Watch out: This post contains spoilers.
We’ve got “Laguna Beach” and “The Hills” covered, so you can be sure we’re going to give you the lowdown on the places seen in the spinoff “The City” on MTV. The first two episodes made us wonder if we were watching the Food Network — most of the action takes place in restaurants and cafes in New York City. We’ve identified some of the places spotted in the first two episodes and tried to track down some news you can use to consider whether to visit these hotspots.
The night of Whitney Port’s first day at her new job, she meets (semi?)bf Jay to eat al fresco at Nero in the trendy Meatpacking District (46 Gansevoort Street). You might make it a mid-day date with the prix fixe lunch menu — score an appetizer, entree, and dessert for $14. Yelp users give generally good reviews to this Italian restaurant with a four-star average.
Tension later builds between Jay and Whitney over whether Jay will join Whitney at co-worker Olivia’s dinner party. The discussion goes down at the Cornelia Street Cafe (29 Cornelia Street). Whit and Jay didn’t focus on the food, but if you’re going for eats, try the weekend brunch special; for $17, it comes with a cocktail. You can also head inside for occasional jazz, blues, and poetry performances. Yelp users handed down four stars.
In the next episode, Whitney confronts Jay about cheating at the bistro and tapas bar Cafe Noir (32 Grand Street). We hope you have a happier conversation as you dine on the reasonably priced Express Lunch menu. If you stop by late night (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), you’ll find a DJ performing every day of the week.
Alex and Jay nearly come to blows at Tenjune, a high-profile club in the Meatpacking District (26 Little West 12th Street). We haven’t been, but many Yelp reviewers say they love it and others say they hate it. If you’ve been to Tenjune or any of the places featured in this post, let us know what you think by commenting below or emailing editors@livethemovies.com.
In the series’ 11th episode, drama abounds for Whitney as Olivia takes credit for her work at DVF and Allie informs her that Jay was up all night with his ex, Danielle. At the beginning of the episode, Whit and Jay discuss their living-together situation at Double Crown in Greenwich Village, at 316 Bowery. The New York Times calls it “very good” and “an intensely pleasant place to hang out.” There’s no way to misinterpret that! Though a bit pricey – it’ll probably run you at least $30 for dinner and a drink - it’s supposed to be a great place for groups, so gather your favorite party people and make a night of it!
It’s at Rayuela, at 165 Allen Street on the Lower East Side, that Whitney confides in gal pals Allie, Samantha, and Erin that she is struggling to put up with both Olivia and Jay, and that she thinks her romance may not have a future. The Freestyle Latino eatery, a New York Magazine Critics’ Pick, is said to have a cool vibe and great food. But while some visitors raved about the atmosphere and menu, others complained about wait time and slow service – the reviews are mixed for sure. You’ll have to decide if the ambiance and mouth-watering menu are worth the wait!
Whitney has an unnerving dinner with Jay at Joe’s Ginger, at 25 Pell Street in Chinatown. The Shanghai cuisine here is very popular, and also much cheaper than most of the restaurants Whitney and crew frequent! It received 3.5 stars on Yelp.
Finally, Whit and Allie do lunch at Amy’s Bread in Hell’s Kitchen on Ninth Ave, where Allie informs Whitney that Jay was up all night with his ex Danielle. We’re hoping that the organic breads and scrumptious pastries soothed Whit’s tears just a little bit.
Got your own ideas about these NYC spots? Be heard by commenting below or emailing editors@livethemovies.com.
- Story by Bobby Guerette and Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editors
