Category: Blog

Since 1898, the National Arts Club has celebrated cultural life in America. Committed to stimulating and developing public interest in the arts, the club is home to an expansive American arts collection and also hosts programs on painting and sculpture, literature, film, architecture, fashion, photography, and music.

Emerging from a need for American artists at the turn of the 20^th century to look to their own country for inspiration rather than to Europe, the newly formed National Arts Club took up residence in a mansion on West 34^th Street. After quickly outgrowing the house, the Club moved in 1906 to the Tilden Mansion at 14 and 15 Gramercy Park South. The Club purchased the house from Samuel Tilden who, after losing the 1876 presidential race, had turned his attention to redesigning and joining the two addresses into what they are today.

During the Tilden renovations, famed architect of Central Park, Calvert Vaux, was brought on for the redesign. Vaux modernized the façade of the mansion with sandstone and added bay windows and ornamentation in the Aesthetic Movement style. In addition to Vaux, sculptors were also brought in to create elaborate fireplaces and bookcases, and doors and stained glass panels were installed. A unique stained glass dome designed for Tilden’s library still crowns the room, which has been turned into the National Arts Club’s bar.

The combined houses became a meeting ground for a long list of renowned artists. Club members have included three U.S. presidents as well as many famed American artists. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission declared the conjoined mansions at 15 Gramercy Park South a landmark in 1966. A decade later, the federal government designated the building a National Historic Landmark. Although a secret tunnel within the famed structure has not yet been found, rumors have persisted for over a century that Tilden had one built to allow for a quick escape if necessary.

Today, the Club welcomes members and non-members alike and has become an attraction for both local Gramercy Park condo residents as well as tourists. Public sketching and drawing classes are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and special events commend leaders in the arts through exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, lectures, and readings. All four of the Club’s galleries are open to the public during the week, with each having a unique focus. Currently the Grand Gallery and Gregg Gallery are home to works of the Russian American Foundation, while the Marquis Gallery is hosting the work of Marela Zacarias, who specializes in combining painting and sculpture. And in the spirit of celebrating the 225^th anniversary of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the Trask Gallery is currently hosting the exhibition, Courtroom Art: Eyewitness for the Public.

It’s easy to see why the National Arts Club is popular among those living in Gramercy Park condos. In addition to its classes and special events programming, the Club also hosts a dining room and bar that are open during the week by reservation for members as well as guests of members, and gallery space that can be rented for private events. For more information about the National Arts Club, visit: http://www.nationalartsclub.org.

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They say opposites attract, and certainly this seems to be the case with luxury Gramercy apartments 88 and 90 Lexington Avenue. Their addresses may be nearly identical, but these two buildings embody the aesthetics of two distinct periods in architectural history, one honoring the classical past, the other embodying the mid-century enthusiasm for all things pared-down and modern. But they have much in common, too, not just in their shared location, but in the timelessness of their livable interiors. So which is for you? Take a closer look and decide if you’re an “88 Lex” or a “90 Lex” at heart.

From the Outside

Built in 1927, 88 Lexington Avenue has seen much of Manhattan grow up around it. The classic Art Deco limestone building captures the proportions and style of the golden age of skyscrapers. Nineteen stories tall, it has all the geometric curves and details of the era with none of the fussy ornament associated with the Beaux-Arts “wedding cake” apartment houses that came before it. Art Deco was just one manifestation of the machine age, in which designers married the aesthetics of power and progress with the materials that signified cosmopolitan luxury, from snakeskin and mother-of-pearl to marble and limestone. The late 1920s were a period of sophisticated fun paired with innovation in the worlds of music, fashion, contemporary art, and design. If 88 Lex was an article of clothing, it would probably be Coco Chanel’s understated “little black” day dress from 1927, the instant classic that remains the go-to choice for chic women nearly a century later. There is something about it that never seems to go out of style. Time has been good to 88 Lex, too: its exterior is in superb condition, allowing its clean, geometric design to take center stage.

By contrast, 90 Lexington Avenue is newer, more compact, and more geometric than its next-door neighbor, with larger windows that flood the building’s interiors with natural light. Built in 1958 at the peak of high modernism in America, the structure hails from a time when designers were ready to leave ornament and decoration behind and let architectural form speak for itself. Immediately following the back-to-back traumas of the Great Depression and World War II, designers and architects became eager to try something original in order to fully move on from the baggage of the preceding decades and centuries. Modernism represented the way forward. This meant no frills, no scrolls, no arches, just the space and geometric framework needed to create a home that could be filled with personalized color and character.

