Friends in High Places

Play "The Most Beautiful Boy in Brazil"
by Physics

The other night, I received a last-minute in-home dinner invite from some friends. In-home entertaining is a rarity in this town, where a scarcity of space makes people highly territorial.

I brought a bottle of Il Nebbiolo purchased a month or so ago at Acker, Merrall & Condit, purported to be America's oldest wine shop.

Unfortunately, I can't remember who the winemaker was, but the wine guy recommended it without reservation. My hosts were intrigued by the idea of a dark rosé and very pleased after taking a sip.

Dinner was simple, the conversation lively. But best of all was the evening and nighttime view of the city from the gigantic windows in their high-rise apartment.

A friend had suggested once that if Manhattan ever feels too big, the fastest cures are to either take a drive around the island or go into a high tower and look down.

For an evening, the city didn't feel so overwhelming.