New But Old
By Robert Beck
The story is the same for everybody and different for everybody. Before the pandemic, one of the restaurants in my regular rotation was Cassis, near 70th on Columbus. It was predictably good French. I was always well taken care of and well fed, and the sense of place suited me. You could find me in the back buried in some Moules Pernod or perhaps Soupe à l’oignon.
Then the pandemic slammed the business, and the owners decided to call time and not sign the new lease. Cassis closed.
The manager, Manny, had been there for decades and wasn’t ready to let it go. He negotiated a lease. He undertook a renovation. And he had extra outdoor seating constructed with the same feel as the restaurant and the space on the sidewalk. Linen tablecloths. Roses. Nice.
When I first saw the new restaurant, I did a double-take because nothing changed but the name. The arched menu lettering was still on the front doors, but Manny’s Bistro stretched across the front of the awning. Everything else was the same, a clear statement of intentions. It hasn’t missed a beat, in fact, I saw a couple of new ones that are welcome.
I painted over lunchtime, and it was easy to spot the regulars. The two older women who were there for dessert. The young women talking business. The man with a magazine.
It’s worth reflecting on the fact that things aren’t back to anywhere like normal in the city, and hard to say when they might be. What Manny did was not only a huge risk, but an act of love, and you can see that if you talk to him about the restaurant. Go ahead — you can find him there all the time, taking care of customers. You might even notice some guy with paint on his cheek nibbling on pommes frites in a corner of the dining room.
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beautiful!
What a lovely reflection of the old and the new. You obviously love this place. I’ll have to try it! The sparkling glass and warm feel of the elegant setting are wonderful. Enjoy your painting and your soup! Carole B
Bravo Manny! Wonderful story.
Very interested in buying a painting from Mr. Beck but his gallery page has no prices.
Lovely. I adore your work. And look forward to WSR’s sharing them with us.
So, Robert, do you dip your pommes frites in moutard?
Loved Cassis and love love love Manny’s. And yes, he’s a Living Gotham Treasure for saving this Gotham treasure. When I am disappointed, disillusioned, or too tired to know what I want to eat, Manny’s makes it all better.
Only one thing could be better, Manny: please bring back the merguez sandwich at lunch – an exotic vacation on a plate.