Home furnishings from this period, from the lively fabrics of Alexander Girard to the furniture of Charles and Ray Eames and Henry Miller, demonstrated a love of color and a well-developed sense of play perfectly suited for the blank interiors provided by the creations of Modernist architects. Modernist architecture wasn’t stuffy, it was just setting the stage for the vibrant textiles, ceramics, art, photography, and fashion that would fill its sleek, unadorned spaces. Indeed, if 90 Lex were a cherished outfit, it would probably be a cool 1957 Balenciaga sack dress ready for a dramatic Art Smith necklace to accompany it.

From the Inside

Inside 88-90 Lex, some of the elements these two buildings have in common can be see in their shared lobby, which reflects a successful convergence of Art Deco and post-war Modernism. Shared as well are their amenities such as the pool and gym, private cinema, and concierge service. The interiors of 88-90 Lex residences reveal a graceful blending of styles in bold, stone-surfaced kitchens, high-ceilinged open-plan layouts, and generous proportions in everything from bathtubs to master bedroom suites. While the understated décor is beautiful on its own, it also invites a new owner’s touch in the form of the color choices, fabrics, art, and distinctive decorative items that make each home unique.

Some of New York City’s most storied taverns are located just a stone’s throw from 88 & 90 Lexington Avenue. For those luxury condo residents who relish the neighborhood’s layered sense of history, these three historic bars offer superb cocktails and beers on tap—along with an authentic glimpse into Gramercy’s elegant and fascinating past.

Pete’s Tavern | 129 East 18th Street
Pete’s Tavern, the oldest operating saloon in New York City, was established in 1864  and just happens to be the place where O. Henry penned his famous short story, “The Gift of the Magi.” During prohibition in the 1920s, Pete’s survived as a speakeasy by disguising itself as a florist. Having outlasted Tammany Hall, the stock market crash of 1929, and countless other New York adventures, Pete’s continues to serve classic Italian food and well-mixed cocktails while providing a welcoming, neighborly atmosphere.

Molly’s | 287 3rd Avenue
Though there are plenty of Irish bars to be found throughout the boroughs of NYC, not all of them offer what you might call an authentic Emerald Isle experience. Molly’s on 3rd Avenue, though, comes pretty close. Guests here will find a shingled roof, door lanterns, and a sawdust-covered floor, a wooden bar, wrought iron chandeliers, and – of course – Guinness on tap. The bartenders even have lilting accents to match. Molly’s has been lauded by New York’s food and drink press, so it gets plenty of tourist traffic, but it deftly welcomes newcomers while making neighborhood regulars feel right at home. The food is traditional Irish pub fare like shepherd’s pie and steak that’s best approached with a hearty appetite. On a crisp fall evening, the wood-burning fireplace and robust selection of Irish whiskey are warm and welcoming. “This is the center of coziness,” says Time Out New York, “and the center is holding.”

Rose Bar | 2 Lexington Avenue
If you’ve been re-reading The House of Mirth and find yourself craving a little taste of New York’s horse-drawn carriage days, you’ll find elegant sanctuary at the Gramercy Park Hotel’s Rose Bar. An inviting mix of historic and contemporary is always on tap here thanks to an elaborate marble fireplace and coffered ceilings alongside décor by Julian Schnabel and a very of-the-moment cocktail list. The Gramercy Park Hotel is steeped in New York cultural significance, having housed the Kennedy family, David Mamet, and Bob Dylan as well as out-of-town members of the original Saturday Night Live cast. Late Show music director emeritus Paul Shaffer even lived at Gramercy Park Hotel for sixteen years. Impressive yet inviting, Rose Bar is a favorite neighborhood stop that will remind you why so many long to call Gramercy home.

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As a well-known culinary and retail hub, the Flatiron District is one of the ideal locations in Manhattan to spend a leisurely Sunday while the weather is still warm enough for a stroll. Numerous tempting brunch options beckon, and there are a range of shops from small, focused boutiques to large retail meccas. Let’s start with the brunch options and then move on to shopping:

Sunday Brunch

Almond | 12 East 22nd Street
This small but rather renowned American bistro has a decidedly down-to-earth, rustic aesthetic that serves as the perfect setting for its satisfying fare. Their brioche French toast is expertly prepared with walnuts, cranberries, and bananas that add to the sweetness without overpowering the dish, and their omelettes are fresh and light. There’s even a billiards room in the back and some outdoor seating in good weather.

