I spent Thursday night in NYC at the newly remodeled Affinia Shelburne Hotel. I had a business dinner planned. Courtney Centeno and I entertained clients at Montenapo Restaurant, in the New York Times building, while my wife and daughter went to see a Broadway play.  I met up with them afterwards when they were having a late-night snack. The Affina Shelburne has come a long way. We used to call it the Formica Palace — all the room furnishings were far from the best.  But I have to tell you, $28 million in renovations went a long way.  Look for my review this fall in eFlyer USA. Montenapo is a wonderful new restaurant which many of the GT team have blogged about in the past.  We held our annual business-class wine survey there last month. Look out for the results in the August issue.  The service and the many food courses were wonderful. The restaurant and bar were bustling. What recession?!  Make sure you tell them Global Traveler sent you! The next day, we did a little shopping. We made a stop at Tiffany, where we made a purchase from my favorite salesman, Gary, on the third floor. We ended up having lunch at the refurbished Oak Bar, located in the newly renovated Plaza. We were celebrating my daughter’s success in high school this year! We had an enjoyable lunch at the Plaza.  I was able to see some old friends. Orlando has worked the Oak Bar for many years and came back after the renovations.  I hosted at least fifteen 300-person luncheons at the ballroom at the old Plaza, so I have lots of friends at the property.  Steve Rice, general manager of events at the Plaza, stopped by to say hello. Steve and I go way back to his years at Hilton and, most recently, at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles.  He can set you up smartly for your business or social event at the Plaza! It was a great day despite the heavy rain. I’m sure the rains affected the players on Bethpage Black more than those in Manhattan! –Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO