Photo by myself, around 76th Street and Broadway, on the Upper West Side.
After 51 years, Big Nick's, the scruffy burger joint on Broadway, shuttered its doors.
A large sign explained their predicament - their rent was raised from $42k to $60k per month. There was absolutely no way to survive.
In the reflection of the glass you can see the new high rise building across the street, a symptom of luxury living that precipitated Big Nick's demise. Below, a photo from an earlier visit. The array of signs gave the place a certain something something.
I've posted a few other photos of Big Nick's in the past. There were always a few tables on the sidewalk outside, neon signs in the windows and a warm vibe. I will miss this place and its charm.
For a look at Nick's in its heyday, click here and here.
Related posts: Store Closing, on Fifth Avenue, Signs on Third Avenue, and Now on Sale, in Midtown.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
RIP Big Nick's, on the Upper West Side
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Yellow Cab, Under Snow
Photo by myself in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
We're climbing out from under a bunch of snow, in New York. Overnight, about 8 inches or so came down in our neighborhood. The entire northeast was snowed under and we escaped the worst of the storm.
You rarely see cabs parked overnight, since the medallions cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each. Recently, medallions have been sold for over a million dollars (!!). The cars are driven almost 24/7, as a result.
This cab is a hybrid. I've been told by cabbies that hybrids are better on fuel usage but the repair costs are very expensive. And since the cars are driven constantly, it's not a good thing to own a hybrid cab.
I've been in a hybrid cab before and immediately knew it was a hybrid because it didn't vibrate when we stopped for a red light. At slower speeds, hybrid vehicles run on electric energy generated by their own movement, rather than gasoline.
Happy Sunday, everyone!
Related posts: Portrait of a Cab Driver, on Fifth Avenue, The View, from the Back of a Cab, and Cabs Galore, on Lexington.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Looking Up, in Soho
Photo by myself, somewhere in Soho.
Some of the most beautiful buildings are in Soho, and were originally used as warehouse buildings.
Nowadays to live in that neighborhood, you have to spend a small fortune. Or have moved in long ago, when it was not glamorous and rents were cheap.
By the way, one of the articles in the Times from last weekend grabbed everyone's attention - who can be labeled 'middle class', in Manhattan?
Around the lunch table, we pondered the fact that the average Manhattan apartment is a one-bedroom for $3,973 per month (!)
That is average. Though to most human beings, $3,973 is awfully expensive for a single person without a trust fund. And somehow still have money left over to eat dinner. And commute to work.
How to get by in this city is a constant question for everyone. Do you move further away from the city for larger space? Do you stay in the same tiny apartment for decades? It's not an easy decision.
For the Times article about the middle class in Manhattan, click here.
Related posts: Looking North, on the Upper West Side, Looking Up, at 240 Centre Street, and Looking Down, from Midtown Comics.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
In the Lobby of the Sherry-Netherland, on Fifth Avenue
Photo by myself at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street.
The lobby of the Sherry-Netherland Hