Latest news with #SquareDiner
Eater
12-08-2025
- Eater
After Community Push, Square Diner Server Will Be Released Following Two-Month ICE Detainment
is the lead editor of the Northeast region with more than 20 years of experience as a reporter, critic, editor, and cookbook author. Luis Fernandez, a longtime server at Tribeca's Square Diner, is expected to go home within a day after a judge ordered his release from ICE custody on Monday, August 11. The decision follows weeks of organizing by neighbors, regulars, and coworkers who believe the arrest never should have happened. Fernandez, originally from Ecuador, has lived in New York for over 35 years and has green-card status; he currently lives in Queens, is married, and has two children. For over seven years, he has been a familiar face behind the counter at the 100-year-old Square Diner (33 Leonard Street, at Varick Street), until he was detained on June 24 after checking in on his pending asylum application on Long Island. ICE confirmed the arrest in a statement to the Tribeca Citizen in July. After Fernandez, 50, was detained in late June, according to the Tribeca Tribune, he went from 26 Federal Plaza to New Jersey to Maryland and finally to the IAH Polk Adult Detention Facility in Livingston, Texas. In the NYC facility, Fernandez says he was fed a bagel, a bottle of water, and a chocolate chip cookie each day, according to colleagues who kept in touch. From the start, the community moved quickly to rally behind him. Kris Brown, a 25-year Tribeca resident who lives on the same block as the Square Diner, wrote a letter to ICE shortly after Fernandez was detained. 'After sharing [it] with a neighbor and friend, Winsome Brown [no relation], she posted it on her Instagram account, which went viral within a few days [and got] almost 200,000 views,' Brown tells Eater over email. That attention, Brown says, 'led to additional attention to Luis's situation, outreach by the local Tribeca press … [and] a reach-out by my neighbor and a fellow lawyer Claude Millman, who I helped put in touch with Luis's friend and Square Diner coworker Irma Fernando.' Through Fernando, Brown was connected with Fernandez's daughter Liset, and helped coordinate with the legal team ahead of a July 30 virtual status hearing. In the interim, 'We were able to be in touch with Luis via Liset to impress upon him the need to ask for a bond hearing … and to let the judge know that he was represented by counsel and had the money to post a bond, as well as remind the judge that he had a previously scheduled amnesty application pending,' say Brown. Tribeca Citizen reports that, at Monday's bond hearing in Livingston, Texas, senior attorney Carl Relles represented Fernandez, after first-year associate Pam Rosero prepared the motion and supporting documents. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Fernando with help from Brown and Millman raised more than $21,000 — enough to cover Fernandez's $5,000 bond, legal fees, and other expenses, according to Tribeca Citizen. The bond amount was lower than the $10,000 figure that's typical in similar cases. Nationwide, according to a study from the Center for Migration Studies released in 2024, as many as 8.3 million undocumented immigrants work in the U.S. economy, representing 5.2 percent of the workforce. Of those, around a million people or more work in restaurants. For many in the neighborhood, Fernandez's release is a win not just for him, but for a tight-knit community that refused to stand by. 'While Luis's record is not perfect,' Brown says, 'his transgressions occurred long ago, and since then, he has been an outstanding neighbor, worker, and father.' In addition, Fernandez's next court date related to his previously scheduled amnesty application is scheduled for January 30, 2026. Until then, regulars are looking forward to having him back pouring coffee and trading stories at the Square Diner's counter — the same spot where his neighbors first rallied to bring him home.
