A New York City treasure, The Mermaid Inn offers fresh seafood in an elegant yet cozy setting. Dinerscan feast on delicious lobster rolls and oysters, as well as more casual fare such as fish tacos and chowder. Owner Danny Abrams opened the first Mermaid Inn in East Village in 2003, and has since then expanded to locations in the Upper West Side and Chelsea. How to explain the success and demand for more Mermaid Inns? Many may speak to the “killer” happy hour offered daily, with deals on fresh oysters and inventive cocktails, as well as a chance to relax in the tastefully decorated bar in front. It is here where we meet Principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland. The first female African American dancer promoted to the title of principal at the ABT, Misty shares her incredible story of hard work and resilience over a meal of oysters and lobster rolls.