Melody’s Piano Bar

Credit: Melody’s Piano Bar

This might just be my new favorite spot on the Upper East Side. Melody’s Piano Bar, located in the former Lexington Bar & Books, is the best kind of fancy fun.

Brothers Tom and Anthony Martignetti, owners of East Pole restaurant on the UES, were regulars at Lexington Bar and Books, so it feels only natural that they would take over the new (but still classically old-feeling) space. The room is gorgeous, with palm-printed Versace wallpaper, black-and-white checked floors, vintage art deco fixtures, and a working fireplace.

Credit: Melody’s Piano Bar

On the night we visited (8pm-ish on the weekend), we were able to find a small table in the back, ideal for watching the live piano singer. The crowd was mixed, but everyone seemed to be drinking one thing: martinis. In an email with the PR rep, I was told that Jimmy Fallon, Ramona Singer, Mr. Big, and Alfonso Ribeiro were regulars.

Melody’s Piano Bar is located at 1020 Lexington Ave.

A solo pianist starts at 6 p.m. each night and a jazz trio performs between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. Special guest entertainers on Saturdays from 1 a.m. until 4 a.m. $20 cover after 8 p.m.

My New Favorite Happy Hour on the UES

Have you been to the UES Meatball Shop for happy hour? We went with a friend last week and it’s fantastic. The special menu is offered Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m., and includes beer, a punch, and wine (I had a nice Italian red) for $5 and cocktails for $8. Additionally, all food items run just $8 and include everything below. I had the large salad and our party also ordered the OG flatbread, mini buffalo b’alls, a Caesar, and mozzarella b’alls. I can’t wait to go back and try the lasagna.

• MARGHERITA FLATBREAD

  tomato sauce, mozzarella

• MOZZARELLA B’ALLS

  with classic tomato sauce

• THE OG FLATBREAD

  classic b'alls, tomato sauce, mozzarella

• MINI BUFFALO B’ALLS

  Frank's Red Hot, blue cheese

• TMS CAESAR

  romaine with crispy capers and garlic croutons

• BIG ITALIAN

• RISPY CALAMARI

  with spicy-ish tomato sauce

• SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS

  2 classic meatballs, spaghetti, tomato sauce

• 1/2 OG NYC HERO

  classic meatballs, tomato sauce, mozzarella
  served with a side salad

• 1/2 LASAGNA

  crushed classic b'alls, ricotta, mozzarella, tomato sauce
  served with a side salad

3 Incredible Specialty Food Shops on the UES

Sometimes it feels as if we live in a sea of chains—especially when it comes to grocery shopping. So I’d like to highlight my three favorite food specialty shops on the Upper East Side, each unique in their offerings and a staple of our neighborhood.

Dorian's Seafood Market: This small shop on York Avenue has some of the neighborhood’s freshest seafood. Owner Dorian Mecir, former manager of the Rosedale Fish Market, is passionate about quality fish. The selection here is vast: brook trout, gray sole, red snapper, or sea bass. There’s monkfish, tilapia, flounder, sole or salmon, sturgeon, swordfish, and mako shark. And shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, crab, oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops. Plus, there’s a small assortment of prepared dishes and salads as well.

Shaller & Weber: This butcher shop dates back to 1927 when Ferdinand Schaller (once a sausage maker in Stuttgart, Germany) opened his business in Yorkville. The friendly market sells an assortment of authentic German meat and sausages, as well as fine cheeses and candies. Perhaps a lesser known fact is that the deli counter makes a fantastic sandwich.

Ottomanelli Brothers: One of our all-time favorites, Ottomanelli’s has been family owned and operated for over 100 years, and is a great place to get a cut of meat. And if you’re looking for a local spot to get your Thanksgiving turkey, this is it (just be sure to order in advance). Sadly, the Ottomanelli locations have dwindled over the past years (how I miss their cozy UES restaurant), but this stalwart is still a longstanding staple; in fact, writer Harper Lee would visit the shop each day when she was a Manhattan resident.

What to Order at Lexington Candy Shop

Have you been to Lexington Candy Shop? It’s an institution on the Upper East Side that dates back to 1925 and has been continuously owned through three generations of family.

