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Spectator
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Spectator
Hotel Oloffson is ruined – and so is Haiti
Earlier this month, in Haiti's tatterdemalion capital of Port-au-Prince, armed gangs burned down the Hotel Oloffson. As news of the attack spread, both Haitians and foreigners mourned the loss of one of the most beautiful gingerbread mansions in the Caribbean. Thinly disguised as the Hotel Trianon in Graham Greene's 1966 novel The Comedians, the Oloffson had served as a meeting place for writers, journalists, actors and artists of every stripe and nationality. Past guests include Nöel Coward, John Gielgud, Marlon Brando, Tennessee Williams, Jacqueline Onassis and Mick Jagger (who wrote 'Emotional Rescue' there). Laughably, a room had been named after me as the author of a book on Haiti. The manager, Richard Auguste Morse, had been overseeing the hotel remotely from the United States since 2022 until it closed to guests two years later because of escalating gang violence. Rumours had long circulated that it was under threat of arson but news in Haiti is always haphazard: often there is only the teledyòl, Creole for 'grapevine'. So Richard didn't know what to believe when he heard the hotel had burned to the ground. 'I did what I usually do, which is call someone who has drones and have them go take a look,' he said. 'This time, when they called back, they said, 'Take a seat.' I knew then that this wasn't like the other times.' Two policemen were killed in crossfire while the fire raged. The hotel's destruction is emblematic of the destruction of Haiti's history and culture. Over the past two decades, the country has degenerated into a gangland tyranny where cocaine smuggled from Latin America has made the shanty-town drug kingpins ever more violent, unpredictable and powerful. The Oloffson was built in the late 1880s as a private residence for the Sam family who would supply two Haitian presidents over the next 30 years. It was a fairytale folly of spires and conical towers, with lacy white grille work on the eaves and balconies, and pomegranate and breadfruit motifs painted on the clapboard ceilings. The murder of President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam by an enraged mob in July 1915 provided the US government with an excuse to invade Haiti. Throughout the 19-year occupation that followed, the Sam mansion was a military hospital. After the Americans left, a Swedish sea captain called WernerGustav Oloffson converted it into a hotel. Hidden beneath a rug in the bridal suite was once a drain for sluicing the tiles; the suite had been an operating theatre. A succession of eccentric hoteliers followed, among them the American stockbroker Maurice De Young, who raised a species of cayman in the swimming pool and drank endless rum cocktails with Malcolm Lowry, the dipsomaniac author of Under the Volcano who was seen to walk fully clothed into the pool still holding his glass. Richard, a Princeton anthropology graduate, ran the Oloffson for almost 40 years. His mother was the glamorous Haitian danseuse and folklorist Emérante de Pradines. With his Haitian wife Lunise, he performed in a world-class Vodou rock band named RAM, after his initials. Tall and lanky, he seemed to regard the business of managing a hotel in beautiful, bedevilled Haiti as something of an amusement. Most nights he could be found reading a book by the light of a storm lantern in his cubbyhole of an office. 'There's another power cut as you've probably noticed,' he would say, 'and the telephone lines are down. It's the same old, same old.' Papa Dog, the hotel's resident mongrel, liked to flea his rump in the driveway while emaciated goats strayed in for morsels of food. Beyond the Oloffson the roads were clogged with buses known as tap-taps from the noise of their vintage engines. One day in the hotel I met the Haitian journalist Aubelin Jolicoeur, a cane-twirling Firbankian gadfly who appears as the gossip columnist Petit Pierre in The Comedians. Jolicoeur delighted in his fictional counterpart; on the author's death in 1991 wrote: 'I was grateful to [Graham] Greene to have enhanced my legend to such an extent that some fans kneel at my feet.' The hotel staff nicknamed Jolicoeur 'Jolifleur' – pretty flower (his full name actually translated as Littledawn Prettyheart). Dapper in a white linen suit and paisley ascot, Jolicoeur was inseparable from the hotel's history. In 1990 I proposed marriage in the Oloffson, going down on two knees to Laura after a burst of gunfire outside startled me. Thirty–five years on, we're still married. The Oloffson had survived military coups, dictatorships and earthquakes. Now it has gone, and Haiti is plainly ungovernable.
