Happy Monday. I hope that you are refreshed and ready for the week ahead.

The W42ST bunker went into overdrive this weekend. As well as producing Michael Muñoz’s W42ST 2020 Gift Guide, we’ve published an app and started to load it with everywhere that’s open in the neighborhood for food and drink (and how they would prefer you to order so that they get max $$$s!)

It’s in beta launch today with over 25 places featured, and we expect by the end of the week there will be 100 local eateries onboard. [If you are a local bar/restaurant that’s not featured yet, submit your details here.]

It’s all free to you (and the local businesses) thanks to the generosity of HYHK Alliance, the Durst Organization, and reader support. Thank you…


The closure of indoor dining and the onset of winter (yes, there’s snow this week!) have taken their toll on local businesses.

John Dempsey texted me yesterday to say that he was “going into hibernation” with ‘Ritas, Hell’s Kitchen and B-Side Pizza.

“Le Rivage will retreat to fight another day. I just hope its not Waterloo,” shared Chef and owner, Paul Denamiel. “I’m closing Sunday night ’til…”

Meanwhile, Sting’s favorite corner will look a little different. At 57th and 9th (the name of the singer’s 2016 album) the Morning Star Diner has permanently closed.

“After more than 30 years serving this community, Morning Star is closing its doors,” announced owner, Harry Demosthenous. “We wish to thank all our customers for your continuous support, and ask that you support the next eatery that will occupy this space.”


We were all shocked by the shooting yesterday outside the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. Our photographer friend and neighbor, Jeenah Moon, was on the scene. You can see her eye witness report for Reuters here.


What we’ve been reading

Doordash has gone public – but workers are not getting their share. (Documented)

Under-siege restaurants get new guidance on outdoor dining and snow. (Gothamist)

Is there anybody out there??? UFO sightings are on the increase in NYC. (New York Post)

Apartment rents are at their lowest in a decade. (Bloomberg Quint)

The tale of Billie’s Bar… or is it Billy’s? (Ephemeral New York)


Freeze Frame

Flying “manatee” cloud over Hell’s Kitchen. Photo: Thomas Piercy.