NYC Holiday Window Dislplays and the Food Hall at the Plaza

'Tis The Season!

It's not just a tourist thing, many New Yorkers have made window shopping a part of their annual holiday rituals. But if you are a tourist and want to splurge on very regal accommodations, check
out the Lotte NewYork Palace Hotel.

Lord & Taylor

Traditionally, I like to start with the best - Lord & Taylor (@ 5th Ave between 38th and 39th Streets) and work my way along 5th Ave, soaking up all of the creativity the stores pour into their holiday window dressings, and then arrive at the huge visual finale - Bergdorf Goodman (@ 5th Ave between 57th and 58th Streets.)

Lord & Taylor

Lord & Taylor

The next must see is Rockefeller Center, the ice skaters down on the rink and of course the tree.

Ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza with the tree in the background.

Radio City Music Hall

Okay, okay...so I strayed one avenue west to see Radio City Music Hall. But back to 5th Ave and a view of the tree (@5th Ave between 49th and 50st Streets.)

The Tree at Rockefeller Center

Across the street is  Saks Fifth Avenue and wow, did they surpass previous seasons for over the top window displays depicting celebrations (maybe debauchery) gone wild.

And on the outside of their building was an incredible light and sound show.

Saks

DIZZY NOTE: For those of us with compromised balance issues, if you want to enjoy the 5th Ave window display crawl, understand that it's very popular therefore it's incredibly crowded with tons of people who are not looking where they are going. And when you want to view a window, don't do it while walking. Come to a complete stop. Turn your whole body towards the exhibit and enjoy. I know it sounds simple but it's easy to forget.

Next block up, it's always festive to step into Saint Patrick's Cathedral. (This pic was taken earlier in the day just so you could see how beautiful the Cathedral is looking.)

Finally, completion of its restoration is over and this gem of a Neo-Gothic structure is gleaming.

Walking north to 56th Street we admired Dolce & Gabbana's display, which was a feast for the eyes.

And then up to 57th Street is the iconic Tiffany & Company.

Tiffany & Company

The building looks like a giant gingerbread house. It's really hard to see Tiffany's jewels in these pics but they were presented in these beautiful model theatres.

And across the Avenue is the always exciting and in my mind, the winner year after year of all the displays, Bergdorf Goodman.

The entire window display was covered in Swarovski crystals and the most amazing bead-work.

After an exhausting and stimulating crawl up 5th Ave, we turned the corner at 58th Street and there's the Plaza Hotel. No, I wasn't going to book a room but, on a tip, I was encouraged to explore the Plaza Food Hall. The entrance is located on the 59th Street side of the hotel and it's underground where the beloved Trader Vic's once held court.

The Plaza Food Hall

At the helm is of this three year venture is Todd English and his restaurant.

You pass through a beautiful bookstore before you enter the restaurant. I was amazed at how large  and well planned out the space was. Based upon European style food halls, there are over 20 kiosks, shops, and restaurants to choose from. There's Luke's Lobster . . .

Luke's Lobster

Tartinery

Kumsi Tea

 And Olma's Cavier Boutique and Bar, which I must return to experience.

 
There are too many restaurants and shops to mention them all but we did decide upon a light dinner at Vin Sur Vingt wine bar and restaurant.

 

Choosing from the combination of les fromages et charcuteries . . .

we paired the delicious serving with glasses of their Vin de France Provence - Le Grand Blanc. The liver mousse is the best I've ever tasted in New York City.

I'm very excited to go back to the Food Hall and thank you to all the creatives who put together this year's amazing holiday window displays. Truly one of the best seasons.

My gingerbread house is made...

 now to get the Christmas tree!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!