NYC ♥ NYC

"Crossing Lines: The Many Faces of Fiber" - Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Textile Study Group of New York

2012-01-29T06:23:00.000-08:00

The Textile Study Group of New York presents an exhibit called “Crossing Lines – The Many Faces of Fiber” at the World Financial Center Courtyard Gallery in Lower Manhattan. Pictured above are some of the beautiful fiber artworks on display at the gallery. The free exhibit runs through February 19.

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration at the World Financial Center

2012-01-28T20:09:00.000-08:00

Earlier today, the New York Chinese Cultural Center sponsored the Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration at the World Financial Center. Several gravity-defying acrobatics, folk dances, lion dance, and festive musical ensembles were featured in the celebration. Prior to the program, young audiences learned traditional techniques of paper cutting, dough figurines, face painting and calligraphy.

Collision of Culture: Mounir Fatmi's "Maximum Sensation"

2012-01-20T02:28:00.000-08:00

Maximum Sensation is an art installation at the Brooklyn Museum of Art that uses 50 skateboards on the floor, each covered with a patchwork of Islamic prayer rugs. It refers to cultural hybridity and collision of the Muslim act of prayer and skateboard culture. Created by Moroccan born artist, Mounir Fatmi, the installation reflects Fatmi's experience of being raised in a Moroccan Muslim family and then living in the western context of contemporary France.

At the Stagedoor: Three-time Emmy Winner, BEAU BRIDGES, Star of "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying"

2012-01-19T03:38:00.000-08:00

Beau Bridges has returned to Broadway as J.B. Biggley in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." He first appeared on Broadway in "Where's Daddy?" in 1966. He is the son of Lloyd Bridges and brother of Jeff Bridges, his co-star in the 1989 film, "The Fabulous Baker Boys." He has a featured role in the film, "The Descendants," this year's Golden Globe Award winner for Best Motion Picture - Drama. These photos were taken at the stagedoor of the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 West 45th Street where he greeted fans and signed autographs last January 8 after a performance.

Dama a Caballo V by Manolo Valdés

2012-01-16T20:21:00.000-08:00

Dama a Caballo V is a unique bronze sculpture created by Spanish artist, Manolo Valdés in 2008. It has been installed in front of 900 Park Avenue and will be on view through 2014. Valdés’ iconic sculpture Dama a caballo V was inspired by the mid-seventeenth century equestrian portraits by Diego Velázquez, particularly that of Isabel de Borbón, the Queen of Spain from 1621-1644. The imagery of the equestrian portrait is a theme Valdés has recently begun addressing in both his three dimensional works and paintings. In this sculpture Valdés creates a roughly textured, unfinished appearance with the bronze, evoking the unrefined materials of “primitive” art, yet still manages to impart the regality of the subject. (Sculpture description from http://www.marlboroughgallery.com/news/monumental-valds-sculpture-to-be-installed-at-900-park-avenue)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Opens its New American Wing Galleries

2012-01-15T14:00:00.000-08:00

"Washington Crossing the Delaware" by Emanuel Leutze

"Abraham Lincoln: The Man (Standing Lincoln)" by Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907)

"Banks of the Loing" by William Picknell

"Young Mother Sewing" by Mary Cassatt

"Fleur de Lis" by Robert Reid

"Central Park, Winter" by William Glackens

The Metropolitan Museum of Art will publicly open its newly renovated New American Wing Galleries for Paintings, Sculpture and Decorative Arts tomorrow, January 16. Member previews take place from January 13-15. The galleries have been expanded and reconceived, showcasing the history of American art from the 18th through the early 20th century. Prominently featured in the gallery is Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze’s restored “Washington Crossing the Delaware.” Painted in Germany in 1851, “Crossing” is in a new gilded frame created to match the original (which was lost in the 19th century,) according to curator Elizabeth Mankin Kornhauser.

The 26 galleries cover 30,000 square feet (3,300 square feet more then before the renovation,) and are now displayed by chronological topics including Faces of the Young Republic, the Hudson River School, Civil War Era, The West and American Impressionism.

Works by Gilbert Stuart, Frederic Edwin Church, Thomas Cole, John Singleton Copley, Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins, William Glackens, Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent are included.

