Persistence of Memory

Jul 6, 2012 By Smith & Ratliff in New York 3 Comments Tags: bikes, summer, the high line

As biking in the city becomes even more prevalent, the number of bikes left behind by their owners seems to have increased. Nearly every street you walk down has at least one bike that has either been run over, had parts stolen from it or otherwise been abandoned by its owner.

We spotted this bike underneath the High Line recently and noticed the resemblance to Dalí’s Persistence of Memory. The back tire seems to be surreally bending—perhaps melting amidst the heat wave.

We’ve been fascinated by these bike graves for awhile now, so in the upcoming weeks we’re going to document some of the more interesting of bicycles we come across.

- Ryan

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

Apr 3, 2012 By Smith & Ratliff in Living, New York 6 Comments Tags: birthdays, holidays, meatpacking district, spring, the high line, the standard hotel, west village

It’s hard to believe that exactly one year ago yesterday, we made our first post on this blog. Now, one year later, we’re celebrating not only that milestone, but also Ryan’s birthday.

Last year, we posted up in the Ace Hotel for the night and enjoyed a birthday celebration that we thought for sure would be tough to top. Dare I say that we did?

Continuing with the tradition of a staycation, we decided to stay at The Standard this year. The Standard is perched over the High Line, with amazing views of the city and the Hudson River (and it’s within walking distance from our apartment!).

Upon checking into our 16th floor room, we were greeted with expansive views of lower Manhattan and the Hudson River. It was truly breathtaking. In fact, we’ve decided we much prefer the downtown view to the slightly obstructed uptown one.

After lounging around our room (and gawking at the ultra-sleek and voyeuristic bathroom), we enjoyed a delicious slice of cheesecake and a few cocktails at the bar downstairs before it was time for dinner.

For dinner, we dodged the light rain and trekked a few blocks south of the hotel to Recette, a place I had been dying to try and thought Ryan would enjoy. It exceeded both of our expectations by far and has now likely earned a regular rotation. What a charming, inventive and fun restaurant—we both couldn’t recommend it more highly.

After dinner, we returned to the hotel to enjoy a bottle of wine that Ryan selected for his special day.

Exhausted from the excitement, we fell into bed and awoke the next morning to a crisp, clear morning and that breathtaking view. After grabbing a latte from the new Blue Bottle Coffee location on 15th Street, we relaxed in our room before heading to one last birthday surprise… A very special lunch.

To be continued…

- Laura

Not Your Standard Ice Rink

Nov 29, 2011 By Smith & Ratliff in Living, New York 5 Comments Tags: ice skating, meatpacking district, the high line, the standard hotel, winter

Holiday ice skating in the city can be a lovely winter tradition, but if you skate in touristy areas like Central Park and Rockefeller Center, dodging that many people can put a deep freeze on your memory-making.

Recently, however, a new option has opened up downtown that offers a more local-friendly vibe for your future holiday reminiscences.

The ice rink at The Standard Hotel, nestled just underneath the High Line on Washington Street near 14th Street, is tiny but somehow never packed.

Kids can skate alongside their parents or with a skate instructor. (The rink offers half-hour lessons throughout the day.) Skate rentals are also available in case you aren’t a professional skater, although a few of the kids we spotted must be!

After crashing into the wall a dozen times, you just might be in need of a pick me up.

Luckily, the hotel has a chic “après-skate” hut called the Koffeehaus where you can treat yourself to both sweet and savory crêpes or waffles along with cold weather favorites like rich hot chocolate (in three flavors) and, of course, coffee.

If you’ve hit the ice extra hard, you can pay $4 more to spike your beverage with bourbon or Irish cream.

The Standard is also planning ice hockey tournaments, fashion shows and other holiday joys out on the ice, all of which we plan on enjoying without having to fight our way through the crowds first.

Laura just might need to take lessons first, though!

- Ryan

Fall Vignettes: The High Line Winds Down

Nov 22, 2011 By Smith & Ratliff in Living, New York 9 Comments Tags: chelsea, fall, meatpacking district, photos, the high line, vignettes

Winter seems to be fast approaching in the city—but only sometimes.

At times the temperature feels like it has taken a nose dive, then suddenly it will be warm again, with sunny blue skies. The weather can’t make up its mind about which season we’re in.

Grateful for some blue sky, Laura and I grabbed some coffee and made our way over to the High Line to take one more walk across before it gets really chilly out.

Over the summer, the park was exploding with wild growth.

But this time of the year gives way to more bare branches, nonetheless still stunning with plenty of ochre and burnt umber shades. (And the park remains packed as always, regardless of season or weather.)

We’ve loved watching the High Line transform through every season this year, but we already can’t wait to see spring’s chartreuse buds fill the branches.

- Ryan

David Byrne’s Tight Spot

Sep 22, 2011 By Smith & Ratliff in New York, Style 3 Comments Tags: art, chelsea, david byrne, the high line

Lately, if you’ve taken a walk on the High Line or walked around Chelsea, you might have heard a strange rumbling coming from the ground. (And no, it’s not another earthquake.)

Following the bizarre noises leads you to the Pace Gallery’s new space on W. 25th Street, directly below the High Line. The dirt lot is now home to a 48-foot wide inflatable globe, installed by David Byrne, crammed underneath the High Line’s trestle.

Byrne’s installation gives a new meaning to the saying “let the world pass you by.” Now—or at least until October 1—you can pass the world by on 25th Street.

- Laura and Ryan