A Slower Guide to New York with editor Emily Petruccione
New York has a way of pulling you in with it’s high energy and constant hum. And yet, within it all, there are people like Emily who know how to move more slowly, to tune into the quieter frequencies of the city. Her guide is less about racing from one landmark to another, and more about noticing the moments that steady you: a shower at home with candles flickering, a walk past brownstones in Cobble Hill, a bowl of Kyoto-style tofu in a tucked-away spot that feels like yours alone.
Emily reminds us that even in a city built on velocity, grounding comes from the rituals you repeat, the cafés you return to and the streets that surprise you in bloom. It’s about finding within the constant motion, a slower way of being.
Salter House
Where in New York do you feel most grounded?
As much as I find grounding in many places outside my apartment, nothing nourishes me more than the peace I find at home. A calming shower, candles burning, clean sheets, soft sounds—those small details ground me more than anything else and there’s comfort in knowing I can create that feeling whenever I need it.
That said, I live in a beautiful part of Brooklyn and often walk up to Cobble Hill Park. There’s a charming street nearby called Verandah Place, lined with homes that make you feel like you’ve stepped into Edinburgh or Notting Hill. It’s my happy place for morning walks. I also love the Brooklyn waterfront in the summer—the skyline view is the best. From there, you can wander into Brooklyn Heights, stroll through beautiful brownstones, and pop by Salter House or Poppy’s for a coffee or pastry.
Helen Phelan Pilates
How do you move your body in a way that feels easeful?
Movement is how I start and usually end my day—it keeps my brain and body sharp and in sync. On recovery days, I’ll go for long walks around the neighborhood with a podcast, but typically I’m in the gym. I love strength training—it makes me feel super confident in my skin and it's a great way to build community.
I also do Pilates at home with Helen Phelan or Bryony Deery. I love the accessibility of at-home classes—I can really set up my space in a way that feels most relaxing.
For an in-studio experience, I love Mind Body Pilates with Kayla at WSA, Bonnie’s Fascia Flossing class at Sky Ting (they added a really nice spa this past year too), and anything at Live The Process. They curate such a thoughtful mix of classes—from Pilates to meditation and breathwork—there’s something for everyone.
Sky Ting Spa
When you feel the need to restore—emotionally or energetically—what do you turn to?
Rituals really keep me grounded. I try to meditate daily—something guided or a Kundalini practice depending on what I need. A long shower or bath with essential oils works wonders. Water is the ultimate cleanser to me, whether it’s for detoxing or just rinsing off the day.
Cleaning and organizing help too. A mindless task brings me back into my body. Simply chopping vegetables can be grounding.
Quiet is essential. We’re all so inundated with noise…podcasts, content, scrolling. I think it’s crucial to spend at least a few minutes each day tuning it all out and checking in. Otherwise, I start to feel like I’m moving a mile a minute.
Do you have a place you retreat to outside the city?
I'm from a town about 3.5 hours north of the city called Saratoga Springs—you’ve probably seen the fancy blue glass water bottles around. When I need to retreat, I usually head up there to be with family. The state park is my favorite—full of massive trees, natural mineral springs, and wide open trails. It’s my go-to for a long walk or run. The Adirondacks and Lake George are just a short drive away, and Vermont’s not far either. Being home always brings me back to my roots and offers a sense of calm.
Matcha at Laurel
Are there daily rituals that anchor you while living in New York?
I always start my day with some kind of movement and meditation. I don’t think that will ever change—unless I have kids someday, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there!
I’d be remiss not to mention my morning matcha. I gave up coffee years ago and haven’t looked back. It sounds silly, but it really changed me. I’m obsessed with the ritual—warming up my Fellow, weighing and sifting the powder, frothing my milk with collagen and cinnamon. It's an art form for me at this point, and when I drink it I honestly feel the most creative and in sync. If I’m not making it at home, I’ll walk to Laurel Bakery. In Manhattan, I stop at Café Integral in Soho—both make their own nut milks, which makes all the difference.
At night, my favorite ritual is a lymphatic massage on my face and stomach to help with digestion and puffiness. I keep a small bottle of oil and smelling salts from a local brand called Gestures on my nightstand. Each bottle comes with an affirmation and a suggested practice—it's simple, but really thoughtful.
Attersee
Where in the city do you feel most creatively inspired?
I usually have a destination in mind, but I find the most inspiration in the in-between moments—popping into small shops and cafes, galleries, chatting with store owners, or just wandering without a plan.
Some of my favourite spots:
Lauren Manoogian, Attersee, Nalata Nalata, Desert Vintage, Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery, and Korin. Lately I’ve been drawn Uptown—it feels so classic and timeless and a lot of good brands are popping up there. On rainy weekends, I like a drive out to Ridgewood to Lichen, or LIC for the Noguchi Museum.
