The Girl's Guide to ABC Kitchen - Fresh at it's Best!

Jean-Georges has another winner on his hands. Opened in March of this year, ABC Kitchen, is already stunning New Yorkers and celebrities like Taye Diggs and Matt Dillon.

Located in the Flatiron district, manager Ryan Armstrong describes the vibe as, “Downtown farm meets boho chic.” The wood tables, antique armories, exposed beams and flower-strewn chandeliers give diners the feeling that they’re eating in a farmhouse. He adds, “People like it because you get the quality of a Jean-Georges dining experience, but we’re more approachable.” This is made even more apparent by the young and friendly staff dressed in jeans, Converse sneakers and plaid shirts. Think fine dining brought down home.

The food here can only be described as fresh. ABC Kitchen not only gets 75% of their menu from local farms, but their yogurt, butter, cheese and pasta are all made in-house. Armstrong recounts a time when a customer asked for her dressing on the side, “She didn’t end up needing it because she was so blown away by the freshness of her salad.”

With entrees averaging in the mid-$20 range, customers are eating up dishes like: The Peekytoe crab toast, Roast carrot and avocado salad, the Housemade ricotta ravioli and the Akaushi cheeseburger. My personal favorite though has to be, The Organic Crispy Chicken. Never would I consider describing fried chicken as being, “fresh”, but this dish blew me away.

With a 30-day waiting list, Armstrong shares his tips on scoring a sit-down:

- Its all about patience, timing and flexibility. You can walk-in, but be prepared to wait for an hour. Pass the time by hanging out at the front bar - and try the Ginger Margarita, a customer favorite.

- Same day reservations are possible if you don’t mind eating at 10 pm. So, get creative. See a movie first then finish your night off with dinner.

- For the more traditional diner, be quick to call 30-days in advance and don’t get lazy. The reservations are usually full within five days. Or join us for lunch, which we just started serving!

With the laid-back vibe, reasonable prices and outstanding food, ABC Kitchen brings back the joy of eating. Take the time to taste your food again and walk out feeling like you did something good for your body – even if you happen to indulge in the fried chicken!

The Girl's Guide to the Best Brows in the City

Brow blunders like double dipping, over plucking, and bumps and burns, can make getting the perfect arch a scary experience. The Girl’s Guide is here to make the hunt a little easier. When I came across, Sweet Lily Natural Nail Spa & Boutique, I fell in love immediately.

With celebrity fans like Lady Gaga, Whitney Port and Kathryn Bigelow, this shabby chic spa fits right in with the downtown feel of its Soho neighborhood. Started eight years ago by owner Donna Perillo, it's especially favored among pregnant women and those with sensitive skin -- they use an all-natural tea tree oil and cream based wax that is less harsh than honey wax. So why is this spa my pick for best in the city? Aside from its inviting décor, it’s important that a salon exceed on each of “The Three C’s”: Cleanliness, Consistency and Customer Service. 

Customer Service: With white brick walls, delicate chandeliers and oversized, comfy chairs, you'll immediately feel at home. The staff is extremely polite and welcoming, offering you lemon water or tea as you wait. You never feel rushed and it’s a serene environment that you’ll enjoy spending time in.


Cleanliness: The staff is extremely professional and tidy. The waxing room is set up promptly for the next customer with new table liners, clean floors and waxing station. I’ve never seen a stray fabric strip or even a drop of misplaced wax.

Consistency: Romanian born Ileana Cerga has made a name for herself by not only being quick at her job, but by being incredibly consistent. Ileana’s detailed work makes sure you leave with the most natural brow for your face. You’ll never leave her shop with that “surprised” look.

At $42 for brow shaping, Sweet Lily is competitive with other high end salons. Just make sure to book in advance, since there is only one waxing room. Conveniently located just steps from the 1 stop at Franklin st, you’ll be glad you made the trip.

The Girl's Guide: Hoop Dreams

Want a waistline like Beyonce, Shakira and Marisa Tomei? Well, dust off your old hula hoop because with Hoopnotica, these celeb fans have discovered that sculpting your mid-section can be easy and exciting.

Hoopdancing incorporates sexy, creative and challenging dance moves for a heart pumping, yet entertaining workout. This low-impact exercise builds core strength, increases flexibility and tones your entire body.

All you need is a specially designed hoop. They’re slightly larger and heavier then traditional models, making it easier to perform tricks like, "The Halo," "The Corkscrew" and "The Stall." 

There’s even a growing community of Hoopers that gather in Central Park for impromptu hoopjams. Want to see if hooping is for you? Sheryl Wilson, one of Hoopnotica's best instructors in the country holds free classes every week.

Mondays: Join Sheryl for a free a hoopjam on Broadway Boulevard in front of Macy’s between 34th and 35th st. Class goes from 6-7 pm and hoops are provided! This class is less formal than her Thursday class. Everyone starts out together, but people are encouraged to start jamming and practicing their own moves as Sheryl travels around for one-on-one instruction.

Wednesdays: Every few month’s Sheryl’s class has "Hoopy Hour" at Iguana’s, a Mexican Restaurant on 54th and 8th.  Enjoy food, drinks and a fun hooping session. It starts at 5:30 pm and then around 8 pm, the lights are turned off for LED hooping!

Thursdays: Sheryl holds a more formal class from 6:30 - 7:30 pm on 47th Street and 1st Avenue. There is a large pedestrian plaza right across from the U.N. which is perfect for her instructional hoopjam for all levels. This is a great place to start if you're a beginner!

In the cold months classes are offered every Thursday at Ripley Grier Studios, on 8th Ave between 36th and 37th Street. Classes are $20 or a package of 10 is $180.

Click here for a full schedule of other hooping events in the city and check out the Hoopnotica 10-minute workout below. Get in the hoop!

