Jewellery designer Marla Aaron, known for her Harlem roots and unique Manhattan Lock creations, has spent decades exploring every corner of New York City. In this exclusive guide, she reveals her favourite destinations, meals, and secrets of the Big Apple.
Favourite Destination: New York City
Having travelled extensively and lived overseas in Spain and Argentina, Aaron declares New York City her ultimate favourite. 'It is the place I know best and the place I love the most. It is a part of me,' she says.
Favourite Meals
Aaron's list of favourite meals is extensive and varied. Highlights include a steak from Peter Luger; salmon, whitefish salad, and wasabi roe on a bagel from Russ & Daughters (eaten on a bench on the East River); cassoulet at Quatorze; the artichoke salad and Principessa cake at Sant Ambroeus; the Box of Dreams sushi at Hatsuhana; Couscous Royale at Maison Harlem; anything at Balthazar; an omelette at The Odeon; fried chicken with lima beans and collard greens at Charles Pan-Fried Chicken; eating at the bar at Caravaggio; and sliders in The Gallery at The Carlyle.
24 Hours in New York
If Aaron had only 24 hours, she would start at Grand Central Station, then head to 47th Street for its unique energy. She would walk downtown to the East Village, meander to the Lower East Side to visit her tailor of 30 years, Express Tailoring, with a stop at the New Museum. Then back uptown to Bergdorf Goodman for the Gotham Salad, followed by The Frick Collection, a walk through Central Park, and an early dinner at Café Sabarsky. For a special occasion, she would enjoy jazz at Tomi Jazz and stay at The Carlyle, with breakfast at Sant Ambroeus.
Three Favourite Restaurants
For something truly special, Aaron recommends Le Bernardin.
Unmissable Experience
Walking over the Williamsburg Bridge is a must-do, according to Aaron.
Hidden Gems
Aaron willingly shares her hidden gems: Jim's Shoe Repair for shoe fixes and custom platforms, and Belgian Shoes for custom colours. She also mentions Blue Tree for gifts and Zitomer Pharmacy for everyday needs.
Local Secrets
Aaron's favourite spot to let her hair down is the monkey bars at Marcus Garvey Park, where she trains with pull-ups and jump rope. She defines beauty as fitness and strength. For hair, she trusts Sophie Georgiou at Sharon Dorram for over 20 years.
Packing Essentials
Always carries a 'sick pouch' with remedies for colds, cuts, and fevers, plus a pair of Comme Des Garçons or Salomon sneakers. Her bag always contains a small bottle of Marc-Antoine Barrois Ganymede.
Song of the City
'Me and Julio Down by The School Yard' by Simon & Garfunkel reminds her of childhood in New York.
Dress Code
Dressed always: a great coat, perfect-fitting jeans, and comfortable platform shoes for walking.
Emergency Experience
Aaron had an emergency appendectomy in New York, praising the city's excellent doctors and hospitals.
Dream Home
She already lives in her dream building, but if not, she would choose The Carlyle.
Favourite Memory
From having her son to a date in Tompkins Square Park where she knew her husband was 'the one', and exploring 47th Street while starting her jewellery company, Aaron cherishes countless memories in New York.
