It’s been our mission each and every week to celebrate the city we love, even when she’s hurting. We thank Nicole Freezer Rubens our roving photographer for her uplifting photos each week. And make sure to read this outstanding essay from a Tomato friend on why she loves this city. We also love that New Yorkers are stepping up to help others, like our restaurants, and another favorite, Pangea needs our help! Valerie Smaldone has the scoop on a fascinating film on Netflix. And the Broadway Babe has new streaming picks. Read on for things to do this week that will get you out and about or provide fun entertainment at home.

Walking in Love in the City We Love

Vica Miller’s story is like so many other New Yorkers. She came to New York from St. Petersburg, Russia, three decades ago, and as she says, “I love NYC like only a person who came here by herself, with nothing to show for and stuck it out, can love.” Read her love note today “to the city that never gives up, never looks back, never considers other options, because there are none.” Read more.

Help Save Pangea

Beloved East Side restaurant and entertainment venue Pangea, is in danger of closing their doors. Over the years they have supported countless artists, writers, and musicians to freely develop their work, including our designer friend Gabrielle Carlson who had her first fashion show there several years ago. Now owners Stephen and Arnoldo need help to keep their doors open.

Pangea had been able to stay open for takeout and outdoor dining despite the setback of the pandemic and having their gas turned off – mistakenly! by Con Ed. Now, the NYC Energy Code requires upgrades that are beyond their reach financially. Even now, in their effort to stay afloat, they’re provided a venue for performers by live-streaming and video on demand. 

 Gabrielle Carlson is donating 10% of all sales to them through mid-February. Youi will find her beautiful clothes available online here. There is also a Gofundme effort at https://gofund.me/b8532a7c.

Our Roving Photographer

This has been a week for new beginnings, unity and hope for our precious nation. God Bless America, land that I love. 

Restaurant Week has Record Number of Eateries

Another way to help our restaurants is by supporting them, and “Restaurant Week to GO” is a great way to do that. There are 571 restaurants participating including eateries like Red Rooster, Pastis, Bar Boulud, and many more. $20.21 for lunch or dinner entrée with one side. Get details here.

Now to March 19. Art at Rockefeller Center

You are definitely going to want to head to Rockefeller Center to see the latest sculpture, Tom Friedman’s “Looking Up.” The 10-foot tall stainless steel sculpture, created with crushed aluminum foil pans, depicts a quasi-human figure gazing up to the heavens. It’s on display at the entrance of the Channel Gardens located on 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets. Learn more about art exhibits and events at Rockefeller Center.

The Lanterns in Chinatown

Chinatown is glowing with 250 paper lanterns. They are part of the Light Up Chinatown Project to inspired us to visit the restaurants and shops in Chinatown that are really hurting.  They are now doing fundraising for phase 3. Learn more.

 Now Playing: Sinatra, Julie Andrews, Hugh Jackman, Johnny Carson

Our Broadway Babe has some great finds this week. Who didn’t love Sinatra and the Rat Pack? And this intimate Julie Andrew Concert is divine. One of the sexy men alive, Hugh Jackson performs in concert from Australia. And this salute to the Friars Club is hysterical and features Johnny Carson, Alan King, Red Buttons and more. Watch Now.