Vogue Gets First Look At Soon To Open Roosevelt Island Panorama Room Rooftop Bar At Graduate Hotel - Sustainable Italian Caviar, Wagyu Steak, Uni Panna Cotta & Cocktails Of Updated Forgotten Drinks On Menu

This New Rooftop Bar Boasts Never-Before Seen Views of New York City | Vogue - Vogue Magazine gets first look at Roosevelt Island Panorama Room Rooftop Bar ⁦@GraduateHotels⁩ ⁦@cornell_tech⁩ campus https://t.co/SPW8ALxKqC

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 9, 2021

According to Vogue:

Roosevelt Island isn’t typically at the top of many must-do lists for NYC. Even locals hardly ever make it to the island, which is often confused with Randall’s Island or Governor’s Island (both seeming to be more popular)....

But will that now change? The Panorama Room:

... affords 360-degree unobstructed views of Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, with the lush green tip of Roosevelt Island in the foreground and the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge looming on one side....

 and the menu is:

... inspired by the space’s surrounding water, and an impressive raw bar with sustainability in mind will be a big part of the Panorama Room experience. “The caviar that we’re going to use is sourced from one place in Italy on a national reserve with sustainable practices, and their eggs are very special,” says Harper. Fresh pastas, a Wagyu steak, and a unique uni panna cotta created by Harper are also on the menu....

... For the cocktail program, Bossy was inspired by the forgottenness of Roosevelt Island: She created a cocktail menu of updated forgotten drinks, like a lychee martini, espresso martini, and Long Island Iced Tea, which are served in specially sourced Italian and Swedish glassware.... 

Click here for the full Vogue article. 

More on the Panorma Room at this previous post and on the Graduate Hotel Anything At All ground floor restaurant here. 

UPDATE 10:45 PM:

A residents only soft open invite would be great! Hint Hint @GraduateHotels 😉😉😁

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) July 10, 2021

Roosevelt Island Jazz Jam Session Sunday July 11 At Gallery RIVAA - Come Enjoy The Afternoon With Some Great Music

You're invited to a Sunday, July 11 Roosevelt Island Jazz Jam Session. According to Gallery RIVAA:

Gallery RIVAA is pleased to invite you to the Jazz Jam Session this Sunday, July 11th at 2:30 pm.

The session will showcase the improvisations and talents of Roosevelt Island's jazz musician community and their friends. It will run from 2:30 - 5:30 pm with non-stop jazz music! So, please come, join us and enjoy the evening with some great music.  

Date: July 11th, 2021 

Time: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm 

Venue: Gallery RIVAA, 527 Main Street, Roosevelt Island 

Facebook Event Link 

Here's a sample from last week's Jazz Jam at Gallery RIVAA celebrating the return of live music after the past year of Covid shutdown.

 If you want to play in the Roosevelt Island Jazz Jam, please contact 10044jazz@gmail.com

Week 2 Of Roosevelt Island Free Summer Outdoor Movie Series At Firefighters Field Showing Mad Max: Fury Road Saturday Evening July 10 - Manhattan Park Outdoor Movie Showing Raya And The Last Dragon Saturday July 10 Too.

A large crowd of residents, parents, kids, friends and neighbors filled Firefighters Field last June 25 evening enjoying the first of the 2021 Roosevelt Island Summer Outdoor Movie Series with the showing of Raya The Last Dragon.

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The second film in the Roosevelt Island Outdoor Summer Movie Series is Mad Max:Fury Road 

 

showing Saturday, July 10 at Firefighters Field.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The Roosevelt Island Outdoor Summer Movie Series continues, and we’ve got seven more blockbusters coming your way! 

Join us at Firefighter’s Field (across from the Tram, 300 Main St.) this Saturday, July 10th for our second film, Mad Max: Fury Road (Rated R).  

Please see the full schedule below: 

• Saturday, July 10th: Mad Max: Fury Road (Rated R) 
• Friday, July 23rd: Black Stallion 
• Saturday, July 24th: Beverly Hills Cop (Rated R) 
•  Friday, June 30th: Minari 
•  Friday, August 13th: Bridesmaids (Rated R) 
•  Friday, August 20th: Rocketman (Rated R) 

• Saturday, August 21st: The Mighty Ducks

All films are FREE and begin at sunset. Seating is first come, first serve. Food vendors will be on site. Be sure to bring blankets and/or lawn chairs. Music and more begin at 6 PM!

Roosevelt Island's Manhattan Park building management is also showing  outdoor movies this summer for their residents. 

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Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Honors RI Pediatrician Dr Katherine Grimm With STAR AWARD At July 22 Fundraising Event To Benefit Scholarship And Theater Equipment Needs, You're Invited - MST&DA Shakespeare Workshop Staged Reading Of Richard 111 July 16-19 Too

The Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA) is hosting a July 22 fundraising event and award ceremony for Roosevelt Island resident Dr Katherine Grimm at The Sanctuary event space. You're invited.

According to MST&DA Executive Director Kristi Towey:

We are so excited to finally see this event happen after having to cancel last spring due to COVID. Dr. Grimm is a valuable part of the MSTDA and Roosevelt Island community. Her support, care and contributions deserve recognition. She is truly a STAR! We hope you will all join us in celebrating her.

 MST&DA adds:

Dr. Katherine Teets Grimm will receive Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance’s very first STAR AWARD for her extraordinary service to the Roosevelt Island community at an award ceremony on July 22, 2021. Dr. Grimm, a longtime supporter of MSTDA, will be acknowledged for her work spanning 50 years as a pediatrician on Roosevelt Island and affiliate with Lenox Hill Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Grimm specializes in Allergy, Immunology, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Her work as a medical expert in child abuse trials is notable. She also served on the RIOC Board for several years. She is a valued contributor to the well-being of Roosevelt Islanders and loved by many.

On July 22, the community is invited to MSTDA’s fundraiser and award ceremony, in partnership with The Sanctuary. It will take place at the inviting outdoor setting of The Sanctuary at 851 Main Street. Guests will be treated to an entertaining evening that includes performances by MSTDA adults, teens and child actors, with a cameo appearance by MSTDA Board Members. Selections from Dr. Grimm’s favorite musicals, “Sound of Music” and “Annie,” as well as past MSTDA productions of “Chicago,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Theory of Relativity” will enliven the evening. The program will feature the talented MSTDA Teen Theatre and the performers will include many Roosevelt Island patients of pediatrician Dr. Grimm. Folks from the community will share personal stories and testimonies of how Dr. Grimm has touched their lives and provided excellent care for them over the years. In alliance with Dr. Grimm’s admirable work with youth, MSTDA provides needs-based scholarships and a safe place for children with special needs to participate in the performing arts. The fundraiser will benefit MSTDA’s growing scholarship needs and theatre equipment upgrades. The Star Award Ceremony event is family friendly and all are invited to attend.

Food and beverages will be served. Catering provided by Fuji East and Carolyn Christianson. Raffle items will feature local businesses. Tickets can be purchased here: STAR AWARD 2021

Also, next weekend, July 16, 17 & 18, the MST&DA Shakespeare workshop is performing a staged reading of Richard 111

Ticket info here.

More info on MST&DA programs and classes available at their website and Facebook Page.

Post Covid Restoration Phase Has Begun For New York Public Library Roosevelt Island Branch Says Manager Carlos Chavez, Indoor Seating, Children's And Community Rooms Open, Computers Are Back, Photocopying, Upcoming Programs And Air Conditioning Too - Maybe Outdoor Seating If RIOC Cooperates

Patrons, the promised day is almost here! On July 6th we will restore the majority of our services including the copy machine! Read about it here: https://t.co/FsaFthFp9K

— RooseveltIslandLib (@LibRoosevelt) July 2, 2021

 NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch Manager Carlos Chavez reported yesterday:

... we are fully open to the community. Patrons can now stay at the library as long as they want during our hours of operation. All computers are now available including laptops. Our photocopier is back in service and so is our community room. 

Roosevelt Island library hours are currently Monday - Saturday 11 AM - 5 PM. 

