Paolo Bianco
He is a senior international financial advisor for Merrill Lynch in New York City, where he handles wealth management for both American and European clients residing in the United States. Previously, he served as director of Intermonte’s US branch and held various positions in Europe in research analysis for Societe Generale, ABN Amro, and Barclays. He is a member of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce and a board member of Friends of Bocconi Inc. A dual Italian-US citizen, he lives in New York with his wife and two children.
A business breakfast – Crosby Hotel
Located in the heart of Manhattan’s vibrant Soho neighborhood, the Crosby Hotel offers a modern yet comfortable setting. The ample distance between tables allows you to chat with your conversation partner without having to raise your voice. During the summer, you can also access some tables located in a special area in the hotel’s small private courtyard, for an even more exclusive experience, ideal for a business breakfast.
An hour alone in a beautiful place – Spring Place
Through a monthly/annual membership or by invitation, you can access the exclusive Spring Place located in the Tribeca neighborhood, which offers co-working and social spaces, a destination for various professionals working in the city. Especially in summer, the beautiful terrace overlooking Tribeca and the Hudson River is unbeatable if you are looking for a place to have an aperitif or simply want to spend some time watching the crowds flock to the city’s streets and iconic landmarks.
A formal lunch with a client – Limani
Their Mediterranean cuisine, considered among the best in New York City, has made them one of the city’s most beloved restaurants, but Limani offers much more. From the welcome to the bill, it guarantees a refined, elegant, and sophisticated experience. The location is undoubtedly another of their strong points. Located in the heart of Rockefeller Center, it has quickly become the preferred choice of many professionals for a business lunch in the Midtown area.
A relaxing lunch – Tarallucci & Vino
Opened in 2001 by Luca Di Pietro from Abruzzo, Tarallucci & Vino was created with the idea of bringing the casual yet elegant experience of Italian bars and cafes to New York. Here you can find traditional Italian dishes made to perfection, as well as a selection of handmade pasta and, of course, Italian coffee. These features make it one of the most versatile restaurants in New York, excellent for a real Italian breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
A trendy aperitif – Westlight, The William Vale Hotel
A trendy aperitif in New York City cannot be without a view of the city, and Westlight (located inside The William Vale Hotel) offers one of the best views of the city. Another plus is its location in the heart of Williamsburg, one of Brooklyn’s trendiest neighborhoods. This also means there are plenty of options for continuing the evening without necessarily having to venture into another part of the city.
An ideal place for informal meetings – Piccola Cucina
Created by Sicilian chef Philip Guardione, Piccola Cucina has become one of the most popular restaurants in the Big Apple in just a few years. A meeting place not only for the Italian community in Manhattan, but also for anyone who loves authentic Italian flavors, it has won over New Yorkers’ lunch breaks with its fixed lunch menu. It is undoubtedly the ideal restaurant if you want to feel at home and eat delicious traditional dishes in excellent company.
A dinner to intrigue – The Grid, Great Jones Distilling co
This restaurant located in the NoHo neighborhood hides something inside that is hard to believe for those entering for the first time. It is, in fact, an authentic whiskey distillery in the center of New York, which can only be visited by appointment, along with a long list of other activities and educational and tasting experiences related to whiskey. In short, it’s a surefire way to impress your dinner guests if the goal of the evening is to surprise them.
A gourmet dinner – 15East, Tocqueville
For those looking for a place to celebrate special occasions, this restaurant offers the unparalleled experience of enjoying dishes from two Michelin-starred restaurants in a single elegant, refined location with attention to every detail. Located near Union Square, you can find omakase sushi on one side and French haute cuisine on the other, for a gourmet dinner that is sure to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
The latest trendy spot – Cathedrale
In the East Village, considered one of New York’s trendiest neighborhoods, Cathedrale has recently become all the rage. This restaurant, which offers French-Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, allows diners to admire the work of chef Jason Hall and his team thanks to the open kitchen. A unique space located inside a deconsecrated cathedral. Despite its large size, it is almost impossible to book a table due to its growing popularity.
The place to be and be seen – Beauty & Essex
Everything about Beauty & Essex seems to loudly proclaim the uniqueness and desire to stand out of the venue, starting with the entrance, which is located inside a pawn shop in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. It is therefore no surprise that it is the regular haunt of a diverse mix of young hipsters, real influencers, and hip hop wannabes. It is a beautiful and well-kept speakeasy-style space, which rightfully ranks among the most prominent places in the city at the moment.
(Article taken from the March 2022 issue of We Wealth magazine)
