Marty was in town for his work Christmas party, and so he reached out to Pierre, Grant and me to meet for dinner. Marty also reached out to Isaac, the son of some Chino friends who graduated from Sarah Lawrence a few years ago, worked for a couple of years in the City and is now a second-year law student here in New York. I was happy Marty reached out to him because I have not had much opportunity to spend quality time with Isaac. Here was my chance.
Before dinner at PJ Clarke’s we were to meet for drinks at the Wheeltapper Pub. It is a rather large Irish pub on 44th Street and it pays homage to railroad workers. A “wheeltapper” would work at train stations making sure the wheels and axles were in good condition for the upcoming trip; they would tap the wheels on the train to be sure there were no cracks. Now, there’s a little known fact!
Taking the bus, I left about 2 hours before our scheduled meeting time, getting off a bit early, walking towards our destination, but stopping to shop here and there. My intention was to knock-out some Christmas shopping, or at least get some ideas. New York City’s Midtown is the perfect place for shopping, after all. It is so liberating knowing I can get anywhere in this city by bus, like a real New Yorker.
Grant and I arrived a bit early at Wheeltappers, went in and walked throughout the entire place to secure a space; there weren’t any tables available, nor was there standing room at the bar. At this point Marty was there and we decided to go to another bar for a drink. This place too was packed, but we managed to find standing room at the bar. I rarely see a bar and/or restaurant not packed in this city and it doesn’t matter what day of the week it is.
After our drink we strolled on to PJ Clarke’s on 3rd Avenue. Not only did we find a place at the bar, but we secured the entire corner to ourselves. Don’t misunderstand – the place was packed – we were extremely lucky. By now Isaac had joined us and it was the start to a great visit. Unfortunately, after three drinks and a glass of wine during dinner, do you think I can even remember what we talked about? Not really. What I do know, however, is that it was a really good night! Conversation flowed between all of us; there was never a lull. I believe Isaac and I will pick up where we left off—wherever that may be!
Side Note: PJ Clarke’s is an interesting place. It was established in 1884 and is known as a “classic New York saloon.” While dining, our waiter told us Jackie Kennedy would love to sit in a secluded booth (see video below) and that Frank Sinatra also had his favorite spot. The waiter went on to tell us there is a waitress still working there today who was approached by Frank Sinatra for a date; she didn’t accept his invitation. PJ Clarke’s was also the place the employees of “Sterling Cooper” (“Madmen”) would meet for drinks. BTW, the food is great and there are at least three other PJ Clarke’s throughout the City; one being in the Financial District.