February 2026 City Notes

Patricia Isen
01/29/26

CITY NOTES

CURATED BY PATRICIA GREENE ISEN

Valentine's Day Experiences
& Gift Guide 2026

Happy Valentine's Day!

Every February I try to compile a group of stories and products I think you would love to either give as gifts to your beloved, receive from your beloved or a way to celebrate Valentine's Day together or with your friend and /or family member.

I hope you liked the December Gift Guide as well.

In this months CITYNOTES I have included some of my favorite Romantic Restaurants. Robert and I went to Penny a few weeks ago without a reservation and had the best time sitting at the counter enjoying their yummy treats and great glass of wine before we went to hear Marina Abramovic talk at the Cooper Union. She was incredible!

I also find for Valentine's Day sometimes its sweet to give a little trinket and smaller item to family or your love. I included just a few little kind gifts.

I was also quite intrigued by the newer brand that I wasn't aware of called MH Studio's. This company is from Brazil and has a wonderful way of creating beautifully handmade works which touch the heart.

I couldn't do a Valentine's Day Gift Guide without jewelry! Some of my consistent favorites are included below.

Then, I feel as though we are entering spring which i the season of the flower! I am completely obsessed with flower pins! I just saw the Jonathan Anderson Couture Show for Dior and in fact there were flowers everywhere! ( I included these flowers before i saw the show :) ). I love a huge flower pin!

Lastly, who doesn't LOVE to receive flowers!!!!!Theres NOTHING better in my opinion. These are some easy ways to send flowers from online florists.

Have a beautiful February! Im looking forward to the Spring!

I hope you enjoy this months guide!

ENJOY!

Have fun!

Cherish your family!

Be Kind! Be safe!

Much Love to all of you & your families,

xoxoxoxox

Patty

Romantic Restaurants

Le Coucou

138 Lafayette Street
Le Coucou

After taking the Parisian dining scene by storm, internationally acclaimed chef Daniel Rose returned to new York with Le Coucou, and collaborated with restaurateur Stephen Starr. The reason this is so romantic is all attributed to the Roman and Williams-designed space. The bar painted by Dean Barger is exquisite!

La Mercerie

53 Howard Street
La Mercerie

Again by Roman Williams and in fact the mecca for RW Guild! Completely romantic!

The world of La Mercerie, is completetly magical with candles! My favorite lighting!

Sailor

228 Dekalb Street
Sailor

The perfect neighborhood bistro is in Fort Greene, helmed by Chef April Bloomfield, Gabriel Stulman and their team of wonderful colleagues.

At this 10-table gem from the team behind Joseph Leonard.

Il Buco

47 Bond Street
Il Buco

Originally opened in 1994 as a rustic antique store on NoHo's cobblestoned Bond Street, il Buco is today one of the most beloved restaurants. It has completely stood the test of time as a complete classic! As pioneers on Bond Street, independent filmmaker Donna Lennard and her then partner, Alberto Avalle, invited their antique customers to join them for their midday "pranzo" before procuring a wine and beer license.

I Sodi

314 Bleecker Street
I Sodi

This is of course an all time favorite!

I Sodi is the long-celebrated ristorante Toscano established in 2008 by Chef Rita Sodi. I Sodi draws inspiration from the small family farm where Sodi grew up, just north of Florence. Almost everything the family ate came from the farm – prosciutto, salami, vegetables, olive oil –This history forms the guiding ethos of I Sodi, where the preservation of tradition, time-honored methods, and the integrity of ingredients matter above all.

Over the years, I Sodi has garnered widespread acclaim for the understated elegance of its cooking. As a self-taught chef, Sodi won the 2019 James Beard Award for Best Chef, NYC, alongside wife and partner Jody Williams. I Sodi is located at the corner of Bleecker and Grove Streets, a stone’s throw from the chefs’ other beloved restaurants: Via Carota, The Commerce Inn, Buvette, and Bar Pisellino.

Le Veau D'or

129 east 60th Street
Le Veau D'or

Established in 1937, Le Veau d’Or reopened under neo-bistro extraordinaires, Chefs Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson of Frenchette and Le Rock.

Now revived by the Frenchette team, who bought Le Veau from the owners daughter, the restaurant with iconic red banquettes is once more a destination for indulgence.

