Living at 555TEN means waking up in the middle of the most exciting city on Earth, where everything, from theater to pastries, is world-class. Take, for example, nearby Carlo’s Bakery, where Manhattanites have been enjoying classic Italian pastries and elegant cakes for over a century. Residents of the Midtown West apartments at 555TEN are less than a 10-minute walk away from this “Cake Boss”-approved bakery. Come with us as we explore the past and present of this iconic New York institution:

Family-Owned Excellence
Carlo’s Bakery was founded in Hoboken, N.J., in 1910 by Carlo Guastaffero, who ran the bakery for 44 years before selling to Bartolo Valastro Sr. in 1964. When Valastro passed in 1994, his wife Mary and their three children took over the business and began to expand it across the country and across the hemisphere, opening locations in Las Vegas, São Paulo, Brazil, and, of course, on Eighth Avenue in Manhattan. Valastro’s son and namesake, Bartolo “Buddy” Valastro Jr., is now the shop’s master baker and the face of Carlo’s, hosting TLC’s show “Cake Boss” and appearing on Food Network and NBC’s “Today,” where viewers voted his cake the best in America.

Tradition Meets Innovation
From classic cannoli to Americanized sfogliatelle (filled pastries sometimes called “lobster tails”) to good old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies, Carlo’s has trays of fresh-baked sweets for sale all day. The shop also features a line of cupcakes, with favorites including red velvet and carrot cake, as well as the Eastern European treat rugelach, which resembles a croissant filled with cream cheese and nuts. And, of course, Carlo’s serves delicious cups of coffee to wash down these goodies.

The “Cake Boss” Earns His Title
But if you’re heading to Carlo’s, chances are it’s for the shop’s legendary cake offerings from the “Cake Boss” himself, “Buddy” Valastro. The bakery’s wedding cakes are things of beauty, and range in size and style from smaller modern varieties to extravagant vintage centerpieces decked out in multicolored icing flowers. Carlo’s also offers a wide range of pastries for other occasions, with a line of desserts that includes a cake shaped like a bottle of whiskey, and another that looks like a stack of waffles, complete with a hovering bottle of syrup drenching the top in chocolate frosting. Carlo’s Bakery is also the perfect place to grab a cake for a gender reveal party or child’s birthday, with a line of children’s cakes featuring intricate jungle and fairy tale scenes.

Image courtesy of © Carlo’s Bakery

Just blocks away from the luxury rentals at 555TEN sits Pier 81, one of NYC’s newest entertainment destinations. This fleet of floating venues docked on the Hudson River offers a unique vantage point from which to enjoy the city. Reminiscent of many of your favorite rooftop hotspots, this waterfront social scene promises something out of the ordinary, and is sure to make your Valentine’s night one that you will not soon forget. Take in the views of Lower Manhattan, indulge in a four-course sit-down dinner, and elevate your basic Valentine’s “dinner and drinks” to a whole new level.

With Pier 81 so close to the Midtown West apartments at 555TEN, you’ll eventually want to take in all it has to offer. Head over for a casual afternoon excursion aboard the North River Lobster Company to crack lobsters and have a few beers on Manhattan’s only floating lobster shack. Or bring the entire firm, or even a few dozen friends, for a chartered event aboard the World Yacht Duchess: a blank canvas upon which to plan the ultimate luxury party on the water. However, for the sweetest day of the year, you’ll want to book a cruise for yourself and that someone special aboard Hudson’s.

The newest edition to the Pier 81 fleet, Hudson’s is a 161-foot, three-story floating seafood lounge and rooftop bar. Commissioned in the summer of 2017, this 10,000-square-foot yacht boasts 360 degree views and offers a decidedly “out of city” experience. It all begins with your 5:45 pm boarding. Enjoy sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres as you await your departure at 7. Or, indulge in one of Hudson’s creative cocktails, like the Rye of the Storm, made from Hudson Manhattan rye, oleo saccharum, grapes, strawberries, Royal Ginger KomBrewCha*, and mint.

