Tag / new york city

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Visit to NYC’s New Wonderland Bar & Labor Day Weekend Menswear Sales

Photo: Patrick Dolande/Courtesy of Wonderland NYC

My friends, welcome back to another edition of the Friday Read, where we (and by we, I mean me) cover a bit of everything under the sun these days, from menswear to spirits and occasionally, fine dining. Often, all three go together quite handily, as I’ve found out through my many freelance writing pursuits — and my coverage of spirits, food and drink over at Maxim.

Today, we’ll step away from typical menswear coverage towards something sure to whet your whistle, so to speak (for a dash of men’s style coverage, click that link).

Read my work for Maxim.com

My passion for spirits fortunately (and rather incredibly) opens up a great deal many doors, like the chance to imbibe and sip at some of the finest restaurants in New York City. That’s never a bad way to unwind ahead of a busy Labor Day weekend, and it’s often made all the better by the companionship of my blonde-haired sweetheart Mary, a lover of fine food and drink herself.

And that led me earlier this week to the immersive, whimsical and impressive Wonderland Bar NYC, a just-opened East Village experience that’s a step up from the more typical dive bars of the surrounding area.

Plan your visit to Wonderland Bar

For one, it boasts a menu helmed by Michelin starred chef Peter He — if you’ve been watching “The Bear” or following along with the restaurant industry at large, that’s a major deal. This new spin on a Sichuan gastropub lives up to the hype, and then some.

Wonderland Bar NYC review.
Photo: Patrick Dolande/Courtesy of Wonderland NYC

Its cocktails are theatrical in nature from start to finish, presentation very much included, and its food menu (divided into hot and cold plates) also adds some serious flair to the dining experience.

Just witness the flaming orb presentation of the incredible Shiso Leaf, boasting gin, shiso leaf, peach, ginger, syrup and lime in, well, an orb surrounded by a flaming garnish (you can see more on my Instagram, or at the top of the page, of course).

The New Fashioned, delivered in a smoking decanter and boasting a blend of truffle-oil-washed bourbon, simple syrup and bitters, also shines, while my personal favorite happened to be the blend of gin, ginger, cardamom, peach, passion fruit and lemon found in the All My Lovin’.

Mary also loved this option, and we both couldn’t get enough of the New Fashioned. There’s a nice divide between refreshing and crisp as well as savory, and all just so happen to pair nicely with Wonderland’s diverse food offering.

Photo: Patrick Dolande/Courtesy of Wonderland NYC

A selection of pleasantly spicy, savory bites complement these cocktails in expert fashion including the Chicken Skewers (a personal favorite) and the Peppercorn Squid, the most popular dish on the menu (and the favorite at our table).

But a true highlight, in rather astounding fashion, was the Kumamoto Oyster Ensemble, an oyster topped with uni and caviar. Yes, you read that right. If you love oysters, buckle up — while the serving size accounts for just one oyster, it’s absolutely astonishing.

The space itself, with a purple neon sign looking out over a ceiling adorned with greenery, is also eye-catching in its own right (especially if you dine in a booth styled like a bird cage). It’s a touch disco, a touch whimsical and truly wondrous.

Suffice to say, Wonderland delivers every step of the way: Presentation, flair, flavor and a seriously memorable atmosphere. It won’t be the last time you hear from me on this excellent new locale, so keep your eyes peeled for my byline.

Huckberry Labor Day Sale 2024.

Now, before I let you go — and before I let you start planning your next trip to the Big Apple, or at least your next night out in Manhattan, allow me to offer one menswear recommendation fit for a dive bar or a restaurant with Michelin cred. That, my friends, would be the chance to check out the Huckberry Labor Day Sale, where you can get an extra 15% off already on-sale gear at the lauded Huckberry Sale section.

It’s part of an action-packed slate of the best Labor Day menswear sales, including prime selections from brands like Todd Snyder and Taylor Stitch. And since it’s the last gasp of summer, it’s high time you added a few early fall selections to your cart, is it not? Cheers to the weekend, cheers to excellent food and drink, and cheers to excellent menswear close at hand all the while. Thanks, as ever, for reading!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Dining at Reyna New York & The Best Menswear for Your Weekend

Reyna New York City review

My friends, thanks for joining me here at The Style Guide this fine spring Friday. It’s been quite the bustling first full week of spring here in the Big Apple, as you very well might know if you follow me on Instagram, and I had the chance to switch things up just a bit.

