Fashion Underground: The World of Susanne Bartsch, at the FIT museum — *Fashion Underground: The World of Susanne Bartsch,* at the FIT museum

The Fashion Institute of Technology is not only one of the top fashion schools in the world, it is also home to an impressive museum that features a permanent collection of over 50,000 garments and accessories dating back to the 18th century. Focusing on historically significant pieces with an emphasis on the avant-garde, The Museum at FIT complements its stock of significant historical styles, a selection of which rotates through one of two galleries located on the main floor, with ambitious and award winning special exhibitions spanning the entire lower level of the museum.

Rounding out the spectacle is a third gallery dedicated to showcasing the work of FIT's students and faculty. Experience all this haute couture at no cost, as access to all three galleries is 100% free!

STOP 2: EL QUINTO PINO

Having expanded into a neighboring space a few years back, this diminutive tapas bar offers diners the flexibility to sample small plates in the original front room, featuring a curved marble bar and elegant Spanish tiles, or settle in for a sit-down dinner in the cozy dining room.

Best known for its delicious uni-panini, a slender sandwich made with a ficelle loaded with sea urchin and Korean mustard oil, El Quinto Pino serves a range of tasty, multi-regional Spanish tapas and wine. There are the classics, like patatas bravas and tortilla Española, as well as some more unique options, such as the very good lengua llumacanes, a Menorcan style braised beef tongue with capers and tomato.

If you want some culinary cohesion to your dinner, as well as an opportunity to try some new tastes from the kitchen, opt for the short "menu turistico," a rotating selection of dishes from a particular region of Spain.

RECAP:

The Museum at FIT: A fantastic free museum of fashion design with excellent rotating exhibits and a permanent collection of over 50,000 garments and accessories.
El Quinto Pino: A tasty tapas bar and dining room with small plates of inventive, multi-regional Spanish fare.

ESSENTIAL INFO:

-The Museum at FIT is located at 227 West 27th Street. El Quinto Pino is located at 401 West 24th Street.

-Total Cost: About $60 per person for free admission to the Museum at FIT and dinner + drinks at El Quinto Pino. Snacking, as opposed to enjoying a full dinner at El Quinto Pino, will bring that cost down significantly. Tax and tip included.

-The Museum at FIT is open to the public from 12:00pm-8:00pm, Tuesday-Friday, and from 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday. It is closed Sundays, Mondays and legal holidays.

-El Quinto Pino accepts reservations for the dining room. If you're in the mood for a quick bite and drink, walk-ins are accepted at the bar.