I’ve arrived early (of course) for lunch, but I’m glad to be in this space. It’s beautiful; everything looks pretty and smells good. Candles on the tables, art on the walls, centerpieces creatively curated, gentle sounds, soft lights. Soon, someone beneath the calibrated, “How’re we all doin’ today?” voice, brings warm, grainy rolls and elegant menus, “Sparkling water or tap?” then pivots and glides through the Employees Only door. It’s different in there, in the Back Room.  A three inch gap...

I was married 41 years ago today in a beautiful Vera Wang gown I found on a clearance rack at Trenchers in Garden City, Long Island. It is a beautiful gown and even though it fits, it looks silly on my almost 70-year-old body. The delicate, lacy wide brimmed hat is still lovely, but no longer ivory and encircles my head with an odd tilt. Like me, the color and texture have changed. Afterwards, we celebrated with special family and friends at the Swan Club in Roslyn where signature giant...

During a Zoom workshop last week, I paid attention, took notes - and stared at my own face in a Partridge Family-style, tile box for 2...