New York Magazine was founded in 1968, and, for 50 years served as the voice of New York City. For much of 2017, my team and I were tasked with finding uniquely New York  ways to celebrate the occasion of the 50^th anniversary. And while the company’s priorities changed over the course of 2017, and many of the planned activations for 2018 never came to fruition, one concept – a highbrow / lowbrow dinner – complete with Champagne and pastrami at Katz’s Deli did come true.

As the deli lights at Katz’s dimmed, noted guests, many who have been profiled by the magazine — Eliot Spitzer, Lena Waithe, Zachary Quinto, Jim Gaffigan, and Don Lemon — noshed knishes and rugalach. Around the room, contributors from throughout the magazine’s 50-year history, including some who were present on day one, caught up with each other and the day’s news.

The event celebrated the magazine’s 50th anniversary as well as the magazine’s first-ever coffee table book,  Highbrow, Lowbrow, Brilliant, Despicable: 50 Years of New York.