The atmosphere here is authentically retro with a soda fountain and counter, along with booths for larger groups (or a twosome). The 97-year-old luncheonette feels as if you’re stepping back in time and they still make cokes the old-fashioned way with coca-cola syrup and soda water, and the lemonade is made on order; the lemon squeezed on the spot and stirred with a sugar syrup and crushed ice.

But my absolute favorite thing to get at Lexington Candy Shop is the strawberry egg cream. Sure, I love a chocolate egg cream and even a vanilla egg cream, but the strawberry is extra special, with real pieces of fresh berry. Pair that with the tuna melt and it’s one of my favorite lunches on the UES.

Lexington Candy Shop is located at 1226 Lexington Avenue, at 83d Street.

Possibly the Upper East Side’s Best Sushi Deal

Anyone else do Sushi Sunday? For the past decade-plus, we’ve been going to Isohama for their “early bird” sushi special. (This intro really makes me sound old.)

This small and cute restaurant has been open since 1997, and while I know there are lots of sushi specials in the neighborhood, this one has stood the test of time because it’s actually really good. I should give the caveat that this is not Nobu or Sushi of Gari, but it is a great place for a simple sushi dinner.

The restaurant’s early bird special is available each day from 5pm to 7pm and costs $17.50 for soup or salad, an entree, rice, and dessert (which is always ice-cream). There are plenty of choices, but we almost always get the same thing: Maki Combination for Nate with California, tuna, and spicy yellowtail rolls; and the Maguro "N" Sake for me, which is three tuna and salmon nigiri and a California roll. You can also get cooked food like tempura or yakitori.

Something else I love about the place is that the staff is so nice, and they’ve all worked there forever and seem to remember us each time we come in, which is always a nice feeling in NYC.

Isohama is located at 1666 3rd Ave, btw 93rd & 94th.

Jeremy’s Cocktail Bar Opens on UES

I’m so thrilled to have a new cocktail bar in the neighborhood, and even better that it comes from third-generation owner, Jeremy Schaller, of Schaller & Weber.

We visited Jeremy’s this past Saturday night (the day after the official opening) and popped in about 8:15 to inquire about a spot. The super-nice doorman let us know that we could come back in about 45 minutes and have a drink—easy enough. We passed the time getting a quick app at Jaques and then arrived at 9-ish for a cocktail.

The place is small and it was busy. But that sort of made it a more festive and fun environment. By the time we arrived, it was standing room only and we found a perch for our drinks near the bar. We each ordered a gin martini (a Gibson for Nate and olives for me), which was perfectly made. The bartender, Morgan, was also incredibly friendly.

There was live jazz playing and the crowd seems to be a total mix of people, which you don’t always see in this neighborhood. There was some serious fashion on display, too. I love that Jeremy’s feels a bit different than anywhere else on the Upper East Side—and that’s a good thing.

An Interview with Madelaine Mayer, of AD:ROIT

Ginkgo Garden Living Room, Photo Credit: Jacqueline Clair

Madelaine Mayer is an Upper East Sider. But she has a lot more letters behind her name, including RA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP. Additionally, Madelaine is the founder and design principal at AD:ROIT. I was lucky enough to recently use her services and can honestly say that it was mind blowing. I love architecture and design, but there are so many quirks (and irritations) about my apartment that I felt had no solution. Enter, AD:ROIT. The best part is that her solutions are not only easy to execute, but affordable. Here, an interview with Madelaine Mayer.

Ginkgo Garden Living Room, Photo Credit: Jacqueline Clair

How did you get started in home design? 

I worked in the commercial and institutional design sector for many years, and while it was rewarding, I missed the personal connection that gets lost on large projects. It inspired me to start my own studio, AD:ROIT, to focus on small space and home design.

Global Great Room, Photo Credit: AD:ROIT

Tell me a bit about how your process works.

Every project begins with a discovery call. I like to think of it as a first design date, where my clients and I get to know one another and see if we would be a good fit. I am a big believer that great design comes from collaboration, so both parties need to be excited to work together. 