Boston Globe
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Boston's Age Strong Commission expands senior programming
Among the enthusiastic attendees was Diane Giacalone, 80, who frequents the weekly programming with her two close friends, Mimi Largey Lyons, 78, and Linda Santamaria, 76. 'The Three Amigos,' Giacalone calls them. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The longtime friends, who live in the neighborhood, participate in the programming any chance they get, with some of their favorites being Broadway dancing class and aerobics. They began attending events after the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to get out of the house and physically strengthen themselves, as well as strengthen their minds and foster new friendships. They all agree: The programming is 'life changing.' Boston's Advertisement Demand has been high, and since January, five new satellite locations for seniors opened at community centers to help meet it. The extra day of programming at the Elks Lodge , adding Wednesdays to their previous Tuesday/Thursday schedule, is the final satellite expansion the commission has planned for this year. It is in partnership with Wu was at the Elks Lodge to help kick off the celebration, as were Age Strong's commissioner, Emily Shea, City Councilors Benjamin Weber and Erin Murphy, state Representatives Rob Consalvo and William McGregor, and state Senator Michael Rush. 'For Boston to be a home for everyone, it needs to be a home for every generation,' Wu told a Globe reporter after her speech to the West Roxbury seniors. Mayor Michelle Wu has her picture made with daughter Mira and Age Strong programming attendee Corinne Balsamo. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff In her Offerings at each location, Shea said, are designed for a neighborhood's specific needs, whether that be activities in Spanish and Creole or simply more frequent activities. 'It's so important because each neighborhood is so different,' Shea said. The commission hosts a variety of drop-in classes throughout the week at these new locations. Participants can enjoy physical activities such as chair yoga and ballroom dancing, and creative activities such as watercolor painting and jewelry making. Participants just looking for good conversation and company can enjoy snacks, coffee, and board games throughout the day. Advertisement The programming also includes classes with field trips. One of Lyons's favorite memories is of a rowing class she and her two friends took together, which ended with an excursion: rowing on the Charles River. 'It's something I always wanted to do,' Lyons said. Corinne Balsamo joins the gentle pilates class. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff Shea cites Age Strong's programming as one the city's efforts to decrease social isolation in its elderly population. The 'It's healing in mind, body, and spirit,' Giacalone said. She described how the regular group at the Elks Lodge looks out for one another, from celebrating birthdays to checking on friends who have missed a few classes to helping those who can no longer attend. 'The place is beyond friendship,' Lyons chimed in. 'It's family.' Isabella Bernstein can be reached at
New York Post
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
The Yacht Club is NYC's restaurant of the summer
Summer isn't over yet — and the restaurant of the season has just set sail. The maritime-mad Crew restaurant group has just launched the Yacht Club on the tenth floor of the mighty Starrett-Lehigh Building, which overlooks the Hudson River. 7 The Yacht Club offers fantastic views. EMMY PARK The 20,000 square-foot restaurant is easily the most elaborate venue from Crew's captains, the brothers Alex, 49, and Miles Pincus, 46. Most of their ten other Big Apple cafes and bars are open-air — either in the water, like the insanely popular Grand Banks oyster boat in Tribeca, or at river-fronting locations like Island Oyster on Governors Island. (Small, underground Holywater in Tribeca is the only landlocked venue.) While the Yacht Club has abundant outdoor space on two levels, it also boasts a 5,000-square-foot main dining room indoors — and Crew's most ambitious menu to date. Although Manhattan's Hudson River waterfront has more than a few open-air cafes and watering holes, none can challenge Yacht Club's scale. 7 The restaurant has a huge amount of space both indoors and out. EMMY PARK 'I'd say we're healthily anxious and also excited' about the new direction, Alex Pincus told me with a laugh. Ths Yacht Club made a splash with boldfacers, including Christopher Meloni and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and a slew of creative types and influencers at a party last week. It opened to the public Monday night, adding a 'cool factor' to Starrett-Lehigh, a landmarked, streamlined-style, 1930s monolith between Eleventh and Twelfth Avenues. The horizontal skyscraper contains more than two million square feet of offices — it's home to the headquarters of Ralph Lauren and serves as a base for New York Fashion Week — but it didn't have much for the general public, save for Marcus Samuelsson's Hav + Mar restaurant on the Eleventh Avenue side. 7 The Lobster Frites ($65) is topped with panko breadcrumbs and Creole butter. EMMY PARK 7 The Lobster Roll ($55) can be topped with caviar for an additional $45. EMMY PARK The Yacht Club changes that at a stroke. Its views of the river, the Downtown Manhattan skyline and the New Jersey coast are worth the trip alone. It's especially stirring at twilight when the setting sun alights the High Line buildings and towering One World Trade Center with shifting shades of silver and gold. Alex, an architect by training, designed the comfortable dining room in collaboration with Eric Cheon of North 45 Project. Large circular booths in nautical blue, buoy-like columns and panoramic windows make a suitable setting for a seafood-focused lineup of sustainable species including sweet 'Sailor Baby' oysters — named for Alex's young son and custom-grown by oyster wizard Will Peckham in Peconic Bay. I enjoyed skillfully seared Montauk tilefish ($38), honey- and herb-inflected crawfish sausage en croute ($19) that resembled pigs in blankets, and sensationally sweet-and-spicy oysters chargrilled with Creole butter and Parmesan cheese ($21). 7 Tilefish ($38) is skillfully seared. EMMY PARK 7 The '3 Coasts' seafood tower ($95) features an assortment of oysters and Louisiana crawfish sausage. EMMY PARK The alfresco Lido Deck boasts cute mini-cabanas and lawn chairs and serves a more simple menu. A second outdoor level is set to open in September. If the setting isn't intoxicating enough, a cocktail menu by beverage director and sommelier Anthony Gochal will do the trick with colorful martinis, negronis and tropical libations. Sailor, Alex's third child, is now almost two-years-old. He was born twenty-four hours before dad and Miles pitched their concept to Starrett-Lehigh owner RXR, which wanted to bring public energy to the tenth floor. 'It was a busy few days,' Alex said with a chuckle. 7 The restaurant is part of Chelsea's Starrett-Lehigh Building. EMMY PARK From that point on, RXR 'worked very fast to build the venue,' which the brothers operate under a management agreement. Since its founding in 2014, Crew has become a force on the New York food scene, with 1,000 seats, 550 employees and a dominant role in maritime-themed dining. Kerry Heffernan, a former chef at Eleven Madison Park, has served as the culinary director for ten years, while Andres Grundy, an alumnus of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon and Raoul's, runs the kitchen at the Yacht Club. Alex said, 'For years we've worked out of the galleys of historic ships. Now, with a world-class kitchen and a proper dining room, we have the tools to create food people truly celebrate, ten stories above sea level.'
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Weeks after mass shooting, Artis Restaurant and Lounge permanently closes
Owners of the queer and women-owned Artis Restaurant and Lounge in Chicago's River North neighborhood said the decision to reopen or shut down for good following a mass shooting outside its doors earlier this month had nothing to do with public pressure or political hostility. 'I'm a mom and I'm a wife, and this is the second time that I have dodged gunfire this year,' said Brandi Artis, chef and co-owner of Artis. While Brandi and her wife, Brittany Artis, were on vacation in Puerto Rico earlier this year, she said they had to run and take cover from shots fired while out at a dinner. 'I got to go home to my kids twice this year. I couldn't have been that lucky.' The Creole restaurant was temporarily closed after the July 2 shooting that Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling described as a moment of sheer horror. According to police reports, a dark vehicle drove past Artis at 311 W. Chicago Ave. at about 11 p.m. during an album release party for local drill rapper Mello Buckzz. Three people inside the car fired shots into a crowd on the sidewalk, police said. The car fled the scene, but the attackers shot 18 people in just a few seconds, killing four. In November 2022, one person was killed and three others were wounded in a mass shooting at Hush Lounge Nightclub — which occupied the location before Artis opened. The city temporarily closed Hush after that shooting and also revoked its licenses, which eventually led to Hush's closure. Following the July 2 shooting, Ald. Brendan Reilly, whose 42nd Ward includes Artis, called for the permanent closure of the space, pointing to a history of violence at the location and accusing the owners of misleading city officials. His comments circulated on social media quickly, with many calling it racist rhetoric. 'Despite early assurances from the new restaurant owner that this venue would support local artisans, foster inclusivity and serve as a hub for connection, creativity and joy — the owners decided to turn over their venue to promote a new rap album release,' Reilly said in a statement on July 3. 'It is clear the new operators were dishonest with the City about their plans for the venue and have now contributed to a devastating act of violence — just weeks after opening as a BYOB 'restaurant.'' Erica Wright, a close friend of the Artises for over two decades, criticized Reilly's comments in the days following the shooting, citing an interview with WMAQ-Ch. 5 Chicago, in which Reilly said Artis' owners bore some responsibility for the shooting by 'hosting an album release party for a local rapper on the Southeast Side who had rivals.' 