Eye Candy at Grouchy Gabe’s

People who walk into in Croton are getting treated to some eye candy in addition to satisfying their taste buds. The restaurant is displaying artwork from one of Croton’s most beloved artists, Abe Birnbaum. Birnbaum drew for The New Yorker magazine from the early 40s to the late 70s. The Croton native’s work also appeared in Stage Magazine, newspapers and numerous periodicals.

The artwork was put on display by Birnbaum’s nephew Max Andrews. “[We] want to keep Abe's art and spirit alive—and hope to introduce a whole new generation to Abe Birnbaum so they can enjoy his art.”

Birnbaum painted about 150 covers for The New Yorker. He also illustrated about 500 black and white drawings inside the magazine from the 30s to the 70s. Those pictures were used to highlight features and articles in the publication.

Abe also wrote a children’s book while he was living in Croton called Green Eyes. It’s the story of a feline who experiences all of the changes of the seasons. The book won the Caldecott Honor Book Award in 1954.

Birnbaum’s nephew says Grouchy Gabe’s is the perfect place to display his uncle’s works. “Gabe's is a gathering spot for the townsfolk and commuters' breakfast. Plus it is the spot for lunch for the high schoolers… What better way for everyone to enjoy Abe's New Yorker spots.”

Now a new generation has the chance to experience the artist’s work, which captured the mood of the day. It also celebrated mundane and special events in the lives of the America’s middle class.

You can’t miss the art on display when you walk into the restaurant. The illustrations run the entire length of the establishment. “Art should be enjoyed anywhere and everywhere. Why not during lunch before exams or with coffee and the paper in the morning or on weekends, when the whole family is there for soda? At Gabe's there is no need to dress up and have idle chat to see art. Art is everyday, just like Abe's art... about every day life,” said Andrews.