The Lo Down: 9/25/25

86, Y2K, and 50 strangers in a sauna...

Sep 25, 2025

Food

The Eighty Six: this new spot feels like it’s channeling a 4 Charles energy - dark & cozy, polished and quietly cool. A total vibe shift inside from its predecessor, The Frog Club. It’s more intimate and lowkey than The Corner Store - less showy and sceney - like their ‘quiet luxury’ older sibling, which is all the better for the neighborhood. Service was attentive, cocktails were top notch, and the steak? About one million times better than The Corner Store - if we’re comparing (and we kind of have to). The order: potato croquettes with french onion cream & osetra caviar; caesar salad (a little overdressed, needed more croutons imo); Maine lobster spaghetti alla scampi (needed at least one more serving of pasta in the dish, was more skimpy than it was scampi); The 86 Cheesesteak; dry-aged delmonico ribeye (fantastic); creamed corn pot pie; truffle leek creamed spinach; green beans almondine (all 3 sides were 10/10). We ordered 3 of the 4 desserts too, of course: banana trifle, ice cream sandwich (my favorite, but they were super tiny and hard to share); cheesecake. We were practically rolling out of there. I don’t like the branding of the restaurant, but that’s okay, and I’m sure they don’t give a shit. There’s only ~10 tables, so I anticipate it being a very hard door with no opportunities for walk-ins. I’m fortunate to have very well connected friends, though (humble brag), and hope to go back soon.

We’re in the frozen yogurt renaissance right now, and I couldn’t be happier. People are always raving about the froyo at Butterfield Market, and I found myself on the UES last week and had to give it a try. It didn’t blow my socks off. I sampled their seasonal pumpkin spice flavor, thinking I was ready to welcome in fall with open arms, but I couldn’t eat more than a sample size of this particular flavor - the spice was overwhelming. I went with the original flavor, which was a little too sugary, not tart enough.

Culture

I’ve been indulging in the arts a lot recently. I’m trying to take advantage of the accessibility that living in NYC provides, having so many amazing places and experiences at my fingertips. With regard to museums & art, I hit The Met to catch the new exhibition “Man Ray: When Objects Dream” and to see the Costume Institute’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” before it departs in October. The Man Ray exhibition was more expansive than I expected, and I really enjoyed learning more about his pioneering technique with the rayograph (a technique used to make photographs without a camera by placing objects near a sheet of light-sensitive paper). “Superfine” wasn’t super impressive, but honestly, it’s been years since the Costume Institute put together a compelling exhibit in my opinion. I popped by nearby gallery Salon 94 afterwards, a gorgeously stunning space that is a must visit before/after a visit to The Met. I also finally made a trip over to The Noguchi Museum, and while it was perfectly enjoyable, I think people hype it up far too much. It’s a lovely space, if not a bit self indulgent and redundant (it’s the first such museum established by a living artist in America to showcase their own work — need to look up what astrological sign he is). I’m happy that I went, but it’s not a place that I will feel compelled to return to.

I’m really on a streak of being a theater kid lately, too, and saw two insanely wacky shows this week: Weer and Ginger Twinsies.

Weer was hilarious. It was messy, both intentionally and unintentionally, physically and metaphorically. I have the utmost respect for the creator and star, Natalie Palamides - without giving much away, it is set on New Year’s Eve of Y2K, and is a one woman show where she plays two characters at the same time. Natalie really gives it her all physically and emotionally. Can’t wait to see what future programming Cherry Lane has in store - such an exciting addition to the neighborhood.

Ginger Twinsies, a parody of The Parent Trap, was filled to the brim with rapid fire jokes and countless cultural references. There were lots of laughs and many creative liberties taken with the storyline, some are too outrageous at times, and very valid at others (Meredith Blake should NOT have been viewed as the villain in this story). It’s a fun and fast 80 minutes of millennial nostalgia.

Wellness

I wanted to hate Othership. Spending an evening in a sauna with 50 strangers sounded like something out of a nightmare for me. I made fun of it from afar, calling it cheesy and culty. And while it kind of was those things, it was also extremely enjoyable and relaxing. I attended a guided class (they also have ‘free flow’ ones which I assume are less ‘woo woo’, as well as classes designed around socializing), and while it was a bit intimidating as a first-timer (I was relieved to attend with a friend) it was very therapeutic and calming. A little expensive for me to justify doing it often, but I think I’d enjoy it as a once a month experience. Curious to know if any readers have attended one of their DJ events?

Current Obsession

These knit pants from Mango are going to be my new go-to travel pant.

On My Radar

Pujol is popping up for a residency at WSA November 11-22 (reservations open on 10/1)

Sander Lak, the former designer at Sies Marjan (RIP!), recently launched his eponymous collection Sanderlak

Miru, a new rooftop Japanese restaurant & listening lounge in Chelsea (the location is odd, but the space is gorgeous!)

Maru Coffee, an LA-favorite spot, opened in Williamsburg this week

Bub’s Bakery, a new spot in Noho from a James Beard-nominated baker that is allergen-free (no soy, nuts, eggs, dairy, gluten) and actually still looks very yummy

Rumor has it The Outnet is being shut down, so be on the lookout for some serious sale-on-sale designer items. I’m keeping my eye on this Dries jacket

Until next week -