One day in New York City

New York: Gotham city. The big apple. The concrete jungle. The city that never sleeps. The capital of... well you get my point. Whether you're an NYC virgin or a seasoned New York regular, the city can be an immensely daunting place with its never ending array of skyscrapers, shops, and restaurants. To further compound this confusion, the hundreds of different travel guides available online either compile lists with very touristy attractions, provide unrealistically packed itineraries, or are simply outdated. With all this, one can easily find himself/herself overwhelmed in the chaos, not knowing where to concentrate their energy, what to see, and where to eat, especially if their time in this city of 8 million people is only limited to a day. Thankfully, we, at Dapper New York, are here to help (our name maybe a hint, but we're based in New York City).

If you only have 1 day in New York, don't spend it wasting your limited time waiting in line for tourist attractions or museums, because that alone can easily eat up a few hours. I would recommend leaving those items for a longer trip, where you can compress them into a couple of days and be done with them (really, how many times do you actually need to take a selfie with someone dressed as the Statue of Liberty). Instead, opt for eating and exploring like the locals do, veering away from the tourist traps and more to the cool 'in the know' scenes. We, at DNY, have compiled a list that will help you make the most of your 1 day in New York, making sure you're having good food and coffee along the way.

Breakfast

Shake off that morning grogginess (and possible jet lag) by waking up early and embracing the abundant New York sun, and head to Cafe Clover in the West Village. Opened in early 2015 by partners and an executive chef with exquisite pedigree, Cafe Clover instantly makes you feel at home with it's chic, summery vibe, even when it's blizzard weather outside. But hopefully, if you time your visit for the Fall, considered by many to be the best season for New York, you'll be able to snag a seat outside and enjoy the delicious healthy American menu while basking in the perfect sun and warm breeze. Their brunch menu might be filled with classics, but they are certainly far from ordinary. You certainly won't go wrong with any of their selections.

Post-Breakfast Stroll

After your splendid healthy breakfast, why not stick around the area, and explore the beautiful tree-lined streets of the West Village. Walk up Bedford street, one of the most beautiful streets in New York, until you get to Hudson street, then cross over and make your way down W 4th street. Be sure to check out some of the small quiet shops there, including Burberry, the Monocle shop, GANT Rugger, and Brunello Cucinelli (a DNY favorite). Once you're done there, head down to SoHo, one of the most lively areas of New York, where you'll find an array of big brand names, small boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. Word of warning, try to stay away from the main street, Broadway, where you will find yourself suffocated by all the tourists and street vendors. Instead, explore the side streets which are much less packed, and boast many DNY-approved shops including Barbour, Cutler and Gross, Drake's, Suit Supply, and Slowear (an Italian company that has been making beautiful clothes the old slow way).

Lunch and Refueling stop

By now, you should start feeling the effects of your walk, and will be welcoming the idea of a small break and some nourishment to fuel your next adventure. Thankfully, being in New York, especially SoHo, means that you're never too far away from a cozy lunch spot to relax and recover. So head over to Two Hands cafe in the adjacent Little Italy, grab yourself a juice and an Avocado Smash, and plop down on one of their many cushioned chairs. One of the many Australian imports that have hit NYC in the past few years, Two Hands is easily one of the best, delivering a relaxed ambiance, friendly service, and delicious food.

Coffee

You would be forgiven if your next thoughts were of you on your hotel bed enjoying a much deserved power nap. However, if you do choose to rally instead, you will most certainly need the aid of a good cup of Joe, and lucky for you, the best coffee joint in town is not too far away. Walk up Lafayette until you hit E 4th street where you'll find La Colombe Torrefaction, home of the best coffee, most beautiful cups and excellent sitting space (don't be confused by the other La Colombe on Lafayette & Prince street, the coffee is just as good, but the space is much smaller). If the weather has been particularly warm and you fancy an iced beverage for yourself, then pick either a Black & Tan or Draft Latte, two of La Colombe's creations that are, simply put, divine. Otherwise, their hot espresso drinks are delicious and quite possibly the best in the city.

