Babytalk magazine joins leading maternity fashion designer Liz Lange to kick off the first nationwide campaign supporting a woman’s right to decide which feeding method is best for her and her child.

Starting on August 3rd, Babytalk, along with co-sponsors Avent and Boppy, will host a series of special evening events at Liz Lange maternity boutiques in New York City, Long Island and Beverly Hills for expectant mothers in the process of exploring their feeding options.

Each event will feature appearances by guest speakers including: maternity fashion designer Liz Lange; members of the Babytalk editorial staff; and child-development specialist Claire Lerner, author of Bringing Up Baby: 3 Steps to Making Good Decisions in Your Child’s First Years.

Attendees will enjoy personal shopping consultations, giveaways and a 15% discount on all merchandise.

The initiative seeks to educate moms-to-be about the feeding options available to them, and to support their decisions with the resources they need to promote their children’s healthy eating habits throughout the first years of their lives.

On sale during each event will be a limited-edition burp cloth featuring the signature Liz Lange black-and-white interlocking design. The proceeds from the sale of each burp cloth, available exclusively in Liz Lange boutiques and online at www.lizlange.com, will benefit the Zero to Three Organization and its efforts to promote the healthy development of our nation’s infants and toddlers.

August 3rd
Manhattan, NY
958 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10021
(212) 879-2191
5:00 to 7:00pm

August 4th
Long Island, NY
210 Wheatley Plaza
Greenvale, NY 11548
(516) 484-7268
5:00 to 7:00pm

August 9th
Beverly Hills, CA
346 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 273-0099
5:00 to 7:00pm

When it comes to the J Sisters, you probably think more about getting rid of hair than having it added. After all, they are the cheeky grand-dames of the Brazilian wax. And with good reason: At J Sisters, they don’t even offer a regular bikini wax. For the girl who wont bat an eyelash when it comes to going bare down under, how about a little eyelash enhancement while you cool your, uh…jets?

Fatima Wadhy of J Sisters explains that unlike false lashes, these lash extensions actually adhere to the root of your own lashes. Using a special, long lasting glue, they typically last between a week and three weeks. Just steer clear of sappy movies and the dramatic crying jags over the guy who didn’t call you last week and you’ll be looking through these fanned out falsies as long as possible. Showering and normal face washing – no problem.

One of the greatest things about having the lash extensions: no more mascara. You’ll wake up each morning with thicker, fuller, longer lashes….’naturally’. In fact, putting mascara on will not only leave you looking like Tammy Faye Baker, but you’ll also run the risk of the extensions coming out early. Not only do these individual lash extentions look natural, but according to Fatima, when applied properly they won’t damage your own eyelashes. Some mascaras can be drying, which can lead to breakage.

A word of caution: Having lash extensions can give your eyes the appearance of a mini-lift. Just be prepared. I don’t know whether its the drying glue or the longer than usual lashes, but for the first week or so I definitely felt my eyelids were tighter. Meoooowwwww…..

Fatima also told me that many of her clients are simply addicted. They never worry about whether or not their eyelashes are dramatic enough. You can even choose your style…from natural to major glam. Definitely the way to go for special events…when you flutter these babies, everyone will take notice.

To get this no-fuss, doe-eyed look, ring Fatima at J Sisters (212.750.2485) and make an appointment at their salon, located at 35 West 57th Street in Manhattan.

Everyone knows that Barielle is all about gorgeous nails. Over the past 30 years, the company has made its mark with a unique approach to nail treatment and protection. They use safe, natural ingredients like Keratin, Protein, Vitamins and Plant Extracts (you wont find formaldehyde or other irritants in their products). The line even boasts an amazing deodorizing foot spray gel that cools and energizes feet while eliminating odor, because they know a girl can’t go around with stanky feet!

Of course, with all the attention to pretty toes and fingers, color is essential. Just this year, Barielle released their first comprehensive color line, Shades by Barielle. With a philosophy that “there’s nothing more positive than a product that lets you look and feel good,” the collection, which includes 22 fabulously fashionable colors, was created with a vibe of “Positive Emotion,” your own personal digital mojo. Now you can literally color yourself happy with shades like Elated – a deep coral, Ecstasy – a fire engine red, Blissful – a sheer beige or any of the other 19 rockin feel-good shades.

Shades by Barielle is also enriched with vitamins that treat your nails while providing gorgeous full coverage color and a glossy finish.

