Best Laid Plans

Well, I went to Chelsea. I did not go to the cafe. I did not blog. Change of plans. I spent time with two great men and rode in a lot of taxis and had two fabulous meals.

First of all my dear college friend Evan connected with me. Turns out he has an office in Chelsea. He owns his own small business so going to his office is really a groovy experience. It’s an adorable space in an old New York office building where the elevators barely hold five people; the hall way is narrow and the ceilings are high. The doors to each suite are big solid steel contraptions that keep the spaces within hidden from view (and the robbers out I reckon) Imagine a long narrow hallway of nondescript metal doors that stand silent until one steel door opens and the smells and sounds from within peak out, tease you and then disappear in the moment the door slams shut.

I am wheeling my bag down the hall, a door opens, I immediately catch a glimpse of an Afro-centric decor, sassy black men & women shooting the shit and laughing. The smell of chemical relaxers and the sound of hip hop music all jump in my face at the same time and disappear just as quickly as the door swings shut. It happens in 15 seconds – a secret world exposed and shuttered with the opening and closing of a door. I was completely surprised by the sight of the Black hair salon. It’s a corridor of magic doors. I start analyzing each door’s exterior and searching for clues – any indicator of what lies beyond. One door is obviously an artist’s studio. No sign, just big steel numbers… and a smear of paint on the floor outside the door. But really the doors all look the same. Big, metal, secure, imposing and nondescript. I guess it’s better that way. Don’t call attention to what lies inside. Someone with bad intentions might come inside and rob you blind. This is New York City after all. The building also happens to be a block down and across the street from the Chelsea Hotel. Bonus.

Later…

I had lunch at an Italian bistro called Trestle on Tenth (best roasted beets ever!) with Dale who is someone I adore who also happens to be brilliant and an art expert. Gosh, I know some cool folks! I had an early dinner with Evan at a French Bistro whose name I don’t recall. They had delicious martinis. Before I know it, it’s 6 o’clock – time to get the car service and head back to the airport and home. Talk about a whirlwind affair!

I loved it!