Ring Ring, Don Angie is Calling
Serving NYC's hottest reservation, the perfect getting ready routine, and my go-to date night look.
Welcome back to guest check! If you missed last week’s newsletter, we chatted winter warm-ups, the wellness spots taking over NYC, and the best indoor events of the week. Catch up on Indoors Until Further Notice, and when you’re ready to find out how I secured the hottest reservation in NYC, grab your coffee (or martini) and let’s get into it.
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe below (I promise, it’s worth it) 💌
NYC’s Hottest Reservation
This past weekend, I celebrated my boyfriend’s birthday at Don Angie. How did I manage to secure a Friday reservation at 7:30PM, you ask? Titan Concierge. No, this is not sponsored, and no, I am not a financial adviser, but I’ve been absolutely loving Titan. It’s a wealth management platform with a text-based concierge service that gets you access to some of NYC’s hottest reservations (San Sabino, L’Artusi, Casa Cruz, and of course, Don Angie, to name a few).
I did a scan of the room and thought, who are these people, and how did they also score a reservation here? More importantly, do they know how to get a res at The Corner Store? Help a girl out, please. If you're tired of the classic Monday at 5pm or Wednesday at 9:30pm in the outdoor cabin (yep, that was me), I thought I’d share my insider tip.
Here’s what we ordered (& you should definitely do the same):
Cocktail: The Italian Coffee Situation
Appetizer: Stuffed Garlic Flatbread, Chrysanthemum Salad
Main: Shell Steak al Limone, Our Lasagna for Two
Dessert: Caramelized Pear Sorbetto, Black Cocoa Tiramisu
Don Angie is currently ranking #1 on my NYC restaurant list (bold statement, I know). To get in the right mood, it all starts with the perfect getting ready routine and my go-to date night look, of course.
Getting Ready > Going Out
Sometimes, getting ready is more fun than the actual going out part. Here’s how I curate the perfect getting ready vibe that makes the process of getting glammed up for date night (or girls’ night) just as exciting.
Invite Your Best Friend Over Early: There's something about borrowing each other's makeup and trying on a million outfits that makes the whole process way less stressful when my best friend is there. Probably because they hype you up instead of panicking over having 'nothing to wear' (even though your closet is overflowing) and then deciding you never want to leave the house. Classic, right?
YouTube Music Videos ON: I don’t know about you, but having throwback music videos playing on the TV is so much more fun than just listening to Spotify. It sets up the perfect dance party vibe and takes me back to my chaotic college days, getting ready in my house with ten other girls. The only exception? When I’m getting ready for a concert — I’ll switch it up with the artist’s Spotify set list.
Pour a Glass of Your Favorite Fun Little Drink: Having something to sip on (in a wine glass ~for the vibe) while getting ready is a must. I don't pregame dinner or a night out at home anymore, but I love having a Poppi Orange Soda or Swoon Peach Tea in hand.
Also, let’s settle this debate. The correct answer is obviously, Hair > Makeup > then Outfit, duh.
My Go-To Date Night Look
When it comes to my makeup, I’m all about simplicity. I’ve mastered the "no makeup, makeup look" to a T. Whether I’m running errands or heading to date night, my routine stays pretty much the same — just switching up the lippies because that’s my favorite part.
A glowy makeup look starts with skin prep. I love using Peter Thomas Eye Patches or 111Skin Cryo De-Puffing Eye Mask to brighten my under eyes. Then, I’ll go in with Laneige Cream Skin Toner and Moisturizer. I rotate between several daytime moisturizers (namely, Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream and Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream), but this winter, I keep reaching for rhode Barrier Butter.
Now, for the makeup — here’s my go-to routine (in order):
Freeze brows with Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel.
Apply Clinique Even Better™ All-Over Concealer + Eraser in shade CN 52 Neutral under eyes and over blemishes using a damp Beauty Blender sponge.
Add lots of blush! I love the rhode Pocket Blush in both shades Toasted Teddy and Sprinkle. For extra shimmer, dab Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Powder Blush in shade Happy. Use the REFY Duo Face Brush or your fingers to apply.
Coat lashes with Clinique High Impact Hi-Fi Full Volume Mascara if going for a bolder look (typically, I go mascara-free).
Spray Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray all over the face (no such thing as too much).
Matify with Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in shade 2 Medium.
Finish lips with a dab of rhode Pocket Blush and Alpyn Beauty Plumping Lip Mask over top. I’m not usually a lip liner girly, but I just received the new rhode Peptide Lip Shape, and I fear they may convert me.
What’s Happening This Week
(1/27-2/2)
At the end of each newsletter, I’ll share a curated list of the best events happening in New York City that I think you’ll love. If you check any of them out, let me know!
That’s all for this week! If you haven’t yet, make sure to subscribe to guest check. I’m so grateful for each of you and love having you here.
I’ll catch you next week for all things Valentine’s Day (think: my favorite cocktail bars in NYC, staying in vs. going out, and the ultimate gifts to get your partner).
P.S. I wanted to tell you guys first — my February giveaway will be live on IG stories 2/3 🤭
xo,
Laila
Instagram: @laila_elnaggar
TikTok: @laila_elnaggar