Every day is opening night.

I’ve written many times about the demise of favorite theatrical haunts – from Barrymore’s to the Café Edison it seems that an entire generation of Broadway’s gathering places have been lost to memory. So many in the community were dismayed to learn that the iconic West Bank Café was shuttering last year. Well, let’s all raise a glass to second chances because the WBC is back in business under new ownership and promises to be better than ever. With the producers Tom D’Angora and Michael D’Angora at the helm, the eatery’s storied and starry past are very much a part of its fabulous future.

For the uninitiated (bless your heart), the West Bank has been the unofficial green room for the Theater District for decades, with the likes of Joan Rivers, Chita Rivera, and even Tennessee Williams holding court at its tables. It’s where Sean Penn and Madonna were rumored to have had their most hush-hush rendezvous—possibly even their swan song. After a very short hiatus, it’s now poised to reclaim its rightful status as the Broadway set’s go-to watering hole.

In addition to keeping beloved menu staples like the mushroom risotto balls with truffle aioli (cue: “Tradition”), the D’Angoras have added their own family recipe spaghetti and meatballs to the mix. And for those who like their indulgences with a dash of intrigue, there’s a secret menu of celebrity-named desserts and cocktails—because why sip on just any old martini when you can toast with a tipple inspired by Joel Grey, Bernadette Peters, or Harvey Fierstein?

I’m told that the D’Angoras themselves will sometimes be stationed behind the bar, pouring stiff drinks for friends and flaunting their mixology skills. And because Sundays can be a snooze in the restaurant world, they’re looking to introduce bingo nights.

And while I could whisper about upcoming renovations that will give the Laurie Beechman Theatre, one flight down from the dining room, a glow-up worthy of an opening night, I’ve been sworn to secrecy. Just know that one of Broadway’s favorite designers is looking after the soup-to-nuts overhaul.

And the West Bank isn’t the only iconic eatery in Theatreland getting a second life. The revolving restaurant atop the Marriott Marquis has just reopened as The View, boasting a thoughtfully chic redesign by David Rockwell and operated by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality. This two-story marvel on the 47th and 48th floors offers 360-degree panoramas of the Manhattan skyline, all while you dine on elevated American classics.

This week’s hottest activity, though, is an avenue-and-a-half east of Times Square. 30 Rock is abuzz with festivities marking the 50^th Anniversary of “Saturday Night Live,” as Lorne Michaels takes his biggest and best victory lap yet. Tributes, reunions, telecasts, and a press blitz to revival Wicked have delivered enough star power to light up Studio 8H for another 50 years.

Everyone past puberty has their favorite SNL moment. Mine? That time Phoebe Snow joined Linda Ronstadt for a killer rendition of “The Shoop Shoop Song.” If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it here. This week, the spotlight is on Lorne and five decades worth of cast members, but the echoes of moments like this will continue to resonate long after the credits roll.

And congratulations, Lorne, on your latest Broadway outing, the wildly successful All In: Comedy About Love, which plays its final performance today.

Tidbits from around town…

Spied Jordana Brewster at the Angelika for an afternoon showing of Brazilian Oscars hopeful, I’m Still Here.

Caught photographer Cass Bird ordering a cold brew, despite freezing cold temps, at Devoción.

Overheard Sandra Oh raving about the crudo selection at Marea.

As always, a toast of something sparkling to you and yours!

Kisses,