Whispering in Grand Central Station and Other Fascinating Side Trips

“Having lived in New York City for more than a quarter of a century, I can attest that Rhoades knows whereof he speaks. This is a delightful – and informative – tour of interesting eateries in the City that Never Sleeps. You’ll want to start dialing for reservations…”
- Hollis George, senior editor and anthologist

Where in Grand Central Station do you find the Whispering Wall … and what restaurant is only a whisper away from it? What’s was the purpose of the secret cellar at the 21 Club? Where could you eat at a drive-in in the middle of Manhattan? Why were gorgeous fashion models serving shrimp po’boys in a New York bait shop? Where did the waiters sing opera? Where could you find a nightclub hidden behind a wardrobe in an antique store … or behind a door in a pawn shop? Where can you eat steak and lobster a few feet from the site of a mob shootout? Ever been to a B&D Club? Want to have a romantic dinner in Aaron Burr’s stable? And how do you find a speakeasy hidden in a phone booth? It’s all here in this insider’s guide to usual restaurants and bars in New York City – both then and now!

Shirrel Rhoades is a writer, critic, filmmaker, former college professor, art collector, publishing consultant – and inveterate traveler. He has published Directions, an award-winning travel magazine, served as editor-in-chief of The Bahamas Handbook and Businessman’s Annual, Sun ‘n Sixpence, What-to-Do Magazine, The Cayman Island Handbook, Cayman Islands Holiday Guide, and other travel guides. His travel articles have been published in The Saturday Evening Post, Looking Back, and many other publications.