NEW YORK CITY BY MISS VELVET

Little Black Book of New York: An Insider’s Guide

Miss Velvet is a singer, writer, and creative soul known for her bold style, deep love of music. Here is her poetic take on life in New York City.

What is the city, and why did you choose it?

New York City is where I live, and I recently returned after being away for the last four years. Coming back has been a beautiful reminder of why I love this city so much.

There’s this rumbling energy, this unstoppable momentum—it truly is the city that never sleeps. It’s powerful, chaotic, masterful, meticulous, and messy. Actually, it’s a dirty, glorious canvas that I get to live inside of. After being away, I love it even more.

In reality, New York is pure creation. Just being here—soaking in the melting pot of energies, people, sounds, and colors—feels electric. Even the contrast of nature woven into the metropolis, like Central Park sitting among skyscrapers and steel, is something I’m in awe of every day.

What’s your Favorite Restaurant & Why?

 Jean-Georges at Columbus Circle (Nougatine) – 1 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023

Indeed, Jean-Georges is an experience—it’s a treat, a celebration, a place where flavors just make sense in ways you never expected.

The greatest dish my palate has ever known? The Egg Caviar.

They take an eggshell and fill it with a warm, silky scramble infused with cream, layered with vodka, and topped with a decadent dollop of caviar. They tell you to scoop all the way to the bottom with your spoon, so you get that perfect three-tiered bite every time. It’s in reality, mind-blowing, indulgent, and somehow packed with protein—which makes me feel slightly better about inhaling it.

Date Night – Where, What, Why, and When?

Date night!  It’s something I get excited about—especially as a parent, I now fully understand why couples set that time aside each week. Getting dressed up for your self and your lover, stepping out of the everyday, and experiencing something beautiful together is essential.

My husband and I switch offchoosing the night’s plans, and our recent favorite was:

•Seeing Sunset Boulevard, Brilliant. Hot. Unreal.

•Dinner at Lagoulue, A classic, old-school French bistro that stays open late.

Lagoulue – 29 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065

Indeed, I love a date night that includes art—whether it’s a gallery opening, a theater performance, or something immersive—followed by a great dinner, where we break it all down over a meal. Art + conversation + food = my love language.

What’s your best Street Food Choice?

Mamoun’s Falafel – 119 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Okay, I know it’s not technically street food, but Mamoun’s Falafel is legendary. It’s a tiny hole-in-the-wall spot, and their falafel is the juiciest, most flavor-packed, midnight snack of all time.

What’s your Favorite Bar & Why?

Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle – 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021

Bemelmans Bar is New York nostalgia in a glass. It’s an old-world piano bar, dripping in history, wrapped in its iconic hand-painted murals by Ludwig Bemelmans (the illustrator of Madeline). It’s been featured in so many films—especially Woody Allen’s—and it feels like stepping into a Billy Joel song.

In short, the cocktails, the atmosphere, the music—it’s pure magic.

Your Favorite Coffee Spot?

Sant Ambroeus – 1000 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021

The moment you walk into Sant Ambroeus Uptown, you feel transported. I love standing at the high bar, European-style, having a killer espresso while catching up on emails or talking business.

It’s simple, but it feels luxurious in the best way.

If you had to choose which is your Favorite Part of NYC & Why?

I call it “Getting Lost in My Own City.”

Start uptown, wander through Central Park’s hidden gems (like The Ramble, with its winding paths and exotic birds), and then just keep walking.

For example, go downtown. Stop for bites along the way. Watch how the neighborhoods shift. Let the city surprise you.

It’s one of my favorite things to do—just cruising through New York City, seeing what’s new, and rediscovering what’s always been there.

Your Favorite Art Gallery?

Salon 94 – 3 E 89th St, New York, NY 10128

Recently, I saw an incredible preview of Miles Greenberg’swork here. He’s a performance artist whose methodology is mesmerizing. The gallery also showcases artists like Rick Owens & Michèle Lamy, whose furniture pieces were on display. Killer!!! 

They even had a built-in recording studio from Travis Scott’s tour bus, designed by Rick Owens—just casually sitting there. As a matter of fact, only in New York City.

Which is your Favorite New York Museum?

The American Museum of Natural History – 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

The Hayden Planetarium’s show, “Passport to the Universe,”narrated by Tom Hanks, is a captivating experience. Watching my daughters gaze up at the stars in awe is one of my greatest joys. Once, my daughter turned to me mid-show and whispered, “Mommy, can we live here?” Heart. Melted.

If you were to advise someone of where to go shopping which Boutique/Shop is your go to store?

New York Vintage – 117 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001

Surely, New York Vintage is a treasure chest of fashion history. The owner, Shannon Hoey, has an impeccable eye—her collection of archival couture, hats, boots, gloves, jewelry, and beyond is unmatched. Indeed, the first floor is a dream for vintage shoppers. Upstairs houses the holy grail of pieces available for rentals—worn on red carpets, in music videos, and magazine covers. In reality, it’s fashion heaven.

Where Do You Go for Peace & Quiet?

If I need to escape, I usually drive to where I can see water. If I can see it, hear it crashing, or even just lapping against something, it instantly soothes me. Sometimes, it’s a drive out to the Hamptons—maybe Amagansett Beach—but even just heading over to the West Side Highway, watching the Hudson River, can be enough. In reality, water calms me.

Name One Thing You Have to Do in NYC?

The Metropolitan Opera – Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023

You can even book a dinner at intermission, making it this glamorous, old-world New York moment—all while being serenaded by the greatest voices in opera.

Tunes from the Studio?

This is my current playlist—a little snapshot of what’s living in my New York library right now. Some of these songs are touchstones, ones I return to over and over because they’ve been ingrained in my life. Some are nostalgic, tied to certain moments and memories. Others have just been added because I’m curious, vibing, dancing, or having a little moment with them for my new album. 

Your New York Playlist?

1.“Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon” – Neil Diamond

2.“Paradise” – Sade

3.“Rise” – Herb Alpert

4.“What’s Love Got to Do with It” (2015 Remaster) – Tina Turner

5.“Think I’m In Love With You” – Chris Stapleton

6.“The Thrill Is Gone” – B.B. King

7.“Back On 74” – Jungle

8.“Crazy On You” – Heart

9.“Guilty” – Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb

There are, of course, many, many more songs I’m listening to, but this is what’s sitting on my phone at this exact moment!

Name the one fashion designer you love

Schiaparelli, under the creative direction of Daniel Roseberry.

Lastly, why did you choose this designer? Do you already own something by them?

Schiaparelli’s designs live in a world of their own—a balance of fantasy, surrealism, and couture craftsmanship that feels both larger-than-life and deeply refined. Daniel Roseberry’s vision, along with the impeccable artisans behind each piece, creates wearable art that pushes boundaries and invites curiosity.

I had the opportunity to preview one of their couture collections up close, and the pieces left me completely breathless. The textures, the sculptural elements, the sheer drama—it reminded me of a great album, where every song (or in this case, every look) weaves into a larger story.

I do own one piece—a pair of black Schiaparelli boots with gold toe caps. I had my eye on them for quite some time, and finally purchasing them in Paris made the moment even more special. They’re not just boots; they’re sculpture, statement, and storytelling all at once. And I love seeing people’s eyes land on those unexpected golden toes—it’s that little touch of surrealism that makes Schiaparelli so iconic.

THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK SERIES

The Little Black Book series is a guide to towns and cities around the world from the perspective of a local personality, designer, creative or cool kid. It’s an insiders guide, a guide that as its written by people who live there, it goes beyond the main streets and areas. It looks at hidden London, Paris, New York and everywhere in between. The Little Black Book goes down the alleyways so you don’t have to, we go south of the river, to the Rive Gauche and find. out about those hidden, little known gems that only a local would know. An invaluable guide to places written by the people who know.

If you think you know your hometown better than us. Or you think we should know about a place. Email info@irkmagazine.com We’re all ears.

Want more ? Take a look at HIDDEN LONDON By HELEN SKYBAK