Openings, Re-Openings, Shows, Restaurants, Exhibits…New York in October is vibrant and buzzing, just when you’re looking for a good pickup after a Newport summer. Two re-openings prompted this trip and were a must do. I could have created an entire post on the first…the Waldorf Astoria…Glamour revived!! That one block on Park Avenue has regained its historic elegance, wrapped in history and elevated by design. Walking up the marble steps instantly transports you to a golden era in New York (on a sentimental note, the Waldorf was a watering hole way back when I would come down to the city from college upstate, usually staying in this large hotel because they offered “student rates.”)
Love the fact that there are many comfortable seating areas that cozy up the large lobby, dressed with that yummy rug.
Another throw back to the golden age is Cole Porter’s Steinway piano, played throughout the evening…talk about enhancing your memories! FYI Cole Porter lived in The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria.
With appropriate florals dressing up the concierge/reservation area.
The other re-opening was the Frick Museum (after five years). Long awaited, even if you go no further than the stunning garden court, with its fountain’s lulling sounds. Once you step into this space you appreciate what it truly means to exhale. But if you do venture further into the museum, unique within the cultural landscape of New York City, seek out the special commission of porcelain flowers by sculptor and ceramicist Vladimir Kanevsky that pay homage to the floral arrangements made for the Frick’s original opening, in 1935.
New York restaurants are not just about dining…their interiors often add immeasurably to the whole experience. Avra is one case in point…adding a fall vegetable scene as well as fresh fish in a large ice display (not featured)!
Gramercy Tavern, a sentimental favorite since my days at Bon Appetit, with its tavern and dining room decked out in nature’s Fall best (Note: each dining area has a different menu).
The Modern’s prix fixe dining room ( at the Museum of Modern Art) is simple and elegant with angles and lines appropriately considered…as well as looking out upon the noted statuary garden.
Lastly, this trip was inspired by the opening of master artist Michael Shane Neal’s show at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park, “35 Years, A Retrospective.” (A celebrated portrait painter, Shane has recently been commissioned to paint a portrait of President Joe Biden). One of the paintings in the show is of a dearly departed friend, John Henry Guy IV. I have never seen a likeness captured so magnificently. What a tribute…to Johnny and to Shane!
Bettie, you hit all my old , favorite haunts. Good choices. As the former afternoon tea consultant to the Waldorf =Astoria it a relief the restoration maintained the bones of the original hotel. The new Frick is a gem not to be missed. And for traveling to NYC before New Year’s make certain to see the masterpiece musical, RAGTIME, at Lincoln Center Vivian Beaumont Theatre. It’s thrilling.
You “took me away” with your narrative…it’s been…oh, 25 years since I’ve been. Listen, one hasn’t lived till hailing a pedi-cab as no taxis available @ rush hour on “Broadway”…and, your Bus leaving precisely 6pm!! Bless those “brave boys!!”
franki
LOVELY LADY,
BEING A BORN – NEW YORKER, AND HAVING SPENT THE LAST 45 YEARS AT THE SAME ADDRESS ( EAST 65TH ST.) THE CHANGES, EVEN IN MY TIME, ARE TRULY – ASTOUNDING.
OF COURSE THE FRICK IS, AND WILL ALWAYS BE; THE BEST OF THE BEST.
‘FATE’ HAD FUN WITH ME, IN THAT … THE SUMMER OF 1971, I WAS THE BUTLER TO THE WIDOWER, I. TOWNSEND BURDEN, WHOSE LATE WIFE WAS, NEE:
FRANCIS FRICK (GRANDDAUGHTER TO: H. C. FRICK) THIS IN LOCUST VALLEY.
SMALL WORLD!
TOM GARDNER