The Girl’s Guide to Shopping in the West Village

One of the trendiest shopping neighborhoods in New York City is the West Village. With vintage shops, eclectic boutiques and home décor stops all within walking distance, there’s something for everyone in this quaint neighborhood with tree-lined streets.

Corrado Bread and Pastry (35 Christopher St)

Start your day off with coffee and a pastry at this friendly bakery in Sheridan Square. Like some other coffee shops, the staff is never rushed, so take your time and peruse the freshly made pastries, muffins and breads. The seating area isn’t cramped, so you can enjoy your café au lait without feeling like part of your neighbor’s conversation.

Zachary’s Smile (9 Greenwich Ave)

This fun and flirty vintage shop is overflowing with adorable pieces from not only independent designers but from their own label. Except for an occasional Gucci, Versace or Armani that breezes through, the price point stays around $50-$100 for dresses, $200 for killer leather jackets and $98 for boots (which they have in every color imaginable).

Albertine (13 Christopher St) 

With two mannequins framed perfectly in the front window, its easy to see why this store catches the eye of fashion’s most tasteful crowd. Liv Tyler and Cameron Diaz frequent the ornate dress shop when they’re in need of that extra special look. With price points from $200 for cocktail dresses to $700 for floor-length gowns, anyone is able to obtain a look that will turn heads.

Filled with some of the most delicate dresses from independent designers, Albertine will also custom make a gown to your liking. The staff is beyond helpful when it comes to picking the color that best suits your skin tone. This boutique should be your first stop the next time you have that special occasion as you’ll have no trouble finding a dress that’s delightfully girly, yet sophisticated and sexy.

Elizabeth Bauer Design (43 Greenwich Ave)

This high-end, interior design boutique is like a candy store for your home. When you walk in, you’re immediately struck with colorful pillows, vibrant patterns and ornate mirrors. Nestled into every nook and cranny you’ll find glass doorknobs, silver tea cups and decorative napkin rings. Elizabeth Bauer brings in one-of-a-kind antiques from around the world to refurbish them with a modern feel. From lighting, to chairs, to accessories and art, this is the store to find that special piece you’ll cherish and pass down to your children.

The Bathroom (94 Charles St)

This bathroom boutique was created in the style of the traditional London apothecaries. With high-end soaps, lotions and candles from countries like England, France and Italy, you’ll find something for everyone in the family (even soft blankets for baby). Their top sellers include: Nesti Dante soaps, Seda France candles and the Dr. Hauschka Skin Care line. Sarah Jessica Parker is a fan (she lives down the street!) and it’s a great store to buy something nice for the person who has everything.

Verve – (338 Bleeker St)

No shopping trip is complete without a shoe splurge. Located on the famous Bleeker street shopping route, Verve is known for carrying shoes that are trendy, but also comfortable. They make an effort to offer shoes with heel-heights around two-inches high. With all the walking you do as a city dweller, it’s the perfect spot to pick up a few street friendly shoes at an affordable price.

Bobo (181 W 10th st)

By now you've probably worked up an appetite -- and you're in luck, because the West Village is known for some of the best restaurants in the city. So, when picking a good lunch spot, go for something with charm. This townhouse turned three-story eatery has a back deck perfect for relaxing and re-fueling yourself after a morning of shopping. Try the Lobster, Shrimp and Crab salad to start and the duck or short ribs for your entree. You'll leave refreshed, satisfied and ready to shop till you drop.

A Californian's Guide to the Best Mexican in NYC

If there’s one thing Californian’s know, it’s Mexican food. After making the move to New York (and suffering weekly cravings for guacamole), I made it my mission to seek out the best Mexican cuisine this city has to offer. After trying dozens of places, good and bad, here are my Top 5 picks.

Diablo Royale Este (167 Avenue A)

Originally this was my pick for best steak tacos, but recently a strange sauce has been added to them and it’s knocked this restaurant down a few notches. The rice is always a bit dry too, but where this place wins me over is with their Queso Fundido. Another plus is their signature drink, "The Ricky," which is a draft Dos Equis with a scoop of frozen margarita inside. Trust me, its delicious!  C+

Café Frida (368 Columbus Ave)

With one of the best selections of tequila in the city, this small restaurant on the UWS already has my thumbs up. The guacamole isn’t anything memorable, but the overall food experience is authentic and satisfying. The Pollo Pibil Burritas won’t disappoint and you won’t find fresher tortillas anywhere -- I won’t travel up past Columbus circle for just anything!  B

Dos Caminos (675 Hudson St)

I have a problem going to an overpriced “chain restaurant” for Mexican food, but Dos Caminos has arguably the best guacamole in the city. Therefore, I keep coming back. The texture is probably the smoothest of any of the top picks. Other than their guacamole though, the food doesn’t leave much of an impression. This place is best for enjoying drinks and guac with friends. The blueberry margarita’s are delicious, and a favorite of Jessica Simpson’s!  B-

La Esquina (106 Kenmare St)

The grilled corn topped with Parmesan cheese, steak tacos and pulled pork are the best I’ve tasted in this city. The portions are small, but the price is equally low. The only negative is that they don’t serve guacamole, but they gain points back by having the best passion fruit margarita in the city, hands down. All in all, this is my top pick for the best Mexican place in NY.  A-

Papatzul (55 Grand St)

This is where you go for great fish tacos. They’re perfectly crispy with just the right amount of spice. The Almond Duck Mole Enchiladas are also a must have, as they will melt in your mouth, and the guacamole stands on its own - top notch, flavorful with great texture. They also have a passion fruit margarita, but it pales in comparison to La Esquina’s. All in all, Papatzul translates in English to “pretty tasty Mexican”.  B+