London, Paris and Tokyo Make Manhattan Look Cheap

Manhattan office-market stats out last week showed what everyone already knows: The borough has one of the most expensive and tightest office markets in the world.

But it’s nothing compared to Paris, London, Hong Kong and a few other (select) cities.

In fact, Manhattan stayed a relative steal during the very successful market run Read More

A Booth Remains the Same At One-Time Beat Haunt

Don’t be fooled by the freshly scrubbed floors, potted, tropical-looking plants and lively Latin music at Jeremy Merrin’s newest restaurant, located at 2911 Broadway, across from Columbia University.

This is, in fact, Jack Kerouac’s favorite New York dive bar. At least, it used to be.

Though, initially, you’d be hard-pressed to figure that out. The Read More

West End Café finally reopens … as Havana Central


Hey Jack, how bout a mojito?

Famous Jack Kerouac, Dizzy Gillespie, and Joe College hangout the West End Café has officially reopened for business–”about five minutes ago,” a publicist told The Observer late Thursday afternoon.

Albeit with a slightly altered moniker: Havana Central at the West End.

Dig it: Kerouac’s favorite burger joint Read More

The Transom

A Comeback Kid

A few Fridays ago, Danny the Wonder Pony co-hosted a birthday party for Ivy Nicholson at CroBar.

Ms. Nicholson has recently returned to New York from Montana. She has new digs at Chelsea’s no-frills Hotel Allerton. She has a good friend in Vincent Potter, a stylist at the Robert Kree Salon, whose Read More

Breakneck Bourne at B.A.M.: A Barrage of Nonstop Busyness

How the English love playing at being naughty boys! Think of the young Martin Amis (or the middle-aged Martin Amis, for that matter). Think of Damien Hirst. And think of Matthew Bourne, who conquered Broadway and the West End with his all-male Swan Lake a few years ago. (I hated it-not because of its all-maleness, Read More