There’s hardly a more convenient spot to grab a drink before a show at the Cherry Lane Theater than at Commerce, which is about 30 feet away. And while convenient does not always equal quality, that is absolutely the case here. SCF fans may remember our last trip to Commerce many moons ago (link here). I think it has new owners (and a new chef) now.
I’m sorry I didn’t take photos of the interior, because it’s really beautiful: much of the original Art Deco details are still there. The bar was made by a company that also makes bowling lanes. (Makes sense, right?)
We had to eat quick before our curtain so we asked the bartender what was fastest out of the kitchen, and he recommended oysters —
And the mini Croque Madams:
Those were heavenly!
We rushed over to Cherry Lane at 6:59 only to discover that we’d misread the invitation and the curtain for our show, “Basilica,” was at 8. What?! We gave up great bar seats and delishy cocktails only to be thrown out on the street for an hour? Meanwhile, we noticed one of the Andrews in the lobby, ostensibly waiting for the other.
We stood on the corner of Bedford Street deciding where to head, when I spied a woman walking her dog coming right at is. I made her as a neighbor and asked her where we should go for West Village drinks. She suggested Buvette. We took her advice.
An adorable little French restaurant, really.
Unfortunately this tartine was not very good. You know when pesto leaves that film all over the inside of your mouth? Yeah. Like that.
But it is precious. The kind of spot you’d like to be a regular at.
So we headed back to the theater in time for curtain and noticed that AndrewAndrew were there together now. We took our seats and took to social media to proclaim our celebrity citing.
Seeing Basilica @cherrylntheatre with @leighflayton and we are 2 rows in front of @andrewandrew. #lovenyc
— Liz Johnson (@sourcherryfarm) May 23, 2013
Well wouldn’t you know it, they responded in kind.
@sourcherryfarm @cherrylntheatre @leighflayton you for better seats than us! Lets talk at intermission!
— AndrewAndrew (@AndrewAndrew) May 23, 2013
We talked to them during intermission and found out that they love the train, and the train magazine. Good times.
And the play? Very engaging, great acting, but a bit melodramatic at the end. Still, as AndrewAndrew would say, two green lights.
