Situated at the Southwest perimeter of Central Park and smack dab in the middle of Columbus Circle is a glorious towering marble statue of Christopher Columbus, the first Italian navigator to sail across the Atlantic Ocean. He beckons all to explore as he did back then but this go around, more the shopping dining and cultural venues of this fabulous NYC region, affectionately hugged in its entirety by a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood.

Just off the park, near some of the city’s top cultural institutions (Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Opera and the Philharmonic) and within the circle, The Time Warner Center itself houses three jazz halls, restaurants run by world renowned industry giants the likes of Thomas Keller, Gray Kunz and Masayoshi Takayama and in the spirit of a true fashion Mecca, an impressive roster of high end shops aka The Shops at Columbus Circle. A one stop destination in its own right, it offers a collection of about 50 upscale stores occupying the first four floors including True Religion, Sephora, Hugo Boss, Wolford, Montmartre, and Eileen Fischer to name just a few.

Ready to take a lunch break? Just stay put and have the elevator whoosh you upstairs where you will find a collection of extraordinary restaurants to choose from. The Restaurant and Bar Collection boasts award-wining establishments from the kitchens of Chefs Thomas Keller, Masa Takayama, Michael Lomonaco and Marc Murphy, as well as Master Sommelier Andrew Bradbury. Per Se and Masa have themselves been awarded three-stars by the 2009 Michelin Guide, two of only four restaurants in New York City to receive this coveted ranking. In addition, Per Se is ranked first for Food and Service by the 2009 Zagat Guide. Feeling like a glass of wine and a small plate? Master Sommelier Bradbury´s Clo, a unique and high design wine bar , was one of the most recent additions to the center and features a one-of-a-kind multi-user, multi-sensor projector menu on the bar, providing a futuristic experience for patrons to digitally explore more than 100 wines.

Wish to stay, shop and play some more? The Mandarin Oriental Hotel occupies floors 35-54 of the center’s north tower and is a blend of urban contemporary and Asian chic elegance. Visit the Lobby Lounge of the hotel and enjoy a nice signature cocktail. With walls of windows that greet guests as soon as the elevator doors open, the Lobby Lounge’s most prominent feature is its stunning panoramic view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. A luxuriously cozy residential feel makes you feel as if you’re home sweet home. Featuring 248 elegant guestrooms and suites all with breathtaking views of Manhattan, this hotel also houses The Spa at Mandarin Oriental. The hotel’s restaurant Asiate offers a lofty dining experience with inventive cuisine, an award-winning wine collection and stylish design complimented by the breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. The interior is crowned by a glittering tree-branch sculpture hanging from the ceiling that symbolize the trees of Central Park in winter and a dramatic wall of wine that houses over 1,300 bottles of the restaurant’s collection. Chef de Cuisine Brandon Kida artistically crafts his contemporary cuisine with international influences from his travels and his Asian-American background, his seasonal menu featuring dishes made with fresh, local ingredients in authentic farm to table style.

Where: Broadway and Central Park South (West 59th Street)

www.shopsatcolumbuscircle.com

Stay: Mandarin Oriental Hotel

www.mandarinoriental.com

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork/dining/asiate/

Eat:

Masa

www.masanyc.com

Per Se

www.perseny.com