What is the story about?
Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, restaurants remain part of how New York remembers the day and what came after. There was Windows on the World, the restaurant atop the World Trade Center’s North Tower, whose workers were among those who died;
the restaurant teams and chefs who fed rescue and recovery workers; and downtown places that became gathering points, relief kitchens, and, eventually, living memorials.
This week brings two new documentaries that revisit that history, along with reflections on the World Trade Center restaurant and the extraordinary dining community that mobilized in the aftermath. Read on for more, alongside some of Eater’s past coverage of restaurants and 9/11.
- Chef Michael Lomonaco — who recently opened, in partnership with Serafina restaurant group, Brasserie Cognac Américainin Bryant Park — reflects on running Windows on the World in the documentary Top of the World, which is now streaming on CNN.
- Forgotten Feast — a documentary on how Little Italy fed the recovery — is screening at the Italian American Museum (151 Mulberry Street) on Saturday, September 12 at 6 p.m. RSVP online.
- The Wall Street Journal takes a lookat how Windows on the World shifted the city’s culture.
- Food & Wineand ABC News look back on Operation Chefs With Spirit, the volunteer effort to feed first responders led by Tribeca Grill chef Don Pintabona. Working with Spirit Cruises, Pintabona helped organize three boats to cook, transport, and serve meals, with chefs including Charlie Palmer, Danny Meyer, and Daniel Boulud joining the effort.
- Remembering Nino’s, the downtown Italian restaurant that became a round-the-clock relief center after 9/11, ultimately serving more than 500,000 meals to rescue and recovery workers. It closed for good in 2002.
- A look at O’Hara’s Pub, a living memorial to the first responders and recovery workers.
- “Twenty-five years later, we remember those we lost, the first responders and recovery workers, and everyone who showed up for this neighborhood. We carry that with us, always.”
- “25 years. . remember how united we all were . . remember the 3,000 who perished and we will find solidarity again.”
Previous 9/11-related coverage on Eater
- Constructing the most spectacular restaurant in the world(2019)
- Tom Valenti reflects on how New York has changed(the late restaurateur on founding the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund 2015)
- Windows on the World, New York’s sky-high restaurant(2013)
- Remembering Windows on the World(2011)
