mindholiday: september edit
The fall NYC date night edit — send this to your crush as a hint and maybe they'll take you to a sexy bar with a fireplace
Hello, and happy October! Welcome back to the the monthly MindHoliday edit, the corner of the internet where I share my newest finds and current favorites. It’s officially drink-something-by-the-fire season, and while I am currently (and likely permanently) not drinking and am #calisober, I do love enjoying a mocktail while the flames consume me.
I feel like people don’t realize that there are plenty of bars in New York City with fireplaces, and they all serve as great backdrops for first dates, 100th dates, and take-yourself-on-a-date dates.
Here are some essential spots for snuggling up and snogging when the temperatures drop:
The Portrait Bar is one of my favorite bars in the whole city. Their drinks are incredible, the food is much better than it needs to be, and yes, it has a delicious fireplace and moody interiors. Go early when it opens if you don’t want to wait, and savor every moment of people watching.
Black Mountain Wine House, Gowanus
If you believe that fire and wine can singlehandedly solve seasonal affective disorder, then look no further. Not only do they have an extensive wine list, but they also have some serious comfort food and charcuterie options.
Dynaco in Bed-Stuy is the ultimate winter hideaway, with its wood-paneled walls, crackling wood stove, and warm, ambient lighting. On snowy nights, it feels like being tucked away in a cozy cabin, sipping a hot toddy while vinyl records spin softly in the background. It’s the kind of bar where time slows down, and the city’s chaos melts away. They also decorate for Christmas, so do what you will with that info.
Mace in the West Village turns winter nights into an art form with its spice-forward cocktails and intimate, candle-lit vibe, and you guessed it, fireplace. Each drink feels like a carefully crafted experience, blending warmth and complexity that perfectly cuts through the cold. Bonus: It’s on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Monthly Favorites
I mostly rotted at home while dealing with personal stuff in September, but I managed to get out of the house (and country) to celebrate my husband’s birthday with friends in Ibiza and Formentera, which was a LOVELY distraction.
Bikeable Islands - The ideal vacation to me is one on a beach, and where I can bike everywhere without a care in the world. Formentera fits the bill, and so does Fire Island. Bikeable island post coming soon!
The Yemeni honeycomb pastry from Bontree in Prospect Heights - Perfectly balanced, sweet yet savory, filled with cheese and coated in honey. A coffee shop with very kind staff! Huge tables for working!
The Standard Ibiza - A great centrally located hotel option in Ibiza for when you’re in town to dance, and not much more. Good rooftop pool, good food, insanely comfortable beds.
Local bodega flowers - If you’re in NYC, check your local bodega to see if they have fall dahlias in stock! I got enough to make 3 arrangements for under $40. Score.
In Flight Entertainment
Introducing a new segment for the MindHoliday edit, In Flight Entertainment! Here’s what I consumed on the tarmac and at 37,000 feet last month.
Reading:
Against the Loveless World: A hauntingly beautiful fictional story of resilience, love, and identity set against the turmoil of war and displacement in Palestine.
My Dark Vanessa: A harrowing exploration of power, trauma, and consent, told through the complex lens of a woman grappling with the impact of her past. It’s as gripping as it is uncomfortable, forcing readers to confront the dark gray areas of memory and manipulation.
The God of the Woods: A chilling, atmospheric novel that delves into the haunting allure of the unknown. Every page of this eerie story pulses with an unsettling beauty, blurring the line between reality and the supernatural.
Listening:
The MindHoliday Fall Playlist, of course!
In Waves, Jamie XX - I’ve been a fan of the XX, Romy, and Jamie XX for awhile, and I truly believe this is his best album to date. The songs all mix so well together, and I found myself not skipping a single song, which is a rare treat.
Watching:
Mad Men - I am so late to the game here, but recently started Mad Men after my therapist recommended it to me as a way of seeing how the destructive attitudes and habits from the 60s were passed down through our parents, causing long-lasting generational trauma. LOL, but also it’s been so eye opening and has actually helped me understand why my parents behaved in certain ways while raising me. I also love a period drama, especially one set in New York, and all of the fashion and mid-century modern design is tantalizing. There’s truly no time like autumn to tuck into an eleven season show!
What I’m Booking
I’m currently planning a babymoon in Basque country for some of my close friends, and it’s been such a fun project to work on. San Sebastian and Biarritz have been on my travel wishlist for ages now, because they are the perfect cities in the region to enjoy unbelievable food, nature, and gorgeous beaches.
Hotel Villa Soro, San Sebastian
Hotel Villa Soro is a dream blend of luxury and heritage, nestled in a 19th-century villa with lush, manicured gardens that feel like a secret escape. It’s just far enough from the bustle of San Sebastián’s Old Town to be serene, but close enough that you can stroll back after a Michelin-starred dinner. The rooms are effortlessly chic, with modern touches that still honor the building’s storied past—think cozy fireplaces and grand windows that flood the space with sunlight.
Regina Experimental is where Parisian chic meets laid-back surf vibes. It’s got that effortless style, but with little details that nod to the beach—sun-bleached tones, relaxed furniture, and a vibe that feels more Biarritz than city center.
Ok, that’s it for this monthly MindHoliday edit!
P.S. — I finally got around to making an Instagram account for MindHoliday, and it would mean the world if you followed it! I’m trying to rid myself of personal social media use, and unfortunately to have a business presence in 2024, some form of social media is necessary… :)
I looove black mountain wine house but def need to hit dynaco!!!!!!
Cannot wait for the bikeable islands post!!