The Lit Cafe has always been a refuge for me during fallow periods or what the French call “La Period Creuse.” I have always loved the idea of this site - wanting it be a community of interesting ideas and actions. The obvious start was books - a natural home for all these things. But 10 years on—is that enough? So, the challenge over the next few months will be to reshape and renew The Cafe…and perhaps myself along the way.
So, this remarkable quarantine seems as good as time as any to try and reforge and reset The Literary Cafe. Perhaps we can find some unique purpose that will inform, help and amuse people during this challenging time. Like everyone, I’m adapting and also discovering new things and silver linings. I will share books, ideas, websites and some terrific new vendors that may help you through as they have helped me. Onward…
A group of my friends was searching for a getaway — somewhere close but not too close — where we could gather for a holiday weekend. Canada seemed high on everyone’s list and Montreal seemed to fit the bill. We rented a house close to Mile’s End and had a culinary adventure worth writing about here. One caveat - we did have inside connections as one of our party works in Canada. However, you can all benefit from his insider information here!
So winter activities only made it to a draft format. There were activities, but there was work--and an inability to get it all done. It's spring, so it's time to do better. As rain streaks the window in front of me, I'm committing to sharing more of what is out there. So here is what you can look forward to in coming days and weeks: All the Light We Cannot See, an outing to Queens and The French Workshop, Emily Dickinson at The Morgan, a new French children's bookstore, the Whitney Biennial and whatever else we can experience and fit into a busy schedule. Good problems!
There are some genuine small gems available in the city right now. Click through on Read More for play, museum and restaurant recommendations happening right now in NYC. A great Irish play and an Indian restaurant in Chelsea, a cultural standout in SOHO, Charlotte Bronte in Murray Hill and vegetarian fare in Union Square.
Fall has begun--my favorite season! There is much to do, read and see. These next few months, check back here for enticements for visit The Morgan Museum and Library to see "Charlotte Bronte: An Independent Will," the Judd Foundation and perhaps a field trip to Queens. Some books that we will help categorize include American Heiress by Jeffrey Toobin and Stephanie Danler's Sweetbitter and some we don't even know about yet.
Also expect a rev up of the recipe section and some new shops in our Co-Op as we prep for the holidays. Grab your sweaters and get ready!
Summer is here and we are lining up things to do, read, experience and shop. I've just published a review on Anne Enright's book The Green Road. One could spend a satisfying summer reading the Booker Prize winner's set of works. If not, look forward to write ups on The Improbability of Love, Eligible, Boys in the Boat and The Assistants to name a few.
This summer come along for the ride as we visit the Museum of Food and Drink, broadway shows and some events at Lincoln Center. New recipes will fill the Kitchen and Cellar. And, we are looking for new places to shop.
Let us know if you have any ideas, thoughts or comments. We'd love to hear from you.
--The Lit Cafe
Spring is around the corner, but I find March the toughest month to survive. So here are a few suggestions that can distract you, including artists, an imaginative and fun production of "Sense and Sensibility," and a fascinating documentary.
I suspect that it is always a good time to visit the Berkshires. You start by reading Edith Wharton and an have an appreciation of Norman Rockwell--both are center stage up here. You then learn you can visit Van Gogh and meet Whistler's Mother. The icing on the cake of the summer is the cultural institutions--Tanglewood and Jacob's Pillow-- which offer music and dance respectively.
The Berkshires is an area in Western Massachusetts dominated by a part of the Appalachian Trail range of mountains. Towns include Lenox, Becket, Great Barrington and West Stockbridge to name a few.
One Way Ticket - The Immigration Series
MoMA, New York City
April 9 through September 7, 2015
There are times without intention that I find I'm reading, seeing and noticing all things that fit into a theme or category. For the last few months, I've been drawn to stories of generations and immigrants.
Di Palo's Guide to the Essential Foods of Italy
Lou Di Palo with Rachel Wharton
To visit Di Palo's, at Grand and Mott, is not to be rushed. The time and care they take with each customer belies the NYC hustle, which you should leave at the door. Because the Di Palo's -- Lou, Sal, Marie and Connie plus their staff will make sure you know the stories behind every product you buy. If it's an imported product, you learn about the region, the artisan, the terrain, the season--all the factors in producing remarkable foods.
The Jazz Palace
Author: Mary Morris
Year of Release: 2015
256 pages
Mary Morris' The Jazz Palace reads like a glorious jazz riff. Chock-full of the history of post World War I Chicago, the story focuses on a gifted young piano player and his pursuit of a new form of music. I had the great pleasure of chatting with author and fellow Chicago native Mary Morris about her latest novel. Click through to hear her thoughts on the book, Chicago and Jazz. Plus we have the author's own jazz playlist and a reading guide for book clubs.
Author: Sarah Waters
Year of Release: 2014
Pages: 576
Sarah Waters sixth novel is an historical, love story, crime thriller that shows remarkable restraint. Under pressure to complete the novel by a deadline, The Paying Guests kicked off our Instagram project: #wheretoread. Follow us at litcafe to see all the places we tuck in to escape into the page. Then tell us #whereuread!
