Suelyn Farel can tell you plenty about the power game in New York. As CEO of one of the city’s most prestigious beauty companies, the Julien Farel Group (named for her husband and co-founder) headquartered on Park Avenue at the Loews Regency, Farel mixes and mingles with the city’s movers and shakers. To cater to this special crowd, she and her husband create beauty regimens, for example the Power Hour—60 minutes of luxury grooming— with the needs and wants of this fast-moving crowd very much in mind. The Power Hour caught on fast with boldfacers and it’s now often the first appointment of the day before they before head to the Regency’s in-house restaurant for—what else?—its famous “power breakfast” (the term first came into being here).
We asked Suelyn to curate a list of her favorite city spots, which she shares with us below.
Where were you born: White Plains, New York
How long in New York: Since 1989, which is unbelievable…I’m definitely a “lifer” at this point.
Favorite neighborhood: 10065, which runs from about East 60th to 72nd Streets from 5th Avenue, to the East River. SO luxe!!!
Best restaurant: Le Cirque
Best Italian: Circo (Clearly, I love the Maccioni’s level of service and food)
Best dessert: The Vacherin at Le Relais de Venise
Best cocktail and where to consume it: Stolichnaya on the rocks with double lemon & a splash of soda. Preferably at a hotel bar.
Best Sunday brunch: At home with my family.
Best place for a power business meeting: The Loews Regency’s “Power Breakfast” is legendary for a reason. So very fortunate to have a business in this hotel to use it as my kitchen! Second choice would be 81/2 and third, Nobu.
Hotel recommendation for out-of-town guests: Of course the Loews Regency…location, location, location. Farther uptown, the Carlyle never disappoints.
Favorite shopping venues: Three-way tie between Gucci, Prada and Jose Parron at Barneys.
Best vegan: Candle 79, does that count? I’m so NOT vegan! Bar Italia makes huge accommodations for food allergies and specific preferences, with incredible gluten-free options. At Bar Italia, Andree Elgarrahy is a master raw chef & dessert-maker.
Best steakhouse: Tough call…Smith & Wollensky or The Old Homestead
Best pizza: The El Supremo at Roberta’s in Brooklyn
Best gym/athletic facility: Chelsea Piers because of the driving range.
Favorite charity: RESTORE, which is the signature charity at our RESTORE Salon & Spa. So happy to support a local charity to help victims of sex trafficking get back on their feet. Go to www.restorenyc.org for more info.
Night on the town favorites: Bagatelle and of course Soho House because I’m a founder. Love the clubby feel.
Best museum/exhibits: MOMA strikes a chord over and over! An added bonus is that the museum creates interesting exhibit-related activities for kids.
Favorite way to explore the city: I love walking 60 or 70 blocks without having a specific route. No matter how many years I’ve lived here, there’s always something new to discover, and old places that stir up nostalgia. It can be really sad to see a favorite restaurant or store close; nothing ever really, truly replaces somewhere that feels like home and was a significant part of my life.
Best aspect of New York: Its diversity and acceptance and access to the best of the best.
Describe the city in three words: Sky’s the limit!!!
The secret to your success? NRHW: Nothing Replaces Hard Work.
