Shimmie Horn, Washington Jefferson Hotel

Studio 54 A New York Landmark

Studio 54 in 1977

Studio 54, located at 254 West 54th Street, is just a five minute walk from Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel. This theater has a fascinating history which in many ways tells the story of New York’s ever evolving entertainment world.

In 1927 what is now Studio 54 was originally opened as the Gallo Opera House. It was transformed into the New Yorker Theater in 1930, until it was bought by CBS in 1942. The theater then became the home of the original late night talk show, “The Johnny Carson Show.” At the end of the 1970s, after the studio was sold by CBS, the TV studio became the most iconic nightclubs of the disco-era and took the name Studio 54. In 1986 the club closed and became a place for rock concerts for a few years until it finally closed down all together at the end of the 80s. The space went unused and empty until 1998, when the Roundabout Theater Company moved in and produced the famous re-make of Cabaret.

Today Roundabout is still in the premises with a new production in the works. Due to open on May 18, a limited engagement of the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy Harvey will be performed until August 5, 2012.

Iroquois Hotel, Shimmie Horn

db Bistro Moderne Adjoining the Iroquois Hotel

db Bistro Moderne

Located smack dab in the middle of New York’s world famous theater district, Shimmie Horn’s Iroquois Hotel is situated in a place which will also satisfy those that love to explore some of New York’s most innovative and classy restaurants.

Take for example a restaurant which boasts a modern interpretation of classic Parisian cuisine, db Bistro Moderne. Located at 55 West 44th Street, it is actually the creation of Daniel Boulud, who brings French cuisine up to the demands of the flavors and preferences of American taste. The menu is based on seasonal offerings prepared to perfection by Chef Laurent Kalkotour. Served in a casual setting, the food is delicious for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is an especially appropriate venue for a meal either before or after the theater.

Chandler Hotel, Shimmie Horn

The Second Avenue Deli: A Taste of New York History Near the Hotel Chandler

Second Ave Deli

If you are staying at the Hotel Chandler, one of Shimmie Horn’s several luxury hotels in Manhattan, then you are only a few blocks away from a true New York gastronomic experience. Mosey on over to the Second Avenue Deli, at 162 East 33rd Street, and you will not be disappointed.

The story of the Second Avenue Deli is the story of a hard working immigrant  and holocaust survivor) who began with nothing and through sheer strength of will and persistence, created a successful business now known far and wide.

After working as a ‘soda jerk’ and ‘counter boy’ Uncle Abe (Abe Lebewohl) was able to save a few thousand dollars to buy a small restaurant of his own in 1954. Through his devotion and attention to detail he built his restaurant into a place customers flocked to.

Today the Second Avenue Deli is owned by Abe’s nephews Joshua and Jeremy Lebewohl, who have proudly continued in their beloved uncle’s tradition.

A visit to this deli will not only satisfy your craving for a wonderful and authentic New York deli sandwich, but you will feel part of the special history of this special city.

Belleclaire Hotel, Shimmie Horn

Zabar’s: A New York Tradition

Staying at Shimmie Horn’s Hotel Belleclaire on West 77th Street between Broadway and West End Avenue? If so, and you are in the mood to visit one of New York’s most talked about food emporiums, then you should head on over to Zabar’s at West 80th Street and Broadway, only three short blocks from the Belleclaire.

A visit to Zabar’s is like a visit to New York, it can’t be described, only experienced.

Zabar's in 1945

Zabar’s was founded in 1934 by Louis and Lillian Zabar when they rented space in the Daitch Market to sell “appetizing,” (smoked fish, etc.) As the Zabar reputation grew, so did their customer base, until the Zabars took over the entire Daitch Market, and Zabar’s was born.

The store continued to expand, buying

Zabar's Today

shops adjacent as they became available, while always run as a family enterprise. Today the store encompasses over 20,000 square feet of retail space (almost an entire city block) and employs 250 people to run the exciting market called Zabar’s. The family is still active in the store; there is always at least one Zabar on the premises.

According to Zabar’s, they sell more than 8,000 pounds of coffee each week, and have over 35,000 customers visit, each and every week.

They are open 365 days a year 8am to 7:30pm during the week, 8am to 8pm on Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sunday. Call 212-787-2000 for more information.

Shimmie Horn, Washington Jefferson Hotel

Washington Jefferson is THE Hotel for Theater Lovers

Neil Simon Theater

If you are a theater lover and planning a stay at Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel, then you will be perfectly positioned for a great New York visit filled with some of the best theater in the world.

One such place to enjoy an evening out is the Neil Simon Theater, just a few steps away from the Washington Jefferson. Back in 1927 the theater opened as the Alvin, but in 1983 it was renamed in honor of one of America’s most prolific playwrights, Neil Simon.

The name change came as a result of a highly successful run of Neil Simon’s first play of his autobiographical trilogy, Brighton Beach Memoirs. In 1985 the second installment was performed at the newly named theater, Biloxi Blues. Jake’s Women, Simon’s third and final segment opened at the theater in 1992.

Beginning in 2000 the Neil Simon Theater has hosted musicals with two of the best Broadway shows, the well-received revival of The Music Man, and Hairspray, winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical.

Beginning on March 22 at the Neil Simon Theater will be a brand new production of one of Broadway’s favorite Andrew Lloyd Weber/Tim Rice shows, Jesus Christ Super Star.  The theater is located at 250 West 52nd Street, a five minute walk from Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel.

Iroquois Hotel, Shimmie Horn

Macy’s is a New York Landmark

Of course one of the highlights of a visit to New York is shopping, and what better place to shop than the grandfather of all department stores, Macy’s in Herald Square. The store is known as a place to find mid-to-high range clothing, housewares, jewelry, and almost anything else you can think of.

Macy's The World's Largest Store

Although there is probably at least one Macy’s in your own hometown, considering the fact that there are over 740 stores all across the country, there is something special about a visit to the original Macy’s on 34th Street and Sixth Avenue, which is only a 10 minute walk from Shimmie Horn’s Iroquois Hotel on West 44th Street off of Sixth Avenue.

Macy’s Herald Square was built in 1902, and is the first building  to boast an escalator, moving people from floor to expansive floor. Today Macy’s is still making history. Known as “America’s Largest Department Store,” there are ten floors of products covering one entire city block of square footage, with the best goods and the latest fashions, making shopping in Macy’s an unforgettable experience.

Staying at the Iroquois? Then walk on down to the original Macy’s “The Great American Department Store.”

Chandler Hotel, Shimmie Horn

Hip Hop Tours Unique to New York

Welcome to Hip Hop Tours

Just one block away from Shimmie Horn’s Chandler Hotel is something that could only exist in New York, and that is a tour company called Hush Hip Hop Tours.

This original company offers exciting and innovative cultural sightseeing tours of what they call the “Four Elements:” DJing, MCing, B-Boy/B-Girl dance techniques, and Graffiti art.

Hush Hip Hop Tours opened its doors to the public in the summer of 2002, and since then they have brought visitors to New York and natives alike on an amazing celebration of the Big Apple as the original home of Hip Hop culture.
Utilizing the services of celebrity tour guides such as Ralph McDaniels,Reggie Reg and Kurtis Blow, Hip Hop Tours is better able to discover and preserve the sources of hip hop culture while also bringing visitors to the places which are still making history.

For an authentic taste of what makes New York the dynamic center of culture that it is, a tour with Hush Hip Hop Tours will open your eyes and excite your imagination. Located at 292 Fifth Avenue, only one block from the Chandler Hotel on 31st Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, taking a Hip Hop Tour is certainly within your reach.