Dina Gold works at Facebook and is a fine art and lifestyle photographer based in NYC. She is a contributing web blogger for Guest of a Guest, as well as former photographer with the international fashion publication, V Magazine.  Her most recent work from travels to India was exhibited at The Salmagundi Club in August 2011.  Her work can be viewed on her website, www.dinagold.com. We asked Dina to share with us her favorite spots in New York City as part of our #place2be series.

© Dina Gold

Flatiron Building

The iconic Flatiron Building, based at the southern point of Madison Square Park, can be said to be defined by its surroundings.  Known for its artsy culture and foodie haven, inside the Park is as awesome as its surrounding neighborhood.  Nestled in the southeast corner resides Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack, with his perfect burger, fries, and shakes, and facing the Park across Broadway is Mario Batali’s Eataly, with the freshest pasta, pizza, and prosciutto outside of Italy.  The Flatiron Building is as unique as its neighborhood, and within great proximity to the best Park and eateries in town.

© Dina Gold

John Varvatos’ CBGB

CBGB’s was once the hottest NYC music ticket with the likes of Guns N’ Roses and The Ramones gracing its stage.  Fast forward to today, and the space is only a remnant of the good ‘ol days, now reincarnated as a John Varvatos boutique.  But you can find rock memorabilia mixed in with quintessential Varvatos items on the ‘official’ stage left intact.  Whether you can rock the stage while trying on some awesome leather jackets is still TBD.

© Dina Gold

The Future Perfect

The new and unofficial design center of Manhattan is turning out to be right in the heart of NoHo (North of Houston) on Great Jones Street.  So it’s no surprise to find a store with local products and furniture that is setting trends and quickly becoming an art mecca for eventual websites like Ahalife and Fab.com.  Opened in 2009, it’s charming, colorful, and chock full of surprises.  Secret’s out!

-Dina Gold