Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Pete's Tavern


Been there since 1864, and looks the same today
(except for the air conditioners, traffic lights, and
motorcycles, of course). This place—the oldest
continuously operating bar/restaurant in NYC—
managed to stay open during Prohibition because
the owners disguised it as a florist's shop. It's
where O'Henry wrote "The Gift of the Magi."

7 comments:

  1. Alexa, I haven't read "The Gift of the Magi" in years but have never forgotten how the wife cuts her cherished long hair and sells it to buy her husband a watch fob. Meanwhile he sells/pawns his sacred watch to buy her ornate hair combs. I love the story's example of sacrificing one's most prized possession out of love for another. Plus, everything about this photo is happening. What a cool tribute to the colorful O'Henry! Now there's a guy who took advantage of his prison stay! I guess this is one reason why I keep stopping by your blog. Every day is a jack-in-the box! To lay a jazz line on you, Alexa, you and your camera are "Scrappling in the Apple!" BTW...OVTV is the TOPS! especially this week with the Jazz.

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  2. Nice history lesson about O'Henry and the continuity of this building. Have you been inside?

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  3. brillianttttt!!!!!:)
    i love the gif ot the magi!!:) and all o'henry stories!!:)

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  4. coltrane -- wow, what a (jazzy) compliment. Thanks!

    from cali -- must admit I haven't been inside. But you make me think I probably should now. If I do, I'll definitely take a picture.

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  5. Sacré bleu! Dining on "Louis's" relatives! Raw no less! "Louis" is shocked, SHOCKED! Not to mention outraged! “Louis” isn’t sure which is worse:
    a) Eating his relatives raw!
    b) Eathing his relatives cooked!
    c) Eating his relatives at all!
    or
    d) All of the above

    Quelle horreur!

    “Louis’s” only comfort is that it wasn’t HIM on the plate!

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  6. Louis wandered into a different pasture I'm afraid. Unless they serve the unmentionable dish in Pete's Tavern. I promise Louis you're safe in my neighborhood. :-)

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  7. Where is the bar at? It's amazing that it survived the Prohibition.

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Thanks, merci, grazie, danke, hvala, gracias, spasibo, shukran, dhanyavaad, salamat, arigato, and muito obrigado for your much-appreciated comments.