Post-Coffee/Caffeine-Energy Walk 

Once the caffeine has started to run through your veins, you should put your renewed energy into more walking. Wander around Union Square and Chelsea before making your way down to Washington Square Park to spend some time laying on the grass, watching people frolic around, and admiring the marble arch that forms the base of 5th avenue. The 77 foot arch was built in 1892 to commemorate the centennial of George Washington's inauguration as the first president of the United States, and stands majestically overlooking the great fountain in the middle of the park. New renovations have made the area more sitting friendly (think: no more wet mud stains on the seat of your pants), so take a seat and soak in the smell of trees, flowers and birds. Let's face it, between Washington Square Park and Central Park, these are as close to the outdoors as New Yorkers get to.

Pre-Dinner Aperitif

Once you're done being in touch with your outdoors self, well your park self at least, head over to Dante NYC for the best negroni in the city. We at DNY strongly consider the negroni to be an extension of ourselves in drink form, and there's no better place to grab one in New York than at Dante in Greenwich Village. If possible, snag a table outside so you can sip your negroni while watching the beautiful people of the Village come and go on this tree-lined, colorful house-filled street. With their selection of 6 different negronis, your choice is only limited by how adventurous your heart is. It also doesn't hurt that negronis are known to increase your appetite for food, which segues perfectly into our next tip.

Dinner

It might be tempting to spend all night at Cafe Dante, and while their dinner and ambiance is very good, head up to the meatpacking district for a truly fantastic dinner in one of the hottest spots in town. Santina, opened in January 2015 by Chef Mario Carbone, quickly had celebrities and A-listers waiting anxiously to get a table as the reservation wait period stretched a few months. Luckily, the hype has died down a bit (thankfully nothing else there has), and you should be able to reserve a table there with only a couple of week's notice. 

Once you're in, though, expect a very Mediterranean feel to the restaurant with its bold color palette, wood furnishings, and exotic flowers. Santina, named after Carbone's Sicilian grandmother, features a southern/coastal Italian cuisine heavily focused on seafood, vegetables and equally exotic but delicious drinks. Whatever you decide to pick from their salivating menu, make sure you get the squash carpaccio and the Cecina, which is a chickpea-flour pancake concoction served in a cast iron skillet along with some sauces and fillings. Trust me, you will not regret it.

Nightcap

If, after your food coma-inducing dinner, you're still alive enough to go out, make your way uptown

to the Flatiron Lounge in Flatiron for some delicious drinks and music. With it's 25 page menu (front and back!), Flatiron Lounge is sure to have any drink your boozy heart desires, and if it's not listed, then their talented mixologists will certainly be able to make it for you. However, what really brings people here is their extensive whiskey list, which makes up 20 pages out of the 25, organized by country, region and manufacturer. Why get a dram when you can get the entire bottle, and have the Flatiron Lounge staff store it for you in one of their liquor cabinets so that you can enjoy it time and time again whenever you come back, until it's empty of course, which just means you deserve another one. Whether you opt for one of their delicious cocktails, a dram of Scotch, a flight of whiskey, or simply an entire bottle, sit back in your chair with your drink of choice, admire the 1920s themed decor and enjoy the excellent jazz band playing live in front of you. 

The Art of Japanese Mixology

Never have I, in my nearly 3 decades of international traveling, come across a more dedicated and obsessive people than the Japanese. They are known to devote their full efforts and attention to any task no matter how menial or mundane, no matter how cheap or expensive. You could stumble into a Matsuya in Tokyo (a Japanese fast food franchise) and order a $3 Gyudon (beef bowl over rice) from the vending machine, and expect that the chefs will devote as much dedication and care into your bowl as if they were making it for their own family.

Nowhere is that more prevalent than in the field of mixology. When you order a Japanese cocktail from any of their world renowned bars, know that the cocktail was made with the utmost care and precision, made as a special experience just for you. The Way of the Cocktail is a great mini-documentary that interviews some of the best bartenders in the worlds and describes the truly intricate ways of a Japanese master mixologist.

Proper Driving Etiquette, brought to you by Dunhill

Manufacturers of bespoke suits, leather goods and luxury accessories since 1893, Alfred Dunhill is the quintessential British brand and have probably contributed to the definition of an English Gentleman more than anyone else. 123 years later, and they are still going strong and remain relevant to the ever changing notion of the modern gentleman. This video is no different, combining timeless style, a vintage car, and a drooly companion, it is as funny as it is beautiful.

Summer Must Haves

If you've ever been to the beach before, chances are you've encountered the different types of men who frequent the sandy shores, specifically those who bring their A-game, and those who would prefer to leave it at home. We get it, we've all been there. You just want to go to the beach, slip on your elastic waist band swimshorts,  put on your college alma mater T-shirt, and step into your blackened oily flip-flops. After all, the beach is supposed to be your relaxed no-judgment time, your chance to descend into that sand slob you spent all week day dreaming about instead of finishing your TPS reports. Right? Much like all of Donald Trump's policies, you are wrong!

The beach and swimming pool are public social settings, places to meet and mingle, to see and be seen. So if you are willing to impress in social settings where more clothing is required, why not carry over that mentality to other aspects of social life, including the beach.

The Swimsuit

What would a beach or swimming pool setting be without swimsuits (well, a nude resort, but we'll keep that for another post)? The corner-stone of beach attire. The make or break for your sartorial summer outfit. There are a couple of key rules to keep in mind when buying the right swimshorts:
1. The Fit: Just like picking the right pair of dress trousers, your swimshorts should fit straight like they were tailored on Savile Row. Too tight, and you're royal jewels will be on open display. Too loose, and your shorts will parachute and balloon up as soon as you hit the water.
2. The Length: Your swimshorts should ideally fall mid-thigh. So taller and shorter gentlemen should keep that in mind when purchasing their pair.
Try these stylish swimshorts from Onia, Dolce & Gabana, and the stand-out brand Orlebar Brown.

Orlebar Brown Bulldog Buy here

D&G Buy here

Onia Buy here

The Hat

Part sun blocker, part head protector, part suave creator, the hat is a central component to any debonair gentleman's summer attire. Unlike the name suggests, Panama hats are actually the product of Ecuador, and you can blame mid-19th century geography and President Theodore Roosevelt appearing in the Panama Canal sporting a black straw hat for the name confusion. Regardless, the Panama hat is solid enough to protect your head from the beating sun, all the while light enough to let a nice breeze in and cool you down. Make sure to look for genuine made in Ecuador, superfine hats that are made from super fine straw weave. They should be soft to the touch, but sturdy enough to not break when being bent. Bonus points if you find the packable version, which can be rolled up and packed, and popped out whenever the need arises.
You can try the brand of style Borsalino, makers of the best hats in the world Lock & Co, or go with a made to order Panama from Brent Black. If your wallet does not permit, then Goorin Bros has a good selection that is not as hard on your bank account.

               

                Lock & Co Rollable Superfino Montecristi Buy here

            

   Borsalino Straw Panama Buy here

              

                  Goorin Bros Marlon Fernandez Buy Here

                        

                          Lock & Co Wide Brim Buy here

The Sunglasses

What better way to complete your A-lister look, then with a pair of sleek shades that confidently suggests you're part of the Jetset crowd. Finding the right style for your face is key, so try on the pair of sunglasses and make sure you feel confident in them - confident enough to pull them off. For square faces, go with round or aviator glasses. For round faces, I would suggest picking square sunglasses, such as wayfarers. For heart shaped faces, you want to try to balance the wider forehead, so go with rounder frames. If you have an oval face, then congratulations, any style of sunglasses would work great on you, so go crazy. For summery sunglasses, go with lighter brown or tortoiseshell frames. For an extra kick of 'too cool for school', go with tasteful blue or brown opaque lenses.
Persol are the traditional A-lister's choice, not to mention the king of cool, Steve McQueen. Tom Ford, Cutler & Gross and Zegna also make some of the finest glasses on the market.

Zegna Vintage Havana Zeiss Buy Here

Cutler & Gross D-Frame Buy Here

   

Tom Ford Sowdon Buy Here

                     

                        Persol PM1025 Buy Here

The Polo

Ditch that raggedy sun-bleached T-shirt your mom found in her garage 5 years ago, and opt for beach elegance with a thin, breathable polo, that can take you from the beach to the restaurant to the bar. You're looking for a crisp polo that looks elegant on its own, but is light and breathable, and can withstand that summer heat. Sunspel has been making underwear since 1860 and have a line of polos that fit the bill for your summer wardrobe. If they're good enough for James Bond then they're good enough for your clandestine beach adventures. Or try the other ingenious invention by the endlessly stylish Orlebar Brown, the Toweling Polo. A combination of a polo and a towel, it will dry you while you wear it, all the while keeping you stylish.

Thom Browne Pique Polo Buy Here

Sunspel Cotton Mesh Buy Here

Orlebar Brown Towel Polo Buy Here

The Distinguished Gentleman's Christmas Wish List

It's that time of year again, when the festive decoration starts adorning the streets, the carolers start chanting their merry tunes, and the department stores fill their space with more holly and wreaths per square foot than in an 8-year old's dream. Yes my friends, Christmas is almost upon us. And there's no better indication of that than my girlfriend jumping up and down in our living room yelling 'I Love Christmas', and standoffish New Yorkers taking 4 weeks out of the year to be warm and cordial to one another.

With this jolly holiday, comes the responsibility of giving (and receiving!!) Christmas presents to loved ones and maybe not-so-loved ones whom you would feel guilty ignoring. While most generic presents will work for your close ones, it might be a little harder to pick out the perfect gift when it comes to a discernible gentleman.

Luckily for you, the below guide should give you a view into what different gentlemen might have on their Christmas wish list. And if they're still not satisfied, please feel free to mail any rejected presents to me.

For the Discreet Gentleman:

No one wants to be a George Costanza, especially when it comes to your wallet. So invest in these slim and classic cardholders that will not only force you to carry only essentials, but ooze understated elegance every time you pull them out. Your butt will thank you.

Mulberry Cross-Grain Cardholder:

Subtle and discreet, but able to fit 5 credit cards, this Mulberry Cardholder is perfect for any occasion. Buy it here.








Alfred Dunhill Leather Cardholder

Elegant, understated, classic. This made in Italy cardholder is the perfect accompaniment for any discerning gentleman's outfit. Buy it here.

For the Night Owl:

Among the most important things you don't want to happen during your late nights ravaging the town, is to suddenly realize that faint foul smell you thought was coming from a dead decomposing carcass, is actually you. Not to worry, spray a few whiffs of these eau de toilettes, and you'll be good to go for the entire night. A couple of top tips: 1. After you spray a couple of spots on your neck, spray a couple of whiffs inside your jacket, so that when you take off your jacket at a restaurant or bar, everyone around you is treated to a subtle but enchanting smell. 2. No matter how glorious your cologne is, it is never a replacement for good hygiene.





Floris London No. 89

Once a favorite of James Bond creator, Mr. Ian Fleming, No.89 combines hints of orange, lavender, neroli and nutmeg among other more sophisticated notes. Not to mention, you will be part of a family that has been making perfumes since 1780. Buy it here.









Tom Ford Black Orchid

Might not have a history as illustrious as Floris's, Tom Ford nevertheless has been known to deliver rich, deep, and complex colognes, from his limited edition models to the more mainstream ones. Black Orchid is no different, combining strong notes of black truffle, black plum, and patchouli, mixed in with deeper notes of wood and spices. The smell is intoxicating in its fullness and darkness, and will last you all night and into the next morning. Buy it here.

For the Intellectual Gentleman:

The holidays are the time of year to sit beside a crackling fireplace, comfortable in an aged leather chair, a glass of brandy warming in your hand, and a good book to spend the night in with. The below are but a small number of numerous fantastic books that any gentleman would surely enjoy.

Tender is the Night, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Although less famous than it's sister The Great Gatsby, Tender is the Night is nonetheless a masterful book set in the 1920s French Riviera. Romance, style, booze, and tragedy are the order of the day. Buy it here.














First Light, by Geoffrey Wellum

An inspiring coming-of-age story of an idealistic schoolboy recruited to the RAF at a young age in 1939, who became a battle-hardened ace by 1941. His story recounts the day to day life of an RAF pilot during the most grueling of times in the Battle of Britain, how the constant life or death struggles affected him and his fellow pilots. Buy it here.












The Mr Porter Paperback, The Manual for a Style Life Volumes 1-3

Last, but certainly not least, is Mr Porter's fantastic guide on how to live a stylish life. Packed with interviews, articles, and features, this book has everything you need for some extra inspiration and a look inside how the most stylish and creative people live their lives. A book that will last many years to come, since it is one thing that will never go out of style. Buy it here.

For the City Gentleman:

With winter almost upon us, the cities will soon find themselves engulfed in rain, hail and snow. But no matter how intense or benign the precipitation, a gentleman should never find himself caught out in the rain without proper protection.

Francesco Maglia, Mable Wood-Handle Umbrella

Behold this beautiful creation from the world's best umbrella maker. The Maglia family has been handmaking umbrellas in Milan for the past 150 years, so needless-to-say, they know a little something or two about crafting the finest umbrellas. Made from a single piece of wood, the handle is just one of the joys of owning this umbrella, which is more art than rain protection. Buy it here.

For the beauty-conscious Gentleman:

Unfortunately, and for a reason I cannot comprehend, a lot of men dismiss facial skin care as nothing more than fiction, a marketing scheme, or feminine. But a discernible gentleman knows that a good skin care routine could mean the difference between looking like Emperor Palpatine or George Clooney at 45.



Clinique Sonic System for Men

The first rule of good oil-free skin, is to clean it properly and effectively. The Sonic System Deep Cleaning Brush will clean your face more effectively than your hands ever could. The gentle brush will go deep into your skin and remove any dirt or oil you've accumulated throughout the day. Buy it here.





Aesop Collective Care

Aesop has revolutionized the skin care market and has put the cool back into keeping your skin clean. The Collective Care Combination is a good starter kit that includes a facial cleaner, a Vitamin B Balancing Toner, and a facial hydrating cream. Start with the cleanser to make sure your face is nice and clean, then apply some toner on your face (preferably on a cotton pad) and wait. Once the toner has been absorbed, apply some hydrating cream and you are good to go. Just make sure not to apply too much hydrating cream, otherwise you'll look like you just ran a marathon. Once you have become an expert in this routine, and have developed your own regiment, a next step would be to invest in some good night hydrating cream, which, as the name suggests, you apply at night before you go to sleep. The night cream differs from normal cream in that it is thicker, with more vitamins and nutrients, which you will absorb throughout the night. Buy it here.

The Westin Vendome - Review

For my second trip to Paris, partly as a birthday celebration, partly because you can never go wrong with flying to Europe, I decided to use my Starwood Preferred Guest points to stay at the Westin Vencome. At 20,000 SPG points a night for rooms that start at $550, it was a no-brainer.

Westin is a brand normally associated with conferences and uninspiring decor, but, like much else in this city, Paris seems to bring out the best in things. This Westin, was grand, luxurious, and beautiful, evoking a sense of timelessness as you stroll through the grand marble hallway on your way to the lobby. 

Courtyard from Above

As a platinum SPG member, I was instantly upgraded to a Prestige Suite on the 3rd floor upon check-in. Unfortunately, the room faced the internal courtyard, which meant we missed out on the gorgeous view of the Tuilerie gardens. However, the fact that the size of the suite rivaled my 1-bedroom apartment in New York certainly made up for the lack of view. With an entrance hallway, a separate living room, a vintage writing desk, a massive bedroom, and a marble bathroom with a hallway that leads up to it, the room was more than large enough to accommodate an entire soccer team, let alone my girlfriend and I.

The winter garden

Throughout our stay, the service was impeccable. The staff were extremely friendly, making you feel like you belong in this hotel, as if it were your home for many years, and they were your neighbors whom you've grown up with. We received a bowl of fresh fruit every morning, delivered to our room without us even asking. 

The aptly-named Westin Heavenly Bed

Located within a 2 minute walking distance of Place Vendome and across the street from the Tuilerie gardens, the Westin is close to many of the attractions of central Paris (The Opera Garnier is 5 minutes away, la Madeleine 4 minutes, and the Louvre 10 minutes away). While the area is rather quiet and dark come nighttime, it is sometimes nice to come back to a quiet, enchanting hotel, away from the fun and bustle of the lively neighborhoods. 

At $550 a night for a standard room, and $1300 a night for our Prestige Suite, this hotel certainly falls into the higher-end category, especially for a Westin. However, if you have the SPG platinum status, which will enable you to be upgraded when booking a standard room with money or points, I would highly recommend this hotel to be the place you stay at in Paris. It is centrally located, good for the tourist who wants to visit all parts of Paris, but prefers to come back to a nice and quiet hotel.

The Westin as seen from the Tuilerie gardens

If, however, you want to stay in the more hip parts of Paris, close to the best local cafes, restaurants, and under-the-radar sights, then this is not the place for you. You are better off staying in a hotel in the Marais, Bastille, or Montmartre districts, which are less accessible to the rest of Paris, but will make you feel like a real local Parisian.