Happy Winter Solstice. We have indeed reached the darkest day of 2020 — things can only get brighter now!

There’s light at the end of the tunnel for Steve Olsen, the West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theater. So far over $145,000 has been raised to save these 42-year-old W42nd Street legends — and there’s a Christmas Day Telethon to look forward to.

Steve Olsen told us this morning: “The outpouring of love and generosity we have received from our loyal customers, friends, relatives and business associates is overwhelming. Over a thousand people have donated money to help us survive this catastrophic pandemic and a couple of hundred artists are contributing to our Christmas Day telethon, which will be on Facebook from noon until 8 pm. I am forever grateful to, and appreciate, everyone who has ever patronized West Bank Cafe. Gratitude is the best Christmas gift one could ever receive. I wish everyone a healthy and safe Holiday season.”

Part of the promotion has been fans posting their favorite pictures from the venues with the hashtag #savewestbankcafe. You can add yours too…


We’ve had over 500 readers download the “Hell’s Kitchen is OPEN!” app this weekend. It’s what they call a “Progressive Web App” so you should just be able to click the link below. It will give you instructions on how to add it to your home screen. Please share with your friends — and help support our local eateries!
https://w42st-hells-kitchen.glideapp.io/


What we’ve been reading

How a dream came true for the acting commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation. (New York Times)

Food pantry demand is soaring in New York. (NY1)

A fifth of New Yorkers have paid no rent in December. (Bisnow)

You can probably stop dreaming of a white Christmas. (NBC)

How to survive a fall onto the subway tracks. (Reddit)


Freeze Frame

Let’s Dance. Early morning on Pier 84 this weekend. Photo: Thomas Piercy.