CULTURE & LEISURE • Friday Routine
ALEX BASS • founder & CEO • Salon 21
Neighborhood you work in: Soho
Neighborhood you live in: West Village
It’s Friday afternoon, how are you rolling into the weekend?
Salon 21 is an appointment-only fine art and interior design studio and we are reopening this September in the new WSA building in FiDi. This summer, I've been spending Fridays out east working on our pop-up exhibition at The Maidstone Hotel called La Dolce Vita and connecting with clients out there. When I'm back in the city, my Fridays usually begin with client appointments in the morning, followed by a rejuvenating Pilates class at WSA with Kayla (see her routine here). The studio’s breathtaking views provide the perfect backdrop, offering a peaceful yet energizing start to the day.
Typical gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, so although I love that "Friday feeling," I typically have to do it all over again on Saturday (usually a bit tired from the previous evening, if we're being honest). But without sounding too cliché, nothing gets me more excited than talking about art to people who are interested and want to listen. That’s truly what gets me out of bed in the morning.
In summer, my friends and I love to unwind with happy hour at Bar Pisellino. It’s the perfect spot to people-watch (or rather, dog-watch), sip on cocktails, and enjoy some snacks. We often end the evening lounging at one of our apartments, laughing about the week’s events, and indulging in a little “grandmacore” fun, playing cards and enjoying each other’s company.
Any restaurant plans?
Emmett's On Grove has an amazing happy hour from 5-630p. We don't gatekeep! My boyfriend and I love to head there on Fridays for the fried olives and chicken parm sliders, and he'll get a martini and I'll get a New York Sour. Then we stroll around the village and see where the night takes us. I always have a list of restaurants and bars I want to try, but to be honest, the classic haunts are the best. Some of our favorites are Pastis, Joseph Leonard, and Revelie. I'm sick of long lines and typically will only go where I can walk in unless we've been smart enough to make a reservation a month before.
How about a little leisure or culture?
My weekends are when I get to actually go see some art (outside of Salon 21). I’m an Apollo Circle member at the Met, so anytime they have a new exhibition opening, I'm the first in line (and very excited for their Man Ray show to open soon). I also live by Film Forum, so it's always fun to pop in there for an old movie.
Any weekend getaways?
I grew up going out to East Hampton where my family lives year-round, and I love being there in the off-season when it’s not super touristy. Sag Harbor and Amagansett are my favorite towns to walk around. I also love a chilly beach stroll. And nothing beats the local farmers’ markets. For art, tour the Pollock-Krasner House and stroll around Long House. My casual go-tos are Goldberg's Bagels, Carissa’s, and Estia’s Little Kitchen. I always hit up Amber Waves farm (where you can also grab breakfast), plus Balsam, Iacono, and Round Swamp. Check out the whole guide at Salon 21's substack.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
A limited edition print by Danielle Kosann that we’re exclusively selling at Salon 21 and are almost sold out of.
What product or service do you always recommend?
I always recommend my friend Abby's store Abbode in Nolita. She can custom-embroider almost anything your heart desires. You can never have enough monogrammed waffle pouches!
Where are you donating your money?
I’m a committee chair of the Patron Circle for Free Arts NYC which provides high-quality arts programming for youth in underserved communities, with one-on-one mentorship as a core pillar of its mission. Our committee is planning an event this fall to support the students in the upcoming academic program and raise funds for the organization to continue its amazing work.