I was with my Tribeca family and we walked from their apartment thru Brookfield Place down the escalators across the walk and onto Westfield which recently opened in the soaring space of The Oculus.
The Oculus! The Transportation Hub at the World Trade Center designed by the internationally renowned architect Santiago Calvatrava of Spain.
I thought it was stunningly beautiful! How do you combine a subway station and a mall into a grand open shining space…call on a famous architect that’s what you do. Amazing!
Best way to do this walk? I always suggest to check out websites to see what’s happening not only at Westfield, but also at Brookfield Place. They are connected and you’ll never have to go outside. Often special events are taking place that will just add to the fun. This is not a quiet walk, but it sure is exciting, especially the first time you do it. By the way, stopped at the new Eataly and enjoyed a lovely wine and pizza with my family overlooking the World Trade Center and the new Liberty Park.
It’s a huge place so when you go be sure to plan your day, don’t rush, people-watch, perhaps walk over to Brookfield Place and take in a view of the Hudson or do it all in reverse. Along your way, you’ll find many places to stop for something to eat plus, of course, a glass of wine or an old-fashioned to give your feet a rest and decide where your next steps will take you on this inside walk!
Enjoy!
Kay’s Notes:
Important to know: It can get a little crazy during commuting times – so keep in mind it is a transportation hub.
Websites: About The Oculus, Westfield and Brookfield Place
Cost: Seeing the buildings- free. shopping, eating and drinking? As the old song goes sung by Frank Sinatra and Ruth Etting (back in the day) “It all depends on you”!
Where to eat: A huge selection of places- as of this post – not all opened but will be very soon.
Restrooms: Plenty
Kid Friendly: Without a doubt
*Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes– but no guarantees people.
Temperatures about 100 – with humidity to match, but we were all there raising our voices to…. the public domain! It was spectacular and I consider myself so very fortunate to have been part of this once in a lifetime event– all sweating together and having a glorious time!
I couldn’t have said it better….. taken from Today’s August 15th New York Times review by critic Anthony Tommasini…..“By the time the singers had taken their places round the fountain, an audience of roughly 2000 had arrived, despite the sweltering humidity. True to its title, “the public domain” was an inspiring outdoor musical event; it also proved an intricate, rich musical composition.”
As a very personal note – I received a text from my sister who said, “Dad, would have loved this.” She was so right, our father absolutely loved music of all kinds – and this event would have caused him much joy, as it did me.
I love this City!
Kay’s Notes:
Important to know: google http://mostlymozart.org/thepublicdomain you will find a video from Lincoln Center on the making of “the public domain”and the performance.
Maybe ….. Interesting to know: When you go to the site, it opens with photos of some of us…. I’m on the top row – number 3 – behind the word “domain”….taken at the last rehearsal at the John Jay College gymnasium.
Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes – but no guarantees people.
Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 5:00 pm
Josie Robertson Plaza Rain date: Sunday, August 14
From the website
“One of the defining qualities of the Mostly Mozart Festival is the warm, enthusiastic bond that exists between performers and audiences. This year, which marks 50 years of the festival, we celebrate this beautiful relationship with the world premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner David Lang’s ambitious choral work the public domain. Presented outdoors on Lincoln Center’s iconic campus, the work honors the collective knowledge that connects us all, bringing together 1,000 volunteer vocalists for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Conducted by Simon Halsey, Choral Director of the London Symphony Orchestra, with local conductors leading rehearsals across New York City, the public domain is a groundbreaking work of unprecedented scale”
Kay’s Notes: There will be a video on line 48 hours following the performance. Remember – it’s free. I’ll be wearing my hat!
ONLY ON SATURDAYS – THREE DATES – TODAY AUGUST 6TH, AUGUST 13TH AND THE 20TH FROM 7 AM TO 1 PM!
Summer time and the walking is easy!
It’s fun to do. Lots of activities like music, a water slide, games, Zipline and lots and lots of people. But, only walkers, bikers, roller bladers, scooters, strollers, skater boarders, etc., are allowed. And, because I live on the UES, a stop at St Bart’s outside restaurant for a Mimosa is definitely in order to stay cool and watch the fun! Event is free – the Mimosa ??? Nope!
