The epicenter of the city’s bustle and roar, Midtown Manhattan is not only one of the largest business districts in the world, but also the country’s largest entertainment and commercial center, giving its residents the best of urban living mere steps from their front door.
History of Midtown East
Most New Yorkers today are living on what was once farmland. Before the city became the world’s leading financial center and one of the favorite fashion capitals favored by the trendy elite, the island was home to farms that spread from Midtown to the Upper West Side neighborhoods. Wealthy and prominent families were attracted to the area for its serene atmosphere and easy access to the East River. During the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, factories, breweries, slaughterhouses, and coal yards were built throughout Midtown East. The once home to the city’s wealthiest families became a refuge for Irish and German immigrants who moved to the many tenement buildings that lined the streets. The 1920s was a transformative period for the city. Grand Central Station’s reconstruction on East 42nd Street fueled a capitalist revolution in Midtown Manhattan. The resulting commercial boom transformed the area into a hub of consumerism. Tenement buildings were torn down, and the city’s elite began purchasing properties around the area. Given Midtown East’s central location and easy access, it’s no wonder how it became a vibrant and bustling commercial center in the second half of the 20th Century. Its architecture alone speaks of the neighborhood’s passion for power and influence. For instance, The Chrysler Building was hailed the world’s tallest building in 1930 but lost its title to the nearby Empire State Building less than a year later.
Housing Options in Midtown East
Midtown East may be home to iconic skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building, United Nations headquarters, and the Rockefeller Center, but tucked around its corners are serene, tree-lined streets where some of Manhattan’s prime real estate properties stand. The convenient neighborhood provides a mix of luxury condominiums, full-service high-rises, classic townhouses, and prestigious co-ops, as well as more affordable walk-up rentals, particularly in the Turtle Bay section east of Lexington Avenue. What attracts many home buyers and renters to Midtown East is the tranquil setting and waterfront vistas the East River provides. Many properties offer fantastic views stretching out over the river to Queens, all the way up to the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge and spanning Midtown Manhattan’s city skyline. This is why one of the most popular property amenities in the neighborhood is a rooftop deck showcasing these postcard-perfect views.
Dining in Midtown East
Whether it’s dinner before a Broadway show, a quick bite of American comfort food, or a culinary trip around the world during the weekend, the dining options in Midtown East are difficult to beat. A historical gem known for its iconic haute French fare, La Grenouille has been serving la sole grillée, (grilled Dover sole) and oxtail braisé au vin de Bourgogne (oxtail braised in red burgundy wine) since 1962. The fanciest Gallic dishes are also perfectly matched with gracious service and legendary floral arrangements that have made the restaurant into a Midtown institution. In the 1950s, American singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole dubbed the bacon cheeseburger at P.J. Clarke’s as the “Cadillac of hamburgers.” It’s therefore safe to say that P.J. Clark has been serving one of the city’s finest burgers for decades. The 1884 saloon also serves oysters, lamb roast, and wagyu burgers, served with ice-cold brews on tap. Land of Plenty gives diners a taste of Sichuan culture with its culinary offerings. While Sichuan food is known for its spiciness, Land of Plenty prides itself on bringing all of traditional Chinese cuisine’s basic flavors: hot, sour, sweet, pungent, salty, bitter, and aromatic. Madam Song’s seafood noodles, stir-fried crispy tofu with roast chili and cumin, and poached rabbit with chili dressing are some of the restaurant’s popular dishes served in a sleek and trendy, white-washed spaced adorned with antique farm details.
Things to Do
Home to world-famous buildings, shops, and museums, Midtown East is never short on experiences – it’s part of the “city that never sleeps,” after all. The Grand Central Terminal is more than a train station. It’s a national historic landmark that is second to Times Square when it comes to the most popular attractions in NYC, hosting over 750,000 visitors who pass through the iconic building on a daily basis. One could gaze at its celestial ceiling mural or visit the Grand Central Market where over 65 stores cater to commuters and tourists. One of the NYC activities that is an absolute must-do is taking a tour of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Recognized as one of the largest and most influential museums of contemporary art in the world, MoMa spans six floors of exhibits showcasing a magnificent array of paintings, sculptures, and other art forms from the likes of Vincent Van Goh, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol. Rockefeller Center is one of the city’s most popular and highly trafficked areas. Visitors can savor some of the best views in all of Manhattan from its three-story observation deck. And during the holiday season, one can enjoy the world-famous rink and the lighting of the grand Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The fashion capital, of course, offers the finest shopping experience. Saks Fifth Avenue occupies an entire city block directly across from Rockefeller Center and has been one of NYC’s distinguished high-end department stores since it opened in 1924. The ten-floor luxury shopping destination is home to designers like Chanel, Escada, and Louis Vuitton.
Dermatologist in Midtown East
For residents and visitors of Midtown East neighborhood, the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York offers a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical procedures for skin rejuvenation and body contouring.
Treatments Offered at Our Skin Care Clinic:
Schedule a Consultation with a Dermatologist in Midtown East
Our skin care clinic in New York is the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art laser and cosmetic skin surgery center in the world. Featuring over 100 lasers and dozens of injectable treatments, we can treat any skin condition and provide customized options to help patients achieve all their aesthetic goals. To learn more about our services, contact the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York in Manhattan today.
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