When we move forward with a project, the first step is a Design Kickoff Meeting, where I ask A LOT of questions. My goal is to get to know my clients; what they like, how they want to live, and how they want to feel. Once I know them as people, I can design their home to match and reflect their unique selves. We also go through a series of visualization exercises for each room in the project, to ascertain in detail exactly what the client is dreaming of.

Once I understand what they want and need for their home, I hit the metaphoric drawing board. (I did actually learn to draft on a real one!). I put together what I call a Schematic Blueprint: mood board of inspiration images, floorplan options with a purchasable example of each piece of furniture, and basic 3D renderings. This gives a good sense of how the space will feel and is a good early check on the budget. We review the presentation together, discuss the options, and finish with a comprehensive plan to move forward.

After approval of the Schematic Blueprint, we move into Detailed Design where I source 3-5 options for each item that needs to be purchased to match the client’s style, needs, and budget​. I am very clear with my clients that it is THEIR home, so unless I am explicitly directed otherwise, the final selections are theirs to make.

From here I take care of all purchasing, delivery, and coordination. I have a team of amazing installers who join me to do things like hang curtains and shelves, paint, install wallpaper and tile, etc. If it’s a larger job, I bring in a partner contractor who specializes in New York City apartments (and working with co-op boards). All that’s left to do is for my clients to sit back and enjoy their new homes!

Ginkgo Garden Living Room, Photo Credit: Jacqueline Clair

What makes a good interior designer? 

There are two really important qualities that go hand in hand. First, a good designer is a great listener. You can’t deliver what you can’t hear. The second is knowing that it’s not your space. I don’t go into any projects thinking “what would I do if I lived here?” It’s irrelevant because I don’t live there. My job is to listen to what my clients really want and deliver that x 100. So if someone tells me they want a purple bedroom, even if I wouldn’t do that for myself, I’m going to deliver the most beautiful purple bedroom possible.

Ginkgo Garden Bedroom, Photo Credit: Jacqueline Clair

What sets your business apart from others? 

Quite a few things! The most obvious is that I am both a Registered Architect and a Certified Interior Designer. It’s hard to find numbers, but experientially there are very few double-licensed professionals practicing today, particularly in the residential sector. My motto is “everything from studs to silverware,” and the great advantage for my clients is that I am a single source for all their home needs. Oftentimes people will hire an architect for the fixed elements in a project (walls, floors, ceilings, doors, etc), then hire a contractor to execute that work, and then hire an interior designer for the flexible and soft elements (furniture, lighting, window treatments, etc). In this model there is a really good chance the architect and interior designer will have different, and potentially conflicting ideas, which results in a less-than-ideal outcome for the client. It also tends to have a longer timeline. AD:ROIT bypasses this altogether by holistically designing a space and having partner contractors to execute it.

Another difference between AD:ROIT and other design firms is that I don’t insist on changing every element in a room, or have a design minimum. I believe every step someone takes in the right direction is a step in the right direction, and I am happy to be a part of that. AD:ROIT offers packages starting at in-depth consultations for people looking for some advice to execute themselves all the way through gut renovations, so there’s really something for everyone.

Lastly, as someone who has spent nearly her entire adult life in NYC, I really understand the challenges that come with renting small spaces. A lot of designers only work with people who own their homes, but I think a security deposit is just another parameter that defines the right design solution for the project. I love working with renters and showing them just how much is possible. 

Ginkgo Garden Living Room, Photo Credit: Jacqueline Clair

You recently moved to the Upper East Side. How did the move dictate your design inspiration? 

One of the things I love most about the Upper East Side is how green and spacious it is. Central Park, the East River Promenade, or the tree-lined sidewalks of Park Avenue; there’s a graciousness to this neighborhood which I really value and try to cultivate in my designs. The city can sometimes feel overwhelming, so it’s important to me to create homes that allow people to decompress and relax. This neighborhood also embraces beauty and elegance arguably better than any other in the city. I find inspiration everywhere I turn, from the obvious sources on Museum Mile and Madison Avenue to the conversations I have with neighbors while walking my dog through Carl Schurz Park.

