by Dana Williams

First stop. Brunch at Café Sabarsky located in the NEUE GALERIE on 86th Street at Fifth Avenue, upon entering you’ll feel you’ve just arrived in Vienna circa 1932. With such an airy space and wonderful view of Central Park, you’ll want to take your time to peruse the menu and try the traditional Viennese fare with a modern twist. Save room to savor their pastries though or you will have missed out on the “Café Sabarsky” experience. Suspend your diet and sample a few of their delicious desserts. (You’ll be walking it off later.) Reservations are recommended. The room can get full, but you won’t feel crowded. (For future reference, they offer a prix-fix dinner followed by a cabaret performance. See their schedule.)

Next. The MET. On the way, stop to look at the Duke-Semans estate -- the last, single-family mansion left on Fifth Avenue (1009 Fifth Avenue) at 82nd Street. It’s considered one of the finest examples of Beaux Art architecture remaining in New York. Still belonging to descendants of the original owner, it was put on the market last year for $50 million. But sorry …put your checkbook back…it was just sold last week for $40 million to a self-made billionaire. It’s been rumored that Lenny Kravitz, the rock star musician among other well-knowns looked to buy this historical Upper Eastside residence. They’ll have to wait for the next multimillion dollar mansion that comes along.

Now onto the MET. Through March 5th, the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava’s work is on special exhibition in the MET’s modern wing. He may not be as well known as Richard Meier, but it’s just a matter of time. Chosen as the architect for the new World Trade Center Transportation hub, he also plans to transform the downtown skyline, by building the controversial Calatrava residential tower at 80 South Street. The unique design is made up of 10 penthouse cubes each containing four stories with terrace lap pools optional. (Maybe poor Lenny will find a home here.) It remains to be seen if construction will begin, but it’s definitely worth seeing the model as well as his other projects and artwork on view at the MET.

Enjoy the afternoon and be sure to check in for future ideas about enjoying time on the Upper Eastside.