Nothing cures winter blues better than a cup of hot chocolate. Warm-up with a cup of decadent hot cocoa from a neighborhood spot! 

Bourke Street Bakery, 15 East 28th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, (917) 675-6394
Australian bakery and cafe, Bourke Steet knows all things chocolate. Their hot cocoa is one to add to your list along with their homemade pastries. A special shout-out to their muffins and chocolate tarts. 

Eataly, 200 Fifth Avenue, between 23rd and 24th Streets, (212) 937-8910
Eataly's "Cioccolata Calda"  is an Italian hot chocolate that claims to be thicker, creamier, and richer in chocolate flavor than American hot chocolate. You have your choice of a variety of toppings to personalize your hot chocolate, and the freshly prepared whipped cream is just as good as the hot chocolate itself. Interested in making this thick Italian hot chocolate yourself? Check out the recipe!  

La Pecora Bianca, 1133 Broadway, corner of 26th Street, (212) 498-9696
Sip on a Nutella hot chocolate at La Pecora Bianca made with Nutella, Venchi milk chocolate and steamed milk - a hot chocolate that Zagat rated as one of the "10 Decadent Hot Chocolates to Try in NYC."

Le Cafe Coffee, 407 Park Avenue South, between 28th and 29th Streets
The artisanal coffee shop serves up a notable cup of hot chocolate including a seasonal peppermint hot chocolate. 

Leonelli Focacceria, 7 East 27th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, (212) 451-9495
Italian bakery and cafe, Leonelli Focacceria is serving up a dense and creamy hot chocolate that's rich in flavor and topped with fresh whipped cream. Treat yourself to some of their incredible cookies while you're at!

maman, 22 West 25th Street, between Broadway & Sixth Avenue, (646) 838-0700
maman's hot chocolate is a must try. maman's traditional hot chocolate is packed with flavor and the perfect temperature. maman offers classic hot cocoa and a Lavender Hot Chocolate that's spiced with lavender and dark chocolate, and was named by AM New York as one of the "Best Hot Chocolates in NYC." Interested in making Lavender Hot Chocolate yourself? We got the recipe! Pair you're hot chocolate with a Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie (an Oprah favorite) or a Nutella Brownie. 

Patisserie Chanson, 20 West 23rd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (929) 423-8880
You can't go wrong with anything dessert-related at Patisserie Chanson. They freshly make a decadent chocolate ganache and then steam it with milk to make an incredible hot chocolate. Grab a kouign amann while you're at it - a neighborhood pastry favorite. 

Ralph's Coffee, 160 Fifth Avenue, between 20th and 21st Streets, (212) 627-2040
Ralph Lauren's cafe concept offers a variety of specialty coffee blends and drinks including a much raved about hot chocolate. You can substitute the hot chocolate with oat or almond milk and limited-edition flavors are sometimes available, like Ginger or Peppermint Hot Chocolate. 

Shake Shack, southeast corner of Madison Square Park, (646) 747-2606
Shake Shack is known for its shakes and custard, and they've introduced a new Brownie Batter Hot Cocoa Shake featuring hand-spun brownie batter hot cocoa frozen custard made with Ghirardelli cocoa, topped with whipped cream, brownie brittle, and mini-marshmallows.

Header Image: Leonelli Focacceria.
Thumbnail Image: Eataly

To elevate and support existing Black-owned businesses across New York City, including several that reside here in Flatiron and NoMad, we have compiled a list of businesses that you can support!

For more on the business landscape, read The New York Urban League's latest report - 'State of Black New York' covering vital, contemporary issues affecting Black New Yorkers and proposed solutions. Download the report for key findings & next steps.

