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New York, New York…Still the World's Greatest City
by Plaza Travel Vice President Marketing, Gary Stevens
T his born and raised New Yorker was filled with emotion in February - my first
visit back to New York since September 11. What did I discover that I had no
doubt would be true? New Yorkers prevail…and the city has the vibrancy, energy,
vitality and spirit that one can only find in the Big Apple. Walking around the
streets of lower Manhattan at the Ground Zero site is heartbreaking, shocking
and even more surreal when experienced up close and personal. But besides the
tears, I was in tremendous awe and filled with great pride at how much work had
already been accomplished. There is a true sense of warmth and spirit permeating
the city. I visited the new Ritz Carlton hotel, located in Battery Park City, a
10-minute walk south of the site. The hotel is magnificent. The rooms are large,
with postcard views of the Hudson and the city from every room. They even place
a telescope in the rooms for birds-eye viewing. I was most impressed with the
expansive outdoor deck area located on their uppermost floor - an extension of
their cocktail lounge with "I'm on top of the world" views. Broadway is alive
and well, with some knockout shows including Elaine Stritch At Liberty, one of
the most magical evenings I ever experienced at the theater. I finally saw the
revival of 42nd Street, having seen the original 1980 production 3 times or so.
It was a lot of fun, if not as thrilling as the original production. Urinetown
and The Producers rounded out my theatergoing this trip…and I am sorry to report
that The Producers left me cold. The hype and anticipation were far more
exciting than the show itself. But so excited that Thoroughly Modern Millie is
on the boards. I just loved it at the La Jolla Playhouse. The impact of HBO's
Sex and the City (a personal favorite of mine) is evident everywhere you turn.
Check out the designs of many a bar and restaurant and you're even bound to find
clones of Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. Loved the Blue Fin bar at the
W Hotel Times Square and Brasserie 8 1/2 on 57th Street…sumptuous Sunday Brunch
and a familiar locale of our favorite female foursome on the show.
Gary Stevens |
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