I spoke with Mr Chavez yesterday about the restoration of NYPL Roosevelt Island branch services. According to Mr Chavez:

Greetings Roosevelt Islanders 

I have very good new s for everyone. We have finally entered what is known as the restoration phase at the Roosevelt Island library and what that means is that we are almost fully open to the community and these are the new services that we are offering in the restoration phase.

Indoor seating so you will see all our furniture is set up along the main area of the library as well as the children's room which is all the way in the back. Patrons can stay at the library as long as they want during our hours of operation. 

All our computers are back in service that includes desktops and laptops. You can reserve them with your library card. We also have photocopying services and scanning services available and our community room is also back in service so later this month we will be having programs at the library...

Upcoming NYPL Roosevelt Island branch events include:

The Roosevelt Island Public Library is also air conditioned 

and is a Cooling Center during hot weather like today.

The outdoor space adjacent to the Roosevelt Island library branch is controlled by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC).

Yesterday, I asked RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith:

The Roosevelt Island Library begins restoration of full service today.

It would be great if library patrons could also use the outdoor space adjacent to the Library that RIOC had previously said would start renovations in May.

If renovations are not going to be done this summer, is it possible for RIOC to clean up the outdoor space, put out a few tables and chairs and let the Library patrons use the outdoor space?

Or wait until later in year to start renovations?

Any comment from RIOC?

Ms Smith replied answered today: 

Great suggestions. I would recommend utilizing our Tikkit system which is the best and most efficient way to have action taken on your recommendations and suggestions. You may also use the Speak Up form on our website which will allow your recommendations and suggestions to be heard at the next Board meeting.

Please do let me know if there’s any other information I’m able to provide.

I replied: 

What is the current status of plans to renovate the outdoor area next to Public Library?

If work is not planned for the summer, will RIOC clean it up and put chairs and tables out so library patrons can use it.

Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 8th Graders Celebrate Graduation At Awesome Fun Filled Senior Class Trip To Six Flags Amusement Park And Family Brunch At The Sanctuary Event Space With Generous Support From Roosevelt Island Community

Last April, Roosevelt Island parents initiated a fundraising campaign seeking community support to send our local PS/IS 217 8th grade class on a Senior Class trip to Six Flags Amusement Park in celebration of their upcoming graduation.

As previously reported, according to one parent:

It’s a small class of 28 kids. Most of these kids have been through school together since Pre-K up. They’re this cute little 217 Family. Like many of us were.  

These kids have had it rough, they’ve missed out on their last year of school together. Many of the memories they will have will be of tiny thumbnails of each other on a computer screen. 

As of right now, we the parents of the 8th grade in 217 are trying to help these kids have a safe and memorable last school trip together. There are families who are struggling to pay Senior fees, picture day and a class ring. And we collectively are trying to make this trip available to all of the kids, without an extra bill to the households. We are looking to raise funds to bring the entire 8th grade class to Six Flags for a day of fun.... 

And:

... Our children are graduating from 8th Grade and due to Covid, their school is unable to provide the traditional senior activities, trips or celebrations. These kids have been struggling with remote and blended classes for half of their 7th grade and their entire 8th grade.  That means half of the middle school experience was lost. They have essentially become teenagers alone at home. They have persevered and deserve a celebration. The students would like to go on the annual senior trip as an entire class of 28 kid...

The fundraising campaign was successful, raising just over their goal of $4000.

On June 19, the Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 8th Grade Graduates

 enjoyed a fun filled day

at Six Flags Amusement Park.

Roosevelt Island Parent Yitza Martinez shares these photos (those above too) and reports:

Congratulations to the 2021 P.S/I.S 217 8th grade graduates.  

I would like to say that with the support of a community anything is possible, this has been tested and proven true. 

Back in April some of the parents worked together to help the 8th graders get the finale they deserved. They started and shared a Gofundme fundraiser with the hopes of reaching a goal. 

Although having some obstacles in the way, Mission accomplished!!! This Roosevelt Island community is awesome!!! 

Many contributed to the efforts; new island residents as well as old timers, friends and families, Island wide organizations and even some anonymous pulled together and made this trip happen. Thank you!  

Also, a huge THANK YOU to The Sanctuary RI for not only contributing to the fundraiser but also opening their doors for the class to have an after graduation brunch. 

