Like migratory birds in search of better food and climate, Delhites flock to New York and London over the summer. On a recent trip to both cities, I discovered why our experiences there should be anything but routine.
New York is a gastronome’s delight, offering everything from hotdog carts in Central Park to Michelin Star restaurants on the Upper East Side. NYC’s latest no longer best-kept secret is Beauty and Essex, a restaurant that fronts as a pawnshop. Once you make your way past the vintage Rolexes and rare vinyl you can savor delicacies such as bone marrow crostini or lobster tacos.
While every girl has the 3 B’s (Barneys, Bergdorf and Bendels) in her little black book, there’s other shopping to be discovered. Head to boutiques such as Reformation and Pixie Market, where they rework basic T-shirts into something unique.
The best way to spend late nights in NYC is to head to Boom Boom Room, resplendent with chandeliers, fireplaces and a hot tub in the middle of the bar.
Across the pond in London, undiscovered jewels glisten like Kate Middleton’s tiara. Since most of us could guess Nobu’s Black Cod in a blind taste test, its time to discover other restaurants like Fat Duck, which offers. concoctions such as salmon in liquorice and snail porridge.
London wouldn’t be complete without afternoon tea. Try the Lanesborough or The Caramel Room where you can have your own Birkin shaped cookie.
Since Harrods and Selfridges have become Arab-fest 2011, head to Browns or Dover Street Market. Also spend an evening watching a musical or play. Watch the War Horse. The Queen and Steven Spielberg are fans.
In the words of Jay-Z, “In New York, there’s nothing you can’t do, these streets will make you feel brand new.” So go tread the streets of New York or the sidewalks of London into a world of possibilities.
Mehreen Malik, a barrister, enjoys freelance writing in her spare time. She is from
Lahore but currently
lives in New Delhi.