Post-Election Musings: Future Candidates, Theater & Chinese Food

So far Vanessa Aronson’s the only candidate running to fill Alex Bores’s 73rd New York State Assembly seat come 2026. He’s running for Jerry Nadler’s 12th Congressional seat and can’t run for both seats at the same time.

Aronson and her family—husband Reid and sons, Levari and Tavi and Bores and his family—wife Darya, new baby Charlie, and mom Lori all in full costume stopped by at Community Unity Initiative’s 2nd annual Halloween Trick or Treater at Shake Shack plaza on East 86th St. It’s going to be a big and busy year ahead for all. Election’s next year.

Big Question: are there primaries in their future? Stay tuned!

Was It Murder or Natural Causes? Mark your calendar to see the Equity Approved Showcase, “Natural Causes,” by Kevin Clancy. Directed by Peter Burford and presented by Teri Black’s Break A Leg Productions, an East Side theater company. “Natural Causes” is based on true events in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina when four survivors must face the moral consequences of their actions during the storm.

Following the full production, there will be post-performance discussions with special guests. General admission is $25 and $20 with code BAL20. Dates: Fri, Nov. 14 and Sat, Nov 15 @ 7PM. Sun @ 2 PM. Location: Polaris North Studio, 245 West 29th St, 4th Floor. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Election night redux: With more than 70% of the vote, Virginia Maloney was elected to represent City Council District 4, a seat held by her mother, Carolyn Maloney. The victory was celebrated at Bar Stout Grand Central at 60 E. 41st Street, in between Park and Madison, and was jam-packed with volunteers, supporters, friends, and family.

It also reminded me of a reunion of former City Council electeds who preceded Virginia Maloney in the council, including Jessica Lappin and Ben Kallos. Current electeds included New York state Assembly Members Rebecca Seawright and Alex Bores, community leader, Russell Squire, and newly elected Supreme Court Justice Suzanne Adams. Standing with Virginia as she thanked everyone were sister Christina and her husband Peter Coffin, and mom Carolyn Maloney.

I was at Our Town in 1982 when Carolyn first took office and a constituent through all the years. “So what does it feel like to have your daughter holding the office you once held?”, I asked, and she said, “Virginia ran on her own merit and vision for our city. Yes, I’m her mother and I’m proud.”

There was more, ending with “...but more importantly, I’m proud as a former representative of this district to see someone with her energy, intelligence and commitment stepping up to serve.” Said like a true mom. And the voters agreed.

Restaurant Row: For some reason, Chinese food doesn’t come to mind when I’m in the theater district. That all changed when I had dinner at Dim Sum Palace on West 46th St in the heart of Restaurant Row. Newly decorated, it’s bright and spiffy.

The Cantonese menu is extensive. So come hungry. Probably a good idea to go online before you get there to peruse the photo array of dishes. There’s every manner of dim sum, dumplings, noodles, rice. You’ll find vegetarian dishes.

Casseroles, Peking duck. Appetizers. Soups. No fancy tableside carving of the Peking duck however, which is set out on a plate with scallions and cucumber slivers on the side, and of course the bun wraps for you to fill. Nothing performative. Look for lunch specials. Wine, beer and sake on the menu. Service is swift and attentive.

Dim Sum Palace at 334 West 46th St., between 8th and 9th Avenues, is open 7 days a week from 1 AM to 1:30 AM. Tel: 646 861-1910.