Available at http://www.barielle.com.

In the city this weekend and looking for something to do?

Fantasia
Fresh from her first solo tour, the American Idol champ performs.
7 a.m.; Bryant Park, Upper Terrace, 42nd St. at Ave. of the Americas
http://www.bryantpark.org

Phantom of the Opera with Alloy Orchestra and Kaiku Alloy
Orchestra’s latest work is an original score to the restored-print of the 1925 silent classic Phantom of the Opera. Brooklyn-based Finnish folksters Kaiku start the evening off with some spooky harmonies.
7:30 p.m.; Prospect Park Bandshell, 9th St. at Prospect Park West; 718-855-7882
http://www.celebratebrooklyn.org

Rodney Crowell
The Texas legend heads up North to play hits like “Ashes by Now” and “I Couldn’t Leave You if I Tried.”
7 p.m.; South Street Seaport, Pier 17, Fulton St. at South St.; 212-SEA-PORT
http://www.seaportmusicfestival.com

Back to the Future
Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is in for the ride of his life when his plutonium-fueled DeLorean reaches 88 mph. Free popcorn available.
Dusk, aprox. 8:30 p.m.; Hudson River Park, Pier 25, at N. Moore St.; 212-627-2020
http://www.hudsonriverpark.org

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company
The company returns for their fifth Summer Stage performance. This year, they’re performing Another Evening, a multi-media collage that incorporates new and old movement, original and traditional music, and even text.
8:30 p.m.; doors open at 7:30 p.m.; Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, enter at 69th St. at Fifth Ave.; 212-360-CPSS
http://www.summerstage.org

Gavin DeGraw
The up-and-coming singer-songwriter gears up for his August tour with Avril Lavigne.
7 a.m.; Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan
http://www.nbc.com

Twist of Fate
Dayna Reist and her husband Adam lead this steel drum-based band that takes its inspiration from the islands of the Caribbean while it tours the island of Manhattan.
Noon-4 p.m..; Chelsea Piers, Main Plaza, Pier 62, 23rd St. at Hudson River; 212-336-6881
http://www.chelseapiers.com

Boricula Festival!
Eddie Palmieri y La Perfecta II, William Cepeda Bombashe, and more
Salsa legend Eddie Palmieri headlines this daylong celebration of Puerto Rican music and culture.
2-9 p.m.; Prospect Park Bandshell, 9th St. at Prospect Park West; 718-855-7882
http://www.celebratebrooklyn.org

Dance for Peace
DJs from the Middle East come together at this event to transcend national and religious differences with their music. Egypt’s DJ Amir spins on the ones and twos, as does Israel’s Astral Projection and Skazi.
3 p.m.; doors open at 1:30 p.m.; Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, enter at 69th St. at Fifth Ave.; 212-360-CPSS
http://www.summerstage.org

St. Bartholomew’s Choir with Orchestra
The series of Bach’s complete masses continues at St. Bart’s with the Missa in G-Minor, perhaps his most serious mass. William K. Trafka conducts.
11 a.m.; 109 E. 50th St.; 212-378-0200
http://www.stbarts.org

BuzzUniverse
BuzzUniverse mixes sounds from a variety of genre’s with four-part harmonies. Their set is sure to include tracks from their most recent album, Musik for Abstract Citizens.
Noon-4 p.m.; Chelsea Piers, Main Plaza, Pier 62, 23rd St. at Hudson River; 212-336-6881
http://www.chelseapiers.com

Global Family Day
Dan Zanes’s unique musical stylings, a mix of folk tunes, sea shanties, nursery rhymes and even some good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, appeals to both children and their parents. Dance troupe Batoto Yato, founded in Harlem in 1990, also performs.
3 p.m.; doors open at 1:30 p.m.; Rumsey Playfield,, Central Park, enter at 69th St. at Fifth Ave.; 212-360-CPSS
http://www.summerstage.org

Salsa Night with Mo’Guajiro
Influenced by Cuban folkloric music and the beat of New York City life, this group embraces its city roots and has assembled its members from some unlikely spots, such as the subways and Central Park. Free dance lessons courtesy of Dance Manhattan are offered before the live music begins.
6:30 p.m. (dance lessons), 7 p.m. (live music); Hudson River Park, Pier 25, at N. Moore St.; 212-627-2020
http://www.hudsonriverpark.org

Yes, a trip to the gateway to Italy’s beautiful south! Only instead of having to worry about reservations, packing, and not getting killed each time you crossed a normal Naples street, all you need to do is put aside an hour or two for a quick visit to the Campania Region Office in Midtown. Actually, on second thoughts, you might need a little more preparation. Pack some drool-wipes. Some of the most beautiful things to have ever taken birth in the city and province of Naples are on view at the “Styles and Design of Italian Creativity” exhibit on the fourth floor of the building.

