I’ve written about going to sit in the spacious pre-war apartment of Majorie Eliot to listen to her play jazz with her friends. There are a few ways to observe the other end of the economic spectrum including one of Fifth Avenue’s most formal private houses, The Frick Mansion on the corner of 70th and Fifth Avenue.
Now called The Frick Collection, it contains the tycoon’s preciously curated collection. But nothing Frick himself acquired---about ⅔ of the collection---can be loaned, so I advise going at least once, to see for yourself. There is no other way.
Binge on such riches by simplifying: use this visit to begin your pilgrimage to see eight of the thirty-five paintings attributed to Vermeer, eleven of which reside in American public collections. If you schedule your time you can see eight of the nine that are in New York, only about nine blocks apart.
There are four here; five others are in The Metropolitan Museum at 80th and Fifth Avenue. The mansion is closed for a two year renovation. PLease check its website for updates.
At the Frick:
Officer and Laughing Girl, Mistress and Maid, Girl Interrupted in her Music
At The Metropolitan Museum of Art:
Study of a Young Woman, The Allegory of Faith, Young Woman with a Water Pitcher, A Maid Asleep, Woman with a Lute.
Finally, the one you cannot see, in a private collection:
A Young Woman Seated at the Virginal, pictured.
Plus: The Frick is Marvel Comics' Avengers Mansion !
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The Artistic Director Aaron Wunsch says “We believe this music is for absolutely anyone and everyone—it uplifts us and brings us together, as a community”.
by
A concert was held within the aura of candle light—each congregant holding one—which, combined with the many candelabra, created a calming atmosphere.
by
His malleable, buttery creations are a sight to behold! They can be seen closeup outside on the buildings massive iron doors, and inside where floral motifs adorn the central teller’s 'pen' and customer desks that line the walls.
by
Choose: tacos, quesadillas, tostados or a hot, chunky beef based soup called consommé composed of birria, chopped onion, cilantro and squeezed lime.
by
"The Old Print Shop" in New York is my hands-down, hands-on museum/gallery of choice. I love mid-twentieth century 'industrial' or 'city' art...
by
"Sea & Sea " in NYC is a traditional-looking fish shop with wet, tiled floors, cool air, grated ice on every hand, busy with customers from near and far...
by
"Modern Bread and Bagel" in NYC has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density. Here are some more top picks...
by
"The Dublin House" in NYC has been around since Prohibition and it still is neighborhood-sized. By the end of the night, everyone speaks Irish here...
by
"Pain d' Epices" is a French bakery in NYC that makes croissants so flaky & buttery, the only way to avoid the crumbs is to 'put your back to the wind...'
by
"Django" in NYC is proof that the city's jazz club world is recovering. I celler/cavern is intimate enough that after performances I walk over to engage...
by
"Pastrami Queen" in NYC has if not the best, among the very best pastrami sandwiches in the city. It's the kind of American excess you just can't miss...
by
I stumbled across a store about which I had read but never visited—the very inviting and colourful playground of Dawn Harris-Martine), retired teacher, now famous—named Grandma’s Place.
by
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips