That flâneur life
ALEX OHEBSHALOM, Flâneur Hospitality / The Fifth Avenue Hotel
CULTURE & LEISURE • Friday Routine
ALEX OHEBSHALOM • ceo/founder • Flâneur Hospitality / The Fifth Avenue Hotel
Neighborhood you live in: Gramercy Park
It’s Friday afternoon, how are you rolling into the weekend?
I’m typically 10% less rigid or disciplined on Fridays, meaning: I’ll take the time to work out in the morning, and take morning calls from Gramercy Park with my La Colombe coffee. For me, Fridays have always been about family, and grounding or centering myself. In the evening, this means a wholesome, home-cooked early dinner with my loved ones.
Any restaurant plans?
When the lines aren’t as long in New York, it’s nice to get back to some of the cozy West Village spots that make me feel at home. Buvette for brunch on Saturday, and of course the newly opened Café Carmellini at my The Fifth Avenue Hotel for dinner. The “Duck-Duck-Duck Tortellini” is my favorite pasta dish in the city right now. Definitely looking forward to trying COCODAQ in Flatiron, as well as Four Twenty Five by Jean-Georges in Midtown, and ILIS out in Greenpoint.
How about a little leisure or culture?
I’m a sucker for people-watching in Washington Square Park, which has always felt the most New York to me. The Knicks are playing well this season, so I’ll make it to as many games as I can, and of course MoMA is always showing the best of the best; last month Ed Ruscha, and now Picasso!
Any weekend getaways?
I’ve been exploring more of the Hudson Valley recently, and continue to find really special hidden gems. The Maker in Hudson is exceptional: It’s like a curated jewel box that feels eclectic yet super residential. Troutbeck and INNESS are both wonderful, and just across the state line in Connecticut is the Mayflower Inn & Spa, which has an elevated spa program to complement the fantastic food and beverage.
What was your last great vacation?
In November I set up a road trip through the Italian countryside. My fiancée and I started in Rome and discovered this newly converted Borghese Palazzo called Palazzo Vilòn. Definitely a treat if you appreciate old world architecture and great Roman heritage. We kept the bellies full with the best carbonara at Al Moro and amatriciana at Trattoria Trilussa, and we were off to Umbria to visit another newly converted 600 year-old castle hotel called Reschio. Arguably one of the most special hotel experiences I have had maybe ever — we felt like we had been transported. Beautiful rolling hills, horse stables, ancient spa rituals… It is romantic in every sense of the word.
Finally, we drove north to Modena to visit Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore’s countryside retreat, Casa Maria Luigia. This Emilia-Romagna haven really capitalizes on modern luxury through its service, extensive art program and, of course, world-class dining led by Chef Massimo. I would recommend this route to anyone with five days to spare.
What product or service do you always recommend?
I’m all about health and wellness. Daily hot/cold therapy with dry or infrared sauna, coupled with a cold plunge or shower. This always leaves me feeling my best and strongest. Check out the new Bathhouse in Flatiron, The Well, or Remedy Place.