Vent
Editor’s Letter
Summer’s here and the time is right...for everything
According to some etymological studies, the most pleasing word-combo in the English language is “cellar door,” but I disagree. For me, summertime, the old-fashioned paired word, conjures images that are both soothing and invigorating.
I love the rivers of fireflies that undulate through the grasses and light up even city skies, parks, and roadside. And I adore their grown-up cousins, fireworks. To quote the late George Plimton, who was New York City’s unofficial Fireworks Commissioner and my friend and co-conspirator in creating many magical displays: “Fireworks are works of art. They have a rhythm and arc that resembles no other artwork, in that they are ephemeral. They last only as long as the burn on your retina, and then it is up to you to hold onto those images. Much like summer.”
And what I also love are the glowing coals from fire pits and barbeques lingered over in back yards, by the river, the beach, or stuck out on fire escapes across the city. We grill a few dogs, or more elegant veggies, and toast our good fortune with late dinners.
In this issue the superstar chef Tom Colicchio, interviewed by our own foodie star Dave Gibbons, shares grilling tips that made even jaded Gibbons take notice. A natural accompaniment is our article on Summer Wine. And summer wouldn’t be summer without vacation -- so run away, like Nancy Weber, to Ireland; take a day trip on this city’s waterways, a train trip to Coney Island, or sit in the stands for a big league or little league ballgame.
It’s all about stitching every tiny moment into a magical summer. Did you know that Mr. Softee, the fleet of cacophonous trucks that move through neighborhoods proffering drippy cones or icy milkshakes, turns 50 this summer, joining the Thrive generation.
As ever we invite you to take refuge in the cool and beauty of our museums, and Jerry Tallmer has stories here about baseball at the Museum of the City of New York and one-of-a-kind Louise Nevelson at the Jewish Museum. So whether you escape into the cool of shade trees and culture, or bask in the sunshine at Shea or the Stadium or Jones Beach, stop for a moment to smell the wild roses, inhale the peonies, and relish this delicious time.
We will see you in the fall.
Wickham Boyle
Editor-in-Chief
