Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim are the dynamic duo who revived the legendary Oscar de la Renta brand. From the moment they launched their brand Monse, it was clear that they aimed to redefine glamour for a modern audience. These tastemakers have a deep understanding of fashion and a keen eye for a good vibe—something they also seek out in their favorite dining spots. Restaurants like Balthazar and Odeon in Tribeca reflect their fashion ethos: timeless with an edge.
For Garcia and Kim, food, like fashion, is about nourishment—both inside and out—offering joy through the unexpected. Ahead of New York Fashion Week, we spoke with Garcia about his and Kim’s top spots in the city.
What is your go-to casual spot?
Tartine in the West Village. It used to be BYOB—it's not anymore, but it's still intimate and quaint. It's a very tried-and-true savory plates. My favorite is the spicy chicken with guac sauce and fries. Very rich and savory with staples that everyone can fall in love with. It's nothing complicated or convoluted—it’s soul nourishing. If I ever have a day where I need a pick me up, I go there and remember the young days of Fernando living in the West Village. Those days are long gone but that's where I go for a little culinary gastronomical hug.
If you're celebrating a special occasion, where's your favorite place to dine?
Atomix. Laura and I discovered it a couple of years ago, and it was the most gratifying evening of the best Asian cuisine. Dining runs the full gamut, from something really quaint and homey, to the most top of the line, luxurious—without it hitting you over the head. It's over the top without being over the top. I don’t feel overwhelmed with their choice of flavors or decoration or garnish or mixing of proteins with whatever you can think of. The journey is always expansive. Flavors don't feel overworked. Let the ingredients speak for themselves.
Do your dining experiences ever inspire your design work?
I find that people who go to [restaurants like Atomix] don’t need to show up dressed to the nines. They probably have the most expensive Loro Piana cashmere on, and that is as luxurious as a very flashy dress that one would assume is required to partake in that fancy evening in New York. The power of restraint is inspiring at a place like Atomix, but also I like the tried-and-true Waverly Inn and Sant Ambroeus. It’s always fun for people watching to go to those places, and whenever I need to start my day with a jolt, I go with Keith [McNally]’s Balthazar. His Instagram posts have dictated what my morning breakfast routine should feel like. I go there and I feel like I’m going to experience not just the food, but the people and the waitstaff and their journey.
What’s your go-to order at Balthazar?
Steak frites and the mussels. For breakfast, I like the poached egg or on the weekdays, eggs and soldiers. There’s no better toast to be dipped into a soft boiled egg in the entire world than Keith’s Balthazar toast. They are perfectly crunchy, never soft, and the eggs are always done at the right amount of time. That’s my favorite breakfast plate.
When friends or family are visiting New York, which hotels do you recommend?
The Greenwich Hotel. It has the most zen energy. A close second would be The Mercer. The staff is wonderful, but the Greenwich Hotel is by far number one for me and Laura. When we wanted a staycation back in our assistant days, Laura and I would go for one night—that's all we could afford then—and enjoy the private courtyard that's only for hotel guests. There's an energy of privacy unlike anything else in New York. The Shibui spa is not over the top but has a Japanese sensitivity to it. There's always good looking people at the Greenwich Hotel so people watching is fun. For work reasons I go there quite often, as actors and singers do enjoy staying there.
What are your favorite hotel bars and cafes?
I always like the King Cole bar (at the St. Regis). Whenever there’s an uptown thing, that's a go-to. I think there's nothing more endearing to my soul than the Met Gala season rolling up and taking a break at the Carlyle—[for breakfast or a drink or dinner].
If your designs were a MICHELIN Guide restaurant, which one would it be?
Laura’s would be Cote. We go there quite often. Also, the new Caviar Kaspia (at the Mark Hotel).
Address book:
Tartine
253 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
Atomix
104 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016
Waverly Inn
16 Bank St, New York, NY 10014
Sant Ambroeus
1000 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10075
Balthazar
80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
The Greenwich Hotel
377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
The Mercer
147 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012
The St. Regis New York
Two E 55th St, New York, NY 10022
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021
COTE
16 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10010
Caviar Kaspia at The Mark
992 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10075
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