Happy weekend. What have you got planned? I’ve got a coffee this morning and a late brunch planned (which is probably the most sociable Saturday that I’ve had in a year!). Sunday is a big day to update our database of all the places that are open in Hell’s Kitchen. Let me know who we are missing in our app, I know there are a few that need updating.
Yesterday, Hudson River Park Trust landed $5 million in New York State funding to complete the two blocks of bike lanes and pedestrian paths between Clinton Cove and Riverside Park. Details here…
Here’s what’s been happening in Hell’s Kitchen this week…
Swing 46 is the latest entertainment space to launch a GoFundMe campaign for survival. Hopefully, they will enjoy as much success as The West Bank Cafe/Laurie Beechman Theater and Birdland.
“Swing 46 is facing extreme hardships to function. The challenges and circumstances of the global pandemic threaten the viability of the club and keeping its staff employed,” said proprietor John Akhtar.”The rent and other bills need to be paid immediately and our hopes of keeping the venue open are dwindling.” More details here…
Mark your calendar for Sunday March 14. They are holding a fundraising telethon from midday-midnight.
It’s Women’s History Month. Our neighbors at Hearst Magazines on 8th Avenue produced a wonderful video from their staff members, and tell the story of how Women’s History Month evolved. More here…
The past year has made everyone take a look at where they live and what they value. This list just in from Streeteasy shows how priorities have shifted in the pandemic. As expected, folks don’t want to spend time in the laundromat if they can help it…
The wind early in the week seemed to be causing the mystery high-pitched high-rise howling again. Did you hear it? It seems still to be focused around 42nd and 10th Avenue, but we had reports (and sound recordings) from as far away as W45th and W47th Streets. Alexis told us: “My dog’s insane hearing ears are freaking out and he’s shaking with anxiety. I can hear it through my window 12 floors up on W45th and 10/11 Avenue.” Any theories?
Locals want a part of Hell’s Kitchen lodged in the National Register of Historic Places as Paddy’s Market. The proposed historic district runs from W35th to W40th Street on both sides of Ninth Avenue. More details…
There was good news this week when the President announced that there would be vaccines for all adults by the end of May. Our friend, Renee Lutz Stanley reported fast-moving lines at the Javits Center, but at other time there were long waits. Javits went into operating 24 hours from last night. What’s been your experience?
For Women’s History Month, all of our West Side Stories will be with Hell’s Kitchen women — and we’re asking them to share with us a woman in history that they admire.
First up was professional organizer, Juli Oliver. Read her story and why she picked Gertrude Ederle (who has a swimming pool named after her on W60th Street).
“Love Like Dolly” by @Captain_Eyeliner is brightening up the corner of W47th Street and 9th Avenue. The abandoned Starbucks has become a venue for art.
Governor Cuomo gave a boost to live performances and tourism with announcements that indoor theater could resume on April 4 (with limited capacity) and that US visitors with proof of vaccination would no longer need to quarantine. The moves have been welcomed, but Equity made the point that those in the arts should now be added to the vaccination list. More details here…
We reported back in September that members of NYSC had been getting charged during the pandemic, even after canceling their membership. New York State Attorney General Letitia James has announced a $250,000 lawsuit settlement with their former parent company. You could be getting your money back…
Our OLD FLAMES feature struck out with Frico Bar last week. Apparently, the bar was only around for “a hot minute” — but out of the ashes we’re now on the trail of Curtain Up! which was in the same location on W43rd St. We’re already gathering stories, memories and photos — can you add to them? Please email george@w42st.com.
We took a step back in time to Hell’s Kitchen 1979-style courtesy of the Fable family at Poseidon Bakery. One of the youngest members of the 5th generation bakers rediscovered a TV show about 14-year-old Tony Fable introducing a country kid from New Jersey to the city. Enjoy…
We’re sad to report that some of the neighborhood’s largest restaurants have closed. Dave Pasternack told us that he and Vic Rallo have decided to close Esca after 21 years.
Also one of New York’s foremost Korean Restaurants, Bann, at Worldwide Plaza has closed. They said: “Thank you Hell’s Kitchen for 15 memorable years! Bann has closed March 1, 2021. Thanks to all our customers who have dined with us over the years.”
In better news, over in Times Square, Cafe Un Deux Trois opened its doors again at 8am this morning.
“My dad has owned Cafe Un Deux Trois in Times Square since 1976. It has survived the many ups and downs of New York City. When the pandemic hit we had to close and remained closed for almost a year,” said Leila Colbert. “Today, thanks to our loyal staff and a PPP loan, we will reopen. As you know midtown isn’t booming so we are trying to get the news out there that we are open again and hoping people will make us a destination. The restaurant is a Times Square icon.”
The cafe will be open until 10pm every day. Welcome back…
If you’ve read this far and clicked through to some of the stories, you will notice that W42ST.nyc has advertising dotted around the site. We are running some free tests with local businesses this week to see how the site looks, and to get the right blend of ads without being annoying! Let us know what you think — hit reply!
What we’ve been reading
Paragon Sports is fighting to keep running. (Bloomberg)
Thinking of owning a pooch? It’ll cost you… (The Doggypedia)
Dream come true or nightmare scenario? This woman found an apartment behind her bathroom mirror… (Curbed)
Nice piece on the history of Birdland — but where’s the mention of heroes Tom and Michael D’Angora and Tim Guinee, who helped to save the venue? (New Yorker)
Where is it? Looking for clues in this 1945 painting. (Ephemeral New York)
Freeze Frame
You can join Hell’s Kitchen Trash Queen Catie Savage and her Litter Legion tomorrow for her weekly clean-up at 11am. This week they will be meeting at the NE corner of W42nd & 10th by Chase Bank.
“While the past year has been tough, I have found my voice by bringing attention to concerns that go beyond the visuals of trash-filled streets. I urge all New Yorkers to subscribe to their local Community Board’s email list and YouTube channel,” said Catie, reflecting on the pandemic. “Involvement in local government and your community has far more impact on your day-to-day life than the federal government. I never would have thought the lockdown would lead me to community advocacy, but I am so glad it did.”