THE NEW YORKER FESTIVAL 2014

 Revisiting New York’s Golden Age of Literature and Libations

A night at The Cell theater pays tribute to Tony’s Speakeasy, literary legends, and the roots of The New Yorker

Every year, The New Yorker Festival brings the city’s cultural heartbeat into full swing. Across New York, events spotlight iconic voices, fresh ideas, and the creative spirit that defines the city. It’s a celebration of intellect and artistry—and yes, it often ends with a good party.

One such event this year took place on October 10 at The Cell, an atmospheric theater in Chelsea. Sponsored by elit® Vodka by Stoli®, the private gathering was part art exhibit, part literary tribute, and all about the intoxicating blend of New York literature and cocktail culture.

A Toast to Literary Legends and Hidden Haunts

The theme of the evening: honoring influential people, places, and books that shaped the Prohibition and post-Prohibition eras. The curators chose figures like Truman Capote and Dorothy Parker, and featured a timeless novel of mystery and martinis—The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett.

But the heart of the exhibit wasn’t just in the words. It was in the walls of a place that brought these icons together: Tony’s Speakeasy.

Tony's Speakeasy: Where Stories (and Cocktails) Were Born

Tony’s wasn’t just a hotspot during the Prohibition era—it was a literary incubator. Its most famous regular? The New Yorker founder Harold Ross. He spent countless hours at Tony’s dreaming up what would become one of America’s most influential magazines. The name itself came about during a conversation at the bar with fellow Algonquin Round Table member Robert Benchley.

Truman Capote, Dorothy Parker, and Dashiell Hammett were all known to frequent Tony’s, making it a haven for thinkers and drinkers alike. At the event, a posterized photograph of the speakeasy drew considerable attention, with patrons referring to its namesake, Tony Soma, as The Speakeasy King.

Bringing the Past to Life

The success of the exhibit was thanks in no small part to Kevin C. Fitzpatrick—author, historian, and President of the Dorothy Parker Society—who consulted with Stoli’s marketing team. It was Fitzpatrick’s idea to spotlight Tony Soma’s speakeasy, ensuring this rich chapter of literary history wasn’t left out of the narrative.

As for me, I was honored to contribute by lending a photograph of Tony’s for the event. It was a small gesture, but one that helped revive a remarkable intersection of art, words, and cocktails.

A Night to Remember

In a city that constantly reinvents itself, it’s rare and special to revisit the places where genius once gathered—where typewriters clacked, glasses clinked, and literary history was made. The exhibit at The Cell captured that magic, reminding us that some stories are best told with a drink in hand.

Check out the pictures of the event in the gallery section.