Today’s W42ST Daily presented by TFC — 7/15/2020
We’re always trying to keep you connected, updated, and upbeat — but some days that can be hard. I’m pleased to say that today I can bring you oodles of joy!
I had the great fortune to spend time talking to Jackie Cox this week. A wonderful, positive human being who exudes kindness and good humor, she made such an impact on this season’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, and as she blossomed into a star while in Hell’s Kitchen quarantine pondered: “How am I suddenly extremely famous, but just sitting on my couch?” Read her pandemic story.
Meanwhile, on w45th St, we are pleased to announce the return of our favorite food truck. It’s been away during the pandemic, but reader Jenny Foxe snapped a picture and shared the joy: “The Famous truck is back! I’m so glad. I haven’t just missed the late-night kebabs and in-a-dinner-pickle chicken and rice, but I realized when they were gone how safe their presence on my block made me feel! Walking the dog alone at night was eerie without the familiar truck and staff. Can you give them a huge Marhaba, welcome back, from me please.” Done!
Even Hellcat Annie’s bar owner, Pat Hughes, who usually moans about having it outside his bar, said: “I actually like the ‘security’ aspect of the food truck.”
Faith and Brandon Lee from Bird & Branch on W45th St always promised to be a “speciality coffee shop with a mission to restore the city.” Then the pandemic came and they were juggling a newborn, no sleep, and what to do with the business. They wondered whether or not they should close the shop or keep it open. They’ve innovated with a customer-supported deal of $5 breakfast and coffee delivered to essential workers — now they are switching to others in need. Read their story here.
Finally, rooftop New York is opening up again. Adam Block and his team are offering “Social Distancing with a View” at The Press Lounge from this evening. It’s not cheap, but rooftops never were — and it will make a welcome change from sitting alongside the traffic on 9th Ave. Book and take me!
SPONSORED
In half a century, TF Cornerstone (TFC) has transformed the Long Island City waterfront, developed some of the first residential buildings in the Financial District & Hudson Yards, and revitalized the Meatpacking District. TFC continues to cultivate the surrounding community long after a project’s completion date. Learn more…
WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING
Ever wondered why subway rats don’t get fried by the third rail? Wonder no longer…
“Once people are drunk, all those rules go out the window” – why ‘pandemic parties’ are a BAD thing right now. Sobering…
Can money buy you happiness? This academic analyzed the evidence…
Supermarket shelves are full again – but you may find your choices are limited. Still short…
Congestion pricing plans have been put on hold for a minimum of 12 months. Free streets…
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA?
Today is your last chance to have your say on Hell’s Kitchen’s best pizzas. We’ll be publishing the list tomorrow morning, with your comments. All you have to do is go to this link, tell us your favorite (and why), play the fun pizza quiz… and give us your name so we can enter you into the drawing for DINNER FOR TWO @ ARDESIA! Easy as pizza pie!
If you like what you are reading, don’t keep it to yourself. Your friends can join the W42ST Daily tribe too – they can sign up below