Antoinette Alexander
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Antoinette Alexander has traded in the Space Needle for the Statue of Liberty and today is a writer in Manhattan. Despite being thousands of miles away, the Pacific Northwest remains near to her heart. Eager to share with 425 readers what’s hot, hip and cool on the bustling streets of New York City, Alexander is keeping her “eye on style” as a contributing writer for 425.
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New York Chocolate Tours
New York City is home to some of the finest chocolatiers, and what better way to indulge — and see some of the city in the process — than by booking a tour through New York Chocolate Tours. According to the company, its most popular tour is the Luxury Chocolate Tour, which will take you uptown to where the international stores have set up shop. This two-and-a-half-hour tour will take you to five of the best European chocolatiers in New York City. There’s also the Union Square Chocolate, Wine & Culture Tour. This walking tour will take you on a cultural — and chocolate — history journey in the city’s Union Square area. Wine pairings will take place at the chocolatiers’ shops and by the end of the three-hour tour you will have visited the five best chocolate and pastry artisans to be found in Union Square. Details: sweetwalks.com.
425 Twist: This is more of a 206 twist, but Eastsiders will surely appreciate the chocolate tour at Theo Chocolates in Fremont. According to its Web site, Theo Chocolates is the only organic, fair trade bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the United States. Tour guides will take you through the story of cacao, showing how the fruit is transformed into the delicious concoction known as chocolate. Details: theochocolate.com
Dylan’s Candy Bar
When New Yorkers get a candy craving—whether it is for something sweet, sour, chewy or chocolaty — it is likely that Dylan’s Candy Bar comes to mind. Founded in part by Dylan Lauren, daughter of designer Ralph Lauren, Dylan’s Candy Bar is located on the Upper East Side across the street from Bloomingdale’s at 1101 Third Ave. This multi-level candyland has a little something for everyone and is certain to bring out your inner child. It offers more than 5,000 varieties of candy, from imported and elegant specialty goods to novelty items. In addition, Dylan’s offers services for birthday parties, weddings, showers and corporate events. It specializes in event planning and designing gift baskets, centerpieces, favors, gift bags, custom invitations and more. Details: dylanschocolatebar.com
425 Twist: If you’re looking for an old-school candy shop that has some classic retro candies, head over to Edmonds. Nama’s Candy Store has plenty to offer, like Clark bars, Ice Cubes and Zots. They also offer plenty of flavors of licorice. And if they don’t have what you’re looking for, they’re happy to order it for you. Details: namascandystore.com
Aveda Institute New York
If you are in New York City and in search of a little pampering but don’t want to spend a fortune you may want to stop by the Aveda Institute, located at 233 Spring St. in SoHo. These salon professionals of tomorrow are on hand to offer a range of services at extremely affordable prices. For example, a single process hair color for short/medium hair starts at $40, a hair cut and simple style starts at about $20 and Elements Nature Facials (60 minutes) are priced at $40. However, be sure you set aside a lot of time as a visit can take several hours. Details: avedainstituteny.com
425 Twist: The Northwest Hair Academy is a Paul Mitchell Partner School in Everett where you can get luxurious treatments at a fraction of the price from students who are working under the supervision of instructors. A haircut ranges from $11 to $15, a partial foil starts at $32, and manicures are $9.50 to $15. Try the tea tree scalp treatment that includes a tingly scalp massage and deep condition for $17. Details: northwesthairacademy.com
Metamorphosis Day Spa
Voted as Editors’ Choice by Allure magazine and hailed by some as one of the best places to get a wax in New York City is Metamorphosis Day Spa at 127 E. 56th St. Hair-removal services include everything from lip and chin to the full Brazilian. The spa also offers, for him, the Boyzillian Bikini Wax (which was featured on Howard Stern’s show). But, of course, hair removal is only one of the many services offered at this retreat. Additional services include: a non-invasive cellulite treatment and body contouring; detoxifying body wrap with Dry Brushing to exfoliate the skin, improve blood and lymph flow and rid the body of toxins; and Sunscape, a body treatment that will leave the skin with a radiant tan that looks natural. Details: metspa.com
425 Twist: Men looking for a “Boyzillian Bikini Wax” on the Eastside head to Bellevue’s Eastside Oasis Day Spa & Massage. Estheticians import their hypoallergenic wax from France. It melts at low heat so it’s gentle on skin. Male Brazilians start at $85. But you don’t have to stop there. They will wax just about everything, obviously, including feet and toes, underarms and arms, too. Details: east-sideoasis.com
Magnolia Bakery
Tourists (and New Yorkers!) have one more reason to visit Rockefeller Center — Magnolia Bakery’s newest location. The legendary West Village “sweet” spot opened its newest store in late 2008 smack in the middle of Rockefeller Center at 1240 Avenue of Americas at 49th St. Its arrival at this tourist hot-spot marks a new era for the downtown, family-owned bakery.
Visitors will find Magnolia’s signature items including buttercream-frosted cupcakes, red velvet cake, icebox cake and banana pudding. Or you can indulge in one of Magnolia’s classics and breakfast pastries like blueberry crumb cake, an array of muffins and lemon-vanilla bundt cake that were recently reintroduced at the Upper West Side location. Magnolia Bakery also has two other locations in Manhattan: Its infamous downtown location at 401 Bleecker St. and on the Upper West Side at 200 Columbus Ave. Details: magnoliacupcakes.com
425 Twist: If you’re looking for sweet or savory, check out The French Bakery in Kirkland. Amazing espresso and perfect croissants make for an unforgettable bakery experience, making you think you were at a café in France. Details: 219 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland, 425.898.4510
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