Is there a style that’s unique to the Upper East Side?

I don’t know if I would call it a style per se, but I think the Upper East Side is secretly one of the most stylistically diverse and eclectic neighborhoods in the city. Architecturally, the neighborhood runs the full spectrum from very traditional to ultra modern, and everywhere in between. There are also some of the most luxurious properties in the city, some of the most economical, and again, everything in between. I think that diversity creates a freedom to experiment, which I absolutely love. Having modern and traditional, decorative and austere, sleek and ornamental, in such close proximity to one another gives people the confidence to play with those polarities in their own homes. An Italian leather sofa on a vintage Persian rug, boldly modern artwork hung below pre-war crown moldings, an antique chandelier above a sleek dining table; these seemingly opposite pairings create rich layered interiors that are a joy to live in and feel quintessentially Upper East Side.

Ginkgo Garden Bedroom, Photo Credit: Jacqueline Clair

NYC isn’t known for spacious spaces. What advice would you give for those with small living quarters? 

Two words: scale and functionality. Let’s tackle scale first. The majority of readily available furniture is made for more spacious quarters than NYC, so you have to make smart choices that scale to your space. For example, unless your living room is enormous, let’s ban rolled or wide track arm sofas. Can they be beautiful? Sure! Do you have an extra foot of width in your living room to dedicate just to aesthetics? Probably not. Instead, look for thin straight or curved arm sofas that will take up less physical and visual space. The same goes for the overall width and depth of your sofa (and we’re just using the sofa as an example; these principles apply to just about every piece of furniture). Can ultra-deep sofas be really comfortable, especially for a weekend nap in front of the TV? You bet, but are they necessary when every inch contributes to the overall graciousness of your space? Nope! Every inch you can save without sacrificing functionality is an inch you gain back to make your home feel larger and more relaxing.

Now to functionality: Whenever possible, items in a small space should do more than one job. Want to put your feet up while watching TV on your narrow-arm not-too-deep sofa? Instead of getting a sofa with a chaise, get an ottoman that can move around your space. Better still, get an ottoman that can be a coffee table if you put a tray on it. Better than that, get an ottoman that has storage for the blanket you’re going to want when you take that weekend nap. The more jobs you can accomplish with a single piece of furniture means fewer pieces and more space, which in turn translates into a more gracious environment.

On that same note, do you work with renters? Any specific pieces of advice for those who rent and want to source up their space? 

I love working with renters! Here’s a secret for your readers - I rent and have always rented, so I completely understand the struggle of wanting a beautiful and personal space without losing a security deposit. One of the best developments over the last few years for renters is the transformation of the peel and stick industry. Even 10 years ago we were still calling it contact paper and using it primarily to line drawers, but now the possibilities are literally endless. I use it as wallpaper throughout a room, a feature wall, large scale murals, tiles in a kitchen or bathroom, cabinet fronts, behind bookcases, on countertops…the list goes on and on! It is absolutely the easiest and most rental friendly way to completely transform a space. 

Blush Boudoir, Photo Credit: AD:ROIT

What are the biggest challenges when working with clients?

The dreaded logistics of schedule and budget. Especially in the last two years with supply chain issues and fluctuating material costs, it’s gotten much more difficult to smoothly plan a project without hiccups. However, I’ve found that clear and consistent communication from the beginning goes a long way to maintain great relationships and ensure a terrific outcome.

Tell me about one of your favorite projects.

I worked in the design industry for many years before starting AD:ROIT. One of my first solo projects remains an all-time favorite, and it was right here on the Upper East Side. The Mid-Century Modern Studio had a lot of ambition for a very small (and rented!) space. The client wanted a mature space with a defined bedroom, living room large enough to regularly seat 5-6 people, dining table for 4, and a dedicated stretching/exercise area…in 225 square feet! I am really proud of the design solution that accomplished all of this, but even prouder of how much the client loved his new home. He has since moved downtown to a one bedroom, but told me that literally everything we selected for his studio worked in the new apartment - even the radiator covers! It was a testament to how well we nailed his style that the pieces could transcend the space for which they were originally selected. And I say we, because I genuinely believe that every good project is a collaboration between client and designer. It’s my job to ask the right questions and deeply listen to my clients’ answers in order to deliver this type of space and experience.

