New York City For The Weekend

Story and photography by
Gillian and Mark Abramson 

 

Start spreading the news—New York City, even for a weekend, is still the most exciting place on the planet and, now more than ever in a crashing economy, New York welcomes visitors.

We were moved and humbled by the stoicism, determination, and "the show must go on" attitude that filled the town after 9/11 and, indeed, we were spoiled again when we visited by dazzling shows, intriguing museums, and sizzling restaurants.

We checked into the Barbizon, (63rd Street at Lexington), a 306-room luxury hotel located in a residential neighborhood near many shops and museums. It was formerly famous as the 1927 Barbizon Hotel for Women. After our visit it became the Melrose hotel and was extensively renovated and boasted valet parking, computerized mini- bars, in-room entertainment centers with a CD library of over 200 selections. The renowned Equinox Spa occupied the premises with an 18 meter lap pool and full spa treatments. Now it is being converted into condominiums. Sic Transit Gloria.

Just a block east of the Barbizon was Rain (1059 Third Avenue; 212-223-3669), a hot- spot Pan-Asian restaurant. Highly rated by food critics and packed with New Yorkers late into the night, Rain offered a delicious eclectic menu, loads of atmosphere, attentive service, and reasonable prices for such a trendy locale. At the bar while waiting for your table (reservations were a must), visitors would try the Flirtini, a favorite and quite potent specialty drink. Rain now is closed also a not unusual situation in the hospitality business where favorites come and go in abandon.

So what has stayed a bit longer and is still welcoming visitors?

If you wander over to Sixth Avenue you'll pass Radio City Music Hall whose shows have been pleasing New Yorkers since it opened in December 1932. Its Christmas Spectacular remains the touchstone of the holiday season and tickets start selling  six months before the Holidays.

For exciting entertainment in a smaller venue try Joe's Pub (425 Lafayette Street), a restaurant, bar, and nightclub. Joe’s Pub made its debut in October 1998 and has been going strong ever since. The female band, Betty, with guest singer Toshi Reagon, often performed there with entertaining wit and uplifting music. And, believe it or not, the pub offers free pie. If you decide to eat dinner there, make sure you book ahead. Offering music, guest stars, and an acoustically perfect performance space, Joe's Pub is mostly frequented by New Yorkers.

You might also try Rue 57 a brasserie hailed by New York magazine in the early 2000s as one of the city's best restaurants. Lively, dimly lit to protect its celebrity clientele, and perfectly situated on the corner of swank 57th Street and Sixth Avenue, its delectable Parisian dishes are served by friendly and helpful waiters.

For a quick exhibition consider the International Center for Photography (1133 Sixth Avenue at 43rd Street). The exhibitions change frequently and the subjects vary to suit all interests. A recent show of fashion photography by Helmut Newton continued down to the lower level of the museum. There, tucked away in an unobtrusive corner, was a television screen with a slide show displaying all the front pages of national and international newspapers on the day following Sept. 11.

And, recognizing their grief is elementally intertwined with our history, New York has opened an observation deck at Ground Zero, on Fulton Street between Broadway and Church Street. Tickets can be obtained at no charge at the South Street Seaport Museum.