Ground-Floor Businesses:

40/40 Club |  All-American sports bar and lounge 

Bar 263 | A speakeasy bar with a cozy, family-like atmosphere

Hearts of Gold | Nonprofit supporting homeless mothers and children

Iconoclast Fitness | Personal training and fitness center

Noir et Blanc | Contemporary boutique for the fashion-conscious shopper 

Trainstation NYC | Personal training and fitness center

Upper-Floor Businesses:

Accelery | Business development firm for innovators

Apples & Oranges Public Relations | Corporate communications, community outreach, direct response, and event production boutique agency

BLKBOX | Brand development and technology creative agency

Brooks Alliance | Accounting firm

Burrell Law | Law firm

Crystal McKenzie Inc. | Brand and marketing communications consulting 

D Patrick Consulting Inc. | Management consulting firm

Fastsigns | Signage and advertising specialties business

GVATE | Marketing and advertising agency

iTX Blue | IT and telecommunications software, planning, and consulting firm 

Layer 7 Data Solutions | Full life-cycle technology services company

Lenox Park Solutions | Investment management consulting firm

Liu Electric | Electrical contracting firm

Massage for Health and Fitness | On-site chair massage company that offers office massages, corporate wellness programs, and fitness training

Molaprise | IT solutions provider

Tanis Management and Co | Janitorial, office, and residential cleaning service

The Associates Incubator | Incubator made of creators, entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders

Transcendent Enterprise | Video production services company

True Role Dynasty | Real estate and life insurance agency

Walton Issacson | Advertising agency

Young Robertson Gallery | Gallery specializing in the visual arts of Africa and the African Diaspora

Resources:

• A spreadsheet of New York City's Black-owned restaurants compiled by The New Yorker's food critic, Hannah Goldfield and Bon Appétit's social media manager, Rachel Karten.
• EatOkra, a downloadable app that helps you find local, Black-owned restaurants through their use-friendly map of over 2,500.
• ShoppeBlack is a resource that has compiled lists of Black-owned businesses to shop from by occasion, features and interviews with Black entrepreneurs, and resources for aspiring Black business owners.

If you'd like to be added to the list, please email klynch[at]flatirondistrict.nyc

January's news media showcased new business openings, major lease signings, and residential and commercial building developments. Stay in-the-know with the latest Flatiron News.

Restaurants & Bars

• Milu was named one of the "15 Most Exciting New Restaurants Open in Manhattan Right Now" (via Eater NY). Milu was also profiled in the New Yorker with rave reviews (via The New Yorker). 
• Scarpetta's Winter Chalets were deemed one of the city's most enchanting outdoor dining concepts (via Hospitality Design) and landed a spot on the New York Posts's "These COVID-safe date spots will make you love NYC’s outdoor dining again" list (New York Post). 
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen signed a 5,000-square-foot lease at 14 East 23rd Street, the space of the former Live Bait Bar and Flats Fix Taqueria (via Commercial Observer). 
• Shake Shack is making plans for a major expansion including the addition of 60 new restaurants. “We believe there is pent-up demand for food and experiences,” said Chief Executive Randy Garutti (via Crain's New York). 
• Fields Good Chicken reopened their Flatiron location after undergoing a major renovation. Check out the new space at 46 East 23rd Street (via AOL). 
• After the City's announcement to reopen indoor dining at 25% capacity on February 14th, the Owner of Cote Korean Steakhouse, Simon Kim, shared his thoughts on being able to double the number of patrons they can sit - “Now that we are opening indoors, it’s going to mean we no longer have to hemorrhage tens of thousands of dollars each week” (via New York Times). 

   

District Businesses

• Life Time debuted their second NYC location with a new 37,000-square-foot health club in Flatiron that includes more than 110 cardio and strength machines; a cedarwood sauna; an indoor saltwater lap pool; and teakwood showers (via New York Business Journal)
• Kitchen furniture brand Lineadecor teamed up with Sandra’s Wine Life to present holiday wine tips from their main showroom at 900 Broadway in Flatiron (via New York City Biz List). 
• Klein Kitchen and Bath opens a new luxury showroom at 25 West 26th Street (via Cision PR Web)
• Pavan Thimmaiah, founder of PMT House of Dance in the Flatiron District, helped launch the Dance Studio Alliance, which is petitioning the city to reopen rehearsal spaces (via Crain's New York).
• The James New York-NoMad hotel (with 25 suites and 2 Penthouse Suites) is located just north of Madison Square Park was landed on Forbes' "7 NYC Valentine's Day Hotel Offers that Promis Romance and Respite" list (via Forbes). 