Mid-Century Modern Studio, Photo Credit: AD:ROIT

You totally blew my mind by offering a solution to my windows that I never considered. How are you able to take a look in someone’s home and make suggestions they may have never thought about? 

I’m so happy to hear that!! I think it comes down to experience and exposure within a zone of genius. I am immersed in design all day, every day. I am constantly looking at images, reading articles, and researching products. Designers are trained to look at a space, evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, and then mentally scroll through our database for the appropriate solution. You do it long enough and the process gets close to instantaneous. Just like an experienced doctor can examine you, figure out what’s wrong, and suggest the appropriate treatment, an experienced designer can do the same thing for your home.

Rapid Quick Answers:

Signature style? A contemporary interpretation of art deco motifs embracing plenty of color, pattern—and most importantly—joy.

Favorite piece of furniture? I grew up with my great-grandmother’s antique art deco vanity in my bedroom. I think it instilled in me a love for that period, and that a lady should always have a vanity (and even in NYC I’ve always had one).

Best budget website/item? For NYC, the Ikea Norden gateleg table. It’s a transforming and space-saving superstar. Pro Tip: buy two sets of casters and put it on wheels to make moving it around a breeze.

Favorite home trend? Moving away from all gray everything and embracing color. NYC is gray enough; add some jewel tones to your life. I promise you’ll be happier.

Least favorite home trend? Oh gosh, there are so many to choose from! While open concept bathrooms and TV’s over fireplaces definitely top the list, they aren’t super applicable to NYC. For the city, I’d say it’s a toss up between motivational word art (Live, Laugh, and throw it in the trash please!!) and homes where everything comes from the same store and it looks like it came straight out of a catalog. More than anything else, your home should represent and enhance YOU.

Best room to invest money? Wherever you spend the most amount of time. Again, not as applicable to NYC, but people will spend tons of money on formal dining and living rooms and NEVER use them. What a waste. If you’re going to spend the money you should enjoy the investment.

What to do on Thanksgiving on the Upper East Side

Thanksgiving in New York City is pretty magical. The weather is cool and crisp, but not yet miserably cold. It’s the time of year that ushers in the holiday season and feels extra festive. We like to spend our Thanksgiving at our apartment on the Upper East Side and, over the past decade-plus, have found our recipe for a great Thanksgiving Day in the neighborhood.

We usually start planning our menu a month or so in advance, and buy most of our ingredients ahead of time, when possible. I tend to get most of the ingredients for sides at Whole Foods and sidewalk fruit+veggie stands. Nate likes the turkey from Ottomanelli’s, which he orders in advance.

On Thanksgiving morning, we’ll pack a small cooler of mimosas and bagels and walk across the park to see the floats lined up for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. After, we come home and put some football on the TV and cook and eat and cook and eat.

If cooking is not your thing, Time Out has a great list of neighborhood restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day.

Best BYOB Restaurants on the Upper East Side

For as many restaurants as there are on the Upper East Side, there are few BYOB places to eat. Being able to bring your own bottle of wine not only offsets the cost (as in you’re not paying a hundred dollars for a bottle of Barefoot), but you get to choose what you drink. Here are a few notable BYOB places on the UES.

Afghan Kabab House II I’ve not been to this BYO in quite a few years, but it was a fun way to try something new and the food was really good. We walked by last weekend and it was super busy during dinner.

Poke Restaurant This cash-only restaurant that serves good sushi and is especially nice for sitting outside. I can’t say it’s the best sushi I’ve had, but a win for BYO.

Agora Turkish Restaurant My mom requests this restaurant when she visits us in NYC—the food is delicious and it has a charming vibe, both in and outdoors.

Amura Japanese Cuisine: This place is on my list as it consistently gets great reviews.

Wa Jeal Chili House: Delicious Sichuan food.

And two I’ve not yet tried: Tanoshi Sushi and Indian Palace.

Did I leave anything out? Tell me your favorite BYOB UES restaurants on the comments.

