STYLE CREDITS
Kathleen (@KathleenBIly): Marc Jacobs coat; Topshop mockneck top; Vintage feather skirt; Lulu Frost bracelet; Oscar De La Renta earrings; Marc Jacobs shoes
Christina (@Manneeni): Vintage coat; DEIVIE romper; Glitter Bomb choker; Lulu Frost bracelet and earrings; Schutz shoes
[Photos by Jenna Burke]
Every now and then, while cruising around the city, I stumble upon a block that is total unchartered FIRE. For whatever reason, a group of the city's coolest, under-the-radar spots tend to pop up up next to each other. So I say “Look daddy, just hook it up” because The Block Is Hot.
126 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002
When you walk into Sugar Sweet Sunshine's cozy, warm shop you immediately flash back to the 1960s when bakeries were less about branding and concepts and more about delicious homemade goods. And that is exactly what co-owners Peg and Deb had in mind when they opened their treats kitchen over a decade ago -- a homey environment to make and sell their sweets to the locals. In addition to pastel frosted cupcakes and their signature buttery cakes, the ladies cook up the best homemade pudding you will ever devour. Step in and try the fall special, Nog Pudding (pumpkin cake, egg nog pudding, and whipped cream), or the classic Chocolate Chip for a little dose of sunshine. www.sugarsweetsunshine.com
123 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Miss drinking in your parent's basement? Well head on over to Welcome to the Johnsons, the lower east sides' dive bar of dive bars. Littered with 70s couches, mismatched chairs, and a crowded pool table, this spot is the perfect place to grab a cheap drink and hang out 'til way past your curfew. The best nights are those without any expectations -- and Welcome to the Johnson's has a perfectly unpretentious casualness that will leave you open for anything. Down some $2 PBRs and you'll be ready to go.
120 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002
There's no better place to uncover a sultry underground cocktail den than on a gritty block of dives and eateries. Brought to you by the cocktail connoisseurs behind Death + Co and Williamsburg's Donna, Nitecap is the perfect hideway to bring your date for that "last drink of the night". Order the Fireside Chats (Pineapple-infused Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Clear Creek Pear Brandy, Tempus Fugit Cremé de Cacao, Honey, Lemon Juice) and you'll feel warm and fuzzy enough for the cold walk home. www.nitecapnyc.com
All my dating profile says is that "I hate cats, I love burgers" because, you know, that really tells you a lot about a person. Despite Taylor Swift's efforts, cat people are weird, and there is no way a hard-core carnivore could end up dating a vegetarian or, even worse, a vegan. Luckily I live in a city that is essentially a mecca for burger joints and enthusiasts like myself. Not one to let an opportunity pass me by, I created this column as an excuse to eat burgers on a weekly basis and tell you about my favorites. Since I am not a food critic and rather just a fashion girl who loves a good piece of red meat, I figured I'd shake things up and give you Burgers N' Bling -- accessory features with a side of beef.
406 E. 9th Street, New York, NY 10009
It's always fun to try a burger from a place that specializes in them -- these are the spots that get really adventurous with their flavor combinations. In the mood to shake things up, I finally tried the East Village burger bar, Whitman's, and the experience was a montage of *pow* emojis. After some serious menu anxiety (I am the worst at food decisions), I finally settled on the Famous Juicy Lucy, a pimento cheese-stuffed short rib delight topped with caramelized onions. Served on a super soft sesame seed bun, simple enough to complement the otherwise decadent burger, the Juicy Lucy is a gooey, cheesy dream. I was literally on the brink of hanger mania when I arrived, but once my order of sauteed kale arrived, salty and crisped to perfection, and I took a bite of this burger, all was at peace. Not to mention they serve Genesee beer, which scores them extra points just for being cool.
Burger by Whitman's: Beef short rib blend burger stuffed with pimento cheese, served with caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato, spicy pickles and special sauce on a sesame seed bun. Caution: juicy lucy is very hot in the middle and might squirt.
Whitman's Famous Juicy Lucy
