The Algonquin Hotel

Ellie took me to the Jazz Brunch at the famous Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan.

Walking into the lobby is like being transported in time and you can almost sense the roundtable and Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley trading bon mots.



We were further transported when we went into the Oak Room where we had the most divine table right in front of the grand piano. We dined and chatted like it was the 40's and then Barbara Carroll came and tickled those ivories at 80 plus years of age (though you would never know it) like she was born to it. No music, no lyrics, no water glass. I was amazed. I really enjoyed every bit of it. It was swell!



Barbara Carroll

One of the songs Ms. Carroll sang was "Do You Miss New York?" by Dave Frishberg. ( Click on the song and read the lyrics because no site would let me copy and paste them.) It is about those who have left New York for Los Angeles. I was struck, of course, because I left Los Angeles for New York. It is really very good and not terribly LA bashing, but more about what stirs one about New York City and becomes infused in the blood.

Sitting in this beautiful room, in this famous hotel, next to my excellent friend and listening to Barbara Carroll sing "Do You Miss New York?" made me realize that I would and I am staying put.