Jo Rosenthal's Guide To NYC
The New York-based creator shares her favorite spots to eat, shop and find inspiration.
Miami-raised, New York City creative Jo Rosenthal first graced the city with her presence ten years ago because “it seemed the city needed me”. And it clearly did. Since her arrival, Jo has fully immersed herself in the fashion and art worlds here both as a contributor and curator.
Her work as an artist is as expansive and varied as the human experience itself (turns out human artists don’t always fit so easily into a box or a “label”, as our culture so persistently requests). And this is one of the most refreshing things about Jo. She’s not just a fashionista, Instagram influencer and sometimes model. She’s not just a stylist; she’s also a baker. She’s not just a baker; she’s also a writer. And sometimes she’s an artist whose drawings you might find on display at Ed. Varie. And when she’s not working on her own thing, she’s working to make sure you get the chance to see something someone else made.
That’s New York City incarnate. And with such pedigree, we thought we’d ask Jo to give us some insight into her New York. We might see something we may have missed.
How do you describe what you do as an artist?
Jo Rosenthal: Universal. Maybe I give a lot of intimate details but it’s only to give language to what we all feel inside.
You’re very community-oriented! I always see you hosting events and organizing readings. Have you always been like that and what spurred this side of you?
JR: It feels natural to bring to life how you see the world, even if it’s not my own art, making sure artists and voices I love have a platform. There are almost too many.
Walk me through a typical day in your neighborhood: where do you get your coffee, where do you get lunch, etc.?
JR: Every morning, I wake up and make myself a hardboiled egg. Before that, I chug as much water as I possibly can. I am not a coffee drinker so sometimes I’ll make matcha with whole milk. I like juice so sometimes I’ll walk over to Grass Roots. While it’s not in my neighborhood, I like to make the trek to Breads Bakery where an entire sourdough provides the perfect snack throughout the day. My friends know me as someone who can eat an entire loaf of bread in one sitting.
If I am feeling rich, I will go to Thai Diner and have stuffed cabbage and coconut water for lunch. If I am not feeling rich, I will make myself a turkey sandwich and eat a handful of dates with nut butter. I treat myself to ice cream at least once a day. My favorite spot is Morgensterns, where their coffee ice cream reminds me of heaven. I snack throughout the day, often enjoying jalapeño chips, a hotdog, a knish or a sesame bagel double toasted with scallion schmear.
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What is your favorite neighborhood in the city and why?
JR: I don’t like to pick favorites but I have a twinkle in my eye for the West Village.
Where do you go when you’re looking for some fashion inspiration in the city?
JR: I take the bus.
Where do you go to get artistically inspired?
JR: I like to stand in the middle of the Williamsburg Bridge.
What are your favorite shops?
JR: By Liv Handmade, Quality Mending, Wegmans, The Union Square Farmers Market.
Do you think it’s possible to thrift successfully in NYC or are you one of those that flee the city to get anything good?
JR: Doing clothing swaps with your friends always helps.
What are your favorite restaurants in the city?
JR: Lil Frankies, Shopsins, Thai Diner, Gertie, JG Melon, Thip Osha, Tadka Indian Restaurant.
Best venues for readings?
JR: KGB Bar and the various mirrors in my apartment.
Where do you go when you want a break from the city but can’t leave? Do you have any little spots that serve as a little private oasis where you feel like you’re not even in New York?
JR: I like to stare out the window and watch the clouds. When it rains, I try to find rainbows. Taking the ferry makes me feel like I’m a sea captain and New York is a seasick oyster.
What’s your NYC soundtrack?
JR: The soundtrack to the movie Girl 6 (dir. Spike Lee).
WORDS Hillary Sproul
