NY's National Arts Club
Titubating with the Smart Set
By: Charles Giuliano - Dec 06, 2009
We enjoyed a superb meal, as usual, in the Tiffany designed dining room. I had roast boneless breast of duck and Astrid enjoyed the rack of lamb. For me followed by a snifter of Remy Martin. Ah the good life.
To settle the digestive system we took a constitutional around the park. It was an unseasonably balmy evening.
Returning to the Club the opening crowd had moved to and merged with members and guests in the bar and lounge areas.
Settling in we found ourselves next to a band which performed traditional jazz. It was a classic setup with rhythm provided by the band leader on banjo, a version of single string, washtub bass, and then cornet, clarinet and trombone.
At first most of the young smart set seemed intent on conversation and cocktails. But the music began to work its charm. Soon everyone was titubating madly to the Dixie beat.
We joined in the fun as Astrid cut a rug. I snapped away at the cute young things for this intrepid reporter's album of memories.
Hanging around for the second set by then the band was well oiled and the dancing seemed ever more frenetic. Eventually we slipped away while the youngsters danced through the night.
There is just something about New York and the Holidays. With the NAC providing that certain panache and duende.