A frequently asked question that I have had to respond to lately, from people all around the world, is “How is New York City?” The follow-up question – “Are you being hit hard?” I respond with yes, but, I have to tell you, what I have been observing on the streets lately does not match what I read in the news. I know it is important to read the papers and listen to the news, but I believe it is equally important to view the world with my own eyes — right or wrong. In regards to New York, perhaps it is the boom before Christmas and we have to wait and see what January will bring, but midtown Manhattan has been absolutely booming since Thanksgiving. Streets are crowded. People are walking around with high-end shopping bags. I can’t even walk into neighborhood restaurants without a reservation. Last week, mid-week, I tried to get a table at the Oak Room Bar at the Plaza Hotel and had to wait 30 minutes. I was going to follow that with dinner at Quality Meats on 58th Street, and at around 9 p.m., it was a 30-45 minute wait! I decided not to wait and ventured to BLT Market, the restaurant at the Ritz Carlton. I still had to wait, but I didn’t mind as I enjoy the bar there. The bar was four people deep. This is the trend I’ve been noticing with many high-end establishments throughout the city. So, what will the near future bring? I wish I had a crystal ball to tell you. What I do know? In surviving the months ahead, we will all learn the meaning of survival of the fittest a little bit better! But, I ask you, when you are in New York, isn’t that the attitude needed from any successful individual or business? So, I say, business as usual ,and let’s all work our hardest to get the economy back on track! -Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher