GALLIVANT: New York

Vandaag, New York

Whilst wandering around 2nd Avenue, I stumbled on Vandaag, an Eatery specialising in Northern European cuisine and drink. I loved the colour palate used, as well as the style of the restaurant. The owner was there, who said he had designed it with his architect, and kindly let me take some pictures.

Vandaag

Public Bar/Restaurant - SoHo NYC

A colleague suggested I check out this lovely restaurant in SoHo, just a few pics showing the space. I wish I'd had time for a drink or meal!

They have some great pics on their website, so check it out if you are interested.

Public

The High Line, NYC

I possibly didn't choose the best day to go on the High Line, a new "park" in the center of Manhattan. Despite the drizzle, it was a fantastic experience. I got on just by the Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District, and walked up to 31st and 10th, where it ended. The landscaping was amazing, the old railway track was seamlessly integrated with the new paving. I loved how the paving slabs tapered off to give way to open grassy areas.

This is a community based project, and was driven by local New Yorkers, philanthropists and artists, trying to preserve this piece of history from the developers. The Railway track was there to take cattle to the meatpacking district for slaughter, but has become redundant since, and trains stopped using it in 1980. Towards the end of the photos you can see a bit of the track which will be developed further, as the park is such a success!

I got this one from their website, click below for more of the same.

The High Line

The Standard - New York

MoMA, NYC

I went to MoMA last week, on a crazy busy day, after shopping all afternoon. I wasn't totally in the mood, if I'm honest, but the range of work they had on show was fantastic, although I really don't rate the "design" department, probably because I've seen it all before in other museums.

Also there was a massive installation near the entrance. Whilst I am always into large interventions in space, this was a bit lost on me. Everyone was queuing up to go through these massive curtains, and it was a bit "blah". I think it would have been better if there was more of a sense of "uniqueness" or if people were encouraged to stay in the space longer.. but it photographed really well, so it looks more exciting than it is! It was called "Sum of Days" by the Brazilian Carlito Carvalhosa (b1961) and there were speakers and microphones, simultaneously recording the noise from the day, and playing back the sound from yesterday, along with previous days... as the days get older, they feature less in the "music?" but I couldn't really hear any of it at all.

There was an exhibition on "Flux" movement, which I didn't understand at all.. but made for some interesting graphics.

I really loved the architectural gallery (surprise surprise) and also the more "classic" modern paintings, Matisse especially. There was a De Kooning exhibition on too, I managed a sneaky picture of one of the paintings, although I was told off straight away. Photos allowed in the rest of the museum.. for once!