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Casa Lally? Mystery? Likely an Italian Institute. [There was something similar when I was housed at Columbia; I used to attend movie nights at their Maison Francaise, which was on 113th Street in those days.]
The internet reveals all. Parliamo Italiano can be found at 132 East 65th Street, aka Casa Lally.
The family, or rather an entity called Caravan House, donated the Lally townhouse for the purpose, although it appears the continuing education classes are at the main campus.
Around every corner…
It’s a cold day. A day begging for a pleasant escape. Mine takes me down to 64th Street on Lexington to a plant-forward restaurant.
It’s part of a little city-wide chain. In the best way possible.
I owe my visit today to the generosity of step-children who sent an e-coupon.
What a delight!
The walk in the sunny morning was invigorating and took me off the tried/tired path I usually trod. (The bonus was an unexpected step count.)
Le Botaniste makes delicious fare in a nice but not luxurious setting with warm service.
I ordered a curated plate from the seasonal menu. It had both “green,” which I found appealing, and “Bronx” (in honor of my friend S) in its description. And green it was, beautifully, lushly and abundantly. I can not vouch for its connection to the borough, but texted S a picture.
I listened to podcasts, including one from The Contrarian, and avoided any glimpse of the disaster unfolding at the Capitol Rotunda.
When you tell people you plan a visit to the Museum of the City of New York, they usually have a positive response.
So [who can resist] a chance to enjoy tea [and crumpets?] with a curator …
From my blog, All the Best
There will be a Curator’s Cup on January 22nd with Lilly Tuttle. (It’s sold out.)
One of the exhibits she will discuss is called Art Deco City, 1920s New York, shown off in postcards. (Closes Feb 17.)
The Stettheimer Dollhouse has long been a highlight at MCNY. It is the creation of one of the Stettheimer sisters, which showcases a post- WW1 New York and is a memento of their Tarrytown estate, Andre Brook.
MCNY is at the top of Museum Mile. Come visit.
It’s a quiet, delightful destination.
Don’t take just my word for it. Phyllis McGinley, 1961 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, found it endearing.
The poem, Ode to an Institution, was published in The New Yorker in 1953. (The link takes you to MCNY’s Instagram where I recommend you read it! It’s artful and artless.)
“You always overdo,” I said to the sweet young woman as she emerged from her basement.
She told me that her husband was miffed over this display. The hearts apparently were each done by hand and, therefore, had taken effort and time.
“Well,” I said, “it’s a wonderful draw. The decoration brings a lot of attention.”
January is dreary, the young owner said. She was glad to cheer up the neighborhood.
There was also one more of those «secret passages« on my route, too.
Walk with Me, Too