The thrill of standing a mere foot away from designs worn by style-goddesses such as Anna Magnani, Ingrid Bergman and Jacqueline Kennedy is not easy to put in words. And we are talking of these museum-worthy pieces without the restrictive glass casings that one would expect – as if you have walked in for your private appointment with Valentino, Capucci, Lancetti, Ken Scott, da Camerino, Gattinori, Armani, Versace, et al., at the same fitting, and they have put on 43 of their most exquisite creations just for you to choose from. Get as carried away and delusional as you would like, but do not try to tactually experience the pieces. Keep it visual, my friend. Each creation is worth several hundreds of thousands of dollars and even at the press pre-show, the “welcome” speech was concluded with a stern DO NOT TOUCH message!

As for the creations, it is hard to discriminate. Each one is superlatively beautiful and timeless. Even the slightly kitschy ones which have a bit more of the stamp of their times – like the Camerino jersey day dresses in polyester with “cheat” suit patterns – would definitely turn heads if you walked down the street in them. Turn heads in a good way, that is. However, tarry a bit longer in front of Capucci’s “finned” or “petalled” dresses (there is one from Sarli too), as well as in front of his ball-gowns in taffeta and chiffon from the eighties. Marvel at the two red-and-black evening dresses from pre-1990 Versace in their full avant-garde and rebellious glory, in terms of style – plenty of asymmetry, and the choice of fabrics – a cross of acetate and silk thrown in with leather! Some wishful thinking in front of the Lancetti pieces, one in red tulle and the other in ivory and black satin, would be appropriate. Both have amazingly intricate embroidery of black sequins and jade beads on the bust. It becomes pretty clear why he was called the “painter-tailor”.

Pino Lancetti, Evening Dress, 1989 ca

There is also a piece by Emilio Pucci that you should not forget to check out. The 1960 evening suit bears the signature colourful, fun-and-frolic touch of the house though the cut is rather different from what you would see at a Pucci Boutique today. By the way, did you know that Pucci’s carrier began quite accidentally? When on a holiday trip in 1947, a ski dress on a lady-friend of his garnered the attention of Toni Frissel, the famous photographer at Harper’s Bazzar? Soon the magazine’s Fashion Editor Diana Vreeland had taken note and on December 14th, 1948, the magazine published an article with the title ” An Italian skier designs”. The rest is history.

To ensure an extremely desirable sensory overload, the organizers did not stop at the fabulous dresses. Contemporary designs created by master-jewellers from Naples, Torre del Greco, and the Neapolitan Province punctuate the fashion displays every few steps! They include an astounding variety of corals and pieces crafted in 18-karat white, black, and yellow gold set with pearls, diamonds, and a variety of other precious stones. Note the reverse-setting of the diamonds in certain pieces – an antique technique of the Neapolitan craft tradition. However, the highlight certainly is the beautiful selection of sensual cameos, once common Naples souvenirs. With gorgeous designs now sold in high-end shops, cameo design is still a thriving art, in which Naples and the Campania Region of Italy undoubtedly lead. Inquire with the staff for specifics on New York retailers.

Antonella Boriello, Cameo Necklaces in Pearls and Corals

Whether you are a fashionista, a dabbler in fashion history, a jewellery enthusiast, an Italophile, or simply a New Yorker who likes to keep in sync with New York conversations, this is a must-attend show for all.

The “Styles and Design of Italian Creativity” exhibit is open to the public free of charge from July 15th to August 5th at the Campania Region Office at 4 East 54th Street, 4th floor, New York City.

Centro Stile Loffredo, Necklace in Amazonite and Japanese Pearls and Coral

All images accompanying this article are from the exhibition “Styles and Designs of Italian Creativity”, July 15 – August 5, 2005, New York, organized by the Province of Naples.

Scent-sations
By Kimberly McDonald

Known for is exotic and unique fragrances, Comptoir Sud Pacifique has long been a favorite of French women, as well as savvy Americans. Combining rare spices and succulent fruits with florals and vanillas is a hallmark of the line, which promises to evoke thoughts of exotic vacation destinations. One of my personal favorites, Coeur de Vahine (notes are peach and passion fruit blended with vanilla and sandalwood), has been called “a heady, sensual nod to the island of Vahine in Tahiti”, by Town & Country.

