New York with Belle da Costa Green

April 8–10, 2025

A long weekend of book clubs, Broadway, private museum tours, and the kind of New York dining that reminds you why the city has no equal.

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Tuesday, April 8

Arrival & The Warwick Hotel

Arrived LGA at 10:30, met the Charlotte Connection and headed to The Warwick Hotel on 6th and 54th. A solid four-star that has been remodeled from the 10th floor up — good prices, but the real draw is the location: just across from MoMA, close to Broadway, the Park, and everything in between.

Lunch — La Goulue

Went straight to lunch with Janie’s book club at La Goulue on 61st and 5th. A classic French bistro — small, warm, wood-paneled, and just the right amount of old New York. Not cheap, but not terrible either. A lovely way to kick off the trip.

Leslie Berman, Jeweler

All went their own way before we met with longtime jeweler Leslie Berman at her office on 57th and 5th. Word to the wise: come with ideas. She didn’t really have designs to show us, so we looked at different styles and were encouraged to visit Tiffany’s and other jewelry spots for inspiration.

Tiffany & Co.

We cruised 5th Avenue on our way to the Morgan Library, stopping in at Tiffany & Co. for a little research. The flagship has recently been renovated and every floor is beautiful — great art, museum-quality displays, and the full iconic world of Tiffany on show. The famed Blue Box Café is over-the-top decorated in its signature motif. Very fun. Worth visiting every floor even if you’re just browsing.

The Morgan Library — Belle da Costa Green Exhibit

We arrived at The Morgan Library just on time at 5pm for a private reception and tour of the Belle da Costa Green exhibit — made possible because one of Janie’s friends in another book club sits on the Morgan’s Board. A real privilege: the museum’s director and three different tour guides.

Green’s story is fascinating on every level. A Black woman who “passed” as white in the early 20th century, she was hired as the Morgan’s librarian and became a sensation — presiding over worldwide auctions, building one of the great collections, and moving at the very top of New York society. Her father was the first Black man to graduate from Harvard. She herself was extraordinarily well-educated and stayed at the Library for nearly 50 years, serving under both JP Morgan and his son Jack.

The exhibit is compelling personally, professionally, and — above all — historically. Not to be missed.

Dinner — The Whitby Hotel

The group headed to dinner at The Whitby Hotel’s dining room, which is total eye candy throughout. Dinner is expensive, but the space alone is worth seeing — go at least for a drink. Food is good, if not always great.

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Wednesday, April 9

Happy Anniversary, Janie and Dan!

A Civilized Morning

The morning started brilliantly — because it didn’t start until 10am. Slept late, took our time, and popped into a few stores before our pre-matinee lunch.

Lunch — Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung on 52nd and Broadway — just around the corner from the Neil Simon Theatre — was a terrific choice. Below ground, it’s a chic and lively space specializing in dumplings and Taiwanese fare. Delicious, easy on the wallet, and very fun. A great pre-show option.

MJ the Musical

Outstanding. MJ the Musical is not simply a jukebox revue of Michael Jackson’s music — it’s a cleverly constructed script that uses the music to move through immediate flashbacks, telling his life story with real depth. It doesn’t shy away from the tyrant father, the personal demons, or the unexpected tragedy. Genuinely impressive.

Afternoon: Retail Research

A couple of hours before dinner were devoted to shopping and exploring. Very fun.

Dinner — The Doubles Club

Dinner was hosted by a New York friend for the combined book clubs at her private dining club, The Doubles Club, downstairs in the Sherry-Netherland Hotel. Quiet, impeccable service, and a decor that is textured, colorful, and somewhat ornate. Delicious food and a genuinely special evening.

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Thursday, April 10

Safiyaa on Madison

Up and out to explore the world of custom fashion at Safiyaa on 77th and Madison. Fun and interesting, but very Mother of the Bride in its aesthetic. Probably not the direction — but worth a look.

And with that, off to the airport.

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Quick Reference

WHERE TO STAY

•       The Warwick Hotel — 6th Ave & 54th St. Great location opposite MoMA.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

•       La Goulue — 61st & 5th. Classic French bistro. Warm and lovely.

•       Din Tai Fung — 52nd & Broadway. Dumplings, great value, perfect pre-show.

•       The Whitby Hotel — Go at least for a drink. Eye candy throughout.

•       The Doubles Club — Private dining club, Sherry-Netherland Hotel. Special.

WHAT TO SEE & DO

•       The Morgan Library — Belle da Costa Green exhibit. Not to be missed.

•       Tiffany & Co. Flagship — Newly renovated. Visit every floor.

•       MJ the Musical — Neil Simon Theatre. Outstanding.

•       Safiyaa — 77th & Madison. Custom fashion. Beautiful, if MOB-adjacent.