White Columns, McNally Jackson, and Sant Ambroeus: Abby Bangser’s New York

WHERE TO EAT AND SIP
An all-time favorite spot of mine is Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle. Nothing compares to enjoying a drink while listening to the piano and feeling the ages of conversations those mural-covered walls have heard. I’m a lunch regular at Sant Ambroeus on Lafayette in SoHo. I almost always order the lentil salad and can never go wrong with their cappuccinos.

WHERE TO SEE ART
I usually break it down and take a neighborhood at a time. Lower East Side galleries are a particular thrill where I always discover something new, and I never miss an exhibition at the New Museum. A good amount of time is needed to cover the Chelsea galleries, and it can be nice to begin or end this at the Whitney Museum of American Art. I also find it important not to miss Dia, The Kitchen, and White Columns exhibitions while in the neighborhood.

WHERE TO HAVE FUN AND RELAX
Walking neighborhood blocks is one of the best ways to relax in the city, especially on a perfect New York City spring day when the weather is just right. It’s inspiring to just feel the energy on the streets. If in SoHo, I might peruse the bookshelves at McNally Jackson bookshop on Prince Street. Uptown, I’ll make time for a walk around the Reservoir in Central Park.