Town and gown
CAYCEE BLACK, creative director/designer
CULTURE & LEISURE • Friday Routine
CAYCEE BLACK • creative director/designer • Caycee Black
Neighborhood you live in: Greenpoint
It’s Friday afternoon, how are you rolling into the weekend?
In Greenpoint, I like to get a deep tissue massage at Spa Palace (it’s inexpensive, and they really get your pressure points) or take a hot yoga class at YO BK. I walk out and feel transformed. I also really like New Love City for amazing Vinyasa classes, in a loft with skylights and hanging plants. If you take an evening class, the staff turns on a disco ball reflecting light all over (while you go within).
Any restaurant plans?
Definitely going to brunch in Greenpoint, at Milk & Roses or Glasserie. Milk & Roses is like a secret garden meets a warm, cozy library with a fireplace. The ingredients are fresh and organic, and I really love their French toast PBJ, the best take on French toast I’ve ever had. As for Glasserie, I like to go with at least one other person and get the mezze feast. It’s one of everything: olives, labne, smoked eggplant, hummus, falafel, beets and cabbage plus pita for $42!
How about a little leisure or culture?
I have a new custom client who I’m making a gown for, who will be performing at Carnegie Hall in March. I can’t wait to see the dress on stage. It’s a couture ombre hand-pleated tulle gown — layers and layers of hand pleated tulle in an ombre pattern from top to floor. The shape will be a blend of my Lillian wedding dress mixed with my Dahlia painted plaid gown.
Any weekend getaways?
My friend and I love going up to Woodstock or Phoenicia for the weekend. When it’s nice out, we’ll hike to the big waterfall. Rip & Wolf is a favorite boutique with an amazing selection of wine and spirits. And for dinner, we love Silvia, a cute spot focused on seasonal New American eats.
What was your last great vacation?
I just went to White Sands, New Mexico. It was magical. Being immersed in the hills of the white sands is like being on another planet.
For food in New Mexico, two of my faves: La Nueva Casita Café and La Posta de Mesilla, which I’ve been going to since I was a kid. While you wait for a table, you’re greeted by talking parrots, and can shop for local jewelry at Matteo Jewelry by Design. La Nueva Casita has been around since 1957. Order whatever you’re eating "Christmas style," so you don’t have to choose between red or green hatch chilis.