Turning red

LORI SCHWARZ, LSS Consulting

WORK • Tuesday Routine

LORI SCHWARZ • owner • LSS Consulting
Neighborhood you work in: East Village & Midtown East

It’s Tuesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
I make coffee, then hop on the East River ferry to Dumbo House for a 9 a.m. exercise class. I check my emails on the way. Working with nightlife venues means the day doesn’t usually start until early afternoon.  

I consult with bars and performance venues on whatever aspect of the business they need. At The Red Room at KGB Bar in the East Village, for example, I have to keep up on everything from staffing to menu and liquor inventory, programming and booking, sound and tech, marketing and PR, payroll, and security. 

What’s on the agenda for today?
Currently I’m working on build-outs and sourcing accouterments and furnishings for two new venues — The Private Curtain, a 110-seat performance space and bar and The Powder Room, a 10-seat micro bar — that will be opening in the East Village this fall.

This evening, I’ll help with any last-minute opening details for Tuesdays at The Red Room, a comedy show that frequently has SNL regulars on the lineup. Afterward I’ll meet with Anthony Haden-Guest to discuss an event we’re working on, to show his recent artwork and premier The God of New York, a movie being made about him by the Countess Alex Zapak. 

Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Sunflower on 2nd Ave. in the East Village is my new lunchtime favorite. The salmon BBLTA — double bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado — is the best sandwich in New York City. Also, I recently discovered a tiny, low-key Italian restaurant on the Upper West Side after going to the Natural History Museum. It's called Bellini, and has housemade pasta, good (and inexpensive) wine, and amazing service. Their outdoor seating has fans, so you can sit in the covered area without suffocating. I’ll definitely trek back up there for it.

How about a little leisure or culture this week? 
I’m volunteering at the Bowery Mission for dinner service. Volunteering at the Mission is one of the most calming and satisfying two and a half hours of my week. I put my phone (and my cares) away, and I’m just present with the other volunteers, and the people being served. I might try to catch a show at The Rooftop at Pier 17, which has an amazing summer lineup — I recently saw Trombone Shorty there. The juxtaposition against the Brooklyn Bridge is stunning.

What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love? 
I take private MMA classes to feel like I could defend myself in most situations. After taking a couple group classes and getting injured sparring, private was the only way. They’re so worth it.

What NYC store or service do you love to recommend?
The East River Ferry is the best way to travel in the summer (and only $2.70 a ride if you buy 10). Whether you go to Long Island City or Dumbo, there’s something to do at every stop.