Lecture by LUCIEN CLERGUE, French Photographer and Friend of Picasso at the Throckmorton Fine Art

2012-01-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

Lucien Clergue answering questions after his lecture

Clergue signing his book for Thomas F. Knapp, fine art consultant and appraiser

"Andree in New York" 1987 by Lucien Clergue, Cibachrome. Image is a photograph of the postcard used for the Opening Reception Invitation

"Quatre Nus dares La Cite, New School, NYC" 1983 by Lucien Clergue. Gelatin silver print. Image is a photograph of the postcard used for the Lecture invitation

French photographer and artist LUCIEN CLERGUE gave a lecture today at the Throckmorton Fine Art Gallery at 145 East 57th Street in midtown Manhattan. The 78-year old long-time friend of Pablo Picasso shared his experiences in America as a photographer. His work is now on exhibit at the Throckmorton Fine Art. The exhibition called "Clergue in America" runs from January 12 - March 3, 2012. The exhibit showcases Clergue's impressive sights of the United States and the raw beauty of the human form. He also signed copies of his new book called "Clergue in America."

TODAY SHOW, America's Favorite Morning TV Program Turns 60

2012-01-13T11:08:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Today is the 60th anniversary of the TODAY SHOW on NBC. It was on January 13, 1952 that Dave Garroway kicked off the very first "Today" episode, and the show has never left. It is now the fifth-longest-running American television show of all time. In today's program, Today's past anchors gathered including Hugh Downs, Barbara Walters, Jim Hartz, Tom Brokaw, Jane Pauley, Bryant Gumbel, Willard Scott, Deborah Norville, Katie Couric, and Meredith Vieira all gathered in Studio 1A to share their stories. "I look at 60 years as a major accomplishment, something we'll be able to tell our children about," current host Matt Lauer said in a video recap of Today's legacy. And to drive home just how much has been accomplished -- and how things have changed -- over that six-decade span, the show's anchors, both past and present, gathered to reminisce about their Today experiences." Several former Today Girls also joined the broadcast, including Florence Henderson, Estelle Parsons, Lee Meriwether, Robbin Bain Gaudieri and Beryl Pfizer. Pictured above are scenes from this morning's show including shot-through-the-glass photos of past Today show anchors.

Theatre District's 45th Street

2012-01-12T17:38:00.000-08:00

One of the most popular attractions in Manhattan is the Broadway Theatre District or more commonly known as Broadway. The theatre district runs from 53rd to 42nd Streets between 6th and 8th Avenues. This is a view of 45th Street at night showing the lights of the Booth, Schoenfeld, Jacobs, Golden and the Al Hirschfeld Theatres.

CANADIAN BRASS, Live at the Apple Store Upper West Side

2012-01-10T19:27:00.000-08:00

Canadian Brass, one of the world’s premier brass ensembles, performed pieces from their new album, “Takes Flight”at the Apple Store Upper West Side earlier this evening. The Canadian Brass is a brass quintet founded by Dr. Charles Daellenbach and Gene Watts in 1970. In addition to maintaining a heavy international touring schedule, the Canadian Brass have recorded over 80 CDs and DVDs. They have commissioned, performed, and recorded hundreds of transcriptions and original works for brass quintet.

At the Stagedoor: Glee's DARREN CRISS, Star of "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" Draws Huge Crowds Outside the Hirschfeld Theatre

2012-01-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

Darren Criss, the breakout star from the Fox television musical series, "Glee" makes his Broadway debut alongside Beau Bridges in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. The Irish-Filipino actor/singer replaced Daniel Radcliffe in the lead role of the corporate climber J. Pierpont Finch for a limited three-week engagement from January 3-22, 2012. The photos above were taken after the matinee performance yesterday at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre stagedoor where he signed autographs. Before leaving the theatre, he also took time to ask his enthusiastic fans to be silent while he spoke briefly to graciously thank them for their support. The Al Hirschfeld Theatre is located at 302 West 45th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.

