New York Reviews
Swing 46: After Bette Midler’s one-woman show, we wandered over to Restaurant Row on 46th and randomly chose Swing 46. They have an old-time “big band” in the rear, which was packed with patrons around a dance floor. We chose to eat in the bar, where we could hear the music but still talk comfortably. The wine list is pedestrian, but the hanger steak was one of the best I’ve ever had, probably a better prepared offering than in Quality Meats the night prior, and that was terrific.
Lamb’s Club: A great room with terrific service, wonderful food, and impressive ambiance. I had never realized that it was open to the public. They served three courses for a dozen people starting at 5:30, and had us out by 7 to head for our 7:30 curtain. An extremely impressive wine list and sommelier on duty didn’t hurt. You don’t find Brandt Family wine on every wine list these days.
Newsies: By group uniform agreement, one of the ten best musicals we’ve ever seen. The choreography, sets, and combination of acrobatic and balletic movements were stunning. The story is true, obvious, and predictable, but these performers—most in their Broadway debut—were magnificent. Go see this.
Katz’s Deli: For my money still the best deli in New York (especially with so many old-time stalwarts closing because of changing demographics and taste). I actually had a reservation for eight of us arranged by the concierge at the Pierre, which is true power in New York! The pastrami is great, the people watching fantastic, and it’s rarer and rarer to be in any institution which hasn’t changed in decades. The mysterious tickets are still required to get in and out, and the menu advises that you’re in peril if you ask for mayonnaise with the meats.
JPMorgan Museum: We took a private tour and entered into a world of enormous personal power and prestige. The only other thing I’ve seen like it—on a much grander scale—is Hearst’s San Simeon. The main library itself is worth the price of admission, but the various exhibitions (Degas, Picasso, etc.) at any give time are terrific. Morgan’s personal study is set up as if he’s a Cardinal in the church, with other religious artifacts beneath his huge portrait.
Del Posto: This was once one of my top three restaurants in New York, way down in the meatpacking district. The main room is magnificent, one of the best anywhere. We were in a lovely private room with gracious and attentive service. They carry Jean Marc XO (as does the Pierre bar) which I believe is the best vodka in the world. But the food is too close to average for my taste these days, and I’m not going to hurry back.
© Alan Weiss 2013