Eater
10-07-2025
- Eater
Tribeca Diner Patrons Lobby on Behalf of Server Detained by ICE
is the lead editor of the Northeast region with more than 20 years of experience as a reporter, critic, editor, and cookbook author. A server of seven years at the 100-year-old Square Diner (33 Leonard Street, at Varick Street) was deported by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to an immigration detention center in Livingston, Texas. Originally from Ecuador, the New York resident for 35 years – and an employee of the essential lower Manhattan establishment for seven – has green card status. The restaurant's regulars, employees, and the man's family are clamoring for his release from internment and return to New York. After Luis Fernandez, 50, was detained in late June, according to the publication, Tribeca Tribune, he went from 26 Federal Plaza to New Jersey to Maryland and finally to the IAH Secure Adult Detention Facility in Texas. A manager of Square Diner who spoke to Fernandez says they think there's a chance he'll be sent home 'next week.' An employee from Square Diner told Eater on Thursday that they have not heard any updates. It's unclear why Fernandez was detained and whether Fernandez was detained at his workplace or an immigration office on Long Island. Fernandez has secured a lawyer, his family told the publication. Advocates have also been working on his behalf. Tribeca resident and lawyer Kristopher Brown wrote a letter on June 30 to the ICE office at 25 Federal Plaza in which he says that Fernandez 'was trying to abide by all U.S. laws, and asks for his release from custody 'as soon as possible,' noting that 'Luis is a beloved figure in our neighborhood, well known to our small community and always helpful and encouraging to patrons, neighbors, and others.' The letter notes that Fernandez was in the process of getting his green card renewed. Another Tribeca resident posted Brown's letter on Instagram and cited a server in Kennett, Missouri, who was arrested at the restaurant where she worked as well. 'I encourage anyone who's seeing this post to read it. I hope @tribecatrib and @tribecacitizen can amplify the story so that we New Yorkers can protect our friends and neighbors the way the citizens of Kennett, Missouri protected Carol.' She returned home weeks later. Fernandez is a father and 'has a golden heart,' a diner manager, Fernando Santos, told the Tribeca Tribune. Fernandez spent three days and nights at 26 Federal Plaza and was fed a bagel, a bottle of water, and a chocolate chip cookie each day, according to colleagues who've kept in touch. 'Nothing else,' said Santos, who has spoken to Fernandez briefly. Detainees allegedly slept on the floor. Earlier this week, Gothamist reported that immigrants in the holding center 'complained of being unable to bathe or change clothes,' and that the space is often 'standing room only.' DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Gothamist in a statement that the claims regarding 25 Federal Plaza were false. 'All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers.' When Tribeca Tribune reached out regarding Fernandez's status, 'an ICE media officer sent an email to say that a response to questions regarding Fernandez's arrest and detention will be forthcoming.' The Texas facility said it doesn't provide information about inmates to reporters. Nationwide, according to a study from CMS released in 2024, as many as 8.3 million undocumented immigrants work in the U.S. economy, representing 5.2 percent of the workforce. Of those, around a million people or more work in restaurants. Fernandez's arrest follows an uptick in ICE raids that will become even more commonplace following the bill signed into law last week that U.S. Congress passed allocating around $170 billion for immigration enforcement along with $75 billion in additional funding for ICE, making it by far the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the federal government. Earlier this year, a Newark fish market was raided by ICE. Groups have created crowd-sourced maps such as one to report ICE sightings, and many organizations are working to educate people about what restaurant owners and workers can do to protect themselves from immigration raids. Eater NY All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What was Manhattan like in the Roaring Twenties? See for yourself
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). It's been a century since The Great Gatsby was first published, shining a light on extravagant New York lifestyles in an era that went down in history as the 'Roaring Twenties'. It was the decade that paved the way for Manhattan's Chrysler Building and other progressive style icons, creating an anything-goes atmosphere for jazz-fuelled parties, Champagne afternoons and secret affairs in Prohibition speakeasies. And, 100 years later, it's still possible to experience this defining spirit in one ultimate day out in New York City. (It's the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby and New York is ready to party, old sport.) Time travel back to 1922 with a hearty breakfast at the Square Diner, an original train-car-style cafe that's been serving the Tribeca community for over a century. Inside you'll find antique black-and-white photos decorating the wood-panelled walls, weathered chrome fittings and snug leather booths. The breakfast menu is extensive; try the fluffy buttermilk pancakes, flipped fresh from the hot griddle. Ride the subway north to the Rockefeller Center, an art deco complex in Midtown that's considered one of the most ambitious building projects of the Great Depression era. It's made up of 19 different sections, spanning an area between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and split by a sunken garden square. You'll need a paid ticket to view the spectacular skyline at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, but visitors can also just wander into the lobby of 30 Rock to admire the razzmatazz of gold detailing splashed throughout the interiors. Specialising in clothing from the 1900s to the 1970s, this carefully curated boutique on the Lower East Side is the place to go for glamorous one-of-a-kind gems. Catering to both men and women, its wares include everything from cases of twinkling jewellery to rails filled with sharp suits and flapper dresses — perfect for foxtrotting into a lavish Gatsby-style party, which brims with Champagne and gossip. For over 115 years, The Palm Court restaurant has been serving New York's movers and shakers, including The Great Gatsby author F Scott Fitzgerald and 1930s movie goddess Marlene Dietrich. Cocooned inside the marble grandeur of The Plaza hotel, the interiors remain a masterclass in restrained elegance, taking inspiration from the lush greenery of nearby Central Park. Book ahead for the afternoon tea service, where dinky roast beef sandwiches and freshly baked scones are served under a glass-dome ceiling. Swing by the soaring Chrysler Building, one of New York's most beloved art deco skyscrapers, in midtown Manhattan. This masterpiece remains the tallest brick building in the world with a steel framework. These days it's a private office building, but fans are allowed to take a peek inside the lobby to view the original interiors, including geometric patterned elevators and a vast ceiling mural by the artist Edward Turnbull, depicting the flat-capped workers who constructed the skyscraper. Less than a mile south of the Chrysler, the iconic Empire State Building is another art deco beauty. Completed in 1931, it's since been immortalised in pop culture, with a starring role in movies such as King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle. Today, at the base of the building you'll find the swanky State Grill and Bar bistro, known for its burgers and steaks. Buy a dine-and-observatory package, to eat at the restaurant before being whizzed up to the observatory deck on the 86th floor to catch the glowing sunset. Hidden in plain sight, The Campbell Bar is situated inside Grand Central Terminal. In the 1920s it served as the glittering offices of the Jazz Age financier John W Campbell. Later, it fell from grace and became a railroad jail, of sorts, before being restored to its former Beaux Arts architectural glory. Take a seat in the cocktail lounge to gaze up at the hand-painted Florentine–inspired ceiling. Toe-tapping live jazz sets are hosted from Friday to Sunday. It's certainly not easy to find the entrance to this clandestine hideaway. You'll first need to follow the signs for 'Lower East Side Toy Company', then continue along an alleyway and down a hush-hush flight of stairs. But that's the charm of the Back Room, one of only two speakeasies that operated during Prohibition, which are still in existence today. In the 1920s the underbelly of New York mingled here, including notorious gangsters of the era, but today it's a hip hangout with gin and elderflower cocktails served in dainty teacups. Pull up a chair and let the Jazz Age party begin. Published in the USA guide, available with the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
What was Manhattan like in the Roaring Twenties? See for yourself
