Hard economic times have invaded Manhattan's elite, based onVivian Toy'sSunday's Real Estate section lead story, "Concierges [1]Get New Marching Orders [1]."
The phones are still ringing at the desks of residential concierges around the city, but the conversations have a different timbre than they did before the recession was officially declared.
The days of seemingly carefree excess are gone. In their place are requests that involve quieter times spent more economically and very likely closer to home.
Instead of reservations at Daniel or Per Se, residents are asking their concierges for recommendations for more reasonably priced neighborhood restaurants.
Instead of holding a party for their 100 closest friends at a club, they're opting for a dinner party at home for 20.
Instead of center orchestra seats at the Met, any seats are fine as long as they're on opening night.
Artisanal bread lines (seven-grain) are no doubt just over the horizon.