Happy Saturday. Can you believe that it’s the last weekend of August? Where does the time go?
Next month, it will the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Yesterday, six Port Authority Police K-9 officers graduating from their training were named after PADP officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. More here…
It was only a year ago that we reported on rental vacancies at a 14-year high and over 15,000 apartments empty. Now, rents are on the rebound. So much so that New York City is now the most expensive rental market in the country, surpassing San Francisco for the first time since at least 2014. Read more…
Here’s what’s been happening around Hell’s Kitchen this week…
On Monday morning, I was the only passenger who boarded the inaugural Midtown to Staten Island ferry just after 7am. When I got to the other side, I got into a slight disagreement with the hawker at the main terminal. When I suggested that she should also say Hell’s Kitchen in her “spiel”, she told me: “It’s not Hell’s Kitchen, it’s actually Hudson Yards!” You can read all about my journey here…
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s last day in office was surely spent wondering why he didn’t keep the roof on Pier 76! The rain stopped play on the first day of the popup tennis courts on the Hudson River. Thanks to Cesar Razuri for this sunset pic later in the week.
French President Emmanuel Macron said «C’est oui!» (“It’s a yes!) to Josephine Baker being honored at the Panthéon in Paris, Le Parisien reported. Baker was known in America as a St Louis-born entertainer and civil rights activist. In France, she was awarded the Croix de Guerre for her work as a French Resistance fighter in World War II. In Hell’s Kitchen, she is known for Chez Josephine. More here…
Our friends at THE CITY reported on “Designs against humanity” — how the city deals with homeless issues through “hostile” and “cruel” architecture. What are your thoughts on these new “pyramids” at Penn?
Save the date! The Grand Central Oyster Bar is finally reopening at Grand Central Terminal after a COVID-19 shutdown. The landmark railroad restaurant will start service again on Tuesday, September 7. More here…
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On Monday evening, our social media feeds were filled with rainbows. Thanks to Jennifer MacDougall for sending us this picture from Pier 84. What a lovely way to wave farewell to Henri!
The last ship to dock at Pier 90 on Hell’s Kitchen’s west side was the USNS Comfort in April 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 crisis in the city. Now, in a sign of New York’s comeback, Manhattan Cruise Terminal at Pier 88 and Pier 90 is preparing to host ships once again. More details here…
So when you are craving a treat and a smile — what’s your favorite Hell’s Kitchen dessert? Is it Schmackary’s for cookies after a Broadway show? Is it the new place at Gotham West Market — Mikey Like It Ice Cream? Or maybe a cake from Huascar’s & Co Bakeshop? What about a milkshake at Mom’s? Who did we miss?
Tell us your favorite and why — and be entered into a sweepstake for two boarding passes for the North River Lobster Company. Closing date is Monday, August 31, 2021. w42st.info/FavoriteDessertHK
We got a sneak peek of the new home of the Irish Arts Center on 11th Avenue this week. There will be more updates in the fall. It’s an amazing story — which we first reported on back in March 2016 when we interviewed Aidan Connolly about plans for this Irish cultural hub.
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We watched (and rewatched) the viral video of a collision between an NYPD police motorcyclist and stunt cyclists at Times Square. It raises so many questions about the legality of what happens on New York’s streets. More here…
Just around the corner, we took a ride on the popup Ferris wheel. It was fun to get a different perspective on the crossroads of the world. Video here…
There are so many “popups” happening around the city. From Van Gogh to Banksy — Showstoppers (which is fab and supports the theater, TV and movie costume folks locally) and there’s even going to be a Bill Cunningham “immersive” (he’ll be spinning in his grave at the idea of this $30 extravaganza in his memory). Mark your calendars for Broadway in Bryant Park — a free show that’s popping up for its 21st year.
Serge Onik, an instructor at Broadway Dance Center, has died at 33. He was known for competing in So You Think You Can Dance, dancing in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s movie of In The Heights and helping the Israeli figure skating team at two Olympic Games. Read the tributes — “May he rest in dance.”
What we’ve been reading
The City Council tightens its grip on Elmo and friends in Times Square. (New York Post)
This September, there’s a chance to have your say on plans for congestion pricing. (CBS)
Broadway breathes life back into restaurants — and there’s a mention for Schmackary’s and Nizza. (AOL)
André De Shields answers questions about his return to Hadestown. (TimeOut)
Nevermind — the baby (now 30 years old) on the cover of Nirvana’s iconic album sues. (Vulture)
Freeze Frame
We love it when readers — and Broadway stars — give unprompted love and shoutouts to local businesses. Please follow Sara Bareilles’s example and show appreciation for your favorite Hell’s Kitchen places. Mention @W42ST in your posts — and we’ll amplify the love too!
Happy birthday today to Barry Reeves.