Hi Robert ... so much to say after reading your heart-felt remembrances and obituaries of lost gems. Jill did a portrait of Jimmy at the bar I want her to send it to you. In the photo of Harry Haun, two people to your left, house right from our point of view, is a short balding gentleman Aubrey Rueben. I suspect you came across him often in your theatre days, he was a sort of unofficial photographer about town that many celebrities would allow to shoot them casually, because he never sold a picture without permission. He was the only photographer that Elaine allowed to shoot in her joint. He was a regular at the Rainbow Room, I'll send Jill's caricature of him as well. BUT, back to the nostalgia for lost gems. It was 1969 or 1970, and I was brand new to the city. I went to Jimmy Ryans Club on west 54th street to see Roy "Little Jazz" Eldridge, and what a night it was; I was at the bar rail nursing the one beer I could afford, when Ella Fitzgerald swept into the room right by me and directly to the band stand; which was just at the end of the bar. So the folks at the bar had the catbird seats for the music. She sat in with Roy for a couple numbers. I ran out of dough and headed uptown to Paddy McGlades where I could get a 50 cent beerand I was so jazzed up I started talking to the old dude at the bar about my extraordinary evening. He listened and then with a huff of disgust he said, "You should have seen my New York!" He was actually angry at my enthusiasm, or maybe he couldn't find the words any more, but I said to myself ... I'll never be that guy. New York is always changing, But like a tart that loves her work, she puts on an amazing show for every new arrival.
An outstanding post, Robert! Private equity / corporate ownership really is poisoning & sterilizing this country. I hate it that I have to fall back on hope nowadays, but I'm hoping these predators choke on their greed before much more is lost.
What a great and heartbreaking piece. I have always felt that individually owned restaurants and bars are an important part of the soul of a city. It's where the people can meet and talk. Where people can plan a dinner and even more importantly run into each other.
Restaurants and bars can even be instrumental in revitalizing a city. As me how I know! A thriving restaurant in a questionable neighborhood can provide a place for people to come together and create and foster the community.
Our advice to any and all people who start a restaurant is to do so in a place where you can own the building, if not at first, then eventually. That way, even in years when there is little or no profit, if you pay your mortgage, you've increased your value in the end. More importantly, you are in control of your own destiny.
This is usually impossible in large cities, but it is often possible in smaller cities and towns. And in those smaller cities and towns, you can make an even bigger difference. You can become part of a community that would miss you if you should go away, just as you miss them when they haven't been in for a while. So come visit New Brunswick, NJ...or maybe even move here! -The Restaurant Guys
A wonderful piece of writing. I lived in NYC and the NJ suburbs from 1984-1991. Although my Polish-born grandparents had settled there and my parents grew up in the Bronx, I never felt part of the city; that New York would easily go on without me there was a given. Now when I visit from Chicago I recognize the buildings and streets that remain from my time there, but the old flavor and spirit of the city, its funkiness, gritty atmosphere and creative denizens seem long gone, replaced by luxury glass boxes, upscale stores and Instagram-ready restaurants.
Incredible piece. After 23 years living in London we are having the same issue over here. Local institutions closing all the time and plenty of historical bars or restaurants under new management with no love or respect for what was before.
It’s too sad when a city as historical as London has become another cookie cutter town.
I am sorry to hear that it is happening in London, too. We tried to support the old guard during our visit last year. We went to the American Bar in the Savoy, Rules, The Ivy (not good now that it's a big chain), Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Dukes and more.
As always, a perfect tribute to a city, its places, its people, who are always coming and going. To me, this city always offered the illusion of permanence. No matter where you both live, you'll always be New Yorkers. I mean that in the best, most permanent, way.
Oh how I loved reading this; I grew up in NYC. Went to the oldest school, Alexander Robertson that for some ungodly reason, a minister decided should close down after existing for what, 200 years? Now about NY… it calls you at the right time. When I got married, we found Forlini’s near Canal. I have no idea why that happened, ok? It became just our ordinary special place to go. We moved to “various places.” Well one day, we felt…we have to go back to the “City,” for our old haunts. Myself, I can’t live without the smell of cement. I just love cement, ok, so our last night, we go to Forlini’s. We eat. We go back to our place “far away in a strange land” with cactus. I’m reading the NYTimes the next day. that night, at Forlini’s was the “last night the restaurant was open.” It closed. We were there for that last breath. That last cheese cake. Our waiter never said. It was a usual dinner. Wonderful. Spiritual. Full of memories of first married then old and still married. Some tv shows used the booths…… when you read about a death in the NYTimes and you were there in time to say goodbye…you know you’ll always have a home. How I just loved reading this piece…. Thank you.
Those of us who have lived the better part of our lives here not only mourn what's been lost (and there is a long, long list), but seek out that which is still vital and real. And it's there, though maybe in different places. Not that I don't understand the appeal of Milwaukee. But you'll likely find places there to miss in the not too distant future. But keep the faith and keep sharing your passions whereever you find them.
Milwaukee is far better about holding onto institutions than New York. Part of the reason we love it and moved here. It's less about money and development here. Fewer millionaires, too! Which helps.
This, for all of our love of NYC, is why we prefer our little Midwest city (plus the fact that we can own our buildings!). We still have the places with stories and history and, unless the ownership just decides they are done, we will continue to have them. All we need to do is drive a few minutes west to The Angry Bull, for example, and we are in as fabulous a steak joint as in any big city USA
We will be toasting Harry Haun tonight at 6:45pm ET, when the lights dim on Broadway—you should too!
There will never be another like him.
Hi Robert ... so much to say after reading your heart-felt remembrances and obituaries of lost gems. Jill did a portrait of Jimmy at the bar I want her to send it to you. In the photo of Harry Haun, two people to your left, house right from our point of view, is a short balding gentleman Aubrey Rueben. I suspect you came across him often in your theatre days, he was a sort of unofficial photographer about town that many celebrities would allow to shoot them casually, because he never sold a picture without permission. He was the only photographer that Elaine allowed to shoot in her joint. He was a regular at the Rainbow Room, I'll send Jill's caricature of him as well. BUT, back to the nostalgia for lost gems. It was 1969 or 1970, and I was brand new to the city. I went to Jimmy Ryans Club on west 54th street to see Roy "Little Jazz" Eldridge, and what a night it was; I was at the bar rail nursing the one beer I could afford, when Ella Fitzgerald swept into the room right by me and directly to the band stand; which was just at the end of the bar. So the folks at the bar had the catbird seats for the music. She sat in with Roy for a couple numbers. I ran out of dough and headed uptown to Paddy McGlades where I could get a 50 cent beerand I was so jazzed up I started talking to the old dude at the bar about my extraordinary evening. He listened and then with a huff of disgust he said, "You should have seen my New York!" He was actually angry at my enthusiasm, or maybe he couldn't find the words any more, but I said to myself ... I'll never be that guy. New York is always changing, But like a tart that loves her work, she puts on an amazing show for every new arrival.
I could be sure of seeing two people at every theater opening and theater press event: Harry Haun and Audrey Reuben!
Tremendous piece Robert.
Condolences for your loss.
Years ago, going to Bamontes with you, will always be one of my favorite dinners.
There's another real place run by real people.
Thanks, Frank. Harry was something else. Very human. Very unlike the theater industry of today.
An outstanding post, Robert! Private equity / corporate ownership really is poisoning & sterilizing this country. I hate it that I have to fall back on hope nowadays, but I'm hoping these predators choke on their greed before much more is lost.
You speak the truth.
What a great and heartbreaking piece. I have always felt that individually owned restaurants and bars are an important part of the soul of a city. It's where the people can meet and talk. Where people can plan a dinner and even more importantly run into each other.
Restaurants and bars can even be instrumental in revitalizing a city. As me how I know! A thriving restaurant in a questionable neighborhood can provide a place for people to come together and create and foster the community.
Our advice to any and all people who start a restaurant is to do so in a place where you can own the building, if not at first, then eventually. That way, even in years when there is little or no profit, if you pay your mortgage, you've increased your value in the end. More importantly, you are in control of your own destiny.
This is usually impossible in large cities, but it is often possible in smaller cities and towns. And in those smaller cities and towns, you can make an even bigger difference. You can become part of a community that would miss you if you should go away, just as you miss them when they haven't been in for a while. So come visit New Brunswick, NJ...or maybe even move here! -The Restaurant Guys
Thank you, Francis. Sage words, indeed.
A wonderful piece of writing. I lived in NYC and the NJ suburbs from 1984-1991. Although my Polish-born grandparents had settled there and my parents grew up in the Bronx, I never felt part of the city; that New York would easily go on without me there was a given. Now when I visit from Chicago I recognize the buildings and streets that remain from my time there, but the old flavor and spirit of the city, its funkiness, gritty atmosphere and creative denizens seem long gone, replaced by luxury glass boxes, upscale stores and Instagram-ready restaurants.
Thank you, Jim!
I loved going to school in NYC in the 80s and then living there in the late 80s. It was a mess, but an amazing mess. 🍸
Lovely piece. Oy, McHale’s! And very sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
I loved McHale’s too.
Incredible piece. After 23 years living in London we are having the same issue over here. Local institutions closing all the time and plenty of historical bars or restaurants under new management with no love or respect for what was before.
It’s too sad when a city as historical as London has become another cookie cutter town.
I am sorry to hear that it is happening in London, too. We tried to support the old guard during our visit last year. We went to the American Bar in the Savoy, Rules, The Ivy (not good now that it's a big chain), Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Dukes and more.
As always, a perfect tribute to a city, its places, its people, who are always coming and going. To me, this city always offered the illusion of permanence. No matter where you both live, you'll always be New Yorkers. I mean that in the best, most permanent, way.
Aw, that's kind. After 38 years, you'd think I would have earned the title. But New Yorkers are tough judges!
Coming from a New Yorker, this is a wonderful compliment, thank you. ❤️🍸
Oh how I loved reading this; I grew up in NYC. Went to the oldest school, Alexander Robertson that for some ungodly reason, a minister decided should close down after existing for what, 200 years? Now about NY… it calls you at the right time. When I got married, we found Forlini’s near Canal. I have no idea why that happened, ok? It became just our ordinary special place to go. We moved to “various places.” Well one day, we felt…we have to go back to the “City,” for our old haunts. Myself, I can’t live without the smell of cement. I just love cement, ok, so our last night, we go to Forlini’s. We eat. We go back to our place “far away in a strange land” with cactus. I’m reading the NYTimes the next day. that night, at Forlini’s was the “last night the restaurant was open.” It closed. We were there for that last breath. That last cheese cake. Our waiter never said. It was a usual dinner. Wonderful. Spiritual. Full of memories of first married then old and still married. Some tv shows used the booths…… when you read about a death in the NYTimes and you were there in time to say goodbye…you know you’ll always have a home. How I just loved reading this piece…. Thank you.
Thank you! I'm glad you got one last night at Forlini's. I wasn't so lucky. I miss that place.
This is an amazing piece of writing. Why I subscribe…
Thank you, John. And thank you, as always, for being a subscriber.
All too true. And yet....
Those of us who have lived the better part of our lives here not only mourn what's been lost (and there is a long, long list), but seek out that which is still vital and real. And it's there, though maybe in different places. Not that I don't understand the appeal of Milwaukee. But you'll likely find places there to miss in the not too distant future. But keep the faith and keep sharing your passions whereever you find them.
Milwaukee is far better about holding onto institutions than New York. Part of the reason we love it and moved here. It's less about money and development here. Fewer millionaires, too! Which helps.
It was sad indeed to lose Barbetta. I hope the townhouses aren't torn down but you never know. Loved reading about Harry Haun. What a character.
I am sure a development is greedily eyeing those houses as we speak! More luxury condos are needed!
Enjoyed this one.
Thank you Keith. Hope to get to Cincinnati sometime soon. When I do, I’ll drop you a line!
Loved this article. You should consider writing it into a book
Maybe so!
This, for all of our love of NYC, is why we prefer our little Midwest city (plus the fact that we can own our buildings!). We still have the places with stories and history and, unless the ownership just decides they are done, we will continue to have them. All we need to do is drive a few minutes west to The Angry Bull, for example, and we are in as fabulous a steak joint as in any big city USA
Well put. Rust Belt, Great Lakes cities are the best at holding onto their character.