PHOEBE CHEONG

DESIGNER, PHOTOGRAPHER, CHOCOLATE LOVER.

Landing for the first time in New York, I had the distinct feeling that I’d been here before. Not that I had of course, but through film, art, architecture and design, I’ve been visiting the ‘Big Apple’ for years. From the cabbies, to pastrami on rye, the streets are rich with the scents, flavours, colours, accents and squirrels that dreams are made of. Here are my top five musts for a day in this sexy metropolis.

1: Where am I? – Winter sunrise, Top of the Rock. I’m big on orientation and this view gives incredible perspective to the city and an idea of just how huge central park is. And at dawn, wow, awe inspiring is an understatement.

2: Nourish me – Russ & Daughters Cafe on the Lower East Side has been around for over 100 years, serving the very finest bagels laden with your choice of caviar, salmon as well as a full selection of fresh, fine options. We settled into a cozy booth at the back for a seriously delicious breakfast. As they say themselves, they’ve been ‘Appetising since 1914’.

3: Culture crush – Making our way through the winding paths, ice-skating rink and trees alive with squirrels, we walked central park to reach our next stop, the incredible Guggenheim Museum. As a student of architecture, I’ve wanted to visit this iconic architectural masterpiece for a long time. The sexy curves, clean lines and intimate spaces, really took my breath away. The Alberto Burri show was on, his large sheet plastic works lining the spiral viewing pathway. Tip here: Start at the top and work your way down.

4: Time for a treat – Over in Brooklyn to Mast Brot hers Chocolate Makers, the most impressive chocolate shop I have ever seen. The commitment to design and craftsmanship runs from the bespoke chocolate to the wrapping and through to the displaying of the product on shelf. An art gallery-esque must see, must eat!.

5: Walking it off! – A stretch of leg across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset is an absolute must for the chocolate lover. The New York skyline stretching beyond, captured here as we head downtown for a cocktail or two.