Shimmie Horn

Dining in Hell’s Kitchen?

For those staying in Shimmie Horn’s luxurious Washington Jefferson Hotel, they might want to take a night out to eat somewhere a little bit different.  Well, soon, they might be able to do just that – at Hell’s Kitchen – as, from next month, Stage 48 and Z Bar Restaurant and Sky Lounge will be open to the public.  Measuring 30,000 square feet, it will be offer live entertainment; full-restaurant and glass rooftop lounge between four floors. Chef Ricardo Cardona will serve Nuevo Latino cuisine.

Shimmie Horn

Music and Nightlife: Alternative Style

Looking for something different to do while staying in the Big Apple?  If you’re enjoying the tranquility while luxuriating in Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel a bit too much and want something alternative to do at night, the Radio City Music Hall might be the right address for you.

Between September 19th to 22nd, Justin Vernon is coming to play.  In 2007 he released “For Emma, Forever Ago,” and ever since then, it has been clear that his folk music is something else.  The band’s second album that was released in 2011, was in the form of a slightly different genre – orchestra – earning Vernon the Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album.

So if alternative music is your thing, check out the Radio City Music Hall, located at Sixth Avenue at 50th Street, during your stay in the Big Apple.

Shimmie Horn

The Late Show with David Letterman

For people who enjoy live shows, next time you are in the Big Apple, why not get tickets for the Late Show with David Letterman?  The show that began nearly two decades ago is written by brothers Eric and Justin Stangel and is today, one of America’s major late-night programs.  Indeed, it ranks second in average viewers and third in amount of episodes over time.  Vis-à-vis revenue, it is a leader in its field, boasting $271m in 2009.  As well, in 2002 it was ranked Number 7 on TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.  So if you’re in the vicinity, staying perhaps at Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel or the Sheraton New York hotel, it could make for a fun’s evening entertainment.

Shimmie Horn

Fashion in Manhattan

New York City is known for its fashion.  From popular TV shows to dramatic catwalks, New York is one of the major fashion cities of the world.  What is perhaps less well-known is the Garment District – aka The Garment Center/Fashion District that sits between Fifth and Ninth Avenue, spanning 34th to 42nd Street.  If you happen to have some time spare this summer – perhaps you are vacationing at Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel, the American Inn, or the Bryant Park Hotel – you might want to take advantage of being in one of the world centers for fashion.

Indeed, this isn’t something new.  The Garment District got its name back in the earth 20th century, being seen as the center for fashion design and manufacturing in America, and perhaps worldwide too.  Today, the area comprises most of New York’s showrooms, fashion labels and fashion process, making it a worldwide leader in the fashion industry in one single district.

Shimmie Horn

Hummusology in NYC

Next time you find yourself luxuriating in a top boutique New York hotel like the Hilton or Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel on West 51st Street, you might want to take some time out from high class dining and take in a lesson on hummusology at the local Hummus Kitchen.  Located on Ninth Avenue, here you can check out different ways of consuming the traditional Middle Eastern chickpea-based spread or trying other popular dishes from the culture including: Babaganush; The Falafel; Bureka and Couscous Tabule, to name but a few.

For a fuller meal enjoy the Moroccan Laffa (made with roasted chicken, hummus – of course! – mild Harisa sauce, cucumbers and parsley) or the popular Seni’ya Platter (a traditional stew of ground beef and lamb, seasoned with onion, parsley and spices, topped with white Tahini and pine nuts).

Whatever dish you choose from the Hummus Kitchen, you won’t return to your hotel hungry or disappointed by the cultural dining experience.

Shimmie Horn, Washington Jefferson Hotel

The West Side Wonder of DeWitt Clinton Park

DeWitt Clinton Park War Memorial

Snuggled among the businesses and residences on the Manhattan’s West Side, between 54th and 52nd Streets and 12th and 11th Avenues, is a lovely bit of green known as DeWitt Clinton Park.

Named after ten-term New York City mayor, and New York State Governor of eight years, the park memorializes this visionary and life-long politician. Perhaps Clinton’s most inspired idea was to implement the innovative Manhattan grid-system in 1811; but what he is best known for is his planning and promotion of the great, State-funded, Erie Canal.

Park facilities include a dog run, baseball fields, a garden of perennials, basketball and handball courts and the Erie Canal playground which was newly renovated in 1996.

DeWitt Clinton Park is a great oasis of green to visit if you happen to be staying at Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel, which is just a short distance away on 51st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.

Shimmie Horn, Washington Jefferson Hotel

Casellula for a Unique Wine and Cheese Experience

It’s always exciting to find something a bit different to do in New York City. How about an eating experience that is almost sure to please, but is not your ‘run-of-the-mill’ latest fad cuisine? Check out Casellula Cheese and Wine Café, and you might just get that unique experience.

Unique Cheese and Wine at Casellula

Casellula is located at 401 West 52nd Street, so if you happen to be a guest at Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel on West 51st Street, you are only a short stroll to this fab café which specializes in handmade and farmstead cheeses, but has a lot more to offer.

This place is serious about cheese, with over 40 varieties from around the world, from the most obscure; to the mildest and strongest; from fresh to washed to blue. Each cheese is served with its own particularly well-suited condiment, and there is a wide variety of wines and beers to pair off with the cheese you choose.

There is also a wonderful food menu which includes a list of eight kinds of meats to pick from; salads; elegant sandwiches like goose breast Reuben; and assorted other surprises such as mac and cheese and rabbit and Chanterelle mushroom pie.

Note that Casellula does not take reservations, and does not require any special attire to dine there. So go on over and discover something new in the neighborhood.

Washington Jefferson Hotel

Porgy and Bess at the Richard Rogers Theater

Porgy and Bess at the Richard Rogers Theater

Renamed the Richard Rogers Theater in 1990 in honor of the great composer of Broadway musicals, the theater was originally opened in 1924 as the 46th Street Theater. In 2006 a major renovation was conducted and today the theater contains a gallery which displays historic objects from the career of Rogers.
Such spectacular hits as Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls and Damn Yankees were performed in this historic theater, and today lucky theater goers can treat themselves to a remake of one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals, Porgy and Bess. The classic story, written by DuBose and Dorothy Heyward was set to music by George and Ira Gershwin.  For the first time in over 35 years Porgy and Bess can be seen in all its former glory, and then some.
Guests visiting New York and staying at Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel are perfectly situated to enjoy this exhilarating musical, just a few short blocks away. There are few activities as enjoyable as seeing a Broadway musical; so take advantage of your New York stay and your convenient location at the Washington Jefferson Hotel, and go see Porgy and Bess.

Shimmie Horn, Washington Jefferson Hotel

Try Arriba Arriba for Traditional Exciting Mexican Cuisine

Down the street from Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel is a wonderful

Arriba Arriba Mexican Restaurant and Bar

Mexican restaurant and bar, Arriba Arriba. Located at 762 Ninth Avenue at 51st Street in Hell’s Kitchen, you will be in for a real treat when you walk half a block west from the Washington Jefferson to enjoy authentic and delectable Mexican cuisine.
Arriba Arriba specializes in great drinks, amazing food, and a lively, fun atmosphere. Try their famous frozen margarita, with a sumptuous Mama Burrito while enjoying the live DJ to keep everyone there in a great mood. Staying at Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson? Then just saunter on over to Arriba Arriba for an unforgettably exciting dining experience.

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.