Amsterdam Billiards and Bar

2012-01-08T03:38:00.000-08:00

Amsterdam Billiards & Bar is New York City's original upscale billiard club. It is located at 110 E. 11th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues. They offer 25 Brunswick pool tables, ping pong tables, darts, foosball, pinball, and beer pong. They currently host the biggest co-ed pool leagues in the country, as well as a dart league and a pinball league. They also offer a great NYC corporate party venue.

Amsterdam Billiards has an extensive beer, wine and liquor selection, a beautiful zinc bar, and a full lunch and dinner menu.

Previously located on the Upper West Side, Amsterdam Billiards was founded in 1989 by comedian David Brenner and brothers, Greg and Ethan Hunt.

Amsterdam Billiards is open every day of the year from 11AM to 3AM Sunday-Thursday and 11AM to 4AM Friday-Saturday.

They take reservations and can accommodate corporate parties, private parties and group events up to 500 people.

FUN FACTS:

Featured in People Magazine, Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.

Featured on the David Letterman Show, Good Morning America, and a brand new show for E!, Kourtney & Kim Take New York.

Rated the 'Best Billiard Club in America' by Billiards Digest, one of the industry's most prestigious publication.

Recently awarded the Best Pool Hall by New York Magazine's Best of New York 2010 Edition.

Home room to the player of the decade, world's #1 professional pool player, Mika Immonen, as well as Tony Robles (BCA Open 9-Ball Champion) and Jennifer Barretta (WPBA Touring Pro).

The visiting room for the Black Widow, Jeanette Lee.

Hosts hundreds of private corporate parties to some of the world's most reputable companies.
(information from the official website)

At the Stagedoor: Four-time Tony Award Winner, Audra McDonald, Star of "Gershwin's Porgy and Bess" on Broadway

2012-01-07T04:16:00.000-08:00

Audra McDonald, four-time Tony Award winning actress and singer stars in the Broadway production of "Gershwin's Porgy and Bess," George and Ira's Gershwin's ground-breaking work, reimagined by director Diane Paulus, musician Dierdre Murray and playwright Suzan-Lori Parks. Also in the cast are Norm Lewis and David Alan Grier. Synopsis (from Playbill.com) - A two-and-a-half hour reworking of George and Ira Gershwin's folk opera about the crippled Porgy and his love for seductress Bess that leads him to a confrontation with her murderous boyfriend, Crown, in 1920's Charleston, SC. Includes classic songs "Summertime," "Bess, You Is My Woman Now," "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'" and "I'm on My Way." Gershwin's Porgy and Bess plays the Richard Rodgers Theatre located at 226 West 46th Street. The photos were taken at the stagedoor after the performance on January 6, 2012.

Mulchfest 2012: Recycling Christmas Trees

2012-01-06T03:58:00.000-08:00

Curbside Christmas trees on York Avenue and 71st Street

The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the New York City Department of Sanitation, and GreeNYC are sponsoring a Christmas tree recycling program throughout the city this weekend. Christmas trees will be recycled into wood chips that are used to nourish trees and plants on streets and gardens citywide.

You can bring your tree to a chipping location on January 7 and 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A free bag of mulch will be given to those who bring in their tree for recycling. The Department of Sanitation has also been conducting special curbside collections for mulching and recycling of Christmas trees through January 14.

Please remember to remove all lights and ornaments before bringing the tree to a MulchFest site. For more information on drop-off sites, visit the City of New York Parks and Recreation website.

"Downtown Dogs" - Construction Site Art by Malin Abrahamsson

2012-01-05T04:04:00.000-08:00

Downtown Dogs is a construction site artwork inspired by the children’s game "Pass the Pigs", a board game using little pigs as die. Scores are left to chance and depend on the way the pigs land on the board. Using the game as a starting point, Abrahamsson substituted the figurines with dogs, an animal dear to her but also one that’s more commonly encountered in the city. Intended to liven up the streetscape with its playful graphics and vibrant colors, the work serves as a reminder to all hard-working New Yorkers to always leave some time for play, but also, of the infinite and unpredictable chances that the city offers. Located at Grand and Lafayette Streets in downtown Manhattan, the 250-foot mural is printed on mesh and covers a 12-foot-tall wire fence.