Yes, I attended a press preview with excellent active recovery footwear brand OOFOS, and I caught up with some PR industry friends at the buzzy ’70s-style cocktail bar The Flower Shop, but there was one highlight of my week in particular that stood out as a bit different from the ordinary (an understatement).

I don’t consider myself a major gourmand by any stretch of the imagination, but I know what I love — a mix of hearty and refreshing dishes that put a new spin on the classics, and I found that in spades when I dined at NYC’s newest hotspot, Reyna New York (courtesy of Purple PR). I’m grateful I get to experience plenty of the best on offer in NYC and elsewhere, broadening my horizons (and my palate!) all the while through my freelance writing pursuits.

The Mediterranean tapas and cocktail bar is much-loved in Toronto, and I soon suspect NYC will join that list. We chatted all things spirits and menswear, of course, but the star of the evening was the meal itself. I’ll keep it brief right from the jump: Add it to your list the next time you visit The City That Never Sleeps.

Reyna NYC review

I especially appreciate a spot that makes rethink what I thought I knew about certain styles of cuisine, like the Mediterranean fusion emphasized throughout the menu at Reyna (which opened formally last fall). There’s a luxe feel to the space, communicated nicely through warm lighting, colorful banquettes and a detailed cocktail menu that doubles as an illustration book for each offering.

And the menu itself, from the Lebanese Tacos to a wonderful Paella dish (share it among friends!), is full of something for everyone. Take it from me: Get the Mezcal Smokeshow if you want to step into the world of Mezcal, and be prepared for a delightful array of small plates. Again, take it from: Reyna New York is a must-go on your next visit to the city. So, that’s but one recommendation to start your weekend.

Learn more at Reyna New York — and book your reservation

Of course, I’ll leave you with a menswear recommendation you can find more close at hand (in your wardrobe soon enough, if you order today!). If you keep up with the blog — and I’m certainly hoping you do! — you might have seen this one coming, but as spring rolls into town, there’s perhaps not a better brand to shop than Taylor Stitch.

Shop new spring menswear at Taylor Stitch

It’s a simple enough recommendation, to be sure, but whether you seek the classic Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt or a super-soft, lightweight and breezy polo, the Taylor Stitch New Arrivals section will certainly outfit you handsomely — especially if you have spring or summer plans to visit New York City and dine at Reyna! In the meantime, let’s gear up for spring the best way possible: With a gear refresh and a few fun plans on the horizon. Cheers and thanks for reading, my friends!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Summer T-Shirt, A New York Wedding & New Luxury Scotch

If you’ve been keeping up with the blog, perhaps you remember my May jaunt down to Philadelphia for my longtime friend Drew’s bachelor party — well, the day is finally upon us (or at least, it will be come tomorrow). It’s high time to celebrate Drew’s New York City wedding this weekend on the Aqua Azul, about as unique and lovely a setting for a wedding in the Big Apple as I’ve seen in a long time.

It wraps up a busy week for me around these parts, what with events with the likes of The Balvenie (a Scotch tasting) and Rough Trade Records (a concert showcase at Mercury Lounge). With all that being said, I’ve got more work to do yet for sites like Maxim — more on that in just a second — and then, of course, a wedding to enjoy this weekend. Follow along with all the fun on my Instagram, and in the meantime, let’s dive into the rest of today’s Friday Read.

  • Speaking of Scotch just moments ago, here’s something to add to your wish list or mood board. It’s an out-of-this-world partnership between heritage distiller Bowmore and Aston Martin, the maker of some of the finest cars on the planet. The end result? A futuristic decanter and gift set containing iconic Scotch, all with the price tag to match: Try a whopping $125,000. It’s out of reach, to be sure, but a guy can dream, and I got to dive into this seriously cool partnership over at Maxim.
  • If you’ve been keeping up with the blog, hopefully, you’re aware of the importance of curating a well-stocked closet of summer style essentials. That’s what I talked about just yesterday, in fact: The importance of upgrading your basics, like shopping one of the best T-shirts for men. Head over to this blog post to get the full scoop.
Shop Buck Mason right now
  • I’m all about the importance of getting the small details correct when getting dressed on the daily, like wearing a great watch. You don’t have to break the bank to make this style move work for you, though: In fact, you can (and should!) head over to SPY.com to check out my guide to the best cheap watches. It’s really that simple, folks.
Read more at SPY.com

