I didn’t love the book The Great Gatsby until I saw Gatz with you at the Public Theater. I felt as though I hadn’t even read it and I had based all my opinions about it on the Robert Redford -Mia Farrow movie. Perhaps I was too young. Anyway, you sold me, Simonson. I love it. Thanks for that. ❤️
If only I could see that play I might be converted. But I am a Hemingway as opposed to a Fitzgerald and I think that says it all. Except for the Rathskeller with the Rookwood Pottery! Hoo Hah! I’d go there just for that. And off the Fitzgerald topic but on to the El Camino - I have had her Martini with a twist and the side car at Veau D’Or and I can’t wait to return ( April 11 lunch the next day begins Passover so it’s eat matzo brei instead of pizza pie) to sit at the bar and enjoy it again, have lunch and then dash over to El Camino and see how the martinis are there. That Veau D’Or martini could make me a convert - and I will not bring up the price because the first thing I read in today’s Grub Street was about normal priced drinks. But back to the Gatsby anniversary: and I am being a nasty bitch: let me know when Fitzgerald gets a Ken Burns documentary.
I was scrolling through your delightful post, waiting for the most improbable of the Fitzgerald places to appear, Rockville, MD. I live about half a mile from the church and started visiting his grave regularly during covid, when I did my long walks. It still seems very odd that the author of the Great American Novel is buried in a bedroom suburb of DC!
Thank you for yet another wonderful story! Growing up in Port Washington my friends & I often rode our bikes to its edge overlooking the sound, where Sands Point was anchored. We'd "explore" (sneak around) many of those grand mansions before they were demolished, and even in their dilapidated states it was easy to see how Fitzgerald could be inspired by them. Another link to Long Island not often mentioned is that Fitzgerald also lived in Great Neck with Zelda early in their marriage, after becoming new parents. 6 Gateway Drive, quite a lovely home indeed. Hard to fathom that at $300 / month, that a home in Great Neck would have rented for less than their $200/wk residency at The Plaza. How the times have changed.
Yes! Pack a picnic and then go to the Sands Point preserve for lunch afterwards. Also that speakeasy event in Princeton on May 2 should be enchanting with Glenn Crytzer’s band. Robert may or may not remember this, but the first time he heard Glenn’s band play was at our wedding. They used to play terrific swing music regularly at Pegu on Sunday evenings. What a treat that he’s involved in this!
I didn’t love the book The Great Gatsby until I saw Gatz with you at the Public Theater. I felt as though I hadn’t even read it and I had based all my opinions about it on the Robert Redford -Mia Farrow movie. Perhaps I was too young. Anyway, you sold me, Simonson. I love it. Thanks for that. ❤️
That play will convert any skeptic.
If only I could see that play I might be converted. But I am a Hemingway as opposed to a Fitzgerald and I think that says it all. Except for the Rathskeller with the Rookwood Pottery! Hoo Hah! I’d go there just for that. And off the Fitzgerald topic but on to the El Camino - I have had her Martini with a twist and the side car at Veau D’Or and I can’t wait to return ( April 11 lunch the next day begins Passover so it’s eat matzo brei instead of pizza pie) to sit at the bar and enjoy it again, have lunch and then dash over to El Camino and see how the martinis are there. That Veau D’Or martini could make me a convert - and I will not bring up the price because the first thing I read in today’s Grub Street was about normal priced drinks. But back to the Gatsby anniversary: and I am being a nasty bitch: let me know when Fitzgerald gets a Ken Burns documentary.
I love A Moveable Feast.
There is room for both Hemingway and Fitzgeralds fans in this old world of ours.
Yes there definitely is! You make a fine point!
Great work, Robert, thank you.
A very important public service, wouldn’t you agree?
Truly.
I was scrolling through your delightful post, waiting for the most improbable of the Fitzgerald places to appear, Rockville, MD. I live about half a mile from the church and started visiting his grave regularly during covid, when I did my long walks. It still seems very odd that the author of the Great American Novel is buried in a bedroom suburb of DC!
Very odd indeed. An irony worthy of a Fitzgerald protagonist.
It’s a really weird location.
Thank you for yet another wonderful story! Growing up in Port Washington my friends & I often rode our bikes to its edge overlooking the sound, where Sands Point was anchored. We'd "explore" (sneak around) many of those grand mansions before they were demolished, and even in their dilapidated states it was easy to see how Fitzgerald could be inspired by them. Another link to Long Island not often mentioned is that Fitzgerald also lived in Great Neck with Zelda early in their marriage, after becoming new parents. 6 Gateway Drive, quite a lovely home indeed. Hard to fathom that at $300 / month, that a home in Great Neck would have rented for less than their $200/wk residency at The Plaza. How the times have changed.
Scott and Zelda moved around!
Staggered!
Amazing! We have to go and give it a look! 👏👏👏
Yes! Pack a picnic and then go to the Sands Point preserve for lunch afterwards. Also that speakeasy event in Princeton on May 2 should be enchanting with Glenn Crytzer’s band. Robert may or may not remember this, but the first time he heard Glenn’s band play was at our wedding. They used to play terrific swing music regularly at Pegu on Sunday evenings. What a treat that he’s involved in this!
We will try to go! Thanks, Audrey!
So, in spite of REM's advice, he went back to Rockville.
R.E.M.‘s advice came too late alas.