In an effort to keep us in a perpetual state of sensory escapism, the globe-trotting perfumers have come up with a new line of fragrances called Cool Tropic. This year they released three fun-in-the-sun scents: Paradise, Palm and Turquoise. Paradise is a citrus-floral blend with a hint of coconut and it’s to-die-for sexy. Palm has a very fresh and youthful aroma, thanks to a combination of lemon and melon with Pacific rose and seawater. My personal favorite from this line, Turquoise, which brings to mind Monet’s Water Lilies, combines grapefruit, mint, and bergamot with jasmine, ginger, and white musk. Makes for a smell so deliciously light and feminine.

In keeping with the spirit of the Comptoir line, these are all very wearable and mixable, not to mention very unique scents.

The other new addition, which comes in the traditional formula, is the Vanille Peach. Think not of a sweet, candy-coated concoction that might lead people to believe that you borrowed your 14 year old niece’s perfume. Think sophisticated golden ripe peaches with a touch of hibiscus and the lightest air of Tahitian vanilla, wrapped in a gentle musk. This new fragrance is surely going to rival the line’s long-time superstar, Vanille Abricot, which has been touted as a fragrance must-have for any comprehensive collection.

To order these gorgeous vacation-in-a-bottle scents, log on to www.comptoirsudpacifique.us or www.mybeautifulplace.com or if you’re in Manhattan, stop by Henri Bendel’s on 5th Avenue and explore the line.

The Yves Durif Salon has long been one of my personal favorites when it comes to Manhattan hair salons. Located in a townhouse on East 65th, the salon has upper east side stature and SoHo flair. As you’re sitting under the Achille Castiflioni chandelier getting coifed by Manhattan’s finest, you’ll notice two things that this chic salon does not have. Egos and Attitudes.

Recently, I recommended to a friend that she try the salon. She called me the moment she left, in a state of euphoria.

“Not only did Maria give me the most natural looking, subtle yet bold hilights, the kind you get when you’re a kid – the kind people think came from the sun…but I felt so relaxed, so at ease. I have never been to any salon in the city where the staff didn’t come equipped with sneers and stares and attitude. When I stepped out of there I looked AND felt absolutely beautiful,” she was virtually breathless trying to get it all out. Now she’s an Yves Durif devotee. She later added that “I always feel that when I go to a salon, they listen to what I say I want and then they do whatever it is they feel like doing. When Patty styled my hair, she was clearly ‘getting’ me, my lifestyle. She understood what was important to me and she gave me the style I really wanted.”

Yves has a policy at his salon. You must LOVE what you are doing. It’s simple, but clearly effective. The talent he recruits is worthy of the attitudes they eschew. You get the feeling that they even have a (gasp!) sense of humor about their business. They make it enjoyable, they thrive off of the considerable expertise within the staff and they have some major, very well known names amongst their longtime clients, which says all there is to say, in the Manhattan salon scene.

Stop by the salon at 130 East 65th Street, or call for an appointment at (212) 452-0954. Looking and feeling beautiful is just that simple.

Who: Liz Lange Maternity, the clothing boutique of choice for chic and stylish mothers-to-be.
What: Up to 80% off maternity clothing from the Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 Collections.

- Cuffed Trousers and Cropped Pants previously $175 now $50
- Silk and Chiffon Blouses previous $175 now $40
- Cotton T-Shirts previously $75 now $20
- Silk Cashmere Knit Tops previously $110 now $30
- Silk, Denim and Cotton Skirts previously $150 now $40
- Sweaters previously $125 now $50
- Silk Dresses previously $225 now $50

When: Two Days – Wednesday, July 13, 2005 – Thursday, July 14, 2005
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Where: 345 West 36th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues)
Ground Floor
New York City
212-879-2191

Accept: Cash, Mastercard, Visa, AMEX

One of the first pieces of advice I got upon moving to NYC was that New Yorkers never go clubbing on Friday or Saturday – that’s reserved for Thursday or Sunday. The problem with dining and drinking every weekend is the absence of happy hours. Certain I would no longer venture into the creepy dive bars of the East Village, I went in search of a respectable establishment with girly drinks and artist prices. My friend and I were about to give up when my radar zoned in on the words “late night happy hour.” This is how I found Klong.

