Industry giants who had foot cramps after the Recent York City Council’s annual gala last 12 months can loosen up: next time they’ll have somewhere to sit.
A REBNY representative confirmed our indication that the event, which became a traveling event in 2022, will once more be a sit-down dinner, “although not a full return to banquets of old.” After dinner, there might be a walking networking part.
Last June, REBNY moved a stuffy mid-winter party on the Hilton Ballroom to the Glasshouse event space on the West Side. Hits like Douglas Durst, Scott Rechler, Mary Ann Tighe, Bruce Mosler, Woody Heller and Joanne Podell nibbled on the snacks under Daniel Boulud’s guidance.
Not everyone liked the brand new format. One peddler told me, “There was no place to put dishes, apart from a number of small table racks. For $1,400 a ticket, I would like a seat.” Our source said the tab could be $2,000 this 12 months, which REBNY has not confirmed.
Retail malaise has just engulfed one other legendary Recent York institution. Hammacher Schlemmer might be permanently closed at 147 E. 57th St. January 14 after 97 years spent there.
The shop, famous for its cutting-edge electronic and mechanical gadgets – once even a miniature submarine – will proceed to sell its products online.