A Morning Routine

I’ve started a new morning routine, and it’s been a game changer. I’m a weekday early-to-bed, early-to-rise person and would hit my laptop for work about 6 a.m. I justified this as being a good way to get a jumpstart on projects and put out any fires before most people started their own workdays.

But this was actually a pretty lousy way to start the morning. And weirdly enough, I accidentally fell into a change. Nate and I spent the month of July in Italy and started our mornings with a very long walk—mostly to help combat all of the pasta and wine we consumed. And then—I just sort of kept it going when we got back. Now, I chug a cup of coffee while making sure I’m caught up on emails and then walk out the door by 7 a.m. This gives me about two hours to walk the loop at Central Park.

Studies have shown that walking at least 30 minutes per day is enough to reap significant physical and emotional benefits. And can I tell you that this has made a huge impact on my daily mindset. I know that I’m very lucky to have this privilege of free time, but if I had to wake up even earlier to get this done, I think I would. During my walk, I listen to podcasts (today, I listened to one about the chemistry of hyaluronic acid and a WTF interview with Christina Ricci) or just zone to music and enjoy this nature-y part of our neighborhood.

PS: I love this NYT article on how to level up your daily walk. I can’t wait to try Nordic Walking this winter.

Notable New Openings

Here, a few openings I’m excited about on the Upper East Side.

Vanessa’s Dumplings: I stopped by the newest location of this beloved dumpling shop on Friday evening, after being open for just one hour. And the tables were full at 9 p.m. I was told that delivery would start up soon. I’m excited to order a dumpling delivery on a cool fall evening.

Jeremy’s: From the third-generation owner, Jeremy Schaller, of Schaller & Weber, this will be the Upper East Side’s newest cocktail bar. Just two doors down from the butcher shop, this 25-seat bar is set to open on Sept 21. The menu will be a spin on classic cocktails alongside Austrian wines and schnapps.

Melody’s Piano Bar: This new, but old-school piano bar opened quietly this past April and stays open until 4 a.m on weekends. From Tom and Anthony Martignetti, owners of the East Pole, this lounge-y bar will have nightly piano music. I can’t wait to check this one out.

Yoga in the Park is Back at Carl Schurz

With Central Park at our footsteps, it sometimes feels as if Carl Schurz plays second fiddle. But we can love both! One of my favorite things to do is walk along the park promenade early in the morning—it’s such a great way to start the day. And in the evening, the guy blasting out jams near the dog park is pretty cool, too. Plus, it’s a great place for picnic.

Aside from al fresco dining and art shows and free tango classes, Carl Schurz is also home to yoga in the park, put on by New York Yoga. This activity was recently on pause, but I emailed the general happiness manager (what a fun title) at New York Yoga to learn that they’ll will be coming back on October 5 for outdoor classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 8 a.m. If walking in the park is a nice way to start the day, yoga with views of the East River is even better.

You can sign up online at New York Yoga, and if you’re too late for online registration, you can always call the studio, 212-439-9642 or email, class@newyorkyoga.com to join a class.

UES GEM: Artful Craft Cocktails (With a Great Happy Hour)

The cocktails at NR are truly a work of art. Located at 339 E. 75th Street and 1st Avenue, NR is the sophomore restaurant from Shigefumi (Shige) Kabashima—of ROKC in Harlem. Kabashima is no stranger to the craft cocktail scene; he’s a veteran of New York speakeasy Angel’s Share, the breakout cocktail bar that introduced the city to the art of Japanese bartending in 1993. He brings that same talent to NR, which has been open since 2019. But here’s the thing: I don’t hear a ton of people talking about it and I almost seem to forget that this incredible bar is in our neighborhood.

The vibe is meant to mimic the turn-of-the-19th-century port towns in Japan, with dark wood accents and vintage decor. Cocktails are a big draw here and it’s a treat to sit at the bar and watch the team work their magic, meticulously tinkering with each beverage until it’s absolutely perfect. The result is a drink that’s not only delicious, but beautiful, often served in an elaborate vessel. A few standouts: The Grapefruit, Coconut Curry, a spicy Cucumber, and Our Negroni.

