Don’t listen to the haters–New York is the greatest city on earth (at least this month, it is)! Believe it or not, Manhattan is still vibrating after the Knicks won the 2026 NBA championship. You may have ingested the intoxicating imagery drenching everyone’s Instagram For You pages with Jalen Brunson, “New York or Nowhere,” and raucous block parties that somehow blend the worlds of a random friend from camp celebrating on her stoop within the same vicinity as Jon Stewart and Timmy Chalamet. Anything is possible in New York.
Any day spent walking in New York, is the best day for Deb. After moving to the city in 1979 and spending her most formative years at Conde Nast among many other iconic names alike, NYC will always have her heart. Fortunately, two of her four kids live in NYC, so she has two great excuses to hop on the train from DC whenever she likes. And Deb is packing LIGHT when she visits. We’re talking one bag with an Original Deano folded inside for anything she wants to bring back home. An Original Deano in Fleetwood Black (with a custom Puck portrait) is just what a gal needs to keep things classy and packable. Plus, you can fit a small to medium sized dog in a Deano, which is perfect if you find yourself needing to take your dog on the subway…We’ll let you research the leash laws.
Deb is a firm believer that the spooky time between mid-June and Labor Day Weekend, is the ideal–if not perfect—time to visit. The tourists are in Italy, and the elites are all out east with Ina Garten and Bethenny Frankel. With chill vibes and slightly less busy streets, it’s the perfect time to pop up there and spend a few dreamy days wandering around. Looking for an agenda? Here’s Deb’s perfect day in the city. And we're not kidding, she actually referred to this as her “perfect” day a week ago.
Ok, so things are going to start off with an AM coffee and pastry at Sant Ambroeus. Though Deb’s not a coffee drinker, she loves a tea and a croissant, and Gib(son) will grab a latte after essentially completing an Ironman in one of his classes. Here, at the cafe, they can game plan and draft a loose agenda. Very loose. And no need to do anything crazy breakfast or coffee-wise, just a little fuel before you get to marchin’.
Whether Deb’s across the pond or stateside, Dover Street Market will always be that girl. It’s her favorite concept store, and she has to make a visit any time she’s nearby. If Deb is the painter, then the contents of this store are her paints? Or her brushes? Not quite sure on that analogy, but this is where Deb chugs from the fount of inspiration. Textures, patterns, and colors flood her mind’s eye, and she reaches a euphoric state. She has to window shop at ABC Carpet to manage the comedown on the way to lunch. We recommend you find your Dover Street. Go somewhere that inspires and delights. Whether it's MoMA or a matinee, find your inner artist.
Lunch is usually some delicious Italian, since it’s so versatile. There are light things, decadent items for sharing, and, of course, a sweet at the end. La Pecora Bianca hits the spot as usual with salads and pastas for strength. This is when Deb can refuel and enjoy some topnotch people watching across the street. Everyone is in the insane line at Caffe Panna. It’s not just ice cream, it’s iconic. But Deb’s not waiting in any line, and studying strangers is a sweet enough reward.
It’s late afternoon and more walking ensues, but this time, we’re popping into dressing rooms to try something on, we’re picking up dishes at Fishs Eddy and debating taking new plates home on the train and making acquaintances with the other patrons. It’s New York City! We’re all friends here!
The early evening dusk is dawning, and Deb’s figurative dogs are barkin’ (tbh the dogs at home might be barking too). Time to eat, laugh, and catch up with Gibson and Tucker at Thai Diner. Satisfied with savory and delicious food and company, Deb and the guys can rest their heads knowing their day in the city was good. It was better than good. And tomorrow will bring colorful adventures as well.