Real Estate

• Beam Suntory, the liquor company behind Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, is moving its headquarters from Chicago to New York City at 11 Madison Avenue (via Real Estate Weekly). 
• Freshly signed a lease to move its offices to 92,000 square feet at 28 East 28th Street (via The Real Deal).
• Curtain wall work is continuing to shape up at 39 West 23rd Street, a 24-story residential development in the Flatiron District (via New York YIMBY).
• Take a look at Jennifer Lopez's apartment in Flatiron worth $22 million (via Showbiz Cheat Sheet).
• Tom Brady sold his apartment at One Madison for $35 million (via Maca).  
• Construction is underway at One Madison Avenue in the Flatiron District, where the 13-story full-block structure is being renovated and expanded with a new 18-story addition yielding 1.4 million square feet of Class A office space (via New York YIMBY).
• The Flatiron/Union Square area leads Manhattan for Q4 2020 retail leasing with more than 86,000 square feet leased in three transactions. The most notable transaction was Home Depot, which renewed its 79,000-square-foot outpost at 28 West 23rd Street (via Connect Media). 

Around the Neighborhood

• CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS) was recently ranked in the top 2% of online bachelor's programs by US News & World Report. The School now ranks #8 in the nation of 357 institutions (via CUNY).
• January marked the 75th Anniversary of the World War II Victory Parade in New York City. The parade marched past the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park, continuing to the New York Public Library and the Rockefeller Center, the flags of the U.S., Britain, France, and Russia held at the front (via Untapped Cities).

Header Photo: New York YIMBY 
Thumbnail Photo Credit: @fleurs_de_sel

Can't Go Wrong With Dessert 

Australian bakery Bourke Street Bakery is making Valentine themed goodies like their 'Sweethearts,' flaky soft layers of pastry filled with a raspberry compote. And their heart-shaped semi sour baguettes. 

Eataly Flatiron (200 Fifth Avenue) has a wide variety of artisanal Italian Chocolates and housemade Italian desserts like heart-shaped pastries and full cakes.

Leonelli Focacceria (7 East 27th Street) is baking up heart-shaped cookies and you can browse their selection of tasty treats for dessert or pastries for a special breakfast.  

French cafe maman (22 West 25th Street) will be offering a Valentine's Day Cookie Gift Box featuring everyone's favorite cookie options and a new flavor, White Chocolate Raspberry Rose. A Cookie and Hot Chocolate Gift Box is also available. 

Farm-to-table Italian food concept Mangia (22 West 23rd Street) is baking up an array of sweets for the occasion including chocolate-dipped strawberries, cupcake and cookie gift boxes, and a "Chocolate & Bubbles" set featuring chocolate bars, brownies, cookies, and a bottle of champagne. 

French bakery Patisserie Chanson (20 West 23rd Street) is offering the romance of Paris in a pastry. The Lily Rose pastry is perfect for two and made with Almond daquoise, Lychee Rose Creme, Whipped Yoghurt, Raspberry, and Rose Petals. You'll have your pick of various macaroons, cakes, and tarts as well.

Smile To Go's 10-inch heart-shaped sea salt Chocolate Chip Cookie makes for a perfect sweet for you and your sweetheart. 

Enjoy a Special Dining Experience for a Celebratory Meal

Check out at-home dining experiences for a celebratory meal such as Benno's Tasting for Two and Champagne & Caviar Kit. Il Fiorista is offering a Chef's Dinner that can be picked up for home or enjoyed inside a private, heated Greenhouse. ilili's at-home chef kits and ilili's five-course Valentine's Day To-Go menu make for a memorable meal. And Tarallucci e Vino's is serving up an Italian "San Valentine" at-home spread, You can browse all heated outdoor dining options in the district for a much-needed night out like at Bazar Tapas, 230 Fifth Rooftop, or Eataly's cabins. Reservations highly recommended and filling up fast! 

