Locals' Picks #6 - Tips and advice from NYC locals - Soniya Khasgiwale
Exclusive insights and recs from NYC locals, showcasing their favorite spots, hidden gems in the city plus personal stories.
I love to rely on tips, recs and advice from locals when I travel - and I also appreciate that in my own city. Bringing other people's perspectives is a win-win: I can learn a lot, and you can learn as well. New York City is such a huge city, with so many things to do and places to explore and I believe every person has their "Tiny Apple” and why not taking a slice of that?
Meet Soniya Khasgiwale - you can follow her on her business page @dwellistic and we would chat more about it in a bit - an interior designer and stylist. Soniya is originally from India, and she has been living in New York City for 8 years. I met Soniya through a friend in common - Sarah - and I love our conversations. She is so sweet and and incredible professional. So happy to have her here sharing her tips and recs!
What are your top 3 favorite restaurants in NYC and why?
Hard to pick just 3 but here are my most recent top 3 :)
Semma- This has to be my top pick. You will find tons of places in New York serving north Indian food. However, Semma really nailed it with the most unique, regional south Indian flavors and regional ingredients.
Chalong- I love exploring places that serve more authentic regional food. Chalong is a more recent favorite spot that serves southern Thai preparations. I love their Grilled Hor-Mok sea bass. Both Semma and Chalong's chefs really go back to their roots and present the most delicious ancestral recipes.
Miss Ada, in Brooklyn, is a cute Mediterranean restaurant serving delicious food.
And your favorite spot for authentic Indian food?
Oh this is a tough one but I like Jazba in East Village. It really celebrates iconic Indian dishes that have been an integral part culturally for centuries. Their galouti kebabs are great.
And a place for drinks?
The Up & Up is a great cocktail bar on MacDougal St. I also like Singlish in Union Square which is a Singaporean cocktail bar. It has unusual but great cocktails.
Favorite spot for a sweet treat?
I love Ferrara Bakery in Little Italy. Delicious Italian treats! Especially Cannoli and Tiramisu.
What's your favorite thing to do in the city?
Besides exploring restaurants in the city, I really enjoy walking, reading and sketching in Central Park. I also like walking in different neighborhoods, appreciating the architecture in the city.
And what's your favorite thing about living in the city?
New York is so diverse and I love meeting new people so this has to be my favorite thing about living in New York. Another favorite thing is the convenience of having everything one could possibly need right around the corner no matter what season, day or time.
What's your go-to spot for a perfect weekend brunch?
I have two, I like Calle Dao in Chelsea and Bea in Hell's Kitchen.
As someone who works with interior design, what are your favorite stores for decor items?
This is very hard for me to pick. I love selecting unique pieces from antique stores and pieces collected from trips across the globe. Having said that, I do love a good Home Goods store. One such store is Roman and Williams Guild. They have stunning, well crafted objects. What makes the place unique is that it's also a french restaurant, La Mercerie, which is a great brunch spot. Good design and good food, this is my happy place.
We all know that space in NYC is somewhat limited and the majority of people live in small spaces. What are your 3 practical decor suggestions for NYC apartments?
My top one would be to maximize storage space without compromising how the space looks. Opting for furniture pieces that also create extra storage space is such a plus like a bench/sofa that has space for storage or even a coffee or side table that has storage option.
Besides this, I prefer a softer color palette which makes the space feel lighter and airy. It does not have to be sterile looking. You can still add a lot of personality to the space and have pops of color here and there.
Also, it's important to get the sizes of furniture and decor right. This can play a big role. For example, a large rug will make the space appear larger by anchoring the room vs a disproportionate, small rug will break the space visually making it look more busy and small.
What's the piece of clothing or accessory that it's your must-have while living in NYC?
Good sneakers and a tape measure always! Because the weather has been so whimsical the last few years, I also carry a good sized bag that holds a weather jackets.
What are your favorite activities or places to visit in NYC during each season?
I enjoy as much time outside as I can spend in spring and summer. So this could be long picnics in the park with friends, rooftop bars and long evening walks by the river. I typically travel during winter but if I’m in the city, I love love love all the holiday markets and walking by stores with gorgeous window displays. This is also the time when we explore bars around the city
New York City is absolutely dreamy on a snowy day and I like visiting cute cafes appreciating all the beauty while I sip on my hot chocolate or coffee.
Do you have any favorite local shops or boutiques that you recommend?
I am like supporting small local businesses and Chelsea market has some really cool ones. They always surprise me.
Describe your ideal day in NYC from morning to night.
When I think of an ideal day in New York, I always think of spring and summer in the city. It would probably be an early start to the day with good run or long walk with my husband in the park or by the river. I would happily spend a whole day in East or West Village exploring new restaurants, cafes, bookstores and boutique shops. It will end at some rooftop closer to sunset with some good cocktails and dinner. I do really enjoy my apartment too so I would end it with a cozy movie night.
Do you have any memorable stories or experiences that highlight why you love NYC?
Most memorable has to be meeting new people that are now our close friends. Unlike the stereotype, I’ve always met the most friendly folks, of different age group, different backgrounds, all very dynamic and doing cool things in life in New York. I think that’s what makes NYC so special. It’s like amalgamation of so many cultures and people!
What's the advice you would give to someone moving to the city that you wish you knew sooner?
Do not judge NYC by its stereotypes and keep an open mind. This will help you create your very own NYC story. Yes, NYC can be tough sometimes, and yes, it’s expensive, but I would recommend not to compare it to other cities in terms of cost living. I truly think it’s the greatest City with all the history, culture, art, theatre, music, food and so much more that it has to offer. You definitely won’t find it anywhere else.
Why New York City?
I’m exactly for the above mentioned reasons. Because no other city will ever offer so much. It also pushes you to constantly grow and evolve as a person! No matter where I travel, I always come back to New York with a sense of belonging. Like Fran Lebowitz said, no one can afford to live in New York and yet, 8 million people do. How do we do this? We don’t know. Somehow you will do enough things to live here! And that’s just how charismatic this city is.
Thank you so much, Sonyia! Can't wait to check your recs! Make sure to check her Instagram to learn more about her services!