'It just goes into the continued criminalization of Black people, as if we're a monolith of one particular type of people,' Wright said. Reilly did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Artis, which opened April 10, was designed to fuse Creole, soul and American food with a mission to create an inclusive space for Chicago's LGBTQ community. 'Artis brings in doctors, lawyers, therapists, engineers, postal workers, sanitation workers, entertainers and maybe someone who is unemployed — it's a space for people,' Wright said. Before opening Artis, Brandi worked in kitchens across the South and West sides and launched Simply Delicious Bartending and Catering and La Chica Bonita — a taco pop-up that took off at Nobody's Darling, Little Bureau Bar and the now-closed Tantrum nightclub. Brandi and Brittany also competed on the Food Network's 16th season of 'The Great Food Truck Race' in 2023. Brandi said she hasn't gone back to the storefront since the night of the shooting, when she and her wife were behind the bar. 'The space protected us that evening, but the space was no longer for us,' she said. 'It's not something you're OK with. It's not something you just pick up and you say, 'OK, let's just keep moving.' … I wasn't OK with opening the doors again.' Brandi, who is Black, Puerto Rican and Lebanese, moved to Chicago after her family felt unsafe raising their young children in their hometown in Missouri. She said she left to 'find freedom' because of a shift in constitutional laws such as Roe v. Wade and troubling discourse around LGBTQIA rights. 'It just definitely makes us realize that sometimes we can try to create a safe space and place, but it doesn't mean that we're wanted where we are, so I'm going to look for a place where I am celebrated and not just tolerated,' Brandi said. She said she feels the same way about closing Artis. 'My mother taught me that a long time ago — go somewhere and be somewhere where people love you. So I will look for a space that loves me. I will look for a place that I love and a place that will be loved by other people.' A GoFundMe to help the couple pay for expenses while the restaurant was closed has shifted its goal 'toward the rebuilding of another future for Chef Brandi and Dr. Brittany Artis.' As of Tuesday, the campaign had raised more than $4,400 of its $80,000 goal. Artis' website and Instagram account will remain active as Brandi and Brittany continue their catering program. The seasonings and sauces used in the restaurant will also be available to purchase soon. Brandi said walking away from the restaurant meant they lost all of their investments, including their deposit. She hopes the GoFundMe will help as they plan their next move. And they hope the next space will be a 'safe place that serves people.' 'Right now, we're just going to spend the last part of this year watching our kids go to school and see what our lives look like a little bit after just healing from the trauma of what we went through as business owners, as women, as mothers and as people,' Brandi said.
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
COOLinary Extravaganza In New Orleans
Last Updated: COOLinary New Orleans event puts a spotlight on the city's vibrant food scene offering multi-course, prix-fixe meals at celebrated restaurants across town In New Orleans, food is more than just a culinary pleasure; it reflects the city's rich history and evolving culture. From beloved local favourites like beignets and gumbo to globally inspired dishes served at iconic restaurants; the city offers an unforgettable dining experience at every turn. COOLinary New Orleans event puts a spotlight on the city's vibrant food scene offering multi-course, prix-fixe meals at celebrated restaurants across town. This month-long event is the best time to explore the flavours of the city, reaffirming New Orleans as a top destination for food lovers everywhere. Experience mouth-watering menus at the following participating New Orleans restaurants all August. Antoine's Restaurant – Antoine's in the French Quarter offers traditional French Creole fare, as well as updated classics, in its beautiful and historic restaurant setting and 14 private dining rooms. Arnaud's Restaurant – Classic Creole cuisine with a charming French Quarter ambience featuring the traditional nostalgic main dining room or the lively jazz bistro with a strolling jazz trio. Experience the unique Mardi Gras Museum and James Beard-winning French 75 Bar. Atchafalaya Restaurant – Atchafalaya is known as an establishment that embraces New Orleans culinary traditions while pushing boundaries with innovative food and a smart cocktail menu. Brennan's – For nearly seven decades, Brennan's has charmed the palates and hearts of patrons with its splendid ambience, impeccable service, and authentic Creole cuisine. Masterful dishes like Bananas Foster and Eggs Hussarde are Brennan's originals, and the restaurant today is a dazzling display of New Orleans's illustrious past persevering in the present. Brigtsen's Restaurant Brigtsen's offers modern Creole/Acadian cuisine served in a charming Victorian cottage by owners Frank and Marna Brigtsen. Commander's Palace Restaurant The quintessential New Orleans dining experience loved by locals and visitors alike, and recognised with James Beard awards for food and service, and Wine Spectator's Grand Award, is a testament to Southern hospitality. Criollo Restaurant & Lounge Criollo is the Spanish word for Creole, and