Just the other day, we walked the Brooklyn Waterfront up to Dumbo and I felt like a tourist in my own city. Hudson Wilder, Front General Store, L’ensemble, and Hildur—a beautiful Scandinavian-inspired restaurant—are all places I like to pop into. ZAROLAT is a small but really thoughtful gallery nearby. I love days like this.
I also find a lot of inspiration at the farmers markets. The Upper West Side Greenmarket on Sundays is a favorite, and a walk through Central Park afterward is the cherry on top. I always have some really good downloads in those moments.
Is there a place you go to eat something simple and nourishing?
There’s no shortage of good food in New York, but you do have to be intentional when looking for spots that feel nourishing and make you feel good. For quick, healthier bites, I love Springbone, This Bowl, Le Botaniste, and Happier Grocer. When I lived in Manhattan, my go-to was East Village Organic for a juice or smoothie. One of the long-time workers there is an older British man, who used to call me (and probably everyone else) “love”—that sealed the deal.
Dimes Market is great for grab-and-go—their soups with Knead Love bread or a seedy cracker never miss.
Japanese food is my favorite, so ACRE in Greenpoint is a go-to. And Dashi Okume is fun to pop into—they have beautiful ceramics and home goods, but I usually go and get their dashi in the fall to make brothy bases at home.
My neighborhood spot (also Japanese)—though I’m tempted to keep it a secret—is Hibino. It’s unassuming but incredibly authentic. They serve beautiful Kyoto-style tapas, house-made tofu, and fresh sushi. A true gem. In Manhattan, I go to Raku in the East Village for cozy bowls of udon in colder months.
For something sweet, Culture frozen yogurt is my go-to. Everything’s made in-house and tastes clean but satisfying. The Park Slope location is way more low-key, which I prefer.
Can you share a sensory memory that’s stayed with you?
One that always lingers is the feeling of early spring mornings in New York. There’s this calm before the city fully wakes up and the light feels really soft. I love walking through the side streets of Manhattan when everything’s still dewy and the trees are beginning to bloom. You sometimes forget nature exists in this city, but then Spring surprises you and you are hit in the face with a cherry blossom tree in full bloom, or something equally beautiful. It’s a fleeting season here, but it makes you pause. Nature and calm in the middle of the chaos, that stays with me.
Hotel Chelsea Spa
Is there a local spa, therapist or wellbeing studio that you return to again and again?
Facials are my non-negotiable—something I’ll always carve out time and budget for. My favorites spots in New York right now are Strauhs Studios in Tribeca and Reverie Studio near Union Square. They each take a holistic approach to skincare, which is something I really value.
At Strauhs, I recently booked The Treatment with Sarah Abney. It’s an investment, but it’s incredibly comprehensive—buccal massage, microcurrent, sculpting..you name it. It’s one of a kind. At Reverie, you’re in amazing hands with Abby. She’s incredibly sweet, knowledgeable, completely up to date on the best products and practices, and customises everything to your skin’s unique needs.
Ricari Studios offers what they call a luxurious take on lymphatic drainage. The iconic white suit is a fun bonus, but it’s Eyren, the practitioner, who will keep you coming back. She’s an herbalist and at the end of our session wrote me a custom blend of herbs based on what she felt was out of balance during our session. I’d go back just to see her and hang.
The Hotel Chelsea Spa is a beautiful little haven. Their gift shop is so well curated. Definitely worth a browse before or after a treatment – would love a little staycation there soon!
Strauhs Studios
Hotel Chelsea Spa
How do you begin and end your day?
My days usually begin slowly— warm water with lemon, meditation or some journaling. Then I’m off to the gym, which is typically rewarded with a matcha and balanced breakfast at home. I try to get in a focused work block while my mind is still clear and inspired.
Evenings are all about winding down and taking care of myself. I’ll cook something seasonal, take a relaxing shower, do my skincare and lymphatic massage. Some nights it's a show on the couch with my boyfriend, other nights it’s a guided meditation or book that carries me into sleep. Those small rituals help soften the edges of the day and create space to rest and recharge.
What does ‘home’ mean to you now?
Home is wherever I’m honoring myself and what I need that day. If I make time for my rituals, eat nourishing meals, and connect with people in an authentic way, I usually feel pretty grounded and at ease regardless of physical location.
When I travel, I always seek places that feel like me—a café or restaurant filled with locals, a curated boutique or gallery, green spaces, a farmers market. I linger, wander, talk to people and ask questions. I really believe that when you stay open and curious, the most meaningful moments tend to find you.
It might sound small, but when I’m somewhere new, I always try to walk with my head up, shoulders back, phone down—making eye contact, offering a smile or a simple “hi.” I like to carry an energy that feels really approachable. A combination of curiosity and openness is what helps me feel at home wherever I am.