69 West 9th Street #6A
New York, NY 10011 NEWSLETTER
646-825-0268- Aaron June 2016
aaron@thesinglegourmet.net
As many of you know by now, our Founder Art Fischer passed away peaceful as he fell asleep on April 19th 2016 at the impressive age of 92. Many members took time off to go to the services, listen to, and tell their own stories and others joined the family at the Shiva. A testament to what he still meant to many people and the far reaches that he had into the hearts of our Single Gourmet members. I only knew Art for 2+ years, the first of which we talked daily, the last of which we hardly communicated. As he passed the torch onto me I felt I should let him enjoy his retirement and even though the final year we chatted less and less, I always felt his strength and presence in each newsletter that I wrote As I suspected even in his failing health, he was diligently reading over every word that I would write and according to his son Geoff, “Dad” was always commenting and criticizing each newsletter until his last week . He was an innovator of an idea and concept that would be copied by dinner and meetup groups world-wide. In it’s heyday (when Art was about 77), before meetup.com, the online dating sites, and the internet Art licensed The Single Gourmet to over 20+ locations. For 32 years he ran The Single Gourmet his way and he did it right. No other dinner group is as organized and runs as smoothly as his baby and that is why we are in our 34th year: The Longest Running Dinner Group in The World! His connections with famous restauranteurs of the time was no accident. He knew how to rub shoulders with schmooze with everyone, he was a debonair aficionado of all things gracious, haute and elegant and it was obvious the minute he walked into the room. In planning many dinners, often I just mentioned Art Fischer, and many restaurant owners immediately would give me credibility. He created fond, fun, memories, 1000s of stories and friendships and many marriages through this dinner group and I am proud to keep the tradition going. I know many of you have amazing and fun stories whether from a trip he took you on somewhere in the world, or from a meal you ate at a restaurant you never would have gone to without him. Stories are what keep people alive and what keeps them in our memories and Art Fischer, though he no longer is with us, is in the minds, hearts and stories of thousands and thousands of people worldwide. We can be sad for a moment as we hear this news, but we all must realize that Art knew how to live life, and for that, we are all thankful.
On May, 11th we have our 34th anniversary dinner at Shun Lee West, where it all began. Upon hearing of “Artie’s” death, Shun Lee was gracious enough to donate a full buffet spread to the Friars Club for the Shiva. Let’s all thank them by joining this top rated restaurant this Wednesday night. Next, on Sunday, May 15th, come join us for some upbeat Big Band and swing dance lessons along with great food at Swing 46. We already have what is turning out to be a nice group ready to dance the night away. Get your grove on and join us!! The following week we return to one of the best meals of my first year as the owner of TSG and an absolute theatre district favorite. The sleek and upscale Vice Versa welcomes us Saturday May 21st. Finally, many of us end the Single Gourmet month near the Highline and Art galleries at a neighborhood favorite, Bottino. Our menu is spectacular as the owner Danny Emerson, owner of Chop Shop II, loves our group and our concept. Join us Wednesday before memorial day weekend at this rustic and hip hot spot
Our June starts off with something very different for TSG group, but something that I have done with friends and my wife and each time I think that some from the group would absolutely love this. If you like to laugh, if you are open minded to some raunchy comedy, and if you have been to a drag show before, and if you like unlimited mimosas and Bloody Mary’s with your brunch, than this is your opportunity to join us at LIPS DRAG SHOW PALACE. For over 20 years this show has been performing in NYC, it is about time we go as a group! After a wild fun Sunday brunch, we have a nice casual midweek walk through the Bronx as we do a walking tour of Arthur Avenue. Sample some culinary treats (not a full meal) and enjoy the history of this iconic neighborhood on guided tour, Wednesday June 8th The following Saturday, June 11th we head to one of our favorite restaurants, PAMPANO. Richard Sandoval always offers us one of the best meals whenever we dine at his establishemnts, this time is no different. Our menu is incredible and if you have not been here with the group before, this is really the best of the best. Join us on Friday, June 17th as we dine at NAPLES 45 inside the Metlife Building as we eat some delicsious Italian from one of the well known and very famous Patina Restaurant Group. Somehow we have not dined here since I took over the group and since many have asked for a Friday night dinner, the callhas been answered. You will feel like you landed in Italy as we embark on this huge restaurant on a nice June Friday after work meal! The following Sunday is Fathers day, and though I wasn’t sure about having an event this day, The Higline Ballroom has a brunch that is oing to be fantastic, this is the 3rd month in a row we have come here for brunch because each time the show they provide is just THAT amazing!!! This time is no different. Join us for a 5 person band as we enjoy some bossa nova music NOTE: There is a slight chance I will be in California for this event. If someone interested would like to check people in, please let me know.
