Our next day began with a walk to and through Tribeca, SoHo, and Chelsea. We saw where JFK, Jr. lived before his tragic death, 20 N. Moore Street, the firehouse from “Ghostbusters,” and passed in front of NYC’s NPR station.
We also saw the “Friends” building filmed in the intro video of the show, as well as Carrie Bradshaw’s “apartment” in Sex In The City. Yes, all the typical touristy stuff, but still fun to see in person.
You can only imagine how thirsty we were at this point! We went to Sevilla in the West Village and sat at the bar to quench our thirst. I didn’t know this at the time, but Sevilla was founded in 1936 by Luis Fernandez and Alfonso Uchupi, a Basque. It is the oldest Spaniard-owned restaurant in the City. We were there around 4 p.m., and the place was packed. By all accounts I am thinking it is a great place to eat.
We had an early dinner reservation at Keens Steakhouse, a 1.7-mile walk from Sevilla’s, but we made it even though we were really enjoying our drinks! I have written about the history of the pipe registry, etc. in a previous blog but what I didn’t know was that Keens Steakhouse is actually best known for its mutton. A “steakhouse” that is known for its mutton? Yes, mutton. After ordering it, I get it. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. That’s how good it was.
After dinner, we walked to the Belasco Theatre for our 8:00 show. Tonight, Sean Hayes was opening his show “Good Night, Oscar.” Grant and Pierre met us there, and were waiting in their seats while we stumbled in JUST in time. The show, depicting an appearance of Oscar Levant on Jack Paar’s Tonight Show in 1961, was excellent. I recall seeing Oscar on the Tonight Show many, many years ago. He was very witty. For example, when asked if he exercised, he responded, “Yes, I stumble often and fall into a coma.” He was old, terribly ugly, but apparently a great guest due to his quick wit, and as a result was on the show often. A concert pianist, his career also included composing, conducting, and acting in movies. By the end of his career, he suffered from mental illness and addiction. Sean Hayes was the perfect actor to play him. Not only did he portray the character brilliantly, but the final scene includes Sean playing George Gershwin’s song “Rhapsody in Blue” impeccably! He brought the house down.
A quick drink for the five of us at The Perfect Pint completed the day. This was the first time Cindy, Pat, Pierre had and Grant met, but they all had so much to talk about. In particular, they had all gone through extensive home renovations. Conversation and drinks flowed. My one pipe dream was that Cyndi and Pat could see Pierre and Grant’s home, but there was no way I would have ever asked Pierre and/or Grant. Hint: this is my version of a cliffhanger. What would tomorrow bring? DUN! DUN! DUN! DUN!