grand banks nyc

I’ve always been drawn to places that are inspired by the ocean, no matter where I go or what time of year it is (I happen to think snow falling on the sea is the most magical sight and my idea of the perfect summer afternoon is eating oysters on the half shell and sipping a vodka tonic with extra lime!) So, it’s only fitting that I am obsessing over every last detail of the Grand Banks, an award winning oyster bar located on an historic wooden schooner along the Hudson River right smack dab in the middle of NYC.  Christened the Sherman Zwicker in 1942 and inspired by the floating oyster barges that lined lower Manhattan’s waterfront in the 18th and 19th centuries, it is now the last original saltbank fishing vessel and the largest wooden one in NYC.  It is also incredibly fabulous, from its yellow and white striped awnings and navy painted woodwork to its French bistro bar stools, shiny brass accents and magical view of the city.  It’s even got a pop-up shop on board curated by Mate Gallery and it has me pining for a jaunt to New York, even if I have to stand in line sipping cocktails for three hours just to get a table!

Here are my picks for a nautically-inspired cocktail hour or oyster shucking party:

 Monogrammed doule old fashioneds / Anchor bottle opener / Porthole mirror / Large woven tray

Pillow / Anchor print / Sea salt candle / Oyster knife set / Faux coral / Drunken sailor coasters