And while cocktails are a big deal, the space feels warm and inviting, ideal for dinner. NR specializes in ramen noodles of Chinese origin, with offerings like a Summer Cold with a chilled broth, Sea Urchin + Salmon Caviar, and Yuzu + Truffle Vegetable. You can also find a selection of apps and curry. But the very best part might be the oysters—they’re some of the best I’ve had in the neighborhood, served with a house-made mignonette and available on happy hour for $1.50 every day until 7 p.m.

UES Book Rec: The Magnolia Palace

Have you heard about The Magnolia Palace? It was recommend to me by a fellow writer and a fun read for someone who lives on the Upper East Side—most of the book takes place at The Frick. I should admit that this wasn’t one of my favorite books of all time, but an easy read for someone who enjoys historical fiction and a mystery. Plus, I’ll read just about any book that takes place in NYC.

Here’s a long-ish plot synopsis found on Goodreads:

Eight months since losing her mother in the Spanish flu outbreak of 1919, twenty-one-year-old Lillian Carter's life has completely fallen apart. For the past six years, under the moniker Angelica, Lillian was one of the most sought-after artists' models in New York City, with statues based on her figure gracing landmarks from the Plaza Hotel to the Brooklyn Bridge. But with her mother gone, a grieving Lillian is rudderless and desperate—the work has dried up and a looming scandal has left her entirely without a safe haven. So when she stumbles upon an employment opportunity at the Frick mansion—a building that, ironically, bears her own visage—Lillian jumps at the chance. But the longer she works as a private secretary to the imperious and demanding Helen Frick, the daughter and heiress of industrialist and art patron Henry Clay Frick, the more deeply her life gets intertwined with that of the family—pulling her into a tangled web of romantic trysts, stolen jewels, and family drama that runs so deep, the stakes just may be life or death.

Nearly fifty years later, mod English model Veronica Weber has her own chance to make her career—and with it, earn the money she needs to support her family back home—within the walls of the former Frick residence, now converted into one of New York City's most impressive museums. But when she—along with a charming intern/budding art curator named Joshua—is dismissed from the Vogue shoot taking place at the Frick Collection, she chances upon a series of hidden messages in the museum: messages that will lead her and Joshua on a hunt that could not only solve Veronica's financial woes, but could finally reveal the truth behind a decades-old murder in the infamous Frick family.

Tell me: What are your favorite books that take place on the UES?

UES Fall Bucket List

As much as I love summer in NYC, autumn is pretty special in the city. Here’s what I hope to check off in the neighborhood this fall.

Watch Football at East End Bar & Grill: I’m partial to this bar because I’m a Saints fan, but no matter who you’re cheering for, it’s a spot with very nice owners, plenty of space, and good food.

Watch the Float Line-Up for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: We like to sneak out early on Thanksgiving morning and cross the park to watch the floats line up. It’s a bit of an uphill hike but you’re rewarded with great views of the upcoming floats (this year we’re bringing croissants and bubbly).

Have a drink at Jeremy’s: Can’t wait for this soon-to-open cocktail bar from Schaller & Weber.

Check Out Analog City Exhibit at City Museum: This is all about pre-computer NYC (and goes through Dec 31).

Walk Around the UES on Halloween: We love to walk around the neighborhood on Halloween night and see all of the creative brownstone decorations and cute costumes. New York Simply has a great list.

Eat Apple Cider Donuts From One of the UES Greenmarkets: And maybe a hot cider. And seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Leaf Peeping in Central Park: I’m not invested enough to drive to a leaf peeping destination, but we do have a fairly nice version in our own backyard—perfect for sitting under the colorful trees with a fall-themed picnic.

Host a GTG for the NYC Marathon: We live close to the route and plan to host our first-ever get-together for the marathon with bagels and mimosas.

September 27 is Museum Day

Museum Day, a one-day event in which participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone with a ticket, is happening on September 27.

There are a handful of museums on the Upper East Side that participate in Museum Day, which includes: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; The Jewish Museum; and the Asia Society Museum.

