The Upper East Side mostly exemplifies serious status enclaves in landmark bonfire-of-the-vanities-type housing, but remains a neighborhood where there’s something for everyone, save bargain hunters. Strict board scrutiny and non-liberal financing continues to prevail from Fifth to Park Avenues, even for those lucky Masters of the Universe with a $100 million in liquid assets. Apartments with o’-say-can-you-see Central Park views are scarce, but studios, one- and two-bedrooms abound for upper-crust casuals, young families and glamour-tanned Ashton and Demi wannabes.
 
 

Upper East Side word association evokes images of the mayor-doesn’t-live-there-anymore Gracie Mansion, Bloomberg heading down into the subway at 68th, Bloomingdales, Dalton, Carl Shultz Park and swimming lessons at Asphalt Green. Shopping opportunities have never been scarce and newer additions seem more like old friends now (i.e., Dylan’s Candy, Shanghai Tang, Conran and Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Grocery shopping falls into two distinct classifications. First, yuppiedom outlets like Grace’s, Eli’s Manhattan Warehouse, Canard & Co., even Schaller & Weber. The second, send-the-housekeeper breed like Lobels, Mitchel London and Sherry-Lehmann.
 
 

Dining options for nourishment and social assemblages still include the high profile Elaine’s, expensive-account destinations like Daniel, Park Avenue Café, breakfast at Gardena Café and the ladies who still lunch at Sara Beth and E.A.T.
 
 

                                                 Borders

                                             WEST-Central Park
                                             EAST-East River
                                             NORTH-96th Street
                                             SOUTH-59th Street
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