Carnegie Diner and Cafe
It’s hard to pick a staple NYC Diner -- that one classic, iconic place that will not only impress your tourist friends, but fulfill your desire for hearty New York food. I mean, there’s the Stardust Diner, the Empire Diner, the Pearl Diner, Kellog’s Diner...JUNIORS….the list goes on and on. And, as of last Monday, January 13th, there is now another place contending for the top spot: the Carnegie Diner and Cafe, located at 205 West 57th Street .
The first thing you’ll notice about Carnegie Diner is how well lit it is. Carnegie is a diner that just glows: the lighting is golden, the people are cheery...the place just gives off a certain bright and happy vibe that’s usually so hard to find around midtown.
The second thing you’ll notice about Carnegie Diner (depending, of course, on the strength of your nose verses your eyes), is just how great the diner smells. And I don’t mean only inside. What I mean is that Carnegie Diner is the sort of place that smells amazing even while you’re standing outside on the corner of 57th and 7th ave. I’m saying that the aroma of the waffles, burgers, milkshakes and fries that Carnegie Diner serves up is so strong and stunning that it’s impossible to not stop mid-stride and wonder where the scent is coming from (as evidenced by my friend, who was was super excited when she found out that the place we were going was, in fact, the very place that smells exactly like buttered pancakes and lemon cheesecake).
And luckily, a great smell always equals great food. In addition to classic American fare (think pancakes, burgers, and seasoned home-fries), Executive Chef and Culinary Director Stathis Antonakopoulos has also brought Greek food to Carnegie’s menu, including phyllo dough spinach and cheese pies, as well as some modern fare, such as the much coveted Vegan Impossible Burger. There are some fun desserts in the mix as well -- in addition to your standard Vanilla/Chocolate milkshakes, Carnegie Diner has dreamed up their own Oreo Cookie Cake Milkshake, Brownie Extravaganza Milkshake, and -- wait for it -- a Chocolate Pancake Milkshake.
So, the next time you’re craving some greasy, delicious diner food, stop in at Carnegie Diner and have your fill. In true diner fashion, the restaurant will be open from 6am - 11pm during the week and from 6am to midnight on the weekend, so there’s bound to be a time you’ll be able to stop in and have your fill.
For more information about Carnegie Diner and their delectable menu, visit their website at www.carnegiediner.com, or their instagram, @carnegiediner.
Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra Gala
Photos by Annie Watt
On Saturday, April 6th, the Budapest Festival Orchestra held their annual gala at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. Founded in 1983 by Iván Fischer and Zoltán Kocsis, the Budapest Festival Orchestra is recognized as one of the ten leading orchestras of the world. It is adored by audiences and applauded by international critics for its intensive and emotionally gripping performances. This year’s honorary chairs were Ambassador and Mrs. Donald Blinken, Renée Fleming, and Governor and Mrs. George Pataki. The evening began with cocktails and dinner in the Weill Music Room.
Sylvia Hemingway, Ivan Fischer, Libby Pataki, Vera Blinken, Ambassador Donald Blinken, Daisy Soros, Governor George Pataki
Laine Siklos and Heidi-Lee Komaromi
Maestro Iván Fischer made a dramatic entrance direct from a rehearsal and warmly greeting his old friend and chairman emeritus, Daisy Soros. At dinner, chairman Stephen Benko said, "We have so much to celebrate here. A return to Carnegie Hall is always special. Tonight will be stunning," followed by a warm and effusive Maestro Fisher, “I would like to hug everybody in this room. It is wonderful to be among our American friends. All of you should be mentioned tonight…”
Richard Gaddes, Noémi Neidorff, Ivan Fischer
The evening’s co-chairs were Sylvia Hemingway, Heidi-Lee-Komaromi, Christine Schott Ledes, Laine Siklos, and Stephanie Stokes.
Guests included: Susan Bender, Layla Diba, Martin Hoffman, Sylvia Hemingway, Noémi and Michael Neidorff, Alexandra Nicklas, Reni Rothschild, Sana Sabbagh, Donald and Barbara Tober, Suzanne Vega and Paul L. Mills, and Victoria Wyman.
Sylvia Hemingway, Antónia Bodó, Nurit Kahane Kasse, Stephen E. Benko
Paul Mills, Suzanne Vega
The evening’s gala committee included: Ambassador Colleen Bell, Susan Bender, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Buckfire, Aaron Feinstein, Andrew Komaromi, Mr. and Mrs. John Merey, Peter Thomas Roth, Emese Tardy-Green, and David Tobey.
The Budapest Festival Orchestra will return to New York August 4th for the Mostly Mozart Festival. Friends will be invited to the annual private Hamptons Summer Chamber Concert. The Orchestra will also perform at the Hollywood Bowl July 30, August 1st and 6th. If you have a chance to see them - DO.
Photos by Annie Watt