Irony, Tragedy of N.Y.

I read Sam Hall Kaplan’s column (June 12) with particular interest, as his views echoed mine in regard to a love-hate relationship with New York.

I believe the Rainbow Room to be the most beautiful restaurant in the United States. Dining and dancing 65 floors above the ground, with the lights of the city surrounding you on three sides, is an unforgettable experience.

But for whom is this experience? Only for the very affluent and those on expense accounts (often one and the same). The vast majority of New Yorkers could not begin to afford the at least $200 per couple needed. Here is this place of singular beauty and sophistication, and barely 1% of New Yorkers could afford it. This is the irony and tragedy of New York.

SHURA BARY

San Francisco