Once out on the water, you’ll enjoy Hudson’s fabulous “Harvest-to-Harbor”menu: a four-course meal made from local, seasonal Hudson Valley ingredients. The appetizer, entrée, and dessert are your choice. Winter offerings include a starter course of selections such as pan-seared baby lamb chops with fire-roasted tomato and salsa verde, or grilled delicata squash with maple lime vinaigrette, chili flakes, and pomegranate. For your main, we recommend the braised short rib with celeriac puree, baby carrots, and asparagus, or the delectable wild mushroom pappardelle and roasted tomatoes, wild mushroom ragout, baby kale, parmesan, aleppo pepper, and tomato oil. And while dessert offers three choices, for us, on Valentine’s Day, there’s no competing with the chocolate ganache of double chocolate, raspberry sauce, and fresh berries.

Take an after-dinner drink up to the open deck. The bracing February air will quickly be calmed to a breeze as you sip a Hull of a Mulled Wine (steamed red wine, pama liqueur, agave, lemon, cinnamon, clove, and orange) or a Campfire, made with espresso, Kahlua, Bailey’s, Praline, mole bitters, topped with just the right amount of whipped cream. At around 8 pm, be sure to catch the ultimate view of Lady Liberty as the captain slows the vessel for your viewing pleasure before you move to the lounge for a final round and the sounds of a live DJ. Linger for a while after you dock to stroll along the waterfront and take in one more glimpse of city lights glimmering on the water.

For an unforgettably romantic Valentine’s Day, there’s no better choice than an evening at Pier 81.

There are two types of New Year’s resolutions: First, there are the overly ambitious or hastily made ones that last about two weeks. Then, there are the deeper ones — the ones that really stick, dramatically changing your life. A resolution to improve your physical fitness can definitely be one of the latter — if you can find a way to stay motivated and engaged.

Living at 555TEN luxury rentals gives you easy access to an approach to fitness that is as body strengthening as it is mentally empowering. TITLE Boxing Club is the game-changing studio that can bring some fire and ferocity to your weekly workout. The edgy excitement of boxing can help you avoid the boredom of an ordinary fitness regimen, and the discipline of the sport can give you a fine awareness of how you move and use your body.

TITLE is one of the best of the studios born in the wave of boxing popularity that has swept health-conscious New Yorkers. It was listed by Time Out New York as one of New York’s 20 best gyms and health clubs, and the quality and comprehensiveness of the workout is a big reason why it is so popular. The other major draw is the people who turn up at the club. There’s something about gathering your aggression and setting it free in healthy ways that is transformative, but doing it in a room filled with other physically and mentally inspired people takes the experience to a much higher level.

The sport’s popularity as a fitness activity is booming. You can find videos of the likes of Gigi Hadid demonstrating her boxing workout at Vogue.com, and read interviews with A-listers like Hailey Baldwin singing the praises of this newly fashionable workout. Baldwin told Elle magazine, “I’ve been boxing for the last three years. It reminds me of dance in how coordinated it is. I was in the best shape I’ve ever been.”

When you come for your first class at TITLE Midtown West, the deeply passionate and engaged instructors will show you how to wrap your hands and get settled into your space with a punching bag. Hitting the bag, as Baldwin says, is like dance in its demand for grace, agility, and rhythm. At TITLE, boxing is not simply a contact sport, but a reckoning with your own limits and ambitions. And your skills will develop as dedicated teachers like Edwin Ocasio and Wayne Phillips lead you through warm-ups and show you how to throw punches naturally yet forcefully.

Make TITLE Midtown West the go-to workout spot in your new life at your no fee rental at 555TEN. The teachers at TITLE will help you discover for yourself what Muhammad Ali meant when he said, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

New York is an ever-changing city. From fashions to food trends, the storyline of Manhattan is always moving forward at a rapid clip. Some of this action is subtle, but much of it can be seen by just taking a look around. Hell’s Kitchen, once home to old, low-rise walk-up buildings, has become the epicenter for contemporary luxury living. Just look at the Midtown West apartments of 555TEN — located in a 56-story tower and offering all of the modern conveniences you could ever want. Amenities like state-of-the-art appliances, 24-hour doormen, a pool, and even a bowling alley are there for your comfort and enjoyment.

The neighborhood itself is having no trouble keeping pace with its dramatic transformation. This year, be on the lookout for a bevy of new restaurants, shops, and activities in Midtown West. Yes, the good old standbys will always be there, but you’ll be excited to know about the significant changes coming to your favorite part of town.