Their generosity is not taken for granted and we truly appreciate it.   

The fundraiser helped cover the cost for a private charter bus, entrance to Six Flags Great Adventure and food vouchers for the students and the chaperones on June 19th.  

These kids had an awesome day full laughter, fun, sun

and best of all memories with their friends and classmates. 

Thank you friends, Thank you families and Thank you Roosevelt Island!!! Without your caring this would not have been possible.  

Once again, Congratulations to the class of 2021, YOU DID IT! Best of luck in high school.

6 Months Ago Today US Capitol And Constitution Were Attacked - Every Roosevelt Islander And All Americans Should Watch NY Times Video Days Of Rage: An In Depth Look At How A Mob Stormed The Capital

Six months ago today our Capitol and Constitution were attacked.

Every American should watch this.

Day of Rage: An In-Depth Look at How a Mob Stormed the Capitol - The New York Times https://t.co/GusO0uc1bf

— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) July 6, 2021

Sneak Peek Photos From Celebrity Actress Of New Roosevelt Island Graduate Hotel Rooftop Bar/Restaurant With Awesome NYC East River Waterfront Views At July 4 Fireworks Celebration Private Party - Panorama Room Opens To The Public In Mid July

Roosevelt Island residents have been waiting with great anticipation for the expected mid July opening of the Panorama Room, a new rooftop bar and restaurant located in the Graduate Hotel on the Cornell Tech campus. Those residents who signed up for the Graduate Hotel tour last month and got up to the roof were greatly impressed with the awesome views of NYC East River waterfront seen from the Panorama Room.

Here's a sneak peak of the Roosevelt Island Panorama Room views from Instagram Page of actress Jamie Chung during a July 4th celebration private party at the Graduate Hotel rooftop bar/restaurant. Click through the photo slideshow for video of the July 4 fireworks - What a sight!

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A post shared by Jamie Chung (@jamiejchung)

The soon to open Graduate Hotel rooftop Panorama Room and ground floor Anything At All restaurant, which opened June 22, are operated by the Call Mom hospitality group duo of Med Abrous and Marc Rose

Today I asked a Call Mom representative:

Is there any update on the Panorama Rooftop Bar opening date? 

Also, I understand there was a July 4 Fireworks Celebration private party at the Panorama Rooftop Bar not open to the public or hotel guests. Is that true? 

Why was the rooftop bar not open to the public for the July 4 celebration.

A Call Mom spokesperson answered: 

 ... The Panorama Room was used for a small private party on the 4th as it's not fully complete yet. It will be open in mid July,...

The Anything At All restaurant has been getting great reviews from Roosevelt Island residents.

Thanks #anythingatallnyc @GraduateHotels #RooseveltIsland for a brilliant dining experience! Had a fun fab Bday dinner! The food was delish, the drinks potent, and the service great, considering you’ve only been open a week. 😋🍽👏🏾👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/916Ihk4HFl

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) June 26, 2021

Another resident told me the Wagyu Burger was the best he's ever had.

Looking forward to opening of the Panorama Room.

Scenes Before, During & After Roosevelt Island Macy's July 4 Independence Day Fireworks Celebration, Spectacular Views From FDR 4 Freedoms Park & Roosevelt Island Bridge, Large Crowds Leaving After Fireworks At Tram And Subway But Handled Well By RIOC And NYPD - Ticket Distribution Questions Remain Unanswered So Far

Happy 4th! @cornell_tech @Rooseveltisland pic.twitter.com/LAOopSMF7e

— FernandoGomezBaquero (@FerGomezBaquero) July 5, 2021

Roosevelt Island was a spectacular place to watch the Macy's July 4 Independence Day Fireworks Celebration last evening.

The FDR 4 Freedoms Park was a prime viewing location

We had the best seats for the #MacysFireworks #HappyFourth on #rooseveltisland today. Definitely a sight to see.

CC: @Rooseveltisland pic.twitter.com/Cj50FQHLjQ

— Miguel+◢⇅ (@LTEstyles) July 5, 2021

July 4 Independence Day Celebration Macy’s Fireworks seen from Roosevelt Island FDR ⁦⁦@4FreedomsPark⁩ - WOW pic.twitter.com/Q8dVp3BWZt

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 5, 2021

The Roosevelt Island Bridge had great views of the fireworks too.

