My favorite all-time era is the 1920s. And today, I can finally live it!
This Friday at the Grand Central Terminal, it’s back to 1913. The New York icon is celebrating its 100th year of existence and throwing an all-day party. And what better way to roll back the clock than with 1913 prices. Think 10-cent shoeshine, 13-cent mussels and 5-cent cups of coffee; nickels, dimes and quarters is all you need for the day.
The building’s legendary splendor was almost demolished in the 1970s, when developers pushed to build a massive tower above it. But preservationists, led by former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis, intervened. I sure am glad they did, so I, along with millions of tourists around the world can gladly enjoy the beauty of this magnificent NYC landmark. I could not imagine the city without it, and in a sense, it epitomizes people’s first experience when arriving in New York City.
History fanatics can relive the Terminal’s glory days by seeing a replica made entirely of Lego bricks, and watch as Guinness World Records honors the terminal as the “Largest Station by Number of Platforms.”
For a complete list of the day’s discounts, Gothamist got the word:
• 19¢ ea. shrimp, 13¢ ea. mussels, 13¢ ea. clams at Pescatore
• 10¢ for a side of French fries at Tri Tip Grill *From 11am-3pm
• 5¢ small drip hot coffee at Financier Patisserie *Starting at 12 pm. Limit one per customer
• 10¢ shoe shine at Leather Spa
• 10¢ nylon watch straps from Central Watch *Limited to first 500 customers. Limit one per customer
• 25¢ piece of Legendary Fudge at Li-Lac Chocolates *Limit one per customer
• 19¢ slice of cheesecake at the Oyster Bar & Restaurant *Dine-in only
• 10¢ for bambini scoop of gelato or sorbet at Ciao Bella
• $2 for 100% silk scarves (unisex) at TOTO
• 6¢ loaf of rye bread at Zaro’s Bakery * Shuttle Passage and Grand Central Market locations only. Limit one per customer
• 75¢ Adirondack cocktail at Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C.
• 5¢ 1lb box of pasta with purchase of a Ceriello Sauce at Ceriello Fine Foods *until 4pm
Throughout the day, commuters can enjoy music, dancing and generous discounts in stores and restaurants. The night will cap off in the main concourse from 8:15pm – 9:30pm with Grammy-award winner Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, who’ll carry commuters back to the roaring 1920s.
You’ll find me at the silk scarves shop, with my camera in hand. Meet me by the clock?