That’s going to do it for me today as I wrap up the work week and roll into an NYC wedding weekend. Be sure to keep up with the fun on my Instagram, of course, and stay safe (and stylish!) out there.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Commemorating the Day, the Best New York City Brands & the Best Weekend Gear

Six gorgeous photos of the New York City skyline

Right off the bat, thanks for being here. It feels strange to be publishing a post on September 11th, as has happened in years past, but it’s a bit odd to be starting off the weekend, and the Friday Read, on a day like today. As a still rather newly minted New Yorker (six years and counting!), the significance of today is never lost on me, and it’s only grown more heightened in recent years, in fact. Last year’s September 11th felt patriotic rather than somber — I spent the evening at my favorite bar in Brooklyn, which was much more crowded and energetic than even I expected, filled with New Yorkers who seemed to celebrate the city and its remarkable rebound in the years since.

Today is bound to be much different — no drinks being served in crowded indoor bars across the city, for one — but I feel New Yorkers who are in it for the long haul are similarly resilient in the face of this year’s pandemic, and I’m proud to consider myself among them. In fact, today’s Friday Read is going to focus solely on NYC brands and designers. I hope you get some time to reflect in solitude, as I’ll be doing today, and I hope you enjoy the weekend all the same. Stay strong, stay safe, and thank you for reading. The rest of today’s Friday Read is below. 

Freemans Sporting Club — Overshirt- Black Plaid

The perfect fall overshirt, made in New York City and so ready for seasonal layering.

  • What better way to kick off things off than by celerating a tried-and-true NYC brand that makes some of the best modern menswear on the market? I’m talking, of course, about Freemans Sporting Club, nestled in Lower Manhattan and not all too far from acclaimed NYC hotspots like the legendary Bowery Ballroom. They make one of the best men’s T-shirts and of course, the best chore coat. But to start fall, consider picking up the rugged Freemans Sporting Club Overshirt for standout seasonal layering atop your favorite henley. Celebrate the city and support an NYC business by shopping Freemans Sporting Club, my friends.
  • Here’s a bit of a sneak peek for you — we’re going to talk PLENTY more about one of the best men’s gear sales on Sunday, but for now, let me point you towards NYC’s own Bespoke Post. To be more specific: The Bespoke Post Sale has plenty of the best style deals for men, and on everything from home goods to EDC picks, so you should surely check them out.

Suppprt a New York City brand by shopping the coolest headphones on the planet.

A classically cool Oxford shirt that channels NYC style to a T.

  • Here’s an unstoppable style homage to New York City. What could be more fitting for downtown-inspired style than a classic black shirt from one of the best designers on the planet (much less the city) — Todd Snyder? Snyder himself is a Midwest transplant that’s now defining style for Manhattanites, Brooklynites and beyond these days, and this Todd Snyder Oxford shirt is as good as it gets.

That’ll close out today’s Friday Read. I’m looking forward to supporting some of my favorite NYC brands — virtually and by wearing ’em, of course! — this weekend, from Todd Snyder to Master & Dynamic. I hope you’ll do the same while enjoying your weekend and reflecting on what today means. Of course, you can expect another Style Pick of the Week tomorrow, plus our Sunday Sale (this time featuring Bespoke Post). For now, thanks again for being here. If you’d like to read even more content from yours truly, you can always subscribe to my newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief. Cheers, thank you again, and stay safe & strong. 

by Beau H.

Heading north: A weekend in Upstate New York

Editor’s note: To check out more northeast travel style, click here.

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The right gear for a rugged fall day. Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket by Johnston & Murphy. Wool Shirt by Abercrombie and Fitch. Slim-Fit Tapered Leg X-Series Denim by Dickies. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. North Fork Leather Fedora by Goorin Brothers. Glasses by Frameri.

If you’ve been following along with us at The Style Guide in this grand fall #menswear adventure, you know that I love to travel. It seems that theme has come up quite a bit, but there’s something about certain times of year — especially fall — that I associate with great vistas and great travel. Be it heading northeast to Providence to see an all-time favorite band (that would be Local Natives) to stopping through my home state of Michigan last month, this season has been a terrific time to hit the road with my favorite menswear gear in tow.  And in the case of this past weekend, that took me to the lovely upstate town of Hudson — it came highly recommended to me via my good friend & fellow blogger Alex Luckey, and seeing as I’m never one to pass up a chance to get out of the city and relax, I had to do it. How does one travel in style from NYC to a quiet town of about 7,000? I set out to do just that.