Penny

90 east 10th Street
Penny

Robert adn I went here for a date a few weeks ago! its very special! The quality of the seafood at this East Village wine bar is exceptional.

The raw items at this 31-seat counter, situated right above sister restaurant Claud, are a teaser of the seafood to come. Behind the low, long white marble bar—the only seating here—it’s organized chaos, as a handful of chefs bring the short menu to life.

Gifts for the Heart Lover

Taf Firenze Hearts Hand-Embroidered Cocktail Napkins

Abask

Taf Firenze’s story began more than a century ago, but it wasn’t until 1954 that the founding family moved its headquarters to Por Santa Maria in Florence – where it remains to this day. Its speciality is hand-embroidery, with a rich archive that spans linen of all shapes and sizes, from tongue-in-cheek characters on scalloped napkins to delicate florals on two-tone tablecloths.

My Love Gift Cards

John Derian

Just a cute gift card for the love of your life!

My Love for Thine Tray

John Derian

This decoupage is handmade to order in the John Derian studio.

Friendship, Love & Truth Puzzle

John Derian

John Derian and Artisan Puzzles have come together to introduce this puzzle. Friendship, Love & Truth. Adapted to 750 and 1,000-piece sets, jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts are challenged to recreate our beloved 19th century prints piece by piece.

TFS x Thomas Lélu Love Me Tray

The Frankie Shop

100% Porcelain

The Frankie Shop x Thomas Lélu.
Handmade in Limoges, France

Made in France

Gifts for the Passionate

Cameron Album To The Moon And Back

MH studios
MH Studios

The Cameron Album to the Moon and Back, is designed to preserve meaningful memories in a unique and timeless way. Covered in linen and embroidered with an exclusive illustration by Ana Strumpf, it brings together artistic expression and artisanal craftsmanship.

East Album Loving You

MH Studios
MH Studios

The East Album Loving You is created to celebrate love in its most intimate details, it reflects the artisanal excellence of MHSTUDIOS.

East Album Small Things, Great Love

MH STUDIOS
MH Studios

The East Album Small Things, Great Love. Covered in linen and combining embroidery and mosaic techniques with an exclusive illustration by the renowed artist Ana Strumpf, it brings together artistic expression and artisanal craftsmanship.

Cameron Album Love Letters

MH STUDIOS
MH Studios

Covered in linen with engraved artwork, this Cameron Album features envelopes throughout the pages to hold photos, letters and memories of the two of you.

Gifts for the Jewelry Adorer!

Spinning Earth Pin

Mary MacGill
Spinning Earth Pin

Turquoise on a gold-filled safety pin. Limited edition.

This piece is handmade in the Hudson Valley and Block Island, RI

Quartz Torrun Collar

Mary MacGill
Quartz Collar

Quartz pendant on a sterling silver collar.

Lily Pads

Ted Muehling
Lily Pad Earrings

Available in Nephrite Jade and Black Mother of Pearl.

Lily Pads measure 5/8″ x 1/2″

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Diamond Slice Earrings

DeVera
Chicest Earrings!

Large Slice Diamonds(approx. 14cts) with 18k Gold.

2.25” long

Now on exhibit at The Row London.

Petal Necklaces

Ted Muehling
Petal Necklace

Available in 24k Yellow Gold Plate, 18k Rose Gold Plate, 18k Green Gold Plate, and Silver.

Petal Necklaces measure 16” long. Can be special ordered in longer lengths.

Semi Precious Gemstone Bracelet

DeVera
I love this bracelet!

Tourmalinated and Rutilated Quartz, Moonstone, Tiger’s Eye, Agate and Aquamarine with 14k Gold.

2.25” inner diam.

Baroque Pearl Bracelet

Mary MacGill
Baroque Bracelet

Baroque pearl on a gold-filled wire bracelet.

Gifts for the
Fashion Enthusiast
yes, I'm loving FLOWERS!

Large Silk flower brooch with feathers

Etsy

Extra Large silk brooch with feathers. Chrysanthemum brooch. Aprox. 21x21cm

Gold Chartreuse Ostrich Feather Brooch

Etsy

Each design is unique and handmade in a welsh studio from premium ostrich feathers. The flower is finished with a hand stitched wool felt backing and pin clip for longevity.

