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Grant Woolhead's Notebook

Grant Woolhead Notebook

Out fashion director Grant Woolhead's guide to the finer things in life

Clockwise, from top left: Jacob Lawrence's Migration Series at MoMa, Comissary, Kings Spa, Decatur and Sons, Miriam Makeba, Annick Goutal Neroli.

Restaurant: Commissary at The Line Hotel, L.A.

When I visit L.A., I absolutely adore visiting Korea Town, but some of the restaurants can feel a little too basic sometimes. Commissary at The Line Hotel is a great place to go if you want to spoil yourself a bit. The space is fantastic, with a giant greenhouse located on the rooftop of the hotel, and the food lives up to the fabulous interior. For brunch, this place has a great buzz, and chef Roy Choi's menu of charred carrots (delicious), deviled eggs (beyond), fig salad with pickled onions (divine), and giant scallops are a must, but there are also some great options for vegetarians. TheLineHotel.com


Grooming: Decatur and Sons Barber Shop

This is my spot to get a fantastic haircut in New York. Hidden inside the Chelsea Market with a small shoeshine stand outside, this place largely caters to the Google and TV network executives who work in the building. The shop itself only has four chairs, but the barbers there give a really wonderful hot towel shave, wicked fades, and use fantastic products. DecaturandSons.com


Fragrance: Annick Goutal

I always think that if you notice a man's fragrance, it means that he's probably wearing too much. Annick Goutal's scents are the exception to that rule. Every time I wear her Neroli fragrance, I get compliments from people. None of the perfumes are men-specific, but a lot of the notes feel more masculine. The best place to test the entire range is at the brand's flagship store on Bleecker Street, in New York, but if you can't travel that far, they're also stocked online. AnnickGoutal.com

Art: Jacob Lawrence's Migration Series at the MoMA

About a year ago I went to Cartagena, Colombia, and I fell in love with the place. I particularly loved all of the African influence, especially in arts -- I found the vivid colors, the simplicity, and the dignity of subject matters incredibly beautiful. I recently saw Jacob Lawrence's Migration Series at the MoMA, a spectacular show of small paintings done by Lawrence in the 1940s, when he was only 23. The images portray the migration of Africans to the American South, offering a glimpse into a fascinating time in American history. On view through September 7. MoMA.org

Shopping: Smorgasburg

I've heard fabulous things about the seasonal outdoor food market Smorgasburg, in Brooklyn, where people go to chow down on delicious barbecue, fried chicken, and delicious delights. Everything is reasonably priced, and it's a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Smorgasburg will also be opening a new venue in Long Island City, Queens, on July 11, so all of you foodies must go and check out what these talented young chefs have to offer -- and eat your way into a Sunday food coma. Smorgasburg.com


Music: Miriam Makeba

I've been listening to the beautiful of Miriam Makeba, also known as Mama Africa. Most people are familiar with her song "Pata Pata" from the '60s, but I'm hoping for a renaissance of all of her work from that era, particularly my favorite love song, "Malaika". It's great feel-good music for a summer afternoon barbecue.


Movies: Amy

This documentary about the gone-too-soon singer Amy Winehouse was just premiered at Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation and rave reviews. I cannot wait for this! Watch the teaser trailer below.


Wellbeing: Kings Spa, NJ

I've been going to this Korean spa for eight years now. It's always immaculately clean, with a men's floor where everyone is naked, a separate women's floor (likewise), and a communal floor where people are required to wear shorts and T-shirts (women wear pink, men wear white). I usually spend four hours with friends getting body scrubs, sitting in the hot and cold plunge pools, and having the most amazing reflexology foot rubs. The spa offers a $5 bus ride from Midtown Manhattan to New Jersey. It's a great way to connect with friends, and you always leave this place feeling absolutely incredible. KingsSaunaNJ.com

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