The Local Next Door: The Upper East Side with Cathy Franklin
As a resident since the ninth grade and a renowned Corcoran agent with close to $7 billion in sales, Cathy Franklin knows a thing or two (or seven billion) about Manhattan’s lush, historic Upper East Side.
Here are Cathy’s favorite spots in the storied neighborhood:
E.A.T. (1064 Madison Avenue) — An area staple for over 50 years, serving up breakfast and lunch daily alongside delectable sweets and sweet nostalgia.
Sette Mezzo (969 Lexington Avenue) — This fine dining club offers house accounts to its regular patrons.
Nicola’s (146 E. 84th Street) — Homemade pastas and desserts anchor the menu at this family-owned northern Italian restaurant.
Sfoglia (1402 Lexington Avenue) — Exposed brick walls, chandeliers, and farmhouse-style tables appropriately set the atmosphere at this rustic trattoria off E. 92nd St.
William Poll (1051 Lexington Avenue) — The counter at this institution has kept neighbors well fed for over a century.
William Greenberg Desserts (1100 Madison Avenue) — Cathy particularly adores this long-standing bakery for its black-and-white cookies, baked fresh daily.
Mister Softee (Various Locations) — Cathy has a soft spot for the soft serve, with chocolate sprinkles, from these iconic ice cream trucks.
Michael Kors Collection (667 Madison Avenue) — Great fashion and accessories and even greater service. Make sure to ask for Mary, Marisa, or Maylin when you visit.
Dempsey & Carroll (1049 Lexington Avenue) — This stationery specialist has operated since 1878 and is beloved for its engraved offerings.
Plaza Flowers (944 Lexington Avenue) — Cathy uses this boutique for everything in life that needs flowers, from arrangements in her own home to listing photo shoots and more.
Hillrock Estate Distillery (408 Pool Hill Road, Ancram, NY) — Although located around 100 miles beyond the UES, Cathy’s family has owned this Hudson Valley distillery since 1999, and she curates Cathy’s Cuvée, an award-winning Solera-aged bourbon whiskey.
As a bonus: Cathy recalls sneaking into both The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Studio 54 when she was 14. Coincidentally enough, the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show is currently playing at Studio 54.
