I was reminiscing about travel today and thinking about New York City. I love New York. I try to go as often as I can and take in the city vibe and especially Broadway. I’m passionate about theatre and going to New York definitely has a profound effect on me. But there is so much more to New York than I could possibly put into one blog post. So, I decided to concentrate on one very particular thing. One thing that happened to change my experience in New York on one particular day and has continued to change my experience every time I go.
About 15 years ago or so, I took the train to New York to get my Broadway theatre fix and eat at some fabulous restaurants. Being a theatre geek, I wanted to experience everything that the theatre district had to offer. So, I walked down 44th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue to check out the Theatre Circle gift/book shop. They had all things Broadway theatre. As I strolled down the street looking up at the Broadway marquees, a burgundy-colored awning with the name “Sardi’s” emblazoned on it caught my attention. I’d heard of this place! My breath caught in my throat. I had found it, quite by accident actually. Sardi’s is a restaurant/bar in the Broadway theatre district. It’s famous for having opening night parties and for its collection of caricatures of Broadway’s brightest stars covering its walls.
Sardi’s has been part of Broadway culture since 1927! It was where the idea for the Tony Award was first devised. Do I need to go in? Of course, I did.
It was definitely a surreal experience just walking through the doors. As you walk in, there is a small bar to your left, a maître d’ stand opening to a dining room in front of you with white tablecloths and a staircase to your right. I decided to go up to the upstairs bar. The assent up the staircase made my heart beat a little faster. What was up there? Who would I see? Am I even allowed up there?
I got to the landing at the top of the stairs. I had to smirk as I saw the ladies and men’s rooms marked “Guys” and “Dolls”. Perfect! It made me laugh to myself. As I turned to my right, I saw the bar. It looked very vintage, not many people there when I showed up. I sat on one of the velvet covered bar stools. One of the first things I noticed were the bartenders. Two of them dressed in the burgundy Sardi’s vests and white button-down shirts. One of them was an older gentleman and the other was younger. The older gentleman noticed me right away and placed a napkin in front of me while simultaneously asking what I wanted to drink. His name, as he introduced himself, is Joe. So, me, being the Sex and the City fan that I am, ordered a Cosmopolitan. They were very “in” at the time. He smiled and proceeded to put together an amazing cocktail.
Cosmopolitan recipe:
- 1 1/2 ounces citrus vodka
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 dash cranberry juice
- Garnish: lime wedge
The younger bartender put before me something that I’ll call “cheese crack”. It was a pot of cheese spread and some crackers. They were complimentary! (they aren’t complimentary any longer but if you go, order them anyway) I couldn’t help but think that this is completely awesome! I looked around the room…behind the bar was a giant gold Rolex wall clock. I’m not sure why a fixated on that but I thought it was cool. I wondered where it came from and how much it was worth. Also, there was a television over the bar that was playing old black and white movies. This totally added to the vintage feel of the bar. As the Cosmo was put down in front of me, I noticed that an older woman had come into the bar and sat about three stools away from me. She wore very flamboyant clothing and a purple hat with a red feather. I was mesmerized! I thought, who is she? Is she someone important? She chatted with Joe and as luck would have it, they included me to their conversation. She was a casting director for a couple of the Broadway shows that had opened recently. I had a million questions to ask her but chose to listen to them talk instead. She had been coming to Sardi’s for the past 30 years! Joe, my new favorite bartender, had been there at least as long. They were reminiscing about the “old days”. My heart and head were swirling. This was the best thing I could have done. I was like a kid in a candy shop…just listening to the stories of these two old friends. The woman finished her drink and turned to me. She said, “How would you like tickets to see the two shows that I have on Broadway”. I couldn’t believe my luck. My answer was an enthusiastic YES along with thanking her profusely. She winked at me and turned to leave. I looked back at Joe in amazement. I couldn’t speak. I turned to stare at her as she breezed out. Her name was Irene.
After that experience, I have visited Sardi’s several times over the years. I walk up the vintage staircase, sit at the bar and let the Broadway of yesteryear unfold around me. There is never a shortage of stories. I love to listen to them and the older Broadway stars that come in love to tell them. The heyday of Broadway.
Every time I go back into Sardi’s, Joe always remembers me. Not in a fake way but actually asks me about specific things…specific to me. It feels like home. It’s magical for me. I’ve shared this experience with many friends over the years. Friends that know about Sardi’s and those who are introduced to its nostalgic charm. Many have thanked me for the unique experience. Every time I go in, Joe has a Cosmo in front of me within minutes. It’s just so cool. I love New York!