Restaurants
Ryan Sutton, chief food critic for EATER, summed up Hell’s Kitchen’s culinary reputation very accurately, calling it a “solid testing ground for new ideas.” Reflecting the area’s penchant for innovation — and thanks to the opening of Hudson Yards — notable changes are coming to the food scene in this part of town. This year, names like Thomas Keller, David Chang, and José Andrés all have new restaurants landing in the neighborhood. Andrés is even opening up an Eataly-style food market for Spanish food.

Entertainment
One of the best parts of living in a Midtown West apartment is your proximity to some of the world’s greatest entertainment. Broadway is literally a 10-minute walk from your home at 555TEN, and it’s a good thing, too. Several theatrical events are opening this year that you’ll want to see, including “Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus,” starring Nathan Lane and Andrea Martin, and “Hillary and Clinton,” a play about the Clintons with Tony and Emmy winners Laurie Metcalf and John Lithgow in the title roles. Not only that, but 2019 is expected to mark the opening of The Shed, a massive multi-use entertainment venue with an impressive retractable roof — and situated right off the High Line — that promises to bring the best and brightest across all art forms.

Shopping
Midtown West is set to become one of NYC’s hottest shopping destinations as many big brands locate themselves along the Hudson. While NYC is a mecca for world-class shopping — think: the glamour of Fifth Avenue, the cutting-edge boutiques of the East Village, and the hip vibe of the West Village — New Yorkers have lamented the fact that there wasn’t a Neiman Marcus in the city … until now. Other big names in fashion are heading for the area: Shoe designer Stuart Weitzman, Cartier, and Kiehl’s are making to move west. And the best part is that it’s all just a quick eight blocks south of 555TEN.

Rooftop gardens, bars, and lounges are wonderful, there’s no doubt about it. But how many of them can you enjoy all year round? The answer, if you’re wondering, is very, very few. And of those that remain open all year, most aren’t designed to be truly enjoyed during the colder months — they just remain open in case any intrepid tenants want to brave the weather. At the Midtown West apartments at 555TEN, however, the rooftop club and bar are just as enjoyable in the middle of winter as they are in the summer or spring. In fact, nearly all of the building’s amenities were thoughtfully designed to be fully functional throughout the entire year.

But before we get to the roof, we need to mention the fitness center. This is not just a room with some weights and treadmills, this is a full-on, attended gym. You’ll find a private studio for yoga, aerobics, and weight-training classes, as well as a number of Peloton bikes for live, interactive spin classes, and a Nexersys high-intensity boxing game. All of this in addition to the indoor saltwater lap pool. So, if you’re looking to stay fit through the winter season, you won’t even need to leave the building.

Now, if you’re in the market for something a bit more relaxing, say, a cozy wind-down after a long day, that’s where the rooftop club and bar come in. You can head up there with a glass of wine, or perhaps a decadent hot chocolate from local gems Jacque Torres or Godiva, and either relax around the fireplace inside the club, or head outside and still enjoy the warmth from the roaring flames. The indoor/outdoor fireplace keeps the roof area accessible and warm. Imagine taking in the first snow of the season from the top of a building in Midtown Manhattan — and imagine being warm while doing so.

The views from 56 stories up extend for miles over the glimmering and occasionally snow-covered cityscape, making the rooftop a truly serene, unrivaled enclave during the winter months.

While many Midtown West apartments tend to cater toward the warmer seasons, 555TEN crafted its amenities to be enjoyed all year round. You and your fellow residents in the 555TEN luxury rentals have a stunning, private rooftop bar bathed in the glow of firelight, as well as a high-end fitness center, a bowling alley, an arcade, and much more. We wonder why anyone would ever leave.

The ice-skating rink is a cultural phenomenon in New York. A great social equalizer, it’s the one place where everyone you know, from your boss on down to your high school arch nemesis, becomes humble – everyone takes a fall eventually. The rink is also a great place to meet family and friends for some winter fun, whether you plan to brave the ice or simply sit on the sidelines with a steaming cup of hot cocoa to people watch. And if you call Hudson Yards’ 555TEN luxury rentals your home, you have quick and easy access to Manhattan’s premier skating rinks. So, strap on your skates, cue up some Mariah Carey, and head on out to these world-famous rinks this season:

Classic Rockefeller

The Rink, now in its 82nd year, is open at Rockefeller Center. This classic skating destination is just a short walk from 555TEN. New Yorkers have been skating here since “The Wizard of Oz” hit theaters, but there aren’t any faux wizards, just the iconic bronze statue of Prometheus watching over the skaters. When you step onto the ice at Rockefeller Center, you join an elite club of former skaters that includes Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Truman Capote, Lucille Ball, and, of course, Olympic medalists Michelle Kwan and Kristi Yamaguchi. Nothing worth having comes easy, as they say, so expect crowds; only 150 skaters are allowed on the ice at one time. And remember, the rink is open until midnight, so it’s just as good a spot for a late-night date as it is for a family outing.

A Storied Central Park Rink

One stop away on the A train is the beautifully appointed Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park. When this rink opened in 1949, it was an instant hit, gracing photo albums and post cards, and playing a starring role in movies. The setting couldn’t be more picturesque. The rink is surrounded by Manhattan’s most generous offering of nature, and provides the dramatic backdrop of the iconic Central Park South skyline. It’s a sight not to be missed. Go ahead and make a day of it: Head to the Central Park Zoo to greet talented sea lions, grab lunch at Tavern on the Green, and peruse the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, open through Dec. 24.

Skating Free

Looking for something closer to home? How about something free, while we’re at it? No, it’s not too good to be true. The annual Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park offers free skating to all (but you must bring your own skates or rent them for a small fee). The Winter Village hosts a 17,000-square-foot skating rink alongside a collection of custom jewel box kiosks that house a smorgasbord of food vendors and a host of holiday shops. It’s a great place to take the family for an afternoon of hot chocolate, Instagram-worthy food, gift shopping, and, of course, ice skating. (We won’t tell anyone if you fall.) Best of all, after you land your triple Axel and have your fill of delicious food, your cozy Hudson Yards home at 555TEN is just a short stroll down 41st Street.

For busy city dwellers, dining out can become the norm, rather than the exception. This is especially true when one lives in hip Midtown West, where a lively restaurant scene means that locals are within mere walking distance of some of the city’s best dining. But when the holidays roll around, many of us feel a homeward pull. For some, it’s the nostalgia for the holiday meals of childhood. For others, it’s simply the desire to spend an afternoon in a warm kitchen, trying out a new recipe while the snow falls over the city.

Whatever keeps you at home, the key to putting together a cozy holiday feast is having the right kitchen. And the kitchens in the luxury apartments for rent at 555TEN are definitely right. They are modern, well-equipped, and full of light — exactly the setting required for donning your imaginary (or actual) chef’s hat and enjoying an afternoon of chopping, mixing, stirring, and baking.

The kitchens at 555TEN come in your choice of finish – Sunrise or Sunset. These names refer to light and dark finishes, respectively, but they also hint at another facet of the apartments: the abundance of natural light. The epicurean-style, open kitchens give way to dining rooms that, like other areas of the apartments, offer floor-to-ceiling windows, providing both extensive views of Manhattan and plenty of sunlight. If you’re going to be spending hours working in your kitchen, you might as well have an amazing view.

But while aesthetic perks are important, any home cook will tell you that function reigns supreme in the kitchen. High-end stainless steel appliances ensure that your just-washed dishes will sparkle and your oven-baked goodies will emerge perfectly done and looking flawless. A white quartz breakfast bar doubles as both a workspace and a gathering place, so guests who tend to congregate in the kitchen need not be shooed out. There’s plenty of room for friends to jump in and help you slice and dice, and seating for those family members you want to treat with a break from cooking. Above the breakfast bar, smart open shelving provides an eye-catching spot for cookbooks, glasses, and whatever else you might want to display. This means you can find your guest a wine glass without skipping a beat.

If you’re somewhat of a novice in the kitchen, consider grabbing your coat and heading out to one of the numerous bookshops in the area to pick up a few cookbooks. You’re sure to find inspiration at mainstays like 192 Books on 192 Tenth Avenue at Twenty First Street, Hudson Booksellers at 625 Eighth Avenue, or the Barnes and Noble at 555 Fifth Avenue.

Every year, so many cookbooks are released that it can be tough to even guess which ones you might want. But a great place to start is this list of new cookbooks, chosen with care and posted for the benefit of your taste buds, at Epicurious, the ultimate foodie website. The new release “American Cookie: The Snaps, Drops, Jumbles, Tea Cakes, Bars & Brownies That We Have Loved for Generations” by Anne Byrn looks like it has more than enough ideas to fill a long, snowy afternoon. Plus, the book will look gorgeous on that open shelving, long after your cookies have been devoured.