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). It's been a century since The Great Gatsby was first published, shining a light on extravagant New York lifestyles in an era that went down in history as the 'Roaring Twenties'. It was the decade that paved the way for Manhattan's Chrysler Building and other progressive style icons, creating an anything-goes atmosphere for jazz-fuelled parties, Champagne afternoons and secret affairs in Prohibition speakeasies. And, 100 years later, it's still possible to experience this defining spirit in one ultimate day out in New York City. (It's the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby and New York is ready to party, old sport.) 8am: Breakfast at the Square Diner Time travel back to 1922 with a hearty breakfast at the Square Diner, an original train-car-style cafe that's been serving the Tribeca community for over a century. Inside you'll find antique black-and-white photos decorating the wood-panelled walls, weathered chrome fittings and snug leather booths. The breakfast menu is extensive; try the fluffy buttermilk pancakes, flipped fresh from the hot griddle. 10am: Explore the Rockefeller Center Ride the subway north to the Rockefeller Center, an art deco complex in Midtown that's considered one of the most ambitious building projects of the Great Depression era. It's made up of 19 different sections, spanning an area between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and split by a sunken garden square. You'll need a paid ticket to view the spectacular skyline at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, but visitors can also just wander into the lobby of 30 Rock to admire the razzmatazz of gold detailing splashed throughout the interiors. 12pm: Glad rags at Desert Vintage Specialising in clothing from the 1900s to the 1970s, this carefully curated boutique on the Lower East Side is the place to go for glamorous one-of-a-kind gems. Catering to both men and women, its wares include everything from cases of twinkling jewellery to rails filled with sharp suits and flapper dresses — perfect for foxtrotting into a lavish Gatsby-style party, which brims with Champagne and gossip. For over 100 years, The Plaza hotel's Palm Court has been serving NYC's stylish diners, including F Scott Fitzgerald. Photograph by Patti McConville, Alamy 2pm: Afternoon tea at the Palm Court For over 115 years, The Palm Court restaurant has been serving New York's movers and shakers, including The Great Gatsby author F Scott Fitzgerald and 1930s movie goddess Marlene Dietrich. Cocooned inside the marble grandeur of The Plaza hotel, the interiors remain a masterclass in restrained elegance, taking inspiration from the lush greenery of nearby Central Park. Book ahead for the afternoon tea service, where dinky roast beef sandwiches and freshly baked scones are served under a glass-dome ceiling. 4pm: Visit the Chrysler Building Swing by the soaring Chrysler Building, one of New York's most beloved art deco skyscrapers, in midtown Manhattan. This masterpiece remains the tallest brick building in the world with a steel framework. These days it's a private office building, but fans are allowed to take a peek inside the lobby to view the original interiors, including geometric patterned elevators and a vast ceiling mural by the artist Edward Turnbull, depicting the flat-capped workers who constructed the skyscraper. Rockefeller's Top of the Rock deck gives a prime view of several New York City landmarks, including the Empire State Building. Photograph by Jon Arnold, AWL Images 6pm: Sunset supper at the Empire State Building Less than a mile south of the Chrysler, the iconic Empire State Building is another art deco beauty. Completed in 1931, it's since been immortalised in pop culture, with a starring role in movies such as King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle. Today, at the base of the building you'll find the swanky State Grill and Bar bistro, known for its burgers and steaks. Buy a dine-and-observatory package, to eat at the restaurant before being whizzed up to the observatory deck on the 86th floor to catch the glowing sunset. 9pm: Catch live Jazz at the Campbell Bar Hidden in plain sight, The Campbell Bar is situated inside Grand Central Terminal. In the 1920s it served as the glittering offices of the Jazz Age financier John W Campbell. Later, it fell from grace and became a railroad jail, of sorts, before being restored to its former Beaux Arts architectural glory. Take a seat in the cocktail lounge to gaze up at the hand-painted Florentine–inspired ceiling. Toe-tapping live jazz sets are hosted from Friday to Sunday. 10pm: Drink cocktails in teacups at the Back Room speakeasy It's certainly not easy to find the entrance to this clandestine hideaway. You'll first need to follow the signs for 'Lower East Side Toy Company', then continue along an alleyway and down a hush-hush flight of stairs. But that's the charm of the Back Room, one of only two speakeasies that operated during Prohibition, which are still in existence today. In the 1920s the underbelly of New York mingled here, including notorious gangsters of the era, but today it's a hip hangout with gin and elderflower cocktails served in dainty teacups. Pull up a chair and let the Jazz Age party begin. National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click Published in the USA guide, available with the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of(UK).To subscribe to(UK) magazine click here . (Available in select countries only).