"Commercial art, graphic design, and underground street art—originally three separate visual practices—become one in the playful and bold graphic creation Downtown Dogs," Abrahamsson said. “Not only do I enjoy to take my art practice outside of the studio, but the collaborative aspect of a project like this is incredibly rewarding as well, “I hope this piece will be a bit of a colorful surprise to those who happen upon it: that would be the ultimate reward."

“Hundreds of feet beneath the streets of NYC is one of the city’s largest capital projects ever undertaken—the construction of City Water Tunnel No. 3,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Cas Holloway. “This vital project improves the entire water supply system for more than eight million city residents by providing an invaluable redundancy to our water supply. Though absolutely necessary, construction sites aren’t exactly pretty. But now, because of a new artwork installation—Downtown Dogs by Malin Abrahamsson—that covers the construction site of a shaft tunnel, residents and visitors alike will be treated to a colorful and unexpected “treat” that will no doubt give them “paws.” It all adds up to a more beautiful and vibrant Lower Manhattan Community. I want to thank Downtown Alliance for helping to bring this wonderful artwork to the site.”

Eden Fine Art Gallery

2012-01-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

Eden Fine Art, is a major international art representative and sponsor, specializing in the publishing, marketing and distribution of artworks, sculptures and photographs from select leading Israeli and international artists. Shown above is the modern flagship gallery of Eden Fine Art Art at 437 Madison Avenue (between 49th and 50th Streets). Eden Fine Art is owned by Mickey and Cathia Klimovsky. It was founded in 1998 with one gallery on Jerusalem's King David Street, and have since launched other galleries in a prime and sought after locations, such as the exclusive Hilton Tel Aviv Hotel, the exclusive tourist street of Ben Yehuda, Tel Aviv, and the the upscale beach town of Del Mar, in San Diego County, California.

The Statue of Liberty at 667 Madison Avenue

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

The 667 Madison Avenue Statue of Liberty is a bronze casting of the original plaster sculpture from which the New York Harbor Statue of Liberty was scaled. The work was acquired and installed by Leonard N. Stern in 2011 as a salute to American democracy and the legacy of the French-American alliance. Mr. Stern’s father Max immigrated at Ellis Island in 1926 and often recalled the powerful moment of sighting the Statue of Liberty as his ship entered New York Harbor. This statue was enlarged 16 times by the artist, Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904) to create the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, perhaps the most recognized symbol of freedom in the world. It was presented as a gift to the American people and paid for by the citizens of France. The statue celebrates freedom, democratic government and the equality of man. It also celebrates the bonds of friendship between out two countris and the vital financial and military assistannce that France gave our Revolutionary Army comanded by George Washinngton during our young nation's hour of greatest need.

The New-York Historical Society Museum and Library

2012-01-02T04:04:00.000-08:00

Beekman Family Coach, ca. 1770

Tiffany lamps

"Fifth Avenue, New York City, 1906" painting by Colin Cooper

"From Here To There" by Antonio Martorell, an art installation about Puerto Rican immigration. It includes a theater for projection of a documentary where the seats are dressed as immigrants so visitors can sit on their laps, literally placing themselves in their position.

Paintings of Grand Central Terminal by Howard Thain (American, 1891-1959)

After a $70 million renovation, the New-York Historical Society Museum and Library reopened last November. Founded in 1804, the New York Historical Society explores the political, cultural and social history of New York City and State. It has a great collection of historical artifacts, works of American art and other historical materials as shown in the images I made on the fourth floor of the museum. The renovation added a children’s museum and new artifacts such as the ceiling from Keith Haring’s Pop Shop, as well as the 9/11 artifacts and photographs. The museum is located at 170 Central Park West between 76th and 77th Streets on the Upper West Side next to the American Museum of Natural History.

Throughout January, the New-York Historical Society offers a $5 coupon off its regular $15 adult admission as part of its culture spot of the month designation by the city’s tourism bureau. The coupon can be printed online or picked up official NYC information centers and kiosks in Midtown, Times Square, Harlem and Chinatown. The museum regularly offers pay-as-you-wish hours every Friday night from 6 to 8 P.M.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T06:41:00.000-08:00

videos from the AssociatedPress

Happy 2012.