The following May events are still available for Single Gourmet Members and their guests:
1. Shun Lee West –43 West 65th Street (CPW and Columbus), Wednesday, May 11th, 6:15pm optional drinks, 7:00pm anniversary dinner, tea (no wine), tax & tip-$72
2. Swing 46- 349 West 46th Street (8th/9th), Sun, May 15th, 6:00 pm opt drinks, 7pm dinner, Big Band & dance lessons & 3-course meal, gl ass of wine, music charge- $79
3. Vice Versa- 325 West 51st (8th and 9th avenue), Saturday, May 21st, 7pm drinks, 8pm dinner, 3-course, glass of wine, coffee, tax and tip- $77
4. Bottino- 246 10th Avenue (24th Street), Wednesday, May 25th 5:45pm drinks, 6:45pm dinner. Full Dinner, glass of wine, coffee, tax and tip- $78
The following June events are available for Single Gourmet Members and their guests:
Lips Drag Queen Show Palace, Restaurant & Bar
227 East 56th (2nd and 3rd)
Sunday, June 5th – “Broadway Show Brunch”
2 hour- Unlimited Mimosa’s and Bloody Mary’s
12-2pm please arrive on time!!!
Show, Brunch Entrée, Mimosas/Bloody Mary’s $53
With Moulin Rouge decorated spaces located in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, San Diego and Fort Lauderdale this show has been making audiences laugh for over 20 years. Join comedian MC GingerSnap, as she hosts one of the funniest shows I have seen in a very long time. It is a laugh a minute at this top rated, Certificate of Excellence awarded Drag Show. This is a bit different event for The Single Gourmet, but after having experienced it and the fun and laughter involved, I felt this would be a great Sunday Brunch to cheer up the group. Be prepared for New York’s only true La Cage Drag Show Broadway Experience with spoofs of: Wicked, Les Miserables, Alladin, The Lion King, Hairspray, Frozen, Dreamgirls, King and I, Little Shop of Horrors and many more Broadway favorites.I assure you that this will be a great time for everyone who likes to laugh. Be advised these are comedians, so some language might be deemed inappropriate for some.
Bronx’s Little Italy and Arthur Avenue Tour
Meet by Grand Central (Park Ave @ 42nd street)
Wednesday, June 8th @ 11am – 2pm
$39 (plus metro north transportation)
The Bronx is rich in culture and food experiences. Explore the area known as New York’s culinary center with a three-hour excursion through Little Italy and Arthur Avenue. This Bronx neighborhood is teeming with Italian bakeries, specialty shops, fish markets, butcher shops and more. You’ll learn about the history of Belmont and Fordham Roads and the immigrants from Italy and Ireland that form the neighborhood’s local history. Then visit the thriving business district of Little Italy to sample culinary treats. This is not a full meal, just some samples.We will meet at Grand Central Station, then take a train ride to the Bronx to discover this vital section of the borough.
