Holy crêpe – is it just me, or has there seemed to be an infatuation with crêpes in the city these past few weeks? Because of the various styles and endless varieties, they’re perfect for a fancy meal or a grab-and-go snack. I’ve rounded up the three best places – that together, offer all the city has to offer.

Crêpes du Nord

Located in the financial district, this place is nearly invisible on the small street, yet opens to a cozy yet inviting dining area with lots of tables for two and the rich, addictive smell of fresh crepes. Although the crepes are created in the traditional French style, the fillings are prepared in the Scandanavian sense: rich, heavy and filling. Varieties range from the Nutella and banana to braised beef short rib, or pickled herring, or lingonberry. For brunch, the same exceptional service is provided, particualarly because there usually isn’t a wait. Order the namesake Crêpe du Nord, scrambled eggs with chives and sour cream with smoked salmon and salad on the side. A bonus: As part of the Smorgas Chef group, Crêpes du Nord’s ingredients are all fresh off an organic farm in upstate New York.

Crêperie NYC

Don’t be fooled by the small space: the crowds are because the crepes are that good, especially evident after they opened a second location in 2008. The crêpes are surprisingly simple, and offer a wide range of varieties, from sweet to savory – so there’s something for everyone. With no frills (no formal seating, no bathroom) – nothing but crêpes – both locations are also open late. The best are any kind with chocolate (they have five different kinds) and the sirloin steak with mushrooms and cheese.

The Crêpes Truck

Spontaneous crepes are the best kind of crêpes, which is why The Crêpes Truck makes this list. Like the rest, they offer both savory and sweet, but a slightly smaller menu. However, the ingredients are always fresh, and the crêpe is incredibly well-made and thin. The lack of availability is countered by the price point: crêpes range from $4 to $6. Keep an eye out for the Parisian-themed truck and its sweet aroma of goodness – often frequenting the West Village and Williamsburg.

1) The Met Gala was in honor of “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations“, an upcoming exhibition that’s hoped to have the same success as the Alexander McQueen one from last year. The exhibition opens May 10th.

2) This year’s James Beard Award Ceremony was particularly special. On November 5, 1986, the James Beard Foundation officially opened the James Beard House as an American center for the culinary arts. To celebrate its 25 years, not only was this ceremony especially grand, but the Empire State Building was lit green and orange last night in its honor.

3) Chanel Iman and Tom Ford were the perfect match: I feel only she can make turtlenecks sexy!

4) Despite just having a baby, Beyonce shows everyone how to wear a dress.

5) Several New York culinary greats and their establishments were honored with awards, including…

• Paul Greico of Terroir for Most Outstanding Wine Program
• Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park in New York for Most Outstanding Chef
• La Grenouille in New York for Outstanding Service
• Le Bernardin for Outstanding Design for its renovation last fall by Bentel & Bentel
• Pandiscio Co. for the new Americano in the Hotel Americano in Chelsea
• PDT for Outstanding bar program

This dress really reminds me of the history of the building, and it’s delightful modern touches. This outfit, all constructed with pieces found at Barney’s around the corner from the hotel, are delightfully luxe, yet stylish enough to stand out among all the decadence the hotel has to offer. Most importantly, each of these pieces, both alone and together, are inexplicably timeless (and I’d be the first to argue the store they’re retailed at is as well).

Bottega Veneta Belted Dress, Phoebe Co-op Barney’s peep-toe pumps, Cathy Waterman Black Diamond Narnia Earrings, Givenchy Antigona Zippered Tote

Every Thursday I feel like getting away, and what better bag to do it with than this. A gorgeous color with soft colors and bold yet adorable elephant print, this Svenskt Tenn bag screams urban safari. Perhaps a trek to Saks 5th Avenue will be the perfect escape ’til the weekend gets here.

This warrants celebration: Today, after workers erected a steel beam marked “1271 ft”, 1 WTC became the tallest building in NYC. When finished, the tower will be 1,776 feet tall. “It took a long time, we finally hit it, so it’s a proud moment for New Yorkers and definitely for the construction industry,” said construction worker Pat Morairty, standing on Liberty Street near the site. This monumental occasion also marks the 100th floor built in the structure. Read more here.

Image via WNYC.

I’ve got Great Gatsby fever, which has transported me back to the 20s and makes me value the old-fashioned, quality-made designs of the past. And with so many spring events popping up over the next few weeks, I can’t help but think about this adorable letterpress place in Greenwich Village. Greenwich Letterpress has the cutest assortment of invitations, stationary and personalized gifts, all run by sisters Amy and Beth. It’s tucked away on 39 Christopher Street. There’s something about this place that makes me think of The Great Gatsby, and the wonderful parties outlined in the fourth chapter. I feel as if invitees would arrive with an invitation created here, and have classic, statement business cards tucked in their lapel.

Letterpress Images via their website, Great Gatsby image found here.

SVA graphics design student Melanie Chernock has given the iconic NYC Metrocard a makeover, using anything from paper to paint to pretzels to create dozens of new ideas – and all entirely by hand. I particularly like some represent a specific neighborhood in the city. These are an incredible opportunity to make a Metrocard last longer and be valued more by commuters, perhaps even seen as commemorative memorabilia in years to come. Perhaps there could be some limited-edition designer ones in the works, that promote a flagship store, or honor a great hero?

I’ve never met a New Yorker that doesn’t love food, in fact, it’s pretty necessary to be interested in the culinary when the city has so much to offer. I wish I could tell everyone about Zagat Presents, a program that brings exclusive dining events to some of the best restaurants – whether they’re classic standards or undiscovered treasures. But they’re not just tastings, or the standard four course meals. Instead, they infuse the essence of the restaurant or offer insights on the brand and the people that work there.

Their next event is being held at Alfama, an authentic Portuguese restaurant that left the West Village for a swanky establishment in Midtown, and took many loyal followers with it. Chef Francisco Rosa is offering a five course meal of 12th century Portuguese food, including Sopa da Pedra, a traditional “stone” soup with pork shanks and chouriço; and a rare dish made famous at an ancient convent in Coimbra: baby goat slowly braised in red wine over nutmeg-infused mashed potatoes. During, Rosa will be linking ancient culinary traditions with today’s cozinha Portuguesa.

I think these are worth keeping an eye on. Even if one doesn’t work for you, it’s a great way to learn more about a new area of the city and explore. Definitely a good way to learn more about someone, too. View all of their Presents events on Picasa and follow them on Twitter to stay in the loop.

The numbers show that the average asking rent in Gramercy dropped 29% quarter-over-quarter to $3,846, while the figure fell 8% in the East Village to $3,859. In the Upper West Side, figures stumbled 7 percent to $4,406. At the same time, just south of the East Village asking rents increased 9% on the Lower East Side to $3,095 and just east of the Upper West Side average asking rents grew 7% to $4,103.

Most interestingly, Brooklyn was responsible for much of the asking rent gains, as popular neighborhoods including Brooklyn Heights (23 percent), Park Slope (18 percent), Williamsburg (10 percent) and Greenpoint (10 percent) showed double-digit rent increases.

Read more at The Real Deal.