Dear All:

Lori and I just returned from NYC where we celebrated our 22nd anniversary. We had a fabulous 24 hours, staying at the posh St. Regis, dining at the wonderful new Modern, touring the new MoMa, brunching at the Brasserie, strolling up and down Fifth Ave, shopping for some clothes...etc etc

I haven't lived in the city for 15 years now, but we often come in for the evening to dine, go to a show, whatever. But, every time I spend a little extended time, I get reminded that New York is truly the greatest city in the world (with Paris the only other contender!).

Yes, it helped that the weather this weekend was idyllic – the city absolutely glitters when it’s sunny, 75 and no humidity! - but the fact of the matter is, we are truly fortunate to be living, working, and playing in and around the most vibrant city on the planet.

How would our lives be different were we not located adjacent to this supreme marketplace? What other city has such a diverse and eclectic selection of the BEST restaurants and wine shops?  Many critics now agree that New York has the greatest number of quality restaurants in the world. Yes, the world. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that and there’s not a close second in that regard!

Tourists are currently flocking to the Big Apple, armed with their unusually strong currency, constantly reminding us what an international city we have. Walking around MoMa, listening to German, Dutch, French and Spanish being spoken all around us, this point was all too clear. And, while we lament the fall of the almighty dollar over the last few years, and the resultant higher wine prices it brought us, this influx of tourists has been the bright side of this equation, as they fill up our customers’ establishments, spending their dollar-denominated windfall…In fact, I spoke to one restaurateur recently who said they definitely would not have been able to survive initially had it not been for all the tourists…and of course, what is good for our customers is good for us all!

Anyway, I just think it’s a good idea every so often, to stop, pause, and take notice of how good we have it – and how reassuring it is, that even following the worst terrorist act in the history of our country a few short years ago, our beloved city has bounced back and is greater than ever.

I suggest we all pop open a (grower) Champagne this weekend and toast the greatest city in the world!

Yours,

Harmon Skurnik