Florent is gone (The Meat-Packing District)

Below 14th Street
The pioneer of the Meat-Packing district closed in June 2008. After Florent came tens of hip restaurants, bars, and shops. But Pastis (9 Ninth Ave., Little West 12th St.), which was second to Florent, remains a cool French bistro with moderate prices for brunch, lunch, or dinner (it gets very crowded on weekends!)

On 14th Street (and 9th Ave.) Visit the Apple Store right at the corner. Going West on 14th St. there are plenty of stores to browse, such as Carlos Miele, Stella McCartney, Diane von Furstenberg, etc.

Above 14th Street
Visit the Chelsea Market (75 Ninth Ave., bet. 15th/16th Sts.). There's coffee, ice cream, pasta, sea food... It's cool! If you like architecture, after the Chelsea Market you can go up on 10th Ave. and make a left on 18th Street towards the West Side Highway, where you will find the Frank Gehry building, headquarters of IAC.

On the way there there's The Park (118 10th Ave., bet. 17th/18th), which is also moderately priced and has a great decor. Very cozy for brunch in the winter and fun for drinks in the summer (outdoor seating).

(Photo: Chelsea Market in the fall)