8 Places to Go in New York

Sunday Mar. 13, 2016

Viva

The view from the top of The Carlyle. Picture / Facebook.

After studying textiles at Auckland University of Technology, Thistle Brown moved to New York City to pursue a career in fashion. Thistle seems to be thriving, too, with his own designs featured in US Vogue, landing celebrity styling jobs, starring in Milk Makeup's latest campaign, as well as walking in Eckhaus Latta's show at New York Fashion Week. Here, Thistle shares his favourite places to go in New York City:

1. Nha Minh
A secret spot located in an industrial part of Greenpoint Brooklyn, Nha Minh offers my favourite Vietnamese bowls in New York. The owner is really cool too.
485 Morgan Ave, Brooklyn 11222

2. Fort Green Flea
Once the snow melts and spring arrives, the fleas markets begin. Forte Greene is the one I mostly go to - they have the best market food and also a mixture of furniture and vintage goods, it always makes Sundays feel better.
176 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn 11238

3. Mast Books
For anyone that loves bookstores, you won't leave Mast without carrying a true gem in your hands. I pop in every week or so to see what's new on the shelf most recently I picked up A Day in the Life of Rowland S. Howard photographed by Peter Milne.
66 Avenue A, New York, 10009

4. Berlin
My favourite place to dance in Alphabet City. It's always fun and they're either playing Bowie, Stone Roses or there's a sweet gig.

Thistle Brown in Milk Makeup's latest campaign. Picture / Supplied.

5. Maryam Nassir Zadeh
On the Lower Eastside is Maryam Nassir Zadeh, which offers the best selection of brands such as Lemaire and Marni, as well as her own namesake ready-to-wear and shoe line. This store is beautifully curated and the clothes make women feel good.
123 Norfolk St, New York 10002

6. Cafe El Portal
Cafe El Portal is the only place in summer where you can grab takeaway margaritas and the yummiest tacos.
174 Elizabeth St, New York 10012

7. Takahachi
If you want great Japanese, Takahachi on Avenue A is the one. Always best when you order a number of small plates and share. The bathrooms are also really cool with hidden taggings from the late artist Dash Snow.
85 Avenue A, New York 10009

8. The Carlyle
Go uptown and get fancy at The Carlyle. Woody Allen has a regular Monday night spot playing jazz with his band.
35 E 76th St, New York 10021