I skipped that one because I don't really like "New York is the most wonderful special city in the country" fetishizing.
I mean, I can see how people could think it is. And, to be fair, as the biggest and densest city and epicenter of a bunch of industries -- publishing, finance, theater, etc. -- it is exceptional. If this ran in a local publication, even the NYT, I'm sure it would seem charming. But despite the title and entertainment notices, the
New Yorker is a national magazine.
Many residents of lots of cities think they live in the most wonderful special city in the country. San Francisco, Seattle, Boston ... I know firsthand that many residents feel that way about Minneapolis, Chicago and New Orleans. Especially New Orleans. I'm sure they do in Denver and Philadelphia. But if you don't live in those places, gets tiresome.
I'm sure there are people who think Omaha is the most wonderful special city in the country (well, maybe!).
Gopnik's article reminded me of the famous Saul Steinberg cartoon.