The Oak Room reopens tomorrow

The Oak Room at the Plaza reopens tomorrow after its big, expensive facelift. Which reminds me that I bought this swell set of Plaza coasters a few years ago at an apartment sale.



I also found this clip. When I first moved to New York, I had to stay at the Plaza for a few days until my condo was ready:

Reliving Tuesday night, when people broke out into song ("We are the Champions," no less) in the streets

Finally getting back to Tuesday night when, as you read exclusively here first, Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States.

I stopped by the usual places in the neighborhood during the evening. I went by Sophie's too -- and the place was full. Good for them. I've never seen the old place so crowded. Lots of longtime regulars were there. Like Caveman and Freddy. Freddy had been in his native Puerto Rico in recent times. He was telling people that he came back just to vote in New York. Anyway, there were balloons and food. Couldn't stay long, though -- nowhere to sit. Or stand, really. And I wanted to be near some of the people that I knew. So I moved on to the next place. Next time.

Meanwhile, there's all sorts of video from the celebration that erupted on St. Mark's...here is just a small sampling that provide a few different views:

From willgmcc:





From jewishnyactor:



From Caity180:



From the Play the Game of Life blog:





Meanwhile, Bob Arihood was there for compelling photos and a narrative. And Jeremiah has photos from his trek from First Avenue and St. Mark's to Union Square. Hunter-Gatherer was there too.

Appreciating a classic

Given the news that the Holland Bar may be closed for good, it's time to tip our hat to some of the like-minded bars in the city. (Dive bars. Lonely old man bars. Whatever you prefer!) Such as the well-traveled Subway Inn.








Related:
Ken Mac has some excellent shots of the Inn here.

Noted

The first clues are emerging that Wall Street pay will plummet this year . . . Bonuses for top executives could plunge by 70 percent. (New York Times)

Walking on Madison

For some reason late yesterday afternoon, Mrs. Grieve and I found ourselves walking on that really faboo stretch of Madison Avenue in the 70s and 60s. And all those designer places -- Armani, Jil Sander, Dolce & Gabbana, et al. And you know we didn't see one person shopping in any of these stores. Seriously. Post-election hangover perhaps? Or maybe the richies just don't shop in a light rain on weekday afternoons? Or maybe the economy is really fucked. Anyway, every store was the same: A handful of well-dressed employees standing around looking expectantly out the store windows.

Rooftop tumor continues to grow on Third Avenue

Near 13th Street.

Money! Get your money!

In the Flatiron District.

Noted

The night after Election Night

On 11th Street near Avenue B.

How Bloomberg is going to deal with the budget gap

Layoffs. (New York Post)

Here's Lenny Waller's response to the article/cuts:

"Think SoHo"

Gothamist has a Q-and-A today with Robert Prichard, who worked the door at the Pyramid in the 1980s before opening Surf Reality’s House Of Urban Savages in 1993. He's getting ready to unveil Queensbridge Theater in Long Island City.

Having been priced out of Manhattan, where do you see the Lower East Side/East Village area in 5 or 10 years from now? Think SoHo. The community board is already telling bars and lounges that are up for Liquor License renewals that they will only give their support if the bar agrees to closing at 1 a.m. Look for more boutiques, national & international chains like Gucci and expensive restaurants.

Same old story

One-story structures seem to be a rarity in the East Village these days...this business at 238 E. 4th Street near Avenue B is no exception...it will become a two-family residence, according to the paperwork taped to the front....