Pampano- Richard Sandoval
209 East 49th (2nd and 3rd ave)
Saturday, June 11th
7:00 pm optional drinks, 7:45 pm dinner
$79 3 course, 1 glass wine/beer/margarita, sangria. coffee, tax & tip
It was Art’s relationship with Richard Sandoval that created the bond we have had with all of his incredible restaurants. A Richard Sandoval masterpiece and an impressive Zagat 24 where the food “hits the high notes at this top notch” Chef Sandoval, a Bravo’s top Chef Master, is known for taking gourmet Mexican and Latin flavor to a new level. With over 30 Latin restaurants across the United States, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East, Richard Sandoval is a global pioneer. Nine of his restaurants have been voted best in their category. He was also nominated for James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur. Our menu-ceviche de camaron- octopus / bay scallops / shrimp / red onion/ cilantro; quesadilla de pascado- red snapper / oaxaca cheese / crema fresca / salsa; mixed greens- cranberries / caramelized almonds / goat cheese / spicy balsamic vinaigrette; salmon with sweet potato puree / sauteed kale / abodo beuree blanc / espuma; pan seared chicken with chipotle-mulatu pepper rub / roasted cauliflower puree; grilled skirt steak / corn on the cob / grilled cactus / wild mushrooms / mash potatoes and dessert
Naples 45
200 Park Ave (@45th Inside MetLife Building)
Friday, June 17th
5:45 pm optional drinks, 6:30 pm dinner
$74- Italian meal, glass wine, coffee, tax & tip
Back in 1963 this space was called Trattoria and the restaurant was a vast, colorful, very stylish space serving highly authentic Italian, but at the time it didn’t serve pizza. Decades later Trattoria was recast as Naples 45, the name referring to the city where pizza was invented and where Naples 45 became one of the first higher end Italians to add pizza to their menu. After a great deal of research was done to obtain the perfect flour, tomatoes, mozzarella, even water with the same mineral content as the water in Naples, the result was a success. Zagat rated, they state, “The handy commuter friendly venue near GCT knocks out a solid Southern Italian menu led by its authentic Neapolitan style pizza” Owned by the Patina Restaurant Group, owners of over 60 restaurants nationwide including, Café Centro, Brasserie 8 ½ Lincoln Ristorante, State Grill, Rock Center Café, The Sea Grill and La Fonda Del Sol. Our menu includes that famous pizza and salad for the table as well as seared skuna bay salmon, roasted free range organic chicken home-made pasta and more.
The Girl From Ipanema- The Highline Ballroom
431 West 16th (9th and 10th Avenue)
Sunday, June 19th Fathers
11:45 Brunch- 12:30pm show
$65- Show, Entrée, Coffee/Soda,Tax/Tip
In 1962, Antonio Carlos “Tom” Jobim wrote “The Girl From Impanema,” a sultry bossa nova song about a pretty girl from Rio de Janeiro that has since gone on to become one of the most recognized and recorded songs in history. Join us at The Highline Ballroom to experience the iconic bossa nova composer when an ensemble of New York’s top contemporary musicians pay homage to the song and Jobim’s Brazilian-jazz legacy at this special Father’s Day brunch-time performance. Join vocalist Julie Eigenber who co-wrote one of the harmonizers’ biggest hits, “Why Not!”, joined by World Guitar Master composer Andres Laprida, Itaiguara Brandao, Cidinho Teixeira and Helio Schiavo they will celebrates the sounds of Brazilian music masters Vinicius de Moraes and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Andres Laprida has earned international acclaim in his own right, having traveled the globe playing concert halls, jazz festivals and ballets, as well as writing scores for both the big and small screen. The prolific performers will pay tribute to the iconic composers who’ve inspired all their life’s work, playing their classic bossa nova and Brazilian jazz pieces.
Amata- Cucina Italiana
209 East 56th (Between 2nd and 3rd)
Sunday, June 26th
5:45 pm optional drinks, 6:45 pm dinner
$81 Italian meal, glass wine, tax & tip
Taking over the space that was once our beloved Fiorini, “Amata” which means “beloved” in Italian is vibrant yet cozy Italian restaurant serving traditional Italian with a modern flair. Amata is the coming-together of decades of NYC-based restaurant experience between restaurateur Jack Dorrian, and executive chef Enzo Di Rende.. Steeped in the epitome of Italian family tradition, Enzo Di Rende, started his kitchen experience at age 13 working at the famous Dominick’s (of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx) with his own father who owned the restaurant. Enzo would continue to pursue his passion and further develop his skills in the kitchen, eventually graduating from The Culinary Institute of America in 1996, and opening up his own Arthur Avenue Italian restaurant in 1999- Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue. A long-time fan of classic traditional Italian food, Jack Dorrian became an immediate fan of Enzo’s deliciously comforting dishes, and now faithfully believes his friends and neighbors here in Manhattan will make themselves happily “at home”.