L’Express | 249 Park Ave South
The French know how to do breakfast and brunch, and L’Express proves this point. The interior of this charming, European-style bistro is casual but not overtly so, and the vibe is sophisticated without being stuffy. There are always fresh flowers arranged throughout the space, and the menu features traditional brunch options prepared to perfection. In addition, they offer three types of hand-prepared, savory and spicy Bloody Marys—one of which includes muddled jalapenos for that perfect kick.

Millesime | 92 Madison Avenue
Millesime’s brunch has cultivated quite a reputation in the Flatiron/Gramercy area due not only to the quality of the food but to the “unlimited punch” brunch option. Dining fare includes a blueberry-apple-mascarpone French toast sandwich, a short rib sandwich, and a duck liver parfait. And for $29, you can indulge in the bottomless punch brunch featuring their well-known Cassis and Cranberry Punch.

Sunday Shopping

agnès b. | 13 East 16th Street
Since opening her first shop in Paris in 1975, Agnès Andrée Marguerite Troublé has been designing meticulously well-crafted and classic clothing that adheres more to a time-tested aesthetic than a flavor-of-the-month approach. Her designs are chic and current, favoring sophisticated hues of gray, black, white, and navy as well as the occasional cheery sailor stripe.

Pas De Deux | 328 East 11th Street
Pas De Deux features a range of lines from both emerging and established designers from around the world. Its large and well-curated inventory ensures a brief perusal through the space will land one with an armful of intriguing discoveries. Moreover, the store caters to a crowd of diverse tastes, offering a nice balance between classic looks and more avant-garde, on-trend pieces.

Madewell | 115 5th Avenue
Madewell has risen through the ranks over the past few years to become a mainstay of women’s fashion.  Known for their flannel patterns and casual yet preppy aesthetic, the brand has expanded considerably, making a trip to one of its retail stores an engaging experience. The 5th Avenue location is a large, two-story space that houses their famous jeans as well as sweaters, jackets, shoes, bags, dresses, and accessories.

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Each of the impressive new Gramercy condos at 88 & 90 Lexington boasts its own unique charm. Although the buildings now essentially function as one entity and share a spacious new lobby, aesthetically they are still quite distinct. 88 Lexington Avenue was built in 1927 with classic, Beaux-Arts proportions, while 90 Lex was built in 1958 and exemplifies the best of postwar Modernism. Despite their individual elegance and architectural character, together these two classic buildings form a striking pair. Their fully redesigned residences, which feature open floor plans, high ceilings, and large windows that provide an abundance of natural light, can accommodate just about any scheme – or combination of approaches – when it comes to interior design. Known in New York’s design community as a top source for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, the Gramercy neighborhood boasts more than a few popular shops dedicated to helping homeowners find the perfect antiques to make their homes their own. Here are just a few of the best.

Showplace Antique + Design Center | 40 West 25th Street The Showplace Antique + Design Center may require more than one visit. With over 150 individual antiques shops featured here, treasures from a variety of periods and styles are on offer on any given day. This makes the Showplace Antique + Design Center a fine place to visit if you wish to develop an eye for antiques, learn to assess quality, and achieve a nuanced sense of your own style. A mid-century glass Venini chandelier might be the perfect complement to a Nakashima dining table or even an Art Nouveau sideboard, but often it takes seeing such works in person to understand just how such combinations might work. Browsing the vast array of goods here is like strolling through a three-dimensional idea board for your luxury condo.

Olde Good Things | 149 Madison Avenue Olde Good Things, one of the original architectural salvage firms dedicated to saving beautiful marble, metal, and carved wood elements from 19th-century buildings, has been doing such work since long before it became trendy. They also sell antiques, specializing in the last quarter of the 19th century through World War II. With multiple locations in New York and other cities, Olde Good Things still keeps its large, atmospheric Gramercy location filled with lovely vintage pieces. Fabulous Art Deco furniture and accessories, Arts and Crafts dining tables and armoires, Renaissance Revival sconces and chandeliers, and Victorian clocks come together to create unique combinations that are perfect for those who like to connect distinct styles from different time periods.