Visitors are allowed to download one ticket per email address. The ticket provides free general admission on Saturday, September 17, 2022, for two people. Get your tickets here.

UES Gem: Kitchen Arts and Letters

Have you been to the wonderful Kitchen Arts and Letters? Located at 1435 E. Lexington, between 93rd and 94th Street, it’s a business that marries a local bookstore with food and drink. Basically, a dream come true.

Kitchen Arts and Letters opened in 1983, and has since been serving the neighborhood (and city) with books that cover a broad range of food history and science to recipes to award-winning food writing. You can also find limited editions and signed copies here. Of course, Julia Child and James Beard were among their early customers.

I love popping into this shop when I want to buy a unique gift. I’ve bought New York City cookbooks for friends who moved away; I’ve purchased a meat-curing cookbook for my brother-in-law; and I’ve bought a handful of books for family members and friends who love to cook—and eat. Plus, they’ll wrap it in a pretty package for you!

A Fun Thing: Ceramics at 92NY

I love the 92nd Street Y, or what’s now known as 92NY. You can always find a cool lecture by an incredible author, chef, celebrity, etc. And they have tons of great classes, too. Over the past decade, I’ve taken the ceramics sessions a few times and it’s one of my favorite-ever things to do in the neighborhood.

The 92NY studio is one of the best in the city with 25 electric wheels, a gas reduction kiln, and three electric kilns. The classes are small and you’ll get plenty of time with the instructor—and in pre-Covid days, students would bring wine and snacks for a convivial vibe—let’s hope that comes back soon.

This is a fun activity to do as a couple (my husband took one of the sessions with me), friends, or solo. I love that it’s a chance to spend a few hours without a cell phone (your hands will always be in clay!), chatting with fellow students who all want to make pretty art. Plus, your apartment will be filled with a million tiny bowls.

UES Gem: John Jay Public Swimming Pool

Have you been to John Jay pool? Located on the East River at 77/78th Street in John Jay Park, the outdoor pool was opened in 1940, and it feels like an almost-secret hidden gem.

A lot of people scoff when I tell them how much I love New York City public pools, but I feel like they’re missing out. It’s the ideal place to cool off when the weather turns hot and humid. Plus, it’s free, clean, and has lap swimming.

Last Friday, a friend and I went to John Jay and it was lovely. We got to the pool about 10:30 am and were the third people in line; a good thing because due to the lifeguard shortage, the pool was allowing only 75-ish people and was at 1/3 capacity. That said, we were able to snag a couple of chaise lounges and have plenty of space to dip into the cool water.

John Jay pool overlooks the East River and is surrounded by gorgeous city views. The crowd is mostly made up of families and older folks (a few that were wearing lipstick while they swam!), who all seem to know each other.

One thing to note: New York City public pools have a mind-boggling set of rules: You must bring a padlock for your belongings. You can bring a towel, sunscreen, a white t-shirt, a water bottle, and books or magazines. You cannot bring a cell phone onto the pool deck, or any food.

John Jay’s olympic- and intermediate-sized outdoor pools will remain open through Sunday, September 11.

The Best Gelato is on the Upper East Side

Anyone else notice that there are about a zillion options for ice cream on 2nd Avenue? You can find a handful of frozen yogurt shops and even vegan ice cream. But my all-time favorite is Anita La Mamma del Gelato at 1561 2nd Ave and 81st Street.

This boutique shop was started in 2002 as a small Tel Aviv storefront by Nir and Adi Avital, and their mother, Anita. Fast forward about 20 years, and Anita has become a small chain with locations everywhere from Australia to the Upper East Side.

Not only is the store super pretty (great for a date night), but the gelato is handmade and tastes so rich and decadent. It does feel a bit overwhelming due to the mind-boggling amount of flavor options, like mascarpone ricotta, tiramisu, pavlova, and the cookieman (made with hazelnut, meringue, caramel, mascarpone, and Campari), but the staff is patient and happy to let you sample whatever you’d like.

I love the dairy-free dark chocolate and pistachio—even better ordered together. Be warned: In warmer weather months, there’s almost always a line snaking down the block, but don’t be discouraged—it moves quickly.