A week in NYC

I was talking to a friend about her desire to leave NYC after living here for 15 years. I asked her if she takes advantage of the theater, the museums, the galleries, the food, the sporting events and so much more. If you don’t, it is hard to justify living here particularly if you crave hiking and a daily boost of the outdoors without concrete. It is the daily level of so much to see so little time that I just love but can’t do it 12 months a year anymore. It gets exhausting!

Monday evening we had dinner with old and dear friends who are departing to Seattle for an incredible opportunity. She is excited. He seems a tad unsure about the move, not the opportunity as they have inhaled NYC air for 30 years. We had dinner at Crown Shy, a spot that recently opened downtown at Pine Street. Both chefs come from working in Del Posto and NoMad. They know what they are doing. Bread is served at each table covered with dried olives on top and a light tapenade roasted in the middle of each slice. What a wonderful way to start the meal.

Everything is to be shared. The grilled butterflied Branzino served over savory pureed squash and topped with lightly roasted brussel sprouts is a perfect fall entree.

Tuesday I had lunch with a friend at Bab’s. I believe we went to the second day of lunch being served. The owner behind Mimi’s that hired a young chef who much to everyone’s dismay only stayed for a short time before heading off to get married and travel. Bab’s feels just right.

Lunch was a simple grilled swordfish with poached leeks and a light green olive tapenade.

That evening we attended a dinner to celebrate (and raise money) for the Good Shepherds Services. This might have been one of the best non-profit events I have ever been to. Sister Paulette LoMonaco is retiring after 50 years of running the organization. What an amazing human being and the words spoken about her and the organization that night were incredibly moving. Isaac Mizrahi, who I have always loved from afar, wooed us with his quartet.

Had dinner on Wednesday evening at Gramercy Tavern, always a good spot, bringing together a group of friends to tell more about CSforAll, an organization that we began that brings Computer Science to all students.

Thursday evening I hosted an event for Eat Offbeat, a catering service whose chefs are all refugees who now called NYC home. Food is delicious and Eat Offbeat is looking to expand to bring these dishes to more mouths.

I spend Friday morning in Brooklyn. Just love seeing the little kids walk the street, talk and sing while I sat outside Clementine Bakery sipping hot tea. I was there talking to someone about our latest project, an apartment building that is built with the environment in mind.

We returned to Antons to have another incredible meal on Friday evening. Our new neighborhood spot.

Saturday was art and errands. Fort Gansevoort represents Vanessa German who grew up in Compton and now lives in Pittsburgh. Her work is incredible. She thinks about what it means to be the best of the best and it reflects in her work. These power figures are quite spectacular.

That evening we went to dinner at our friends who had outbid others at MOFADs gala for a dinner party with chefs Adrienne Cheatham and Omar Tate with special guest Dr. Jessica B. Harris and Andre Mack. More on that later this week.

Sunday we went to see American Utopia, David Byrnes on Broadway. It is amazing. He is still wearing his 3 button light grey suit, barefoot and so is the band. Insanely well-curated, lively and upbeat, he is a bit of an introvert like Mr. Rogers singing and telling us about doing the right thing. Genius!

Dinner was a return to 4 Charles Prime Rib. A tough spot to get into (thanks for our friends resy) and a perfect place on a cold evening. That French Dip might be the best sandwich in NYC

This is just a part of the variety of people I saw and the appointments I had. It was a great week. Ending on the Sundae from 4 Charles is the way to go. I can hardly wait to have one more like this before heading out for Thanksgiving and LA.

Comments (Archived):

  1. William Mougayar

    Nothing wrong to lowering the pace of life on an intermittent basis. Otherwise, NYC will keep drawing you in for more and more. The cityโ€™s sleepless energy and renewal cycles are never ending.

  2. Bryce T.

    David Byrne, I’m jealous.

    1. Gotham Gal

      so good!!

  3. jason wright

    A week is not enough.Does the waiter’s apron have the logos of the accepted means of payment printed on it? I’ve never seen that before.

  4. awaldstein

    Super interesting:https://framehome.com/Best of luck with this and curious to see how the market thinks about this.

    1. Gotham Gal

      Hopefully they love it!

  5. denmeade

    That sounds like an excellent (and delicious) but exhausting week, I’m happy to live vicariously through your NYC adventures ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. hyjuma

    how is Anton’s? is it super casual? i have reservations for le coucou tomorrow night but somehow i am having second thoughts… just hoping to find a restaurant with really delicious food and good atmosphere ๐Ÿ™‚ what is the best restaurant in new york to celebrate a special occasion?