Doorman? What Doorman?
January saw the launch of Parcel, a package delivery concierge that takes delivery for doorman-less New Yorkers and shoots them a text to coordinate delivery when they’re home. Thus hopefully signaling a death knell for missed-package slips.
NYC Etiquette For Dummies
In April, waggish NYC artist Nathan Pyle dropped NYC: Basic Tips and Etiquette, a book of hilariously droll animated tips on how to be a New Yorker worth his quick-strolling salt — like how to use an unaware stranger as a human shield in the event of sidewalk solicitors.
A Log Cabin … in Brooklyn?
May marked the opening of Urban Cowboy B&B, a townhouse that’s been stripped to the studs and rebuilt as charming bit of Adirondack cabin comfort plopped in the heart of Williamsburg. So awesome we wound up shooting our Fall Style Issue there.
Truly Epic Secret Dinner Parties
Summer brought us Place Invaders, a guerilla supper club that rents gorgeous private homes around the city and throws dinner parties in them — all without the homeowner’s knowledge. They cook. You dine. And then, much like Keyser Söze, poof … they’re gone.
NY Gets Its First Scotch
July also saw the release of Jura Brooklyn, a smoky dram developed by a plunderbund of King’s County tastemakers from spots like Post Office and Noorman’s Kil and distilled by seasoned single malters Jura on a Scottish isle of the same name.
Behold, the Perfect Upstate Jaunt
Solidifying Upstate’s rep as the laid-back chap’s Hamptons alternative, The Arnold House swung wide their century-old Catskills doors, complete with cozy digs, gorgeous views and an in-house tavern for year-round relaxing.
Models on Demand
As if New Yorkers didn’t have enough things available just a smartphone click away, August brought us Eve, a members-only “model concierge” proffering access to attractive young ladies (or fellas) at a moment’s notice for everything from, say, blackjack dealing to “atmosphere modeling” (see: arm candy).
Your Sartorial Queries, Answered
In September, your pals here at InsideHook launched Ask Danny Agnew, a recurring column in which our Style Director answers reader questions on everything from which watch metals look best to how to pull off a turtleneck. Have a question? Email it to style@insidehook.com.
The Great Ebola Scare
September also saw NYC’s entrance into the Ebola fray, as an unknowingly infected Dr. Craig Spencer did a high-stepping jaunt through Williamsburg before discovering his condition and going into quarantine. NBC New York’s interactive map charts his path best. Close call.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
In October, hospitality impresario and André Balazs protégé Omar Hernandez opened his eponymous members-only dining club beneath a stately Greenwich Village townhouse. Inside: live music, literary salons and leggy models. This is one you’ll want to join.
1 WTC Opens
November brought the official opening of 1 WTC, along with the attendant design criticism and freak scaffolding scare. For our money, though, the building’s best moment so far is a tie between the guy who BASE-jumped from the roof and Anna Wintour’s office full of rats.
The 8 Best New Restos of 2014
In December, we dropped Table Stakes: Best of 2014, a guide to the eight must-know spots that opened this year. Be it your preference for sizzling ribeye, off-menu omakase or outlandish breakfast sandwiches, you are well and truly covered.
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