How are you this fine morning? Wasn’t yesterday such a tonic? It’s great to feel the warmth again!

Last Thursday, we asked for the story behind a matchbook for a new feature called Old Flames. The outpouring of affection for Jezebel and its owner Alberta Wright has been so amazing that it’s going to be very hard to replicate in future weeks. Thank you to George Georgiou for pulling together the threads of this fabulous piece of Hell’s Kitchen history. Enjoy…


For next week’s Old Flames, we’d love to hear about your memories and stories, and see your pictures of Frico Bar — email george@w42st.com.


What we’ve been reading

Extell is no longer the owner of luxury apartment building 555TEN on 10th Avenue. (The Real Deal)

New York gyms exercise their legal muscle over the ban on group fitness classes. (New York Post)

The costume character economy in Times Square has taken a hit due to COVID. (Vox)

Arts and entertainment faced more job losses during COVID than any other sector. (New York Daily News)

“A lot is being demanded of us” — why the pandemic is playing havoc with your brain. (New York Times)


Freeze Frame

One thing that I think we’ve all learned during the pandemic is that it’s the little things that keep us going. Thanks to Martina Hornakova for sharing this message of kindness from the staff at Red Poke!