true to its name, Criollo presents an amalgamation of Spanish, Italian, French, Caribbean, and African cuisines. Fresh, local produce and a seasonal menu reflect an appreciation for contemporary culinary tastes. Crescent City Steaks is one of the best steak houses in the city, serving a wide selection of delicious, well-prepared steaks. Their bacon-wrapped filet is a must for meat-lovers alike. Charlie's Steak House Located in uptown New Orleans, Charlie's is the oldest steak house in New Orleans, serving sizzling steaks since 1932. Cafe Normandie Café Normandie captures the national affinity for French culture sparked by WWII by preparing French-influenced cuisine in the beautiful space of the Higgins Hotel. Gautreau's Restaurant An upscale restaurant nestled in the heart of Uptown offering delicious French-Contemporary cuisine with favourites including Duck Confit, sautéed Red Snapper, and roasted duck and a changing, innovative wine list. GW Fins New Orleans premier, upscale seafood destination and locally owned, James Beard-nominated GW Fins is nationally celebrated for serving only the most pristine seafood at its seasonal peak with a menu that changes daily, created by acclaimed Executive Chef Michael Nelson. Operating since 1992, Chef Greg Sonnier, a 2004 James Beard finalist, serves Louisiana Cajun and Creole-inspired cuisine at this fine dining neighbourhood restaurant. La Boca Steakhouse Independently owned New Orleans steakhouse inspired by the 'parilladas" of Argentina, La Boca offers the largest variety of cuts in the city. The wine list is purely Argentine and offers the widest selection of the best wines of that region. Lemoyne's Landing- Enjoy good food with a view of the river in the backdrop of oldies, pop, and dance music at Lemoyne's Landing. Nobu-Caesars New Orleans- Nobu is a universally celebrated Japanese restaurant recognised for pioneering a new style of Japanese cuisine. The menu features Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's signature dishes, such as the Black Cod Miso and Rock Shrimp Tempura, as well as other unique dishes. Origen Bistro, LLC- Origen Bistro is an upscale Venezuelan cuisine in Bywater, serving fine wine, cocktails, and innovative creations by Chef Julio Machado in a warm atmosphere. Osteria Lupo- Osteria Lupo showcases Northern Italian cuisine with a variety of house-made pastas, roasted meats and vegetables from the wood-fired oven, seafood, and other regional specialities. Pigeon & Whale- P&W is a cocktail and oyster bar boasting the largest selection of oysters and caviar in New Orleans, unique takes on Coastal flavours, and craft cocktails focusing on Negronis. Rib Room- Located in the Omni Royal Orleans hotel in the heart of the French Quarter, Rib Room blends tradition and relevance, offering a fine dining experience for more than 60 years. Ralph's On the Park- Recognised by Bon Appetit, New York Times and the Washington Post for fine cuisine, Ralph's on the Park offers food fresh from local farms and waters, along with spectacular views of City Park's moss-draped oaks. Rizzuto's Prime- Rizzuto's Prime, located inside the New Orleans Hyatt Regency Hotel, offers an elegant private event space ideal for small gatherings up to 180 guests for a seated dinner or 250 guests for a reception-style event. Specialising in premium seafood, steaks, and classic Italian cuisine, Rizzuto's Prime delivers a sophisticated dining experience in the heart of New Orleans. San Lorenzo & Paradise Lounge- Hotel Saint Vincent's signature all-day restaurant, named for the patron saint of cooks, is an ode to coastal Italian cooking with regional New Orleans influences. The timeless design is grand, with lush modern touches and outdoor seating. Paradise Lounge, the hotel's lobby bar, is an airy and sun-drenched space (with an outdoor porch patio) open to guests looking for an all-day destination with coffee, cocktails, and food. The Elysian Bar- Located in the city's Marigny neighbourhood within a renovated rectory, church and courtyard of Hotel Peter & Paul, The Elysian Bar is a beautiful public space, bar and restaurant for those who are looking to have an exceptional dining experience. The familiar yet elevated menu paired with a completely domestic wine list and a large menu of aperitivo and classic cocktails invites guests in for the perfect meal. The Pelican Club- Chef Richard Hughes offers a rich legacy of Louisiana cuisine with contemporary preparations of the finest fresh ingredients, including Gulf shrimp, Maine lobster, and Black Angus steaks in a clubby townhouse with paintings by local artists. top videos View all Tujague's Restaurant- The second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans, operating for more than 160 years, Tujague's has retained its reputation for providing an unforgettable dining experience. Zasu- In Mid-City, Chef Sue Zemanick's Zasu (James Beard Award-Best Chef: South 2013) explores new ways to inspire traditional favourites, creating a dining experience that is clean and light, but rich in experience. About the Author Lifestyle Desk Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, More The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 21, 2025, 20:59 IST News lifestyle » travel COOLinary Extravaganza In New Orleans Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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