Team LoR visited 2 of New Yorks new hot spots. Le Turtle: Le Turtle, a somewhat mysterious new restaurant from the people behind The Smile and Freemans. Under Somer's direction, Le Turtle is equally aware of its message. The 60-seat spot, on the blisteringly trendy corner of Chrystie and Rivington, is a tongue-in-cheek homage to the Lower East Side gallery district in which it sits: neon light fixtures, waiters in oversized painter jumpsuits, Francophone hip-hop on the sound system and a cozy VIP room. 177 Chrystie St, leturtle.fr The Blond: At the fashionable intersection between SoHo and Chinatown, the Blond is a new hotel bar spread across the second floor of 11 Howard, a 221-room hotel owned by Aby Rosen, the Blond Is overseen by Angelo Bianchi and Julio Montero, night-life veterans whose resumes include the Beatrice Inn and Le Baron. The modern décor, courtesy of the Scandinavian firm Space Copenhagen, has curvaceous couches, huge burnished mirrors and neon artwork by Dan Attoe. Still, visitors have to get in, and a velvet rope unspools after 10 p.m. “When the doorman takes his position, you gotta be prepared,” Mr. Montero said. 11 Howard Street (at Lafayette Street), (212) 235-1111, 11howard.com
