NYC Insider’s Guide

Where’s the best sushi in New York City? What about the tastiest icecream? And what would a typical New Yorker consider a typical New York experience?

It takes an insider to know, so, since Kiehl’s is one of the original New York beauty brands (the company opened its first pharmacy in 1851 in Manhattan at Third Avenue and East 13th, where it still operates), we hit up the Kiehl’s crew for their insider’s guide to the Big Apple. Ready for a tour?

Most “New York” experience:

I love to take visitors on a walk or bike ride across the Brooklyn Bridge, which spans the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn and  provides one of the most authentic  NYC experiences around (and it’s free!). Start on the Brooklyn side and head towards Manhattan to enjoy truly memorable views of the NYC skyline.

(My other favorite “New York” experience for visitors is  a backstage tour of Lincoln Center, one of the most “quintessentially” New York landmarks in our city.)

Cammie Cannella, Vice President of Kiehl’s Global Education & Consumer Experience

Most “New York” experience:

The best way to experience New York is on foot since you can get a sense of all of the different neighborhoods and different people that make up the city. Do a downtown walking tour, starting in the West Village, cutting through Washington Square Park in the middle of Greenwich Village, and ending up in the Lower East Side. There will be plenty of shops and places for a quick drink or snack along the way for when you need to rest your legs.

Geoffrey Genesky, Head of Kiehl’s Laboratory, Research & Innovation

Most “New York” experience:

Have coffee at Café Grumpy (Essex Street) and then wander through the Lower East Side exploring vintage shops. Head down to the Financial District to get a sense of where New York City was born. Walk through the Trinity Church Cemetery and read the old gravestones. Visit the new waterfront park in FIDI and the 9/11 Memorial. End the day with drinks and dinner at The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog (Water Street).

Roberta Weiss, Senior Vice-President of Kiehl’s Innovation & Product Development

Most “New York” experience:

High Line-it to the Whitney; When I have friends or family in town, my quintessential NY Sunday morning starts with a stroll along the full length of the High Line, stopping for an inventive brunch at Untitled at the Whitney before heading upstairs to see the museum’s impressive collection and spectacular outdoor views.

Adam Geyer, Kiehl’s Consulting Dermatologist

Most “New York” experience:

One of my favorite places to go is Coney Island, especially in the summer – you MUST ride the front seat of the Cyclone and swinging car of Deno’s Wonder Wheel, eat a Nathan’s Hot Dog, check out the circus sideshow, and walk down the boardwalk with a soft serve ice cream.

Helen Sung, Assistant Vice President of Kiehl’s Innovation & Product Development

Best sushi: 

The head chef, Chef Daisuke Nakazawa, trained under Jiro Ono, known as the best sushi chef in the world. Sit at the sushi bar to enjoy the omikasa, and the chef himself plates and explains every dish you are served!  I cannot even begin to explain the skill (and ease) with which the chefs lovingly prepare each individual piece of nigiri. Sushi Nakazawa is not just a restaurant that serves mind-blowingly fresh and delicious sushi; it provides an unforgettable food experience.

Cammie Cannella, Vice President of Kiehl’s Global Education & Consumer Experience

Best place for desserts:

Davey’s Ice Cream (First Avenue at E. 4th Street.) Hole-in-the-wall shop that creates its own inventive flavors right in the back of the store. (You can even watch the ice cream being made, if you time it right!). 

Roberta Weiss, Senior Vice-President of Kiehl’s Innovation & Product Development

Best new restaurant:

Rebelle. A new gem in the Bowery – a perfect example of a chef and sommelier at the top of their games.  A seat at the chef’s table for the tasting menu equals a night to remember.

Adam Geyer, Kiehl’s Consulting Dermatologist

Best pizza by the slice:

Growing up in NYC, I am the ultimate pizza snob – the best pizza by the slice, hands down, is Gabby’s in Queens. Perfect thin crust with best cheese to sauce ratio.

Helen Sung, Assistant Vice President of Kiehl’s Innovation & Product Development