Gucci Vintage Flower Brooch

1st Dibs

Unique Gucci Silk Flower

1990's Vintage Chanel Ribbon Brooch

1st Dibs

Silk Faille Vintage Chanel Camelia

Satin Flower Brooch

Erdem

The tulip is one of Creative Director Erdem Moralıoglu, recurring motifs, and it is seen throughout the Pre Spring Summer 2026 collection in myriad forms. Here it is imagined as a three-dimensional brooch, crafted from black matte satin.

Gifts for the Partner who loves REAL FLOWERS

Tanto Amore Small Campfire Vine & Bloom Box

High Camp
Elegant!

Gardenia blooms, Peonies, Camellia greens, Small Bordeaux Candle, Black Short Vase

'Verdant Pink" Bouquet

Flor de Passion
Lisianthus and roses

A full bouquet of lisianthus and roses

Evelynn

Unico
Peach & Pink Tones

A beautiful group of Ranunculus, Sweet Pea, Calla Lilies, French Tulips, and garden Roses.

Cloud Nine

All Me Flowers
Cloud Nine

“Cloud Nine” is designed with creamy white roses, lisianthus, hydrangeas, and silver eucalyptus, this elegant composition of fresh cut flowers .

Handcrafted by All Me Flowers in Brooklyn.

Double Dove

Urban Stems
Double Dove

I use this company a lot as its easy and reliable.
Roses, Spray Roses, Veronica, Alstroemeria, Mums, Eucalyptus

EXCLUSIVES

No matter what your needs or neighborhood preferences are, we will work tirelessly to find what you want and make it happen for you.

My mother, Betsy S. Green and I are partners at Douglas Elliman. Together we represent clients in NYC, the Hamptons and Palm Beach. So when looking for real estate—whether you are expanding a family, downsizing, changing residences or relocating from another city—we would be thrilled to be involved in your journey and work with you.

41 Central Park West

11W
41 Central Park West

SOLD
Last Ask $16,900,000

165 Hudson Street

PHA
165 Hudson Street

$2,995,000

1 bed, 2 baths

563 Park Avenue

11E
563 Park Avenue

$2,695,000

2 beds, 2.5 baths

808 Broadway

PHF
808 Broadway

$2,240,000
2 beds, 2 baths

170 East 79th street

12B
170 East 79th Street

$1,795,000

3 beds, 3 baths
IN CONTRACT

MARKET REPORT

While cash sales in Manhattan remained higher than normal, the increase in overall sales was driven by the decline in mortgage rates since the early summer. Median sales price and sales rose year over year for the fifth straight time. Listing inventory fell annually for the first time in four quarters. With rising sales and falling listing inventory, the market felt faster on the ground. One of the drivers of sales growth has been the co-op market, which saw a larger sales increase than the condo market for the first time in more than a year. The decline in mortgage rates by more than 60 basis points since early summer had a greater impact on the lower-priced market, particularly co-ops. While bidding wars were at their highest level in more than a year, they remained within the long-term range. The market share of cash sales for the entire year of 2025 was the highest on record. The months of supply for resales indicated the market was moving at its fastest pace in more than three years. Three out of four buyers purchased their condos with cash, the second-highest market share on record. Luxury median sales price declined year over year for the first time in five quarters. Luxury listing inventory fell to its lowest level in 15 years. The average square footage for luxury resales has been larger than that for new development sales for more than 5 years. New development condo sales surged year over year for the fifth straight time, while listing inventory declined to its lowest level in two years.

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MANHATTAN Q4 MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

The market share of sales above the $5 million threshold in the Hamptons was the second-highest on record. Median and average sales prices were both the second highest on record. Sales increased annually for the eighth consecutive quarter, consistent with the third quarter average for the decade. Listing inventory slipped annually for the first time in three years. Sales above the $5 million threshold was the third highest in history.

HAMPTONS Q3 MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

Nearly every Florida housing market monitored through the Elliman Report series showed double-digit sales growth over the previous year. The decline in mortgage rates in the back half of 2025, along with robust conditions in the financial markets relied on by higher-end buyers, brought in more sales to nearly every market. For reference, a comparison was also made with the same quarter in 2019, which showed that, even with the jump in sales, current levels still remain below pre-pandemic levels. Inventory growth is slowing sharply, aided by sales gains across the market.

PALM BEACH Q4 MARKET HIGHLIGHTS