Looking to rub shoulders with celebrities and supermodels (or at least see the backs of their heads as they brush past with their entourage)? Head to Little West 12th Street in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. It-factor oozes from every bar, restaurant and shop front on this cobblestone street.
In New York, where hip is always happening, "hot" can become icy cold in no time. At the moment, there are several contenders jostling for top spot on the scenester's lists. Nolita ("north of little Italy"), is downtown style at its best. For fashion that's months ahead, head to Elizabeth Street. In Hell's Kitchen, 9th Avenue is steadily rising, with upscale dining next to tiny Senegalese or Puerto Rican storefronts. Long the "street du jour," Soho's West Broadway remains one of the best places to watch the young, wealthy and fabulous shop, dine and socialize. And sitting at the top for those seeking glamour and exclusivity -- not to mention their names in gossip columns the next day -- is Little West 12th Street.
Blessed with the high energy of the Meatpacking District ("MePa" or "MPD"), yet tempered with the romance of old European style and charm (1800s Belgian block paving), this year Little West 12th's star went from on-the-rise to shooting with five big openings. Every square inch of this street's two-and-a-half blocks is packed with excitement.
Food
Touting itself as "a steak house with a conscience and sex appeal" STK (26 Little W. 12th St, 646-624-2444, http://www.stkhouse.com) is part greenmarket restaurant and part nightclub. Flawlessly made up of textured crocodile tiles, creamy leather banquettes and big picture windows to show off the bevy of beauties drinking and dining, this is slick, stylish Manhattan eating at its best. The second floor is made up of private seating (named after burlesque stars such as Tempest Storm). Take a seat and tuck into the Parmesan truffle fries, decadent steaks and foie gras French toast while the DJ provides loud and funky background music.
For diners who want a little intimacy with their cool, resto-lounge One (1 Little W. 12th St, 212-255-9717, http://www.onelw12.com) offers hundreds of candles and plush couch seating to encourage personal space violation when dining on Kobe beef or Erica's Bad Ass Cheeseburgers with Saga Blue and Cheddar. Think eclectic, hip and sexy with a menu divided by who's dining: "for us," "for me," or "for all." Caviar and champagne bars staffed by attractive Versace-clad servers add to the ambience of hedonistic party flavour.
Where do the models and beautiful people go when they're pretending to eat? Pastis (9th Ave at Little W.12th St, 212-929-4844, http://www.pastisny.com) is a flawless replica of a French bistro, right down to the antique mirrors, tasty steak frites and the well-dressed, bickering children at the table nearby. Getting in for brunch on the weekends requires a face recognizable to the masses or a reservation made several weeks in advance. Once you get past the doorman, don't expect a relaxed meal -- think elbow jostling, noisy, packed to the rafters. But you will be seen by those who matter, darling, and that's all that counts.
Get your lips air-kiss ready if you're heading to the Buddha Bar (25 Little W. 12th St., 212-647-7314, http://www.buddhabarnyc.com. Sister club to its popular namesake in Paris, this restaurant and hipster hangout is a feast for the eyes: a huge black-lacquered Buddha sits underneath a cross shaped skylight and jellyfish chandeliers twinkle down onto the beautiful people below. Otherworldly and opulent, a creative Asian menu and solid sushi offerings satisfy both the rock stars and wannabes alike.
Frolics
