NEW YORK WITH JEN STEELE



New York WITH Jen Steele

 

Multifaceted photographer Jen Steele has an unparalleled eye for the in-between the missed moments, beauty in the basics, and inspiration amongst the innocuous. Jen turns what she sees into art - be it through stills, words or film, her natural penchant for storytelling tells its own story through the lens with an intimate eye.  
 
Jen shares with us her go-to guide to New York with an insider's perspective on how to see the city that never sleeps.


You have such a treasured eye through which you see the world, what are the go-to places in your own neighbourhood of Cobble Hill you would most recommend?

The feeling of neighbourhood here is comforting and grounding. A few blocks away from my apartment is Brooklyn Bridge Park with views of the estuary - the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan can all be seen from the piers, it’s wonderful. After nearly 20 years in NYC, it’s a relief to have the visual expanse.  

Henry Public is a great restaurant on Henry Street - I often bring my son there to share an order of fries.

I also love Books are Magic, there are two locations nearby, both with a joyful and diverse selection of titles.

Sahadi’s on Atlantic Avenue - the hummus will knock your socks off. 

And Salter House – mainly for Bagel Bunny bagels and luxurious, well-priced cotton pyjamas.



New York is known as the city that never sleeps, what are your top spots to find a little rest and relaxation amongst the buzz?

The subway.

McNally Jackson bookstore (which incidentally moved its location in Soho shortly after this photo was taken!)

Or simply standing against a wall on the sunny side of the street for a moment, putting away your phone and watching people can be soothing. 



The subject of many a song, varied areas are also known for sparking creativity, where do you recommend people go to see the best of what NY has to offer?

I’ve never been the one to ask about what’s going “on” in the city. But I will say, I walk a lot, and often find myself privy to fabulous experiences by chance.

 

 

What does the perfect morning in the neighbourhood look like for you?

I enjoy being the first person up and moving about in the morning. If my small son Cary, dog Ernie and husband Jesse are still sleeping, I will take a bath with my coffee and then meditate while the water runs out of the tub. If the house is awake, the morning carries me with it like a wave and I appreciate the motion. Occasionally, I take myself out to breakfast and read - I have been indulging in Rachel Cusk’s novels.  If I have the morning to myself, I’ll visit the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. 



And what about the perfect evening?

Hosting friends for dinner - I love spending a few hours of the day making a sauce or shopping for special ingredients. We make it a habit to put our son to bed at 7:30pm and, 4 out of 7 nights a week, we gather with friends, drink beautiful wine, listen to music and share stories. Now is a unique moment in my life and one I won’t get back, so I am living it up.


Cecilia wears the LM Clasic Shirt.


World-famous architecture abounds - where would you send someone looking to find the richest history and inspiration?

The Guggenheim, of course. Frank Lloyd Wright was born in my home-state of Wisconsin, and I often feel at peace around his works. I also adore the Cloisters, the Met, the MoMA. Also the art house cinemas; Angelika and IFC. Recently, I visited the rooftop of Nine Orchard and was transfixed by the view and perfect restoration.



It’s not a trip to New York without a slice of Pizza, where do you go for the perfect slice?

I can only recommend Joe’s Pizza on Carmine Street!

 

 

From Broadway to the bars where you might just find a surprise celebrity performance, New York has it all. Where do you head when looking for some top entertainment?

BAM, The Lincoln Center, Metrograph, Comedy Cellar, Brooklyn Steel, Beacon Theatre and Arthur’s Tavern.



Where do you find the best homewares?

Salter House! 

 

 

From Soho to Chinatown, the mix of personalities and inherent ‘vibes’ within the city certainly thrive, what are your favourite districts to visit?

I am often in Soho, Tribeca, and Chinatown - walking, working, eating and enjoying.

 

 

If there was just one place to recommend that captures the true New York experience, what would it be?

Central Park





New York WITH Jen Steele

 

Multifaceted photographer Jen Steele has an unparalleled eye for the in-between the missed moments, beauty in the basics, and inspiration amongst the innocuous. Jen turns what she sees into art - be it through stills, words or film, her natural penchant for storytelling tells its own story through the lens with an intimate eye.  
 
Jen shares with us her go-to guide to New York with an insider's perspective on how to see the city that never sleeps.


You have such a treasured eye through which you see the world, what are the go-to places in your own neighbourhood of Cobble Hill you would most recommend?

The feeling of neighbourhood here is comforting and grounding. A few blocks away from my apartment is Brooklyn Bridge Park with views of the estuary - the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan can all be seen from the piers, it’s wonderful. After nearly 20 years in NYC, it’s a relief to have the visual expanse.  

Henry Public is a great restaurant on Henry Street - I often bring my son there to share an order of fries.

I also love Books are Magic, there are two locations nearby, both with a joyful and diverse selection of titles.

Sahadi’s on Atlantic Avenue - the hummus will knock your socks off. 

And Salter House – mainly for Bagel Bunny bagels and luxurious, well-priced cotton pyjamas.



New York is known as the city that never sleeps, what are your top spots to find a little rest and relaxation amongst the buzz?

The subway.

McNally Jackson bookstore (which incidentally moved its location in Soho shortly after this photo was taken!)

Or simply standing against a wall on the sunny side of the street for a moment, putting away your phone and watching people can be soothing. 



The subject of many a song, varied areas are also known for sparking creativity, where do you recommend people go to see the best of what NY has to offer?

I’ve never been the one to ask about what’s going “on” in the city. But I will say, I walk a lot, and often find myself privy to fabulous experiences by chance.

 

 

What does the perfect morning in the neighbourhood look like for you?

I enjoy being the first person up and moving about in the morning. If my small son Cary, dog Ernie and husband Jesse are still sleeping, I will take a bath with my coffee and then meditate while the water runs out of the tub. If the house is awake, the morning carries me with it like a wave and I appreciate the motion. Occasionally, I take myself out to breakfast and read - I have been indulging in Rachel Cusk’s novels.  If I have the morning to myself, I’ll visit the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. 



And what about the perfect evening?

Hosting friends for dinner - I love spending a few hours of the day making a sauce or shopping for special ingredients. We make it a habit to put our son to bed at 7:30pm and, 4 out of 7 nights a week, we gather with friends, drink beautiful wine, listen to music and share stories. Now is a unique moment in my life and one I won’t get back, so I am living it up.


Cecilia wears the LM Clasic Shirt.


World-famous architecture abounds - where would you send someone looking to find the richest history and inspiration?

The Guggenheim, of course. Frank Lloyd Wright was born in my home-state of Wisconsin, and I often feel at peace around his works. I also adore the Cloisters, the Met, the MoMA. Also the art house cinemas; Angelika and IFC. Recently, I visited the rooftop of Nine Orchard and was transfixed by the view and perfect restoration.



It’s not a trip to New York without a slice of Pizza, where do you go for the perfect slice?

I can only recommend Joe’s Pizza on Carmine Street!

 

 

From Broadway to the bars where you might just find a surprise celebrity performance, New York has it all. Where do you head when looking for some top entertainment?

BAM, The Lincoln Center, Metrograph, Comedy Cellar, Brooklyn Steel, Beacon Theatre and Arthur’s Tavern.



Where do you find the best homewares?

Salter House! 

 

 

From Soho to Chinatown, the mix of personalities and inherent ‘vibes’ within the city certainly thrive, what are your favourite districts to visit?

I am often in Soho, Tribeca, and Chinatown - walking, working, eating and enjoying.

 

 

If there was just one place to recommend that captures the true New York experience, what would it be?

Central Park