The lobbies are too quiet and the streets too empty. The maître d’s are too polite and a taxi driver even opened a door for me.
Revisiting New York after an 18-month absence is a disquieting adventure.When I informed Los Angeles friends of my trip they looked at me as though I was heading for Pompeii – that was even more unsettling.
My mission was not archeological: Gotham, as we used to call it, is buoyant. It’s coming alive. Not really.Sal, my bartender at newly reopened Smith & Wollensky, poured me a martini before I even asked. “Everyone is drinking at lunch again,” he advises. “It’s for survival.” Drinks can be served without food now, but elbows at the bar must still be 6 feet apart.Gotham will officially be “open” on May 19, and
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