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More fall exploration around the rustic outskirts of Hudson. Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket by Johnston & Murphy. Wool Shirt by Abercrombie and Fitch. Slim-Fit Tapered Leg X-Series Denim by Dickies. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Tweed Ripley Cap by Kangol. Glasses by Frameri.

Now, I had traveled upstate on a Memorial Day trip earlier this summer, but Hudson presented its own set of challenges. It was a chilly Friday morning in New York City, and chillier upstate.  I knew my Johnston & Murphy Faux Shearling Aviator would more than stand up to a crisp fall breeze — and it did so while providing great value. The fit is relatively slim, but I had more than enough room to comfortably layer my rugged Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt and a trusty long-sleeve henley underneath. The multi-layered combo was perfect for the lovely autumn weather and the quaint, cultured small town of Hudson. For a denim option fit for both NYC and upstate, I grabbed my Dickies X-Series Slim-Fit Tapered Leg 5-Pocket Pant — it’s a comfortable, well-fitting and affordable pair of ringpsun cotton pants with a hint of stretch. I topped the look off with the seasonally appropriate Kangol Tweed Ripley Cap and a pair of seriously tough CAT Footwear Sutter Boots — talk about mixing function and fashion. Of course, I also couldn’t resist the urge to break out a sharp, vintage-inspired North Fork Leather Fedora from Goorin Brothers — it’s a beautiful hat that I picked it up at the brand’s terrific West Village shop at a neat event hosted with Courvoisier Cognac. Now, a wide-brimmed leather fedora might not be for everyone, but it might very well move into my rotation soon. In short, the combination was perfect for a day exploring Hudson. The next time you find yourself moving quickly from one spot to the other, an easy-to-wear leather jacket, layers to combat the cold and tough leather boots are key.

Now, what exactly is there to do in a small upstate town? Actually, a heck of a lot. Hudson has quickly developed a reputation as a burgeoning enclave for outstanding arts and culture — the small town plays host to well over a dozen art galleries that display a mix of modern, contemporary pieces and local works. On top of that, there’s a vibrant music and film scene, starting with the reclaimed industrial Basilica Hudson complex, as seen above — the space hosts both experimental music performances and weekly film screenings. Plus, there’s a treasure trove of vintage, vintage-inspired and reclaimed clothing — particularly at Artists and Revolutionaries, seen at the top of this post.  And as the city’s cultural scene has grown, a really excellent gourmet food scene has sprung up — that was evident on my first stop of the trip. A quick caffeine jolt was crucial at Rev Coffee, known for its well-curated approach to roasting and pastries. The town’s proximity to the gorgeous Hudson River waterfront is also prime — the scenery and fresh air was much needed coming from the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Make no mistake, once you amble away from the water, there are still plenty of places to explore. Part lodge, part bar, part shop and full of rustic, rugged vibes. W.M. Farmer & Sons was nearly worth the trip in and of itself. This stunning outpost serves up home goods, lifestyle wares and a heck of a meal — along with an accompanying hotel. Even in Brooklyn, there’s really nothing like it — and that’s mighty refreshing. With a coffee bar that’s open daily and a strong selection of craft beer and cocktails — including a tasty bourbon-and-cider concoction known as the Bear Trap — you could certainly kill a few hours hanging out in this beautiful space. Yes, with my aviator jacket, tweed cap and rugged Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono, I felt like I fit right in with the location’s old-time charm. Oh, and I’d highly recommend the the Cast Iron Bar Burger if you’re feeling hungry. A delicious gourmet meal definitely called for a nightcap at the neat, eclectic and pleasingly minimal OR Gallery and Tavern, an Iceland-inspired, converted auto garage that serves as a bar, gallery and accessories shop. Their refreshing selection of craft beer was topped only by the night’s festivities — a neat, intimate performance from Nico Turner of long-running, eclectic rock outfit Cat Power. Again, the ambiance was entirely unique for an upstate trip — and my daytime gear took me right on through to a chilly night in style.

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Enjoying a coffee in the crisp fall air outside the OR Gallery and Tavern. Waxed Cotton Field Jacket by Johnston & Murphy. Striker Sweater by Johnnie-O. White Oxford by Todd Snyder. Kinzie Denim by Mugsy Jeans. Plaid scarf by Ties.com Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Glasses by Frameri. Cognac Suede Wingtips by Thursday Boots.

