Haute Secrets: Founder & CEO of Dylan’s Candy Bar Shares Her Guide to NYC

In 2001, Dylan Lauren launched Dylan’s Candy Bar. Often touted as the modern day Willy Wonka factory, the confectionery emporium and lifestyle brand merges the worlds of art, fashion and pop culture with candy. Dylan’s Candy Bar houses more than 7,000 sweets, making it have the largest selection of candies and candy-related gifts from around the world. Dylan, who is also the daughter of iconic fashion designer Ralph Lauren, shares her insider’s guide to NYC.

Where were you born? NYC

How long have  you lived in NYC? My entire life

Neighborhood: Upper East side

Occupation: Founder and CEO of Dylan’s Candy Bar

Favorite Restaurant: The Polo Bar

Best Sushi: Shabu Shabu 

Best Italian: Palma 

Best dessert: Dylan’s Candy Bar Breakfast of Champions, which consists of stacked Belgium waffles with six scoops of icecream in delicious flavors (like Birthday Cake and Cookie Mess, Candy Bar Blast),globs of fudge and toasted marshmallows.

Best place for a romantic date: Uva

Best Sunday brunch: EJ’s Luncheonette 

Best place for a power business meeting: The Regency Hotel

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The Carlyle

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Story

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: ABC Home

Best Spa: Mandarin Oriental

Favorite Charity Event: Dylan’s Candy BarN events to help shelter animals find homes and lead happier lives usually at Dylan’s Candy Bar stores

Favorite Cultural Event: Chinese New Year Parade

Favorite Cultural Institution: Madison Square Garden or Central Park Zoo

Best Steakhouse: I don’t eat steak but BLT or Del Frisco’s Steak looks like they have fun vibe

Best Pizza: I love Uno‘s deep dish pizza

Best Lunch: Avra

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Equinox (but I also like classes at Punch and Pushlab Fitness)

Best Massage: Yiffat Rich at Manhattan Sports Medicine located at 133 E. 58th Street.

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber

Best Museum/Exhibit: Met-Fashion/Costume exhibits

Describe your city in three words: Energetic, Electric, Inspiring

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: St Patrick’s Cathedral—love stained glass

All-around favorite spot in New York City: Central Park

Best Aspect of New York: Diversity—From neighborhoods, people, professions, stores, restaurants, museums and the fact the city never sleeps!