Good morning. Are you ready for the weekend? I think we all deserve the break…
My enjoyment of Designated Survivor has been curtailed by my binge-watching of the real-life attack on The Senate this week. They say truth is stranger than fiction. It’s disconcerting to try and follow the thread of both stories simultaneously.
As an alternative, I found Pretend it’s a City last night (just launched on Netflix). It’s Fran Lebowitz being followed around a pre-pandemic New York by Martin Scorsese. She made me laugh, a lot! Which I needed. However, the scenes of New York “normal” should be consumed in small doses.
I did a search on the background of the show, and the New York Times interviewed them this week. Scorsese and Lebowitz tried to integrate COVID into the story — but every time they started filming, the narrative of the pandemic changed.
Lebowitz is doing her best to support the city during the crisis. She said: “I’ve been eating outside. There is no greater testament to how much I hate to cook than the fact I will sit outside in 28-degree weather, trying to eat with gloves on.” Please follow her lead…
Yesterday, we added 20 more eateries to the W42ST “Hell’s Kitchen is OPEN!” list. There are now 116 places on the app, and over 1,200 people have downloaded it. Please share the link with friends — https://w42st-hells-kitchen.glideapp.io/ — and check it regularly. We’ve added a search function now and a link for you to send us updates if there are changes to your favorite restaurants that we are not aware of.
Here’s a quick review of the week — in case you missed anything…
We took a trip to Penn Station to look at the new Moynihan Train Hall. It’s marvelous, impressive and something for New York to be proud of. Look up and you will see breathtaking art — take time to let it all in.
It was great to help out with the Hell’s Kitchen Takeout Challenge at the end of 2020. Holly-Anne Devlin and Marisa Redanty did an amazing job of getting over 1,200 entries and 91 businesses nominated. We announced the results, with the winner dedicating the award to the dad she lost over the holidays from COVID.
We spotted Mulchfest in progress. Today is the last day to recycle at DeWitt Clinton Park. More details and locations here…
Over the holidays, our Instagram feed was full of pictures of our readers with their copy of the new book, LOVING, A Photographic History of Men in Love, 1850s-1950s.
The photo collection started with a trip to an antique store by Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell. The first picture they bought had “a look in their eyes that said there’s clearly something more here than friendship.” One photograph became two, two became three, and now twenty years later, three has become over three thousand.
Hugh and Neal signed copies of the book at Domus this week. Read more…
We reported on the GoFundMe for Birdland and interviewed owner Gianni Valenti about the challenges of the pandemic.
Last year, we reported on the tragic death of Food Emporium worker Maria Sanchez. Her daughter has launched a GoFundMe.
“My mom was so amazing. She was hardworking, caring, understanding, open-minded, so charismatic and so much more. Anyone who has ever met her knows how full of life she was. Her smile and laugh could brighten anyone’s day. She was the sole provider not only for my siblings and me, but also for my very sick grandma in Mexico. Unfortunately, she leaves behind my three siblings who fully depended on her. My baby sister is 5, my brother is 11 and my sister is 16. Times are really tough right now for everyone, so the little help that you decide to contribute will be so gladly appreciated.”
Read more and contribute here…
Broadway will become a dazzling kaleidoscope in January. After sending the eye-catching dog statues back to their kennels, we’re getting another splash of color in the Garment District, just in time to brighten up these grey days. Hello Prismatica…
What we’ve been reading
An attention-grabbing headline – but do you agree that NYC is on life support? (BBC)
The Mean Girls musical will not reopen on Broadway. (Vulture)
This Billionaire’s Row apartment sold at half price. (The Real Deal)
Another Times Square hotel bites the dust… (Crain’s)
NYC Restaurant Week is back – with a brand-new format. (Eater)
Freeze Frame