Even with an active Friday in the books, Saturday called for more exploration yet. Even for a smaller town, Hudson is filled with neat sights around every corner — and when you start the day off with a stop at MOTO Coffee/Machine, you’re sure to fuel up the right way (trust me …. I love my coffee).  And luckily, my gear was more than up to the fall weather. I took on a chilly morning with my Johnston & Murphy Waxed Cotton Field Jacket, a heritage-inspired piece with plenty of durability. It layered easily over a slim, soft and comfortable Striker Sweater from the fine prep clothiers at Johnnie-O — don’t sleep on the quality of the brand’s knitwear, as it’s undoubtedly worth the investment. My Ties.com Syracuse Fringed Scarf helped me fight the afternoon breeze, too. And the mix of sporty and heritage gear was offset nicely by a versatile Todd Shelton White Oxford. I finished off the look with a pair of Kinzie Jeans from Mugsy Jeans — they’re cut with room to move,  perfect for exploring a hip town in style. They offered a casual contrast alongside my tough, durable Cognac Suede Wingtips from the fine folks at Thursday Boots — they’re a brand-new offering for the company, and they’re worth the purchase. The combination was nicely offset again by my reliable, handsome Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono.

Beckett Simonon

As the day presented with it plenty of exploration, I was more than happy to have trusty gear with me for the ride. From a rich coffee to gallery strolling and menswear shopping at the immensely well-curated Mutiny NY, I was more than happy to have the chance to visit such a neat, diverse and thoughtful town on a beautiful fall Saturday. Mutiny NY in particular represented some of the best menswear shopping on the Hudson — we’re talking brands from The Hill-Side to Universal Works. Topping the day off with an excellent mackerel dish at the rustic-yet-refined Fish & Game proved a neat capper to an overnight trip that felt longer, yet moved too quick — isn’t that always the way it goes?

Of course, there’s also nothing quite like heading right back into the city and zipping downtown to a buzzed-about concert, right? Mysterious, ethereal Brooklyn-based trio Wet  — past openers for personal favorite CHVRCHES — put on what one can only describe as a vibey, groovy show to rival Beach House. That they filled up the sometimes-cavernous Grand Ballroom at Webster Hall is to be applauded — and it was certainly worth the quick turnaround from train station to concert! Crucially, my tough waxed field jacket and durable suede wingtip boots more than fit in with the eclectic style found at a rock conert. Talk about a heck of an end to a great day, and a great trip!

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A casual-yet-premium Johnnie-O wool overshirt, sport-inspired CLAE x JackThreads sneakers and tapered FOURLAPS sweatpants — the perfect set of Sunday pieces, finished off with a Club Monaco cashmere hat and the Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono.

As with any whirlwind trip, Sunday brought with it the need for some much-needed relaxation time. Luckily, I found my Sunday gear to be on-point all the way through. The team at FOURLAPS makes athletic basics that merge comfort with simple style, and its Rush Joggers are a prime example — perfect for a casual day around Brooklyn, in fact. I paired those up with more easygoing style, starting with the Johnnie-O Pines Shacket, a well-made, soft wool shirt-jacket made from an incredibly soft fabric blend. It matched easily with my Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley, the perfect seasonal layering piece. To complement a look that was equal parts sporty and stylish, I stuck with my CLAE x JackThreads Strayhorn Mid Sneakers — the grey wool provided a touch of fall-ready textured, and the neat chukka silhouette offered some nice contrast to my tapered sweats. Now, am I saying you should step out for Sunday brunch in sweatpants? Not necessarily. But when the occasion calls for some relaxation and delicious coffee at the likes of Willamsburg shop Homecoming, it’s probably OK.

As with plenty of recent weekend travels, this past weekend brought with it some of my favorite things — a bit of fall travel to an amazing upstate town, a ton of stylish menswear, some delicious gourmet food and a requisite helping of live music. To top it all off with a relaxing Sunday and some Williamsburg exploration was really great — with so many opportunities nearby and just down the road, I’m very thankful to live in New York City. Let’s not forget everyone who reads this blog — thank you! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. I think that’s as fitting a way as possible heading into Thanksgiving. Curious as to what you should wear? Stick around later this week for a Thanksgiving style suggestion.

Oh, and in the meantime? Stay stylish!

-Beau

Huckberry