I don't understand why people want to dine outdoors in New York City. I understand if you are in the loving hands of Thomas Keller in pristine Yountville surrounded by napping lettuces and the sweet smells of a lush green herb garden; where the only sounds you hear are the rich ting of expensive china being replaced at the table and the soft thwak of a rabbit being conked on the head for your coniglio agnolotti.
But what is enjoyable about sitting out on the NYC sidewalk while eating food? I used to live on Bleecker and the Bowery and the restaurant downstairs insisted on having outdoor seating for their patrons. And I always wondered, was it the sound of cars honking interminably six feet away? Was it that intoxicating perfume of dogshit, garbage, and exhaust that heralds summer in New York? Was it the charm of the bum from the next-door men's hotel pissing away the PBRs he threw back over at Mars Bar, getting ready to swoop in and steal the waiter's tips from the table? Was it those pesky West Nile Virus carrying mosquitos? And the sticky humidity itself? All while you have to chew and swallow crab cakes and poached eggs? How can people eat like that? All for a little anemic sunlight and a fetid breeze or two?
Can somebody explain it to me?
Hi, I know what you mean, but I think I have an answer.
Its not so much eating "outside in NY" as it has to do with simply "eating outside". I too find it disgusting to see a film of muck on a "charger" plate when I sit down outside at a NYC restaurant.
After several cold, rainy and snowy months cooped up inside restaurants or my apartment, I look forward to grilling on my patio and eating outside at a variety of restaurants (Tartine comes immediately to mind).
Others may enjoy the ability to smoke. Which, as someone who quit 7 months ago, can remember as being a reason as well.
Still others like the feel of the breeze as they sip on a coffee in the morning or maybe that same breeze after 2 full glasses of wine in the summer evenings.
Again, you can lump those into reasons that I like to eat outside.
Anyway, I like your blog. Thanks.
MM