Across the pond
IAN COOGAN • Motel Morris
CULTURE & LEISURE • Friday Routine
IAN COOGAN • culinary director • Motel Morris
Neighborhood you work in: Chelsea
Neighborhood you live in: Upper West Side
It’s Friday afternoon, how are you rolling into the weekend?
As we roll into a busy dinner service, my focus is on ensuring the kitchen is ready and everything is organized for weekend brunch. In addition to placing orders, I check in with my teams and their prep lists to avoid any surprises. Aside from that, I look at the weather for the coming days to start outlining my own weekend plans!
Where are you drinking or dining this weekend?
There’s a decent chance I’ll start my day eating dim sum — Tim Ho Wan and Dim Sum GoGo are my go-tos. I enjoy walking around the city on my days off, and at some point, I’ll need a little snack to keep me going. I’m a big fan of the steak tartare at Dickson’s Farmstand in Chelsea Market. At $10, it’s one of the most undervalued bites in the city, especially considering the quality of the butcher that produces it. Another favorite of mine is La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. They offer delicious food and a massive wine list, with great options ranging from $50 per bottle to the thousands. If I’m staying in my neighborhood, there’s a solid chance I’ll have sushi for dinner, and the omakase at Sushi Kaito on 72nd Street is delicious and very reasonably priced.
Any weekend getaways?
I have friends with a house in Quogue I occasionally visit. The town has a great family-owned butcher and fantastic fresh Long Island seafood for purchase. Even if it’s too cold to swim, I’ll take a beautiful walk along the water.
What was your last great vacation?
I went to London several months ago for a friend’s wedding. I lived there for a few years, so it’s always nice to return and visit some of my regular haunts, as well as see what’s new. Sabor on Regent Street is one of my favorites, so I always try to make a visit. I also managed to leave the city and spend some time down in Cornwall, which is a beautiful retreat and home to some amazing restaurants and seafood.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
Most of my recent big-ticket purchases have been artwork, two of which were from artists I encountered at street fairs (Art by Haise & Gonzalo Pita). I’m now assessing where in my home they should be displayed.
What store or service do you always recommend?
I’m a huge believer in the benefits of a good massage. In a pinch, I’ll go to Shun Fa on W. 8th Street or Renew Day Spa down on Bowery. However, I recently tried Nicolette Emerson on W 28th for the first time, and she was fantastic. Definitely not for a first-timer, as she really gets into the knots, but she’s extremely talented.