Carly DeFilippo

  • Creative Strategist
  • food writer
  • french soul

Spending two years in Paris had a strong impact on Carly's New York life.

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24 hours New York

I like to start my day early and biking is my transportation of choice. Ideally, my first destination would be one of the city’s outstanding bakeries—mostly likely Ovenly or High Street on Hudson—for a scone or a crusty loaf. But true bakery heaven is Lafayette. Housed inside one of the city’s most beautiful restaurants, this bakery is overseen by one of the city’s most talented young pastry chefs, Jennifer Yee. Don’t miss her eclairs, petits beurres cookies and wide assortment of traditional French loaves. Craving a coffee? Nowhere crafts a more masterful Flat White than La Colombe which boasts multiple locations throughout the city.

From there I’m all about wandering—whether window-shopping in Cobble Hill, gallery-hopping in Chelsea, or simply strolling the maze-like streets of the West Village and Tribeca.

Eventually, I like to pause for a quiet, late afternoon lunch at one of the city’s small, creative restaurants—like Glasserie, French Louie or Navy. Make sure you treat yourself to some delicious ice cream from Morgenstern’s – it’s one of the city’s most eclectic ice cream shops, with quirky design to boot. Their salt + pepper pine nut, Szechuan peppercorn chocolate, and Vietnamese coffee ice creams are all worth the detour—so plan on visiting more than once!

From there, I’d bike home for a quick shower, then head back out for drinks at a creative cocktail spot— like Leyenda, The NoMad Bar or Attaboy. If you’re more in the mood for a nice glass of wine, I’d recommend Terroir: this wine bar is helmed by one of the city’s most influential wine experts, Paul Grieco. Stop by for a flight of Riesling or the opportunity to try a number of unusual and rare wines.

Before you go on exploring NYC nightlife, grab a bowl of bottarga spaghetti at Upland, share the whole caramelized red snapper at Khe’yo, or keep things simple with a bite at Long Island Bar. The latter is owned by beloved NYC bartender Toby Cecchini and is a true local’s spot. With its old-school bar stools and booths, meticulously crafted drinks and what I’d argue is the best burger in NYC, it’s no wonder this watering hole boasts some of the city’s most loyal regulars.

To finish off the night, there’s nothing better than live music—ideally at the McKittrick Hotel, Bowery Ballroom or Rockwood Music Hall.

 

For memorable nights check out our Soulful Hotel collection here.

Locations



Ovenly31 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, USA

This Greenpoint bakery might be the best smelling shop in the whole city. Don’t miss their unmatched scones in flavours like blue cheese/pecan and cheddar/mustard.
High Street on Hudson637 Hudson Street, New York City, New York, USA

High Street on Hudson is THE breakfast spot for me right now – I love everything they conjure up on your plate!
Cobble HillCobble Hill, Brooklyn, New York, USA

From the boutiques and bars of Smith and Court Street, to the Middle Eastern grocery shops along Atlantic Avenue, this dynamic stretch of brownstone Brooklyn is hard to beat.
ChelseaChelsea, New York City, New York, USA

Contemporary art fans will find their match at the many small galleries in the West 20s between 10th and 11th Avenue.
West Village and TribecaWest Village, New York City, New York, USA

To experience New York’s history, head down to Greenwich Street and the many adjacent cobble-stoned alleys.
Glasserie95 Commercial Street, Brooklyn, New York, USA

Hidden along the northernmost border of Brooklyn, this Middle Eastern-influenced spot boasts unmatched ambiance—and a mezze brunch—that’s well worth the detour.
Navy137 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012, USA

When it comes to unpretentious downtown cool, few restaurants hold a candle to this nautical-inspired space, whose design and fish-focused menu are always a delight.
Leyenda221 Smith Street, Brooklyn, New York, USA

This recent addition to the Smith Street bar scene offers a festive dose of tropical flair, with cocktail ingredients like pisco, passion fruit, and mate.
McKittrick Hotel530 W 27th St, New York City, New York, USA

Best known as the home of the immersive theatre experience Sleep No More, this Chelsea warehouse also offers three bars—two of which are impressive music venues. On the weekends The Heath restaurant and bar hosts an unmatched dance party with house band The Heathens.
Bowery Ballroom6 Delancey St, New York City, New York, USA

To catch up-and-coming bands before they reach the big time, there are few better venues than this Manhattan music hall.
Rockwood Music Hall196 Allen Street, New York City, New York, USA

