My brother-in-law was in for the weekend. We were seeing a show in the East Village and I wanted to give him a quintessential New York dining experience. A natural choice came to mind: Katz's. No place is like Katz's. No place look like it, eats like it or has an even remotely similar payment system. So Katz's it was.
We passed by it at 5:30 PM and took a peek. Open and ready for business. But there was plenty of time, so we went strolling through the Lower East Side, sightseeing. We then returned to to Katz's at 6 PM, where the ticket-taker stopped us at the door. "Private party tonight."
What? A private party at Katz's? Sorry, but this is not right. Katz's is all about democracy. A big, sprawling place that could fit the population of a small village and where everyone is welcome and treated the same. It's very ambiance reeks of "the people." It should never be roped off for the benefit of some moneyed toffs. It's just wrong.
No idea what the even was. Maybe a City Council third-term victory party.
You scared me for a second there - I thought this post was going to say that Katz's was CLOSING closing. Oy vey!!
ReplyDeletethey could have been filming something in there...perhaps when Harry Met Sally 2.
ReplyDeleteNope, no film equipment in site. Besides, a film crew wouldn't use the ruse of a private party to take over a place. Aside from being unnecessary, that might also be illegal.
ReplyDeleteWhy would it be illegal? That makes no sense.
ReplyDeleteBecause film shoot in the City require permits. They can't be done off the cuff, or clandestinely.
ReplyDeleteIt was a rehearsal dinner for a wedding.
ReplyDeleteI hope the couple will be very happy. And never bar the public from Katz's again.
ReplyDelete