'the one', and exploring 47th Street while planning her jewellery company. 'Everything important to me has happened for me here.'