Times Square Ten Hours Before The New Year's Eve Ball Drops

2011-12-31T13:13:00.000-08:00

At around 3 P.M. today, the New York Police Department started to close the streets around Times Square in preparation for tonight's New Year's Eve festivities. Due to the unseasonably mild weather, more revelers are expected to pack Times Square. The photos above were taken at around 2 P.M. when crowds began to jam into the area. Visitors are advised not to bring backpacks, packages, large bags or any alcohol. The streets won't reopen until 3 AM tomorrow. Here are the closed streets: 41st Street between 8th & 6th Avenues; 58th Street between 8th & 6th Avenues; 8th Avenue between 41st & 58th Streets; 6th Avenue between 41st & 58th Streets (All inclusive); and Seventh Avenue and Broadway between 41st Street and 59th Streets, inclusive of all cross streets. All closures are at the discretion of the NYPD.

Highlights of tonight’s official New Year’s Eve Times Square schedule include the lighting and raising the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball at 6 p.m., Justin Bieber’s performance of “Let It Be” at 10:08 p.m., Lady Gaga’s medley at 11:38 p.m. and the ball drop, confetti release and pyrotechnics at midnight. Other entertainers scheduled to perform through the evening include Drake, the cast of Broadway’s “Rock of Ages,” Megan Hilty, Pitbull and Hot Chelle Rae.

Subway Art: Lisa Dinhofer's "Losing My Marbles"

2011-12-30T19:11:00.000-08:00

Keanu Reeves sighting on the subway

Lisa Dinhofer created this artwork in glass mosaic on mezzanine walls at the 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal subway station. The project was finished in 2003 utilizing materials fabricated by Franz Mayer of Munich, Inc. The artwork is one of the many projects of the MTA's "Arts for Transit" which encourages the use of public transit by presenting visual and performing arts projects in subway and commuter rail stations. From the MTA website: Lisa Dinhofer uses representations of toy marbles to challenge our imaginations by playing with illusions that alter physical perceptions. Her work spans a 32-foot-long wall and two adjacent side walls. Created in glass mosaic, the main artwork consists of a gold-colored trompe l'oeil frame surrounding a black and white tiled floor that serves as the backdrop for the marbles, which seem to roll toward the viewer. On the side walls, free-floating marbles seem to breaking free in space. Dinhofer comments, "Every object I paint actually exists; I work from life. The space I create is believable - but not real. Because I design my own space, I call myself an 'illusionist' painter rather than a 'realist'. The space in my work is invented. It's flattened - like the space we see on a television or a computer screen."

At The Stagedoor: Bernadette Peters, Star of "Follies" on Broadway

2011-12-29T05:09:00.000-08:00

Bernadette Peters stars in the sold-out Kennedy Center production of James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece, "Follies." This photo of the two-time Tony Award winning actress, singer, author and comedienne was taken at the stagedoor of the Marquis Theatre after a Sunday matinee performance. Follies synopsis: At a 1970's reunion of aging Follies chorines, two of the "girls" have a chance to reexamine their lives, and especially their marriages. Did they marry the wrong men? The answers begin to emerge when the ghosts of their former selves lead them back into the Ziegfeld-like Loveland, where everybody "lives to love" and "loves to live." Includes the songs "In Buddy's Eyes," "I'm Still Here," "The Girls Upstairs" and "Losing My Mind." The show runs through January 22, 2012. The Marquis Theatre is located at 1535 Broadway.

Record 50 Million Tourists Have Visited NYC in 2011 and Times Square is America's Top New Year's Eve Destination

2011-12-28T04:50:00.000-08:00

Last week, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that approximately 50.2 million visitors have visited New York City in 2011 and have spent $32 billion here. The visitor totals included 10.1 million international visitors, a 4 percent increase over 2010, with the strongest showing coming from the United Kingdom. New York City is the number one city destinationand overseas destination for tourist spending in the United States.

According to Priceline.com and agoda.com, Times Square is the #1 destination for U.S. New Year's revelers. It marks the first time in seven years that New York City has edged Las Vegas for the top spot on priceline.com's list. Meanwhile, in the Asia-Pacific region, Bangkok and Singapore are the first and second-choice destinations for New Year's party-goers.

