The Lo Down: 4/30/25
I definitely overpaid for a pornstar...
Food
I finally did it, you guys. I went to The Corner Store. I went in wanting to hate it (I was voted “biggest hater” by a friend group recently; I prefer the phrase “toughest critic”), but I enjoyed the food more than I anticipated. I don’t have to tell you that the vibes are 10/10 - it’s the toughest table in the city for a reason. I went in thinking it was going to be a knock off of The Polo Bar, but I think they have enough of their own identity to be considered individual, with a distinctly cool, downtown atmosphere. The service was good, nothing extraordinary. Here are my cliff notes on the food: the single best dish was the mini Lobster & Caviar rolls - bite sized buttery little rolls, slightly warmed to perfection, topped with a caviar dollop on top of some perfectly seasoned lobster. It was perfection, and I’d go back just for these. The Caesar salad was good, but trying a bit too hard to be unique - I enjoyed the everything bagel croutons, but I found the addition of warm little “cream cheese croquettes” a bit off-putting…just shave some good quality parm on top and call it a day. The seasonal crudo was a light and fresh bite to balance out the heaviness of every other dish. I wanted to hate the Five Cheese Pizza Rolls, but the combination of Calabrian honey, pepperoni, ‘nduja, and jalapeno wrapped in a delicate puffy pocket took it to a new level unreachable by Totino’s. The Wagyu French Dip doesn’t even begin to enter the stratosphere of greatness that is the French Dip from 4 Charles, and I thought the Steak Frites were entirely unimpressive and skippable (don’t skip the fries, though, just order them as a side - and order the “secret sauce”). Save room for dessert, and order the Samoa Sundae. I’d ask for a side of extra fudge next time, as it didn’t have nearly enough, but it was still a divine sweet treat.
The cocktails were great - I don’t like martinis, but my dining companions declared them “the best they’ve ever had” - I went with their take on a Pornstar Martini (the Pornstar Royale - technically not a martini), and while at $21, it was one of the more expensive cocktails on the menu, but I’d say that pricing has become standard for NYC. I’ve had some sticker shock recently, though, with other versions of the Pornstar - $32 for the version at the Lobby Bar at Hotel Chelsea, and a whopping $35 at the Red Room Bar at Printemps last week. I enjoy the art of craft cocktails and trying new things, but the price of cocktails lately are enough of a reason to opt for sober outings. Does anybody else agree that cocktail prices seem to have gotten absolutely out of hand lately?
As a friend said, “a pasta joint in Brooklyn just hits different.” We went to LaRina in Fort Greene after our visit to BBG to see the cherry blossoms in peak bloom (if you’re in NYC, run, don’t walk to see them before they’re gone!). And it’s true - I find there is often a more relaxed atmosphere in BK restaurants. It feels less pretentious. I am probably generalizing, but that’s my truth coming from the West Village and seeing people line up to go to Don Angie at 3:30pm on a Tuesday for some hefty lasagna that will leave you feeling like you have a brick in your stomach for the 48 hours following. The food was solid, the vibes were relaxed, and I’d definitely recommend if you’re in the area. Everything we had was great and fresh, but I personally would say to skip the signature Smoked Spaghetti….I found the smoky taste quite off putting and overwhelming.
I also had dinner over the weekend at NY Kimchi, and it’s a great new pre-theater option given the location on 48th St. I recommend going with a group, as we ordered an absurd amount of food for 2 people (as per usual, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach). The dumplings were skippable, but the tuna tartare, garlic chive jeon, and japchae were delicious and full of flavor. We split the wagyu picanha for a main (a million times better than the steak from The Corner Store) and the kimchi fried rice.
Arts & Culture
Lately, I’ve been feeling really grateful to live in a city where there’s no shortage of inspiring artistic experiences - and I’m trying to say yes to as many as I can. Every performance, gallery visit, or unexpected encounter feels like a chance to learn something new or simply get swept up in someone else’s creative world. There’s something electric about witnessing people deeply committed to their craft - whether it’s painting, dance, music, theater - and letting that energy spark something in you.
Over the weekend, I went to an art talk and brunch at Perrotin and got to hear from two incredible artists currently exhibiting there: Julia von Eichel and Iván Argote. I’m not very knowledgable about art by any means, but I love stepping into someone else’s vision - it’s energizing and expansive in the best way. I also stopped by a new private salon space in a gorgeous Upper East Side townhouse where a friend of mine is the director. They have a beautifully curated mix of historical and contemporary pieces across multiple mediums - art, furniture, objects. The space feels intentional, elevated, and full of the kind of design that makes your heart skip a beat. The current exhibition by Irene Cattaneo, Through The Looking Glass, is exactly my speed: sculptural, whimsical, finely crafted, and inspired by the dreamlike world of Lewis Carroll. If I could move every single piece from the show into my apartment tomorrow, I would.
On the theater front, I’ve been rediscovering the magic of the Telecharge Lottery. As someone who loves going to shows but doesn’t want to drop $200/ticket every time, this feels like a real life hack. This week’s win: Boop! The Musical. Definitely not something I’d pay full price for, but for $49? Sure. Why not. The perfect kind of rainy day matinee theater: two and a half hours of silly, campy fun, and nearly cheaper than a fancy cocktail.
Fashion
Everyone and their mother is on a frantic hunt for the perfect occasion dress right now - and I’ve got you covered. We’re running a special 30% off promo at Maison Rogue (aptly titled Best Dressed Guest) thru the end of the week. Below are my favorite outfit formulas to help you crush the dress code with zero stress:
For more of what’s in my closet, what I’m currently obsessing over, shopping guides & more, check out my ShopMy. Looking for some personal style advice? Whether it’s for curating a flawless vacation wardrobe, hunting down the perfect shoes, or finding the best basics for your closet, I’m here to help—just reach out!
Current Obsession
Despite drinking an alarming amount of water, I’ve been feeling unbelievably dehydrated lately. A doctor recommended I start drinking those nasty little electrolyte packets daily. I just so happened to get a targeted ad the other day for these Magna electrolyte + magnesium packets and I’m really loving them. I usually find these types of packets oddly salty and repulsive, but they do an amazing job with the flavors (so far, the Tea Lemonade is my favorite flavor). I’m also such a sucker for good packaging and branding.
On My Radar
LA readers: my current favorite artist, Meghann Stephenson, has the opening of her new exhibition I’ll Be Your Mirror at Half Gallery (2249 Mountain Oak Drive) this Friday 5/3 from 6-8PM. The show will be on display thru 5/27.
Maison Passerelle just opened in Printemps as their French-leaning fine dining restaurant
Belden House & Mews a newly restored 3-acre estate in Litchfield, CT (it’s the sister property to Troutbeck, so you know it’s going to be good)
Sunn’s a tiny LES Korean spot for banchan and wine
Until next week -
xo
Lo
These fits have me itching for an occasion! Sooo good!!
I agree about the corner store the caesar salad was too much I hated the lumps of cheese like I wanted to spit them out