From Summer Streets 2016 website -NYC Department of Transportation. Check it out – website below
“Summer Streets is an annual celebration of New York City’s most valuable public space—our streets. On three consecutive Saturdays in August, nearly seven miles of NYC’s streets are opened for people to play, run, walk and bike. Summer Streets provides space for healthy recreation and encourages New Yorkers to use more sustainable forms of transportation. In 2015, nearly 300,000 people took advantage of the open streets.
Held between 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, Summer Streets extends from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets, with easy access from all points in New York City, allowing participants to plan a trip as long or short as they wish. All activities at Summer Streets are free of charge, and designed for people of all ages and ability levels to share the streets respectfully.
Kay’s Notes: This post is a little late for today’s events – but in plenty of time for the 13th and the 20th.
Important to know: It’s a great walk – see the City along Park Avenue from a different perspective. Police are very helpful because cars still want to go cross town – and there are volunteers with signs that say “stop” or “go” or something like that. Definitely check out the website to see where along the route the activities take place.
Restrooms – Hotels along the way – couldn’t find if they are having any of those portable conveniences. But plenty of Starbucks and other restaurants a block east or west of Park.
Remember it starts at 7 AM and ends at 1 PM.
Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes – but no guarantees people.
Mark your calendar — “Amadeus” kicks off the Summer HD Festival at The Met Plaza on Friday August 26th at 7:45 — get there early — bring food, a jacket, maybe a small umbrella — check the weather — and watch the action before the movie even starts! See you there!
I T ‘ S F R E E !
Kay’s Notes:
See my post of July 26th for full info on the Festival “Get ready – the Outdoor Free Summer HD Series starts in August”
Photo of Cover of DVD
Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes– but no guarantees people.
We gave a wave to Liberty then ate at Battery Park
Met up with her cousin for fries at PJ Clark
Heading to see “Wicked” on a very stormy night
Traffic traffic everywhere, did gives us a fright
But rest assured we made it with extra minutes too
We settled in our seats and both gave out a.. whew!
Made it home by twelve … like Cindy at the ball
Into bed and ready for that early morning call
MOMA was exciting with the artist “It’s all true”
The temperature was rising, loved this cool venue
The Guggenheim! A treasure, thanks to Mr. Wright
Then Lincoln Center and its Plaza glowed for us one night
Along the shady Central Park, we strolled Fifth Avenue
We saw Met’s Manus x Machina, so beautiful to view
A get together with a friend she hadn’t seen in years
Oh those hugs and kisses and oh those many tears
But as the famous saying goes, “All good things must end!”
She left for home, but this I know – she’ll be back again!
Thanks to my beautiful niece (soon to be 17) for showing me a wonderful time in 4 short days!
Kay’s Notes:
Important to know: Go with the flow- my niece knew what she wanted to do. I just hit the highlights in my little poem… We spent more time at The Met to see on the roof the replica of the house from Psycho – and The Temple of Dendur. All the museums were packed because it was that notorious “heat dome’ weekend. We saved for a cooler time to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and do the Empire State Bldg among other sites.
I found out when she was leaving that the next time she’s here – she wants to go to several parks – and sketch. Sounds good to me…. blankets, some food, love it!
Good to know: Manus x Machina at the Met. It’s part of the Costume Institute at the Museum and the clothing is beautiful – well worth going to before it closes September 5.
*Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes– but no guarantees people.
Mark your calendars – plan your visit – and simply have a great time! The Festival runs from August 26th thru September 5th.
Enjoy this free series outside under the stars and the moon (hopefully)!
AMADEUS, the 1985 Oscar winner of Best Picture kicks off the 10 day event on Friday August 26th. What a treat!
A great line up of operas streaming on the Plaza will include: Le Nozze di Figaro, il Trovatore, Otello, La Fille du Regiment, Lucia di Lammermoor, La Cenerentola (Cinderella) Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci (2 different operas) The Merry Widow, Turandot, and last Les Pecheurs de Perles (The Pearl Fishers). The Met website includes more info on each opera.