Gramercy Vintage Furniture | 61 Gramercy Park North For 25 years, Gramercy Vintage Furniture has cultivated a reputation for offering a remarkably wide range of furniture and antiques from every decade stretching back to the 1800s. Goods on offer here include furniture from East Asia, carpets from the Middle East, and prints and drawings from Europe and America. You might find an early 19th-century chest-on-chest, a 1970s-glam desk, or just about anything in between as you browse through this inviting shop.

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Manhattan has a rich cocktail culture that dates back to the post-Prohibition era, and downtown Manhattan in particular is home to some of the oldest taverns and pubs around. These venerable distilled-spirit institutions have survived for over a century in an industry that can be very fickle, an achievement on its own. But beyond simply surviving, many of these bars have managed to thrive while remaining relatively unchanged. Only a few blocks from these historic watering holes stand the stunning NoMad condos at 88 & 90 Lexington Avenue. Much like the famed pubs nearby, 88 and 90 Lex, which were built in the 1920s and 1950s, respectively, are prime examples of the timeless style that certain NYC landmarks exude. Here are the top three historic bars and taverns located near 88 & 90 Lex.

Pete’s Tavern | 129 East 18th Street

Pete’s Tavern is an official New York historical landmark and – according to its owners – one of the oldest continually operating bars in the entire city. Founded in 1864, the bar was allegedly disguised as a flower shop during Prohibition. Pete’s has the classic pub feel thanks to its long wooden bar along one wall and booths on the other as well as glass display cases that house relics from its early days. It also boasts a classic tin ceiling and walls adorned with framed photos of famous patrons who have visited the pub through the decades. Pete’s is a fully-functioning historical landmark that has stood the test of time without changing much of anything.

Old Town Bar and Restaurant | 45 East 18th Street

Old Town Bar and Restaurant in the Flatiron District served its first cask more than 120 years ago. Owners claim the bar has been in continuous operation since 1892, which would put it right behind Pete’s as one of the oldest in the city. Old Town also possesses a degree of Gilded Age charm that is hard to match. As soon as you enter, you can’t help but notice the tin-tiled ceiling and the absolutely massive mahogany bar lining the wall. A total of 55 feet in length, the bar is undoubtedly the star attraction of the interior. Much like Pete’s, Old Town has that quintessential tavern feel that is at once familiar and welcoming. Thanks to its ambiance, Old Town has been featured in numerous films and was part of the Late Night with David Letterman show’s opening montage for over a decade.

McSorley’s | 15 East 7th Street

Head a few blocks south and you’ll come across one of Manhattan’s most storied ale houses, McSorley’s. Open since 1854, McSorley’s is as disarmingly bare-bones as it gets. You have two options here: McSorley’s Dark Ale or McSorley’s Light Ale. That’s it. Their beers are served two at a time, in small glass mugs, and the bar-backs can carry up to 20 drinks with just their fingers. Various eye-catching antiques line the walls, and there are gas lamps throughout. A collection of wishbones on display are said to have been hung by locals before they went off to fight in World War II. McSorley’s is likely the best option for having a true throwback pub experience in NYC, as a visit here provides a true glimpse into the past.

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Bolstered by the recent grand reopening of New York City’s legendary Rizzoli Bookstore, resident readers of 88 & 90 Lex will find no shortage of great bookshops near their new condos. Here’s a look at that legendary bookstore’s fresh start, as well as two other nearby institutions that are ideal for insatiable readers and collectors of rare and antique tomes alike.

Rizzoli Bookstore | 1133 Broadway

It’s known as the most beautiful bookstore in New York, and a visit to Rizzoli will soon show you why. Set inside a six-story Broadway townhouse, Rizzoli is a veritable palace for any bookworm. An arched Diocletian window draws you in and, once inside, you’ll find yourself walking along a black and white marble floor beneath stately cast iron chandeliers and an ornately vaulted ceiling. Cherub-filled frescoes even line the store’s perimeter. If all that’s not enough to make you feel as though you’ve arrived in book heaven, Rizzoli’s selection of titles surely will. Illustrated books are the specialty here, with fashion, interior design, art, architecture, photography, and general design all well represented. The expansive collection also includes books on languages as well as magazines and newspapers from all over the world. With more than 50 years of history, Rizzoli isn’t just an NYC institution—it’s an adventure every time you visit.

B&B Rare Books | 30 East 20th Street

Step into the world of B&B Rare Books, where it feels as though the eReader was never invented. Antique, hardback volumes are the name of the game here, with a particular focus on American literature, modern first editions, Victorian literature, poetry, mystery, and detective fiction. Treat a loved one to a 1906 copy of The Poems of Thomas Love Peacock, or go all out with a first edition of Ian Fleming’s Diamonds are Forever, original dust jacket and all. There’s also a wonderful selection of children’s literature full of enticing gift ideas for young family members. Joshua Mann and Sunday Steinkirchner, the book-loving store owners, will add the personal touch of a neighborhood bookshop by pointing you in the direction of your next favorite read.

Potterton Books | 200 Lexington Avenue

Looking for décor inspiration for your new condo? Head to the fourth floor of the New York Design Center, and Potterton Books will provide all the muse you need. This compact, expertly curated bookstore is stocked with titles on textiles and furniture, period styles, and landscape designs. Handsome, lushly illustrated books such as Nicky Haslam: A Designer’s Life; Jeffrey Bilhuber: American Master; The Givenchy Style; and Swarovski: Fashion, Performance, Jewelry and Designmake for coffee table books you’ll delight in poring over for decades. As a special treat for yourself or for a very good friend, we recommend the set of six diaries penned between 1922 and 1974 by the great photographer, interior designer, and gadabout Cecil Beaton. Now there was a man who never wanted for inspiration.

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88 & 90 Lexington, two luxury Gramercy condos that share an inviting lobby, reside in close proximity to numerous cultural venues and restaurants of note. They occupy an area of Manhattan once known as “Rose Hill.” Running roughly from 25th to 30th Streets and Fifth to Third Avenues, Rose Hill is now thought of as a part of NoMad. Those familiar with its rich history, however, know the spirit of Rose Hill is still alive and well…if you know where to look.

Rose Hill Historic House (218 East 25th Street)

Rose Hill Historic House is the obvious first destination for those who are curious about Rose Hill’s past. With an exterior that looks more like a quaint farmhouse, it’s one of the few wooden structures still standing in New York. As part of a 131-acre area spanning East 21st Street through East 30th Street, the lot on which it stands was originally acquired by British loyalist John Watts in 1747. Naming the plot of land after the “Rose Hill Farm” he owned in Scotland, Watts gave the neighborhood its name as well. During the American Revolution, Watts was exiled from New York and forced to forfeit his land, and the main house he’d built on Rose Hill Farm was burned to the ground. In 1811, many parts of the property were parceled out to facilitate Manhattan’s grid system. Though it has never been officially designated as a historic landmark and its exact date of construction is unknown, Rose Hill Historic House is one of the oldest buildings in the city.

Madison Square (Corner of Madison Avenue and 26th Street)

Before Madison Square Garden moved to its current address, its original home in 1874 was at the corner of Madison Avenue and 26th Street. Although the structure wasn’t known as MSG until 1879, by that time it had already hosted entertainment activities ranging from circus shows and beauty contests to its modern staple of musical concerts. With a seating capacity of 10,000, Madison Square Garden’s original location was home to many significant firsts in U.S. history: the first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and one of the country’s first indoor ice rinks. Even an Olympic discipline was named after it, as track cycling (Madison) was regularly featured there.

Appellate Division Courthouse of New York State (35 East 25th Street)

The Appellate Division Courthouse of New York State is a must-visit destination for art lovers. Designed by famed architect James Brown Lord, this limestone Beaux-Arts structure is widely considered one of the most beautiful courthouses in the country. Sixteen sculptors etched a series of Corinthian columns and sculptures with impressive details and precision around the courthouse. The roof alone boasts individual standing figure sculptures depicting historical, religious, and legendary lawmakers. The interior is no less impressive, as ten artists were commissioned (with the assistance of the National Society of Mural Painters) to create its allegorical murals. It’s no wonder that both the courthouse’s exterior and interior have been awarded landmark status, and its 2000 restoration has ensured that New York’s future will include this incredible nexus of art and architecture.

The luxury condominiums at 88 & 90 Lexington Avenue have some prestigious neighbors. At 7 East 27th Street, for example, boutique hotel The Evelyn has Tin Pan Alley roots and a storied past.

