New York Now is usually two or three floors in the Jacob Javits Center. This time it’s a third of the size. Sue Burns from Baabaazuzu is here. We talk for a long time and she remembers I was going to Israel the last time we saw each other and so does Christophe Poly. That was two years ago.
When I was here in September 2021 there was such a feeling of euphoria—like manna from heaven is what I wrote—the difference now is palpable.
Since then, Indie Me has stayed virtual. The ACC craft show in Baltimore has been moved to May 2022. Philadelphia’s American Handcrafted is forging ahead and offering buyers a free night stay if they come to the show. I take it.
When I realize that the New York show is in fact going to happen I quickly get on the Internet to check trains and schedules. What I find is that train fares are available at bargain rates and hotel rooms are inexpensive and also available. I book and an Acela for Tuesday and a return on Wednesday for a total cost of $258.
I remember the Millennium Hotel from previous trips as being enjoyable with the convenience of on-site restaurant and located right at Times Square. I decide to walk from the Javits because the show is running buses only to and from Penn station and Grand Central. There are not enough people going to hotels.
The restaurant I remember remains closed. No problem I’m surrounded by many choices. It’s small things that I notice gradually when I get to my room. Still nicely appointed but I’m not finding any face tissue. There is no fluffy robe in the closet. I don’t find any drinking glasses not even plastic. There’s no coffee or tea service. Theaters appear to be active but it’s Monday night. I have been longing to return to a theater.
I walk around 43rd St. and then end up at a restaurant called Carmine’s. It’s new to me but it turns out to be a family size portion restaurant so, after a check of my ID and vaccine card, I am directed to the bar where I can order smaller plates. My barman is welcoming and inquisitive as he helps me order a pasta, salad and one meatball. I realize that there is a Carmine in DC that I wasn’t aware of my barman drives to Florida and knows where Alexandria Virginia is. I do my best with the plate which is enough for two people. I decline a to go box and dessert and cappuccino. But then he offers me a cappuccino on him and I accept. It is the best cappuccino I can ever remember having. We shake hands when I leave.
I have bought a bottle of Stolichnaya to take back to the hotel room. I am remembering the first time I ever bought a bottle of Stoli. It was in Russia in 1972. I carried it back to the house I was living in in Georgetown. I put this one on ice but that’s when I realize that there are no glasses.
The news, whether you turn on local or national, is about mask mandate controversies, hate crimes and random violence. Snow and ice have taken their toll. So has the newest Covid variant. I take small sips of vodka from the bottle and sign into Netflix.
Next: Return to Handcrafted American for three days in Philadelphia and New York again on Sunday, February 27, 2022.