One of the highlights of NYC’s concert scene is the opportunity to catch an incredible range of talent in a single night. Nowhere is that more true than at Rockwood, where artists rotate on the hour in three separate concert spaces.
Lafayette380 Lafayette Street, New York City, New York, USA

If you have a sweet tooth you'll never want to leave this place.
Morgenstern's2 Rivington Street, New York City, New York, USA

Incredible ice cream flavours - perfect for a hot summer day.
Terroir24 Harrison St, New York City, New York, USA

Wine bar run with passion and love.
Rose's Bar & Grill295 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, USA

Cocktails and burgers at their best.
Narcissa25 Cooper Square, New York City, New York, USA

Light California cuisine.
Little Park85 W Broadway, New York City, New York, USA

An organic and eco friendly restaurant in a lovely location.
French Louie320 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, USA

I love to have lunch here. But dinner, sitting at the little outdoor patio, is nice for warm summer nights, too.
La Colombe75 Vandam Street, New York City, New York, USA

Start your day in a perfect manner by grabbing a Flat White at La Colombe – those guys really know good coffee!
The NoMad Bar10 W 28th St, New York City, New York, USA

Enjoy fancy drinks at the even more fancy and beautiful bar inside the NoMad Hotel!
Attaboy134 Eldridge Street, New York City, New York, USA

Nice drinks based on fresh ingredients of the day – so good!
Upland345 Park Avenue South, New York City, New York, USA

Come here for the impressive wine menu as well as the mouthwatering California-inspired cuisine!
Khe-Yo157 Duane Street, New York City, New York, USA

Order all different kinds of little, sensational Laotian dishes here and share it - a culinary delight and the best way to start an evening in New York City!
The Long Island Bar110 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, USA

This is where you get the best burger in NYC. A true local's spot!
‘I love making connections—whether between people, ingredients for a recipe, or other creative collaborations.’
  • Blueberry time is one my favourite seasons of the year.
  • There is so much happening in NYC. Always go with the flow, and you’ll end up at the most memorable parties.
  • There is always space in the stomach for some bread, cream cheese, and slice of tasty salmon with capers.
  • New York is simply fascinating. Even locals love to take pictures of the skyline again and again :)
  • If you are a vintage lover you should definitely check out the flea markets all around the city.
  • This city allows you to travel back and forth in time.
  • Heavenly eclairs and petits beurres cookies are best enjoyed at Lafayette Café.
  • Preparing fresh groceries from the market for my next cooking experiment.

My thoughts about New York

What do you love about your destination?

New York is dynamic in every sense. It can be exhausting, but for those with the drive to take it on, there are endless opportunities for discovery.

Which music fits best to your destination?

My New York thrums to the music of young local musicians of all genres—from Lucius to Tim Noyes, Ava Luna to the Spring Standards, Jon Batiste to Kate Davis.

I love to break and enjoy some pastries and coffee.

Take a vacation into My life

What’s your background?

I grew up in Connecticut (2 hours away from NYC) and lived in Paris for 2 years before returning to NYC.

What is the best moment of the day?

Enjoying the lunch I’ve carefully prepared for myself or diving into whatever book I’m reading at the time.

What inspires you?

Thought-provoking turns of phrases, intelligent design, and experiencing a new culture.

How would a good friend describe you?

Passionate, loyal and slightly insatiable.

Your lifestyle in 5 words?

Curious. Cultured. DIY. Health-conscious. Creative.

Which books, newspapers or magazines do you read?

"Lucky Peach", "The Atlantic", "Co. Design".

And as for recent favourite books:
Cooked (Michael Pollan), The Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern) and A Little Life (Hanya Yanagihara).

Which films blow your mind?

I love "Chefs’ Table", "Masters of Sex" and "Orange is the New Black".
I also watch almost any French film I can get my hands on.
But anything with solid acting and interesting character development will pique my interest.

Person you’d like to sit next to in an airplane?

Anyone who knows fun facts about the history, music scene, and/or food culture of wherever we’re flying to.

What are your favourite destinations around the globe?

The Basque Country, Paris, Istanbul, Matera, Colorado, and Scandinavia.

Your life philosophy?

The merit is in the detour.

Suitcase, Backpack or Weekender?

Weekender with backpack aspirations.

What else should we know about you?

For me, grocery shopping is always the most effective therapy.

Travelling is…

a chance to discover—not just a new culture, but also new aspects of yourself and your traveling companions.

Life is…

incredibly lucky as it stands, but I’m always eager for new experiences.

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