Priceline.com's top destinations list is based on thousands of hotel booking requests made by customers of its Name Your Own Price® hotel service for the New Year's weekend. Agoda.com's list is based on hotel reservations made for the upcoming holiday. Hotel room reservations are still available on priceline.com www.priceline.com and agoda.com www.agoda.com for the New Year's weekend, including many at substantial savings.

New York City neighborhoods took seven of the top 10 spots, and 14 of the 50 spots on the list, followed by Las Vegas, which took six spots. "It appears that New York City will be helped this year by a weather forecast that calls for warmer than usual temperatures over the holiday weekend," said priceline.com's in-house Travel Ekspert, Brian Ek. Florida destinations (Miami and Orlando) took nine spots on the list. Priceline.com's Top 50 New Year's Destinations for U.S. Travelers #1 New York City, Times Square/Theater District #2 Las Vegas, Strip Vicinity South #3 New York City, Midtown West #4 Las Vegas, Strip North #5 New York City, Midtown East #6 New York City, Central Park South #7 New York City, Madison Square Garden/Convention Center Area #8 New Orleans, French Quarter #9 New York City, Empire State Building Area #10 New York City, Chelsea Area #11 New Orleans, Downtown Area #12 New York City, Hell's Kitchen #13 Las Vegas, Strip Vicinity North #14 Chicago, North Michigan Avenue/River North Area #15 New York City, Upper East Side #16 San Francisco, Union Square East #17 Chicago, Millennium Park/Loop/Grant Park Area #18 San Francisco, Union Square West/Nob Hill #19 New York City, Upper West Side #20 Orlando, Downtown Disney/Lake Buena Vista #21 Las Vegas, Near Strip West #22 Las Vegas, Near Strip East #23 Miami, South Beach/Collins Avenue Oceanfront #24 Miami, South Beach/Ocean Drive #25 New Orleans, Convention Center and Warehouse/Arts District #26 Las Vegas, Convention Center Area #27 San Francisco, Financial District/Embarcadero #28 New York City, Queensborough Bridge Area #29 Orlando, Sea World/International Drive/Convention Center #30 Miami, South Beach/Central #31 Miami, Downtown #32 San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf #33 New York City, Soho/Tribeca #34 Philadelphia, Downtown #35 New York City, Downtown/Financial District #36 Atlanta, Downtown #37 Los Angeles, Hollywood #38 Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort Area/Int'l Drive North #39 Orlando, Disney/Maingate/Celebration #40 Nashville, Downtown/Vanderbilt/Metrocenter #41 Minneapolis, Downtown #42 San Francisco, SOMA/Moscone Center #43 Miami, International Airport Area #44 New Orleans, Garden District #45 San Francisco, Fremont St. Vicinity #46 New York City, Lower East Side #47 San Diego, Downtown/Harbor Island #48 Orange County, Disneyland/Anaheim South/Orange/Garden Grove #49 Orange County, Disneyland/Anaheim North #50 Toronto, Downtown South.

American Flag at the U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Station in Times Square

2011-12-27T17:33:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District has recently completed renovations on the U.S. armed forces recruiting station which sits on a traffic island on 43rd Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue in Time Square. Part of the project is the installation of illuminated energy efficient light emitting diodes American flags on both sides of the station to blend with the rest of Times Square buildings and heighten security and visibility while also increasing the energy efficiency of the facility. These photos were made along 7th Avenue with the American flag and its striking reflections on vehicles.

Gingerbread Extravaganza at Le Parker Meridien

2011-12-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

currently on display in the atrium at Le Parker Meridien hotel are gingerbread houses created by pastry chefs from several area restaurants, including Casa Nonna, BLT Steak, and Gramercy Tavern for a fundraiser for City Harvest. City Harvest is a food rescue organization dedicated to feeding the city’s hungry men, women and children. The display is free but visitors are encouraged to donate a dollar to City Harvest. The dollar enters the donor into a raffle for a five night stay at the luxurious Parker Palm Springs, and a ballot to vote for the best house, with the winner announced on January 6th. Le Parker Meridien is located at 119 W. 56th St., between 6th & 7th Avenues. This year, seven New York City bakeries and restaurants have contributed their take on the candy-coated childhood favorite brought to new architectural heights that are on display through January 6.