West Village NYC To-Do List

John Exley: Umit Benan, Turkish Designer: "My favorites are the spinach, the spaghetti with lobster, and the branzino. I'll also hang out in front while waiting for a table, and that is a fashion show in itself."

John Exley: Umit Benan, Turkish Designer: "The owner has a good sense of style."

John Exley: Umit Benan, Turkish Designer: "It has such nice, beautiful town houses, and being just steps away from the river is also great."

John Exley: A favorite of Umit Benan, famed Turkish Designer.

John Exley: A favorite bar of Umit Benan, famed Turkish Designer.

John Exley: Umit Benan, famed Turkish Designer: "If you want to slum it, then Automatic Slim's (or Hogs and Heifers) is my favorite."

John Exley: Umit Benan, famed Turkish Designer: "If you want to slum it, then Hogs and Heifers (or Automatic Slim's) is my favorite."

John Exley: Umit Benan, famed Turkish Designer: "There are so many romantic spots to take your girl in the West Village, but I enjoy sitting on the little benches on Commerce Street."

John Exley: Umit Benan, famed Turkish Designer, recommends their ice cream.

John Exley: Umit Benan, famed Turkish Designer: "[It's a must] after a night of drinking."

John Exley: Umit Benan, famed Turkish Designer: "Magnolia Bakery is overrated, but if you feel the need to go, get the banana pudding, not the cupcakes."