Tucked away in one of the many small basement lots on Astor Place, Klong automatically differs from the many budget-friendly Asian establishments because most are Japanese and offer slim alcohol selections that start with beer and end with Shochu and Sake. Klong, which means ‘canal’ in Thai, is that perfect place that offers reasonably priced dishes and delectable cocktails, in a laid-back, modern artsy environment, complete with a giant statue, a metal sculpture, funky furniture, and abacus’ employed as bar doors and back walls.

For me, the focal point was the sign that advertised the 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. happy hour, which includes a two-for-one Singha beer option and $8 cocktails for $5. Sri Prai, the endearing bartender, serves up a variety of creative beverages with ease and style. Aside from the selection of beers, which are always $4 each, and the meager selection of wines, which hover around $18 a bottle, the selection ranges from plum and ginger-infused Sake drinks, to elaborate martinis.

The Khing Sake is perfect if you crave a vodka infusion, with a touch of sweetness; it’s a mix of Sake, vodka, ginger, and Thai palm sugar ($8). The Ruby of Siam is another safe bet; it’s a simple mix of citrus vodka, pomegranate juice, and lime juice ($8). But my favorite, for the girly girls craving sugar, spice, and sauce, is Frost in Bangkok Night Market, a martini comprised of vodka, Malibu, Midori, coconut milk, jackfruit, and a pinch of Pandan leaf juice ($8).

Now, if you insist on departing from the liquid diet, which should include water intervals, there’s a plethora of options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and sugar addicts alike. Chef Yoon Amornrat brought traditional Thai recipes from the streets of Bangkok, where she grew up cooking with her mother. Beyond the vast array of noodle dishes, soups, curries, and fried rice options, there are some exceptional specials. Lotus Root Beef marries sirloin and potatoes, with cardamom, cinnamon sticks, lotus seeds, shallots, tamarind juice, and Mussaman curry sauce ($12). For a simpler dish, try the Herbal Tea-Smoked Half Chicken, which is accompanied by steamed spinach ($10). If you’re willing to share, the Thai Stick serves skewered chicken, bell peppers and mangos, marinated with basil, cilantro, sesame, scallions, and aioli, with mango salsa and buckwheat noodles on the side ($13).

Before you sample the Kaffir Lime Pie or the Steamed Banana with sticky rice and coconut ice cream, check out the vegetarian section, which parallels the options at Zen Palate. Not only do they offer tofu, imitation duck, mock chicken, and imitation fish, but you can request a substitution with any dish – that means your vegetarian friend can get any traditional curry or noodle dish on the menu.

Klong is a crowd pleaser for any group, whether you fancy soy protein or some serious sauce.

Klong
7 Saint Marks Place
212.505.9955
Sun-Thur noon-midnight, Fri-Sat Noon – 2 a.m.

The Public Theater Presents Shakespeare in the Park for Summer 2005
Get Thy Bottom To Central Park and Soaketh Upeth a Bit of Culture!
As You Like It
Directed by Mark Lamos
June 25 – July 17, Tuesday – Sunday (no performances July 13 and July 19)
Free; tickets required. For information, please call 212-539-8750 or visit http://www.publictheater.org

2005 New York Philharmonic Time Warner Concerts In The Parks To Take Place Throughout The Metropolitan Area
July 12-19, 2005 Six of Seven Orchestral Concerts To Be Led by Assistant Conductor Xian Zhang, and To Feature Violinist Karen Gomyo in Her Philharmonic Debut. July 19 Central Park Concert To Be Conducted By Music Director Lorin Maazel, With Cellist Lynn Harrell As Soloist. Complete schedule information on all 2005 New York Philharmonic Time Warner Concerts in the Parks is available by calling the 24-hour New York Philharmonic Hotline: (212) 875-5709, or by visiting the Philharmonic’s Website at http://www.newyorkphilharmonic.org.

Lincoln Center Festival 2005:
July 12 – July 31
Every summer, the Lincoln Center Festival presents a wide array of stunning performances of dance, theater, music, opera, and circus from around the world. These innovative works explore both the classic and the contemporary, often reinventing them into unforgettable performances that defy any specific category.

For more information log on to http://www.lincolncenter.com

Truer words have never been spoken and they happen to be prime descriptors for New York City’s Le Parker Meridien Hotel. Soaring 42 stories above West 57th Street, two blocks from Central Park, half a block from Carnegie Hall and just a short cab ride from Times Square, the combination Gothic-Modern hotel is definitely in a prime location.

