Lady M

This is where it all started. Our Upper East Side boutique on 78th was our first Lady M boutique. We opened this jewel box back in 2004 (that feels like centuries ago!) and it is still our beloved flagship. This boutique has seen so many neighborhood changes throughout the years, and we are beyond proud to call this the first and original Lady M.

We love the tree-lined streets and the gentle quiet of this particular block, bookmarked with Park Avenue on one end and Madison Avenue on the other end. We love meeting friends for lunch at Sant Ambroeus (especially for the carpaccio with shaved artichokes, or the simple, satisfying tea sandwiches on a lighter day) and partaking in weekend staycations at The Mark (where Meghan Markle just had her baby shower). Every great city is made of many small neighborhoods and we find that this is especially true in NYC. From this boutique, you're just a few minutes away from Central Park where we've enjoyed our share of beautiful afternoons. On extra nice days, we order cake and tea to-go, walk it over, find an open bench seat (ideally one near the Bethesda Fountain) and devour. How lucky we are to live in NYC.

But back to the boutique. This is a tiny one, filled with regulars and neighbors. We love seeing familiar faces, and we love welcoming new ones, visitors and all. Tiny things to observe:

Seasonal flowers. You'll see them at all Lady M boutiques. We love hydrangeas (our signature flowers) and amaryllis (which we often source during the spring season). The flowers at the Upper East Side boutique are lovingly arranged by Lucci. He's been at this location for an impressive 13 (!!) years. No one knows this boutique as well as Lucci and we are honored he is with us. Make sure to ask for Lucci when you visit. He is the best.

The beautiful, heavy silver door knob with our signature "M," which you will find at all Lady M boutiques. And as you approach the back of the boutique, you'll see a sparkling set of chandeliers from our friends at Baccarat. It's all about the small touches.

You see that beautiful cake counter on the right as you enter? It was designed by Sam Trimble and won an international design award in 2005. We eventually built one of these counters for everyone of our US boutiques.

This is the only Lady M boutique to have a full menu of savory dishes. You can find the menu online here. Our favorites? This mesclun salad (and the lightest honey-mustard dressing) with goat cheese toast. The toast is all hot and melty, and the salad so perfectly dressed. It's elegant and rich enough to satisfy. The smoked salmon sandwich is also an understated winner. We use whole wheat bread and the silkiest smoked salmon you can find. The magic lies in the sour cream spread. We hand-blend lots of fresh dill, lemon, and olive oil into the sour cream for an extra luxurious touch. It is wonderful!

We always cap off lunch with a slice of cake (it's been all about the Pistachio Mille Crêpes this month, though you can't go wrong with the classic Signature), and walk around the neighborhood. Shopping along Madison Avenue? Check. A day at the Guggenheim, Met and/or Met Breuer? You bet. The options are endless, and no matter how many times you do the same thing over, there is always something new to discover.

Till next time,
Lady M