Peacocking in Midtown

Peacock Alley, best indoor bars with views, Chelsea real estate, Louie & Johnnie’s, The Pitcher Inn, American Flatbread, MORE

CULTURE & LEISURE • Friday Routine

Generational talent

MARK LOBEL • co-owner of Lobel’s Original; butcher & (5th generation) co-owner of Lobel’s Prime Meats and Lobel’s of New York • Lobel’s
Neighborhoods you work in: Upper East Side, Rockefeller Center, Yankee Stadium
Neighborhood you live in: Purchase, NY

It’s Friday afternoon, how are you rolling into the weekend?
The first half of my day is spent checking in at the retail store, before making my way by midday to Lobel’s Original with my son Brian. I like to be there during the lunch rush to make sure every sandwich looks as good as it tastes. I make a point to stop by as many tables as I can and speak with customers, and make time to chat with the staff and get to know them.

If the Yankees are playing at home that day, I’m watching the clock until it’s time to head to Yankee Stadium. Brian and I make our way to the game, where we’re checking in on all 13 of our retail locations within the stadium. I’ve hardly missed a game, but can’t remember the last time I actually watched the game — I’m making sure the pastrami’s being sliced correctly at each location, and chatting with as many staff and customers as I can. It means a lot for us to be there in person.

Where are you drinking or dining this weekend?
My wife and I love Rubirosa — tie-dye pizza is our go-to. For a big night, it’s Carbone. But we always come back to Louie & Johnnie’s in Yonkers, right across from the raceway. That place is always incredible. The owner is in the kitchen every night, the staff is fantastic, and as soon as they see us walk in, they’ve got sizzling roasted garlic in olive oil on the table waiting for us to dip in their fresh-baked bread. It’s beyond!

How about a little leisure or culture?
Any city I’m in, I like to find the local butcher or a farmers’ market to check out. I want to see how food is displayed, what’s fresh, what’s local. In Westchester, the Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow and Irvington farmers’ markets are my favorite, and out east, I love the Southampton farmers’ market. For sports, I’m on the board of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (30+ years now), and we’re a big Vols family. College football is non-negotiable on weekends during the season, and we try to go to as many games as we can in person.

What was your last great vacation?
We went to Puglia, just me, my wife, and our son. It was our first time in that region of Italy and we loved that we were surrounded by locals and Italians on vacation. We spent a lot of time in the countryside and visiting small villages. The food and hospitality was incredible everywhere we went. The towns of Polignano A Mare, Monopoli, and Alberobello were all beautiful but my favorite by far had to be Otranto in the southern region of Puglia.

What’s a recent big-ticket purchase?
A 36” Weber flat top griddle.

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BARS • First Round

Salad days

Beyond the recently refreshed Waldorf Astoria’s enveloping marble main entrance, Peacock Alley signals that you’ve arrived — wherever you’re coming from. It’s also, given the sumptuously appointed surroundings, surprisingly welcoming. The Cheez-Its help.