If you could only go to one – I would suggest Turandot with that beautiful aria Nessun Dorma (Nobody shall sleep)- plus it hits all the bells and whistles of a grand opera – sets,costumes, the cast are over the top. Yep , that’s the one – if you haven’t seen it or even if you have– you know about operas – once is never enough! You can hear and see Pavarotti on Facebook singing Nessun Dorma as only he could!
Go to one, some, or all – it’s a wonderful New York experience – and if you have friends coming into the City for the US open – which starts on the 29th, tell them about this Festival – could be a lovely way to turn a day of tennis in the sun into a night of music under the stars!
KAY’S NOTES – Below are Kay’s Notes from my post back in May on the Festival. In fact, if you have nothing else to do while sitting on the beach enjoying a lovely rosé- you could take another look at it. “Yes, The Met Opera…Free” under music category.
FROM MY MAY POST
Important to know. . Check Met website at http://www.metopera.com 2016 Summer HD Festival. It runs from August 26th thru Labor Day Sept 5th. starting time is around 7-8 o’clock. Good to know: The series goes on rain or shine except thunder storms. Suggest you bring extra jacket or sweater as it can get chilly. And, perhaps a seat cushion Where to eat: All over the place. Many people, in fact, bring their own food, drinks and snacks. I, myself, am a popcorn and wine person. Restaurant prices: In the area – varies from hotdog carts to OMG$$$$ Where is it: At Lincoln Center Plaza known as the Josie Robertson Plaza in front of the Met Opera House on the Upper West Side between West 62nd and 65th Streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. Buses and subways close by. Plenty of parking. Met website has all kinds of info on directions. Restrooms: Here’s the tricky part. If there is an event at the David Geffen Hall (formerly Avery Fisher) the restrooms are open in the Hall. But if not there are restrooms on the Concourse level below the Met Opera house. There is an elevator to Concourse level on the outside of the David Koch Theater or an escalator in front of the David Geffen Hall. Restrooms also at the David Rubenstein Atrium on Broadway between 62nd and 63rd right across the street. Kid Friendly: Absolutely and stay for a little while or for the whole performance. Lots of kids will be there.
Photo from Metropolitan Opera website
*Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes– but no guarantees people.
If you’re into it….now’s the time to try those usually $$$$$ restaurants!
It’s called Restaurant Week – but it runs from Monday July 25th thru August 19th. Check it out! Just google – NYC restaurant week summer 2016 and sites will come up describing different options for those three course prix fixe meals, $29 for lunch, $42 for dinner at really nice restaurants. Take note – most do not apply to Saturdays and prices don’t include tips, beverages or taxes.
Wonderful restaurants on the list! I do lunch ($29) Last year my sisters were in from North Carolina and I made reservations at Nougatine at Jean Georges across from Central Park. It was delicious and we had a great time. Added bonus, we met Mr. Vongerichten, who was there that day. We each had a glass of wine – well two. After, we walked thru Central Park as it was a cool, lovely summer afternoon. Fun! (may not be so cool this coming week with the heat dome overhead – I’d nix the outside dining).
Enjoy …. you foodies out there! And stay cool!
Kay’s Notes:
This restaurant week is held twice a year – so if you can’t make it this summer – it’s back in the winter.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes and my posts, but no guarantees people.
Yes, it’s true, the Picasso curtain, Le Tricorne, is no longer hanging at The Four Seasons restaurant. And, it’s also true that The Four Seasons will no longer be at the beautiful space in the Seagram Building, their lease was not renewed. Thankfully, the interior of the restaurant, along with the building, now has landmark status so the space with the soaring ceilings and the beaded curtains will remain.
Fall at The Four Seasons RestaurantPicasso’s Le Tricorne
Our family was in the hospitality business when The Four Seasons was “the” restaurant to go to. We purposely visited the top restaurants in the City to learn and to teach our children who were in the business…lessons on the success of great restaurants and to observe how it all came together.
And it certainly did at The Four Seasons. The food was lovely, but it was the whole experience that made it so special. The mood was set when first entering the lobby of the Seagram Building and then walking up the stairs, past the Picasso, sitting in the Pool Room surrounded by seasonal gorgeous flowers, plants and yes, trees, combined with the unassuming service, the quiet but lively conversations, and the buzz, it was theater!
Our pleasure, sir or I’ll have dessert with my dessert!
A family tradition started at The Four Seasons by my husband. It was about the desserts. Everyone would make their choice and then he would say to the waiter, “Please bring us every other dessert on the menu.” The tradition was to take a taste and pass it along and then talk about the presentation, our favorites and why. And yes, notes were taken. Those polished waiters would not blink an eye and just smile and say, “Of course, sir”
We didn’t learn about the vanishing soufflé from my then future son-in-law until a few years later. He had ordered one of his favorite desserts – a chocolate soufflé. (At The Four Seasons a soufflé had to be ordered at the same time as the main course to allow the chef to prepare it to perfection).
As was our tradition, the desserts arrived – all of them! His soufflé was placed before him. He said he was in awe as he put his spoon into that deep chocolate delight for the first time. He took another spoonful and then heard the word, “Pass”. He looked around a little confused. He wasn’t quite sure what to do, as he saw the desserts on the move, all he wanted to say was, “Sorry, this is mine!” But off it went.
He told me that his eyes followed that chocolate wonder as it moved around the table. When it finally arrived back in front of him, he stared into the almost empty cup. He looked at my daughter with quizzical eyes saying as he showed her the few remaining crumbs, “What just happened?” We had forgotten to tell him about our tradition. Whoops!
And now, what?
The Picasso is hanging grandly at the New York Historical Society, another restaurant will take over the glorious space, and The Four Seasons is opening in the fall at a new location just down the block. With any good luck, chocolate soufflé will be on the menu – still needing to be ordered at the beginning of the meal so that it can be prepared to its wonderful and perfect deliciousness. Perhaps being shared and perhaps not!
Although, I haven’t been to The Four Seasons in many years, it remains one of my favorite restaurants for so many reasons, but mainly because of the happy memories of good times and laughter shared with my family. None of our operations were even close to the level of The Four Seasons but one of the lessons learned there was the importance and impact of a gracious wait staff to the dining experience …no matter what was requested.
Here’s to The Four Seasons at the Seagram Building
Kay’s Notes:
Important to know:
The Picasso curtain measures 19 x 20 feet and was designed by him for a ballet, Le Tricorne or the Three Cornered Hat in 1919 for the Ballets Russes in Paris It was chosen to hang in the restaurant by Philip Johnson, the designer of The Four Seasons in 1959. It did not receive landmark status as did the restaurant and the building because it was not a physical part of the architecture. The landlord had made a decision to remove the work in order to repair the wall behind it, he said. There was great controversy about moving the work not just because of its significance to the restaurant but also due to its delicacy and age. After the courts stepped in to delay its removal, the work was finally awarded to the New York Historical Society where it now hangs for all to see. There is an interesting video on the Historical Society’s website showing the painstaking installation process and another in the New York Times on the removal of the delicate artwork prior to its installation at the Historical Society http://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/picassos-le-tricorne
There are many articles about the restaurant and especially about Le Tricorne on the internet. An article appearing in Vanity Fair has an interesting take especially about the controversy.
Today will be a week from the Fourth of July – our country’s always spectacular celebration of the birth of our nation. I was going to write about the baseball game and the fireworks over the East River and the wonderful time I had with my family, but I didn’t.
It was a word President Obama used when addressing us… reflection; a reflection on the horrific events of the past week. A reflection that stopped me from posting the happiness of that weekend. The scenes from Texas, Louisiana and Minnesota were overwhelming.
I was born in upstate New York – my family moved several times due to our father’s work and his final transfer was to Charlotte, North Carolina. Reflecting – I remember how shocked we were to see the signs saying “whites only” and “colored” when we moved there. And now, reflecting on this past week – certain atrocities may have changed – but our nation has a very, very long way to go before intolerance is no longer part of our lives and violence ends.
My family is interracial and I have family and friends in law enforcement and every day I am concerned for their safety.
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