The rooms are average to above in size with a more utilitarian, contemporary approach (think Scandinavia house-IKEA hybrid) than other hotels in the area…which is a good thing if you prefer clean lines and minimalist surroundings, but might leave you a bit disappointed if you’re looking for the opulence of other high end Manhattan hotels. Rooms also come equipped with high-speed internet, work desks, flat-screen TV with VCR/CD/DVD players. The bathroom area follows the same no-frills theme, with ample space and limited decor.

What the rooms lack in grandeur, the hotel makes up for in hospitality. The room service menu is ample and amusing and the folks running that division of the hotel were extremely helpful and friendly. Le Parker Meridien boasts some very well known restaurants, too. Norma’s is a favorite breakfast hangout of celebs and high profile New Yawkas, and with good reason. This is definitely one of the best breakfast places in the city. The Burger Joint, often rated as NYC’s best hamburger spot, is located on the hotel’s ground floor. For fabulous French cuisine, Seppi’s combines classic and modern culinary influences and evokes the charm of old New York and Paris.

Other great things about the hotel include Gravity, a 15,000-square-foot health club with a glass-enclosed rooftop pool and spa services. Le Parker Meridien also allows pets weighing 35 lbs or less; just remember to advise your booking agent when you book your room. And…ready for this one? Every time you step on the elevator you’re treated to cartoons! Tom & Jerry or Donald Duck run 24/7. Perfect reason to book a room on a high floor and make lots of trips downstairs to explore all that Le Parker Meridien has to offer.

Blow into Sephora Times Square this Thursday to meet the man behind the Bravo hit series “Blowout” and to tune in to his new hair care line. Jonathan Antin, the renowned Hollywood hair stylist and star of “BLOWOUT”, Bravo TV’s hit reality show, will make a special appearance at Sephora in Times Square on Thursday July 7 from 4PM to 6PM. He’s stopping by to introduce his new line of hair care JONATHAN/product and will offer up some styling tips on how to get as he says: “celebrity hair without the drama.” Also, throughout the day hair prescriptions will be on hand from JONATHAN/product experts from 1PM to 7PM. Camera crews will be on hand as well since the filming of the second season of “Blowout” is now underway! So get over there to get your strands sleek enough for a close-up. “Blowout” airs on Bravo Tuesday’s at 9PM.

Sephora Times Square
1500 Broadway #304
New York, NY 10036
Cross-Streets: On Broadway between West 43rd & 44th Street

Truer words have never been spoken and they happen to be prime descriptors for New York City’s Le Parker Meridien Hotel. Soaring 42 stories above West 57th Street, two blocks from Central Park, half a block from Carnegie Hall and just a short cab ride from Times Square, the combination Gothic-Modern hotel is definitely in a prime location.

The rooms are average to above in size with a more utilitarian, contemporary approach (think Scandinavia house-IKEA hybrid) than other hotels in the area…which is a good thing if you prefer clean lines and minimalist surroundings, but might leave you a bit disappointed if you’re looking for the opulence of other high end Manhattan hotels. Rooms also come equipped with high-speed internet, work desks, flat-screen TV with VCR/CD/DVD players. The bathroom area follows the same no-frills theme, with ample space and limited decor.

What the rooms lack in grandeur, the hotel makes up for in hospitality. The room service menu is ample and amusing and the folks running that division of the hotel were extremely helpful and friendly. Le Parker Meridien boasts some very well known restaurants, too. Norma’s is a favorite breakfast hangout of celebs and high profile New Yawkas, and with good reason. This is definitely one of the best breakfast places in the city. The Burger Joint, often rated as NYC’s best hamburger spot, is located on the hotel’s ground floor. For fabulous French cuisine, Seppi’s combines classic and modern culinary influences and evokes the charm of old New York and Paris.

Other great things about the hotel include Gravity, a 15,000-square-foot health club with a glass-enclosed rooftop pool and spa services. Le Parker Meridien also allows pets weighing 35 lbs or less; just remember to advise your booking agent when you book your room. And…ready for this one? Every time you step on the elevator you’re treated to cartoons! Tom & Jerry or Donald Duck run 24/7. Perfect reason to book a room on a high floor and make lots of trips downstairs to explore all that Le Parker Meridien has to offer.