Celebrity Picks: Keith Michael
By Melody Nazarian, Assistant Editor
In fashion, one day you're in, the next you're out. Keith Michael was the first-ever designer to be kicked off "Project Runway," but his cutting-edge men's clothing and women's designs are here to stay. Here, he shares some of his favorite hangouts.
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Ballato's
55 E Houston St, New York, NY
"This is food I grew up eating. Emilio is the hardcore Italian behind it all and whether he’s in the kitchen or taking the time to sit and talk, this place is totally Collabrase. Almost nobody knows it, but Andy Warhol painted the front sign and it was a favorite of John Lennon's." -
Corner Bistro
331 W 4th St, New York, NY
"Almost like 'Cheers' meets Toulouse-Lautrec: The jukebox plays Ella Fitzgerald one minute, The Stones the next. They have great beer--when I drink beer--and late-night fries that always hit the spot." -
BLT Prime
111 E 22nd St, New York, NY
"The kind of service you knew you always deserved. Like a scene out of 'American Psycho,' it’s a steakhouse with a very cosmopolitan touch. Their sides are killer and the bartender never fails to mix the perfect drink." -
Highline Thai Restaurant
835 Washington St, New York, NY
"This places is really the first of its kind--a surprisingly low-key space in the excessively high-key Meatpacking District. This mod-ish Thai restaurant has an excellent view of The Highline Park, a converted aboveground rail line. During my regular visits, I’ve had a front-row seat to this historic railroad's transformation into an elevated park. I've also become good friends with the eclectic staff. I designed their new uniforms last year and it was a pleasure to be asked." -
The Tasting Room
264 Elizabeth St, New York, NY
"Everything about this place is right, from its Elizabeth Street location, simple-cool digs and warm service to the fine crowd and a menu Alice Waters would approve of. While waiting for your table the bartenders are happy to tell you the story behind their rare collection of liquors. Every drink is a masterpiece: Only homemade simple syrups, their special cola and fresh-squeezed juices are used as mixers. This place makes you feel good." -
Soho House
29-35 Ninth Ave, New York, NY
"It's members only, but it's a nice place if you know somebody (thanks Deepak). My favorite thing is sitting on the roof deck by the pool on a lazy Sunday afternoon eating whatever--I don’t care--it’s poolside in Manhattan." -
Hell's Kitchen
679 9th Ave, New York, NY
"One thing I realized when I moved to L.A. for a year was that New York just didn’t have a decent restaurant where Mexican and cuisine could be used in the same sentence. But when I returned, something had changed. A brand new restaurant, Hell's Kitchen--named after the strange part of town it’s located in (and where I currently live)--had opened. New Yorkers don’t have to hang their heads in shame any longer." -
Billy's Bakery
184 9th Ave, New York, NY
"It's not really a restaurant, but rather a cozy 'Hansel and Gretel' bakery I like to go to when it’s not too busy, which is almost never now. In college I worked with Billy at Magnolia Bakery, where he honed some of his craft, and now he has the best sweet bakery in town. Congratulations, Billy."
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Ti Couz
3108 16th St, San Francisco, CA
"It's one of the first places of its kind. They have the best French crepes, some say the best they’ve had in their life."