@Rooseveltisland real Islanders know the bridge is the best place to see the fireworks pic.twitter.com/dt3ARamrpa

— LJ Rader (@LJ_Rader) July 5, 2021

Watch video of the full fireworks show seen from the Roosevelt Island Bridge
and FDR Four Freedoms Park


I was told that by 8 PM, approximately 4800 people entered through the Sportspark checkpoint 

to either the Cornell Tech campus 

or FDR Four Freedoms Park. 

After the fireworks there was a long line of visitors leaving Roosevelt Island at the Tram and F subway station. The subway line was gone in about 30 minutes. Don't know about the Tram but have not heard of any issues. 

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Jexas Teff has it right:

Props to all the men and women in uniform who spent their holiday working a double to ensure everyone else got to have a safe and fun night! and so does 

YRB Magazine:

yes indeed. Was definitely a fun and safe experience thanks to them!

Good job by Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), NYPD and NYCEM Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers with crowd control and keeping folks safe for the July 4 celebration.

Still to be questioned and answered are the issues regarding RIOC online lottery registration ticketing process and distribution of tickets outside of that process.

As reported July 3, I asked RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith:

... I think most  people understand the need to limit ticket capacity for health and safety concerns.

What gets residents upset is that the online ticket registration process is sold out after 2 minutes and that no process was set up to give Roosevelt Island residents priority for the tickets as has been done every year in the past.

Any comment from RIOC on that issue?

Also:

How many total tickets were available for the July 4 FDR Park Fireworks viewing online registration today?

RIOC said on Monday there were 1500 tickets but the Eventbrite registration page said only 1100 tickets were available.

Which number is accurate? Why are the numbers different?

Also, are there any tickets distributed through sources other than the online registration process? Does FDR Park, NY State or any other entity have an allotment of tickets?

If yes, how many tickets and what are those other sources?...

No response yet from RIOC. 

I've been told that tickets (number currently unknown) were given to the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center and Roosevelt Island Seniors Association for distribution to their members. In my view, nothing wrong with RIOC giving tickets to these groups but RIOC should be transparent about what groups and individuals are receiving tickets outside of the lottery process.

Here are scenes before, during and after the Roosevelt Island July 4 Fireworks celebration

It was a wonderful night and felt good to be able to celebrate in a crowd after the past year of Covid 19 social distancing practices.

Happy July 4 Independence Day 245th Birthday America From Roosevelt Island - July 4 Is 14th Birthday Of Roosevelt Islander Too

Happy 245th Birthday America.

The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from US History

This has been called first time Declaration of Independence was published in a newspaper—Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 6, 1776: pic.twitter.com/K0sNcytHVy

— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) July 4, 2021

Roosevelt Island is waiting for the start of the Macy's July 4 Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on the East River.

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A post shared by @rooseveltislander

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A post shared by FDR Four Freedoms State Park (@4freedomspark)

July 4 is also the 14th birthday of Roosevelt Islander Online. Here's the first post from 2007 and it's about the Southpoint Park July 4 Fireworks Celebration tickets.

14 years later, it's still an issue.

Happy Birthday America!!!
UPDATE 10:30 PM;

Waiting for the Macy’s July 4 Fireworks celebration to start on East River at Roosevelt Islsnd FDR @4FreedomsPark pic.twitter.com/h0BZPgy3hf

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 5, 2021

Happy 4th! @cornell_tech @Rooseveltisland pic.twitter.com/LAOopSMF7e

— FernandoGomezBaquero (@FerGomezBaquero) July 5, 2021

@Rooseveltisland real Islanders know the bridge is the best place to see the fireworks pic.twitter.com/dt3ARamrpa

— LJ Rader (@LJ_Rader) July 5, 2021

July 4 Independence Day Celebration Macy’s Fireworks seen from Roosevelt Island FDR ⁦⁦@4FreedomsPark⁩ - WOW pic.twitter.com/Q8dVp3BWZt

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 5, 2021