Every summer, our CEO Robert Ettinger travels to New York for work.
In July, he will spend a week in the city to host press and influencer events and also visit the new Ettinger showroom located near Bergdorf Goodman.
Over the years, Robert has discovered many of the city's best restaurants, hotels and bars and he has made a list of his personal favourites.
HIS FAVOURITE HOTEL
For the past 40 years, whenever Robert visits New York, he has always stayed at the Elysee Hotel situated near Central Park. This boutique hotel, part of the Library Hotel Collection is one New York's oldest, founded in 1926. Robert particularly appreciates its unique character and the exceptional service of its long-time manager, John who consistently goes above and beyond for his guests.
"It’s home away from home for me in a very central area. It is a very nice place, old fashion and not very big, it has only about 70 rooms. They serve breakfast and afternoon tea for the guests in a wonderful drawing room."
Image by the Elysee Hotel.
HIS FAVOURITE RESTAURANT
With more than three decades of visits, Robert has accumulated a list of favourite restaurants in Manhattan, but one he always seems to return to is Mimi's.
Mimi's, an Italian restaurant and piano bar located on the Second Avenue at 53rd Street, boasts an incredible atmosphere with live music playing every evening.
On her way to becoming famous, Barbra Streisand occasionally performed with a pianist at Mimi's, captivating a fortunate audience who witnessed her raw talent before the rest of the world would discover it years after.
"My favourite table is actually the bar, so I can listen to piano players and singers who change on a night basis, full of locals and character."
Image by Foursquare.
HIS FAVOURITE BAR
Robert's favourite bar is one of the most infamous yet intimate spots in the city, the Monkey Bar. This old-school establishment which opened in 1936, serves exceptional food and drinks in a warm and electric ambiance
Conveniently located within the Elysee Hotel, it is the perfect place for Robert to unwind with a drink after a long day of meetings, just steps away from his hotel room.
"I don't drink cocktails, particularly in New York so I usually order a glass of white wine, either a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio, that's my typal."
Image by The Monkey Bar.
HIS FAVOURITE THING TO DO
You might already know from this journal that Robert is an avid cyclist. Every summer, he spends a few weeks cycling in warm locations with beautiful road.
So, it's no surprise that when asked about his favourite thing to do in his free time in New York, he said: "If I have a few free hours on a Sunday, I like to rent a bicycle and cycle around Manhattan."