I've loved language all my life, the etymology and euphony of words, the puzzle of translation, the feats of poetry, the thrill of finding a mot juste. Since moving to New York in 2004, I've been lucky enough to weave a varied writerly story, from play editor and theatre journalist to beauty copywriter, the latter an accidental twelve-year journey that taught me much about the ways of the world. During those beauty years I welcomed two children and lost two grandparents. I never stopped covering theatre and, most unexpectedly, I began learning to sing, a chance at redemption for this once-aspiring actress who keenly felt her lack of song and dance. I owe this life-changing study to our family friend, the pianist and vocal coach David Leighton, as well as to my father who supported my baby steps all over again when he let me share the stage with his band.

All the while my informal education continued as, thanks to Dr. Philip Mitsis, I was invited to guest lecture in the Classics Department at NYU. I was also able to keep studying poetry thanks to Rachel Hadas, who began opening her home for casual workshops. These consummate teachers have kept my Great Books flame alive and are proof that a life of learning need never end. As I reflect on almost two decades in NYC, I share these reminiscences to provide one example of how a self might “be true” while trying to make it in one of the most costly—in every sense of the word—cities in the world.

Five years ago, in the summer of 2018, Bret and I took the children to Greece to celebrate 20 years since our meeting there. At the same time I published my grandpa’s book, Alcoholite at the Altar: The Writer and Addiction, six months after he died. I began this website to document both experiences and to exercise my maturing voice. It felt like a turning point indeed.

Another turning point came in 2021. Since the pandemic I have become a co-owner through marriage of Gotham Restaurant. Now, with a family business on our hands, I’ve been able to bring Bret’s and my love of art into the Gotham space through many book events, theatre partnerships, musical presentations, and more—our own little Parnassus on 12th Street.

We hope to see you there.

—Cassandra Csencsitz, 11/6/23