A Hotel with History

Since its opening in 1905, the hotel that is now The Evelyn has undergone numerous transformations. Named the Gershwin Hotel from 1992 to 2014 in honor of the famous brothers George and Ira Gershwin, native New Yorkers who together wrote some of the most popular songs of the 1920s and early 1930s, the unique establishment has been completely upgraded. Today, The Evelyn claims its historic “Tin Pan Alley” location with retro, artsy touches that honor its neighborhood’s musical heritage. While its bold, red exterior is accented by silver, teardrop-like sculptures, iPad-compatible gramophone players in its executive suites give a nod to the past while embracing modern technology. The result is a compelling combination of early-20th-century glitz with 21st-century pizazz. The Gershwins would definitely approve.

What was Tin Pan Alley?

Though the name of the district may have come from a somewhat derogatory description of the many pianos that used to play simultaneously here, Tin Pan Alley (which is centered on West 28th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues) was the hub of America’s music scene from about 1880 to the middle of the 20th century. In its prime, Tin Pan Alley was home to a plethora of songwriters, composers, and music publishing houses. Greats like the Gershwins as well as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and Scott Joplin changed the world from here with just pen, paper, and pianos. Classics like “God Bless America,” “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” and “Sweet Georgia Brown” were all written right in the area within a few blocks of each other.

What is Tin Pan Alley Now?

While much of the music that made Tin Pan Alley famous may have faded away with the advent of rock ‘n’ roll, the magic and creativity never really left. Current neighborhoods in the vicinity include Gramercy, NoMad, and the Flatiron District, all of which excite and delight with iconic architectural landmarks like the Flatiron Building, the Sohmer Piano Building, and the Met Life Tower. Musical performances include summer concerts in Union Square and Gramercy Park, and some of the finest places to eat and drink in Manhattan can be found nearby, whether one prefers the many Italian options of Eataly, the classics served up at the original Shake Shack, or the fine dining found at establishments such as Eleven Madison Park.

In the middle of all this action, The Evelyn offers an inviting escape for those who prefer to be centrally located while they enjoy the comforts of a well-appointed hotel room in a building that has been part of its community’s intriguing history for well over a century.

Upland  |  345 Park Avenue South

If you own a condo at 88 & 90 Lex, chances are you’ve already fallen in love with NYC and one of the greatest assets it possesses: its diversity. With its denizens hailing from and celebrating innumerable cultures, New York contains not only international restaurants, but regional American ones, too.

Take Upland, for example, a new restaurant from acclaimed chef Justin Smillie, who was born and raised in San Bernardino and is on a mission to bring you the taste of contemporary California cuisine with an NYC twist. The restaurant’s decor will transport you westward immediately: you’ll find yourself welcomed into a breezy, open space punctuated with natural oak, blown glass, and finishing touches of copper. On certain nights of the week, you might even be met by Smillie himself at one of his special events.

Brunch
If you’re in search of a satisfying Saturday brunch just a short stroll from your condo, Upland won’t let you down. If you’re in a devilish mood, choose the donuts with vanilla bean sea salt, almond, and gianduja, and follow them with the naughty-sounding “eggs in hell.” If you’re being better behaved, we’d suggest the farm egg omelette, made with Bulgarian feta and spinach. And of course, we recommend a glass of the Cava Brut Reserva as a weekend treat.

Lunch
Upland is an excellent venue for a work lunch. Order a tuna tartare to start, and move on to the signature Upland cheeseburger—a tower of grass fed beef, cheese, Peppadew peppers, and avocado. A bottle of Redbyrd Orchard “Workman Semi-Dry Cider,” made in the Finger Lakes, will pair perfectly.

Dinner
Upland really comes into its own with its multicourse dinner menu. Tease your palate with a Junmai Kimoto sake and seared sepia with spring peas, salami rosa, and smoked labneh. Then, try the classic Roman bucatini cacio e pepe, with its heaps of pecorino romano and cracked black pepper. For the main event, we love the epic Upland cioppino—a dish of clams, red shrimp, mussels, bass, lump crab, and other seafood—paired with one of the excellent white wines on the extensive list.

Still have room for dessert? The salted chocolate chip cookies with Battenkill milk, or chocolate orange budino will surely do the trick, along with a bottle of the sweet Fattoria Viticcio wine for good measure.

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