Experience a Local Hotel or Museum

Plan a mini staycation and spend a romantic night at a local hotel like the French-inspired digs at The NoMad Hotel (1170 Broadway) that's offering a special rate with promo code "LOCAL". The sanctuary vibes of The James NoMad (22 East 29th Street) hotel make for a memorable stay. Plus you can enjoy special discounts. Spend a night at The Evelyn (7 East 27th Street) and you can add on an in-room, Michelin-star dining experience from their restaurant Benno or take advantage of an offer that includes two admission tickets to The Museum of Sex. The Museum of Sex is also offering Valentine's Day Sale that includes admission and a special gift. Photography Museum Fotografiska New York is hosting events and happenings all V-Day weekend long including portrait sessions and love potion workshops. 

A Thoughtful Gift

Rituals (172 Fifth Avenue) bath and skincare products are sure to impress and you can browse their Winter Sale. For the bookish baes, pick-up an exciting new read at Rizzoli (1133 Broadway). The White Company's (155 Fifth Avenue) selection of candles, scents, silk robes, and fleece blankets make for the perfect cozy surprise. The gift shop at The Museum of Sex (233 Fifth Avenue) offers a curated selection of top quality products for romance and desire. Bradelis (66 Madison Avenue) is a Japanese lingerie chain known for custom fittings & an array of styles. Sunday's (51 East 25th) offers a selection of nail polish kits and candles. Check out Standard Dose's (1145 Broadway) Valentine's Day Gift Guide featuring body oils, incense, CBD chocolate, and bath salts. 

Keep it Classic with Flowers and Wine

Pick up or deliver a beautiful floral arrangement from Blooming Affairs (925 Broadway) with holiday cards available, Flower You (122 East 25th Street), and Il Fiorista (17 West 26th Street). You'll find a variety of gifts at Il Fiorista's boutique as well including floral candles, spices, sugars, and honeys. Some favorite local wine shops are Flatiron Wines and Spirits (929 Broadway), Wine & Spirits Market (676 Sixth Avenue), and Vin Sur Vingt wine bar (1140 Broadway). 

Surprise Someone With Pampering (They Need It) 

The gift of a little R&R can go a long way, like a facial service from Silver Mirror Facial Bar (20 West 22nd Street), and Heyday (1130 Broadway). Treat someone to a massage at Dyanna Spa (40 East 21st Street) or Living Fresh Men's Spa (44 West 22nd Street), or an acupuncture session at WTHN (20 West 22nd Street). You can also browse WTHN's online shop of wellness products. 

Header Photo Credit: Il Fiorista
Thumnail Photo Credit: Mangia

Ritual & PayPal have collaborated with the State of New York to provide digital tools for Flatiron and NoMad food & beverage retailers. The State will be covering the start-up costs and first few months of service subscription.

Through their Empire State Digital initiative, district restaurants, cafes, and various other retailers can sign up for Ritual ONE for free til the end of March 2021. If 2,500 businesses across the state sign up, the program will be extended through April 2021. 

Ritual ONE gives your business the ability to quickly and easily add online ordering for pickup or delivery to your website. If your customers already have the ability to place an order directly on your website, Ritual ONE can compliment your existing platform by giving you the ability for customers to order directly from your Facebook, Instagram, or Google listing. Ritual ONE also provides on-site ordering QR codes to streamline ordering and payment for in-person dining and minimizing the time your staff may spends at each table. 

Thanks to the partnership with the State of New York, the initial set-up fee is waived along with at least two months of payments:

NY State/Ritual ONE Small Business Relief Package 

• Waived set up fee ($99/location)
• Waived monthly subscription $69/month per location)
• Waived credit card fees (2.8% + $0.20/transaction)
• Automatic participation in citywide marketing campaign ($1,000,000 investment)

Importantly, there are no commissions on any orders on Ritual ONE, nor will there ever be.

To further support your business, PayPal will be funding 50% off orders for your customers who place an order on Ritual ONE. PayPal has committed to invest $1,000,000 in the campaign which starts February 1st through March 31st.

To learn more and sign up, please visit the Empire State Digital landing page here.