January 14, 2012
Three Great Classic Bars; The American Songbook, and More
A great way to spend a winter weekend is stopping into one of NYC's classic bars...you know, the ones that make you feel very grownup, and definitely know how to make a perfect martini. It's the great little splurge getaway, without actually getting away. We've got our three favorite picks today. And if you love the American Songbook, check out the upcoming series at Lincoln Center. And don't forget about Restaurant Week and 2 for 1 on and off Broadway. Visit our event page for details. And if you're feeling lucky, enter for a chance to win our spa giveaway in Costa Rica and theater tickets to see Silence!The Musical. And check out our sidebar for articles you may have missed this week, like Tomatoes sharing their online dating tales.
Those Classic NYC Bars. Sure there are all those cool hip bars downtown, where you can't hear a thing, the average age is 25, the bartender will ignore you, and you'll ask yourself, "What the hell am I doing here?" But then there are the classic grown up bars, where you'll find the perfect martini and old world surroundings. Throw on that perfect little black dress and head to one of our three favorites. And visit our event page, and add your favorites.
The Oak Bar at the Plaza. It's currently under renovations, but we have always loved this room with its great wooden bar and beautiful mural walls looking out over Central Park. And if you're looking for a classic martini, this is the place. Here is the head Tomato enjoying one there not that long ago.
Bemelmans Bar at the Café Carlyse. Best remembered as the creator of the classic Madeline books for children, Ludwig Bemelmans once joked he'd like his tombstone to read: "Tell Them It Was Wonderful." Well, wonderful it was, and still is, at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyse, named in his honor. With its art deco legacy with chocolate-brown leather banquettes, nickel-trimmed black glass tabletops, a dramatic black granite bar and a 24-karat gold leaf-covered ceiling. Great place to spy on the NYC social elite.
The 21 Club. This NYC institution that's been around since 1929 has two great options. You can "join the boys" in the Bar room with all the "toys" hanging from the ceiling, including the model of the PT-109, presented as a gift to '21' by President John F. Kennedy. But our favorite is the lounge, with the big club chairs and fire place. Order a cognac, and enjoy the good life.
Jan. 11 to Feb. 11. The American Songbook at Lincoln Center. Speaking of classics, this series presented by Lincoln Center, celebrates the diversity of American popular song from Broadway to bluegrass, to rock, pop and hip-hop along with three evenings devoted to great American composers and lyricists. Performers include Laura Benanti, Michael Cerveris and LaChanze, as well as the "Queen of British Musicals," the great Elaine Page. Composers and lyricists being honored are William Finn (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), folk icon Woody Guthrie and Jule Styne (Gypsy, Funny Girl). Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights) will open the series with a new rap composition about Alexander Hamilton. Performances take place in the Allen Room with vistas of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Get the scoop.
Martini Cheers,
The Three Tomatoes
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