Wake up call In Manhattan coffee is a necessity, not a recreational activity. For an authentic bean to cup brew, try Porto Rico Importing Company. The smell alone in this rustic store is enough to wake you up for the day.

Make reservationsHead to buzzing Mexican restaurant Rosie’s, the latest addition to the East Village. Take a seat at the comal and watch the all-female staff prepare a few “little whims” for you, whilst sipping on a watermelon margarita. The stand-outs are the traditional pork and pineapple tacos. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, try New York’s worst kept secret, Ippudo. A recent import from Japan, the ramen is perfection in a bowl. Grab a side of pork buns to ascend fully to foodie heaven.

Time to shopThe East Village and Greenwich are a treasure trove of independent stores. Check out Azaleas, a favourite amongst New Yorkers for all your underwear needs. Be ahead of the crowd at Love Gang, which stocks emerging designers and beautifully made pieces. Be sure to take advantage of the many designer and artists markets in the city. They’re perfect for finding a unique touch to add to an outfit.

Bottomless brunchBrunch is a staple of any weekend in New York. For the best boozy affair, try the bottomless brunch at Cafe Cortadito. With its delicious Cuban food and loud music, this is the place to get the weekend party started. Looking for something more laid-back? Head to Feast on Third Avenue. Its unusual decor is reminiscent of a country barn with a few elegant French touches. It’s fabulous if you’re looking for a spin on old favourites, such as blackberry waffles or a Croque madame with quail eggs.

Brand-new NYC arrival, ReBeCCa KNight, gives us the low-down on the latest from the empire City

How To… Be New in New York

Sweet treatsIf you need a sugar fix, test out the custom jelly donuts at Orwasher’s Bakery on the Upper East Side, or venture out to Queens for the best Mississippi mud pie and frozen peanut butter hot chocolate you will ever try at Martha’s Country Bakery.

62 SCOTTISH WOMAN MAGAZINE

Porto Rico Importing Company

Orwasher's Bakery

Mississippi mud pie at Martha's

Azaleas

Cafe Cortadito

Feast

Rosie’s

Ippudo

An eye for artAvoid the crowds at MoMA and check out The Frick Collection, a beautiful house designed to become an art gallery upon the owner’s death. The gallery features a bit of everything, from Turner to Degas. If you’re still craving some modern art, head to MoMA PS1 in Queens and check out the latest exhibitions. Visit during the summer and you’ll find the courtyard transformed into Warm Up, a Saturday afternoon outdoor party and music series.

Ice cream breakGaze at the beautiful ice cream creations at Amorino. In less

time than it takes to choose your flavours, the staff will have turned the shop’s creamy artisanal gelato into a blooming rose. For those looking for a simpler cool down, try the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory under Brooklyn Bridge. Serving traditional flavours, there is no better place to take in the beauty of the Manhattan skyline.

Turn off the lightsTo escape the madness of the city, attend a candlelit yoga class at Yoga to the People. These donation based classes are an oasis of calm, offering the opportunity to anyone and everyone to practise yoga. The teachers are friendly, with a sense

of humour that will always get you through that 4th chair pose. If

you’re feeling more adventurous, try your hand at belly dancing at Belly Dance America – a class that favours those ready to shake what they got.

Escape to WilliamsburgFor those looking to get to grips with the pulse of the ‘new’ New Yorker, you need to venture out to Williamsburg in Brooklyn. Sometimes all you need is a little perspective – look out across the Hudson river and indulge in some truffle fries at the famous Smorgasburg market. Keep an eye on the latest trends by diving into the Artists & Fleas market across the road, or go to Awoke Vintage, a haven of vintage clothes.

Theatre unmaskedFor those looking to explore New York’s theatre scene away from Broadway, check out Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More. This interactive play fulfils every dream you ever had of delving through Macbeth’s sock drawer. You are free to touch everything – even the actors – following who you choose as the action unfolds around you. Be warned – this is not an event for the faint of heart. Muster some courage by drinking a cocktail in the smoky ‘30s bar before donning the required dress code of a stark white

mask and embarking on the mystery that is the McKittrick Hotel.

Plait powerIndulge in a little pampering by embracing the braid at the John Barrett Braid Bar at Bergdorf Goodman. The helpful stylist will advise you on the best braid to fit your face and hair. They are up-to-date with all the latest styles, including the Valentino braid for the truly fashion obsessed. For a sanctuary of relaxation, check out Hortus in SoHo, a tiny nail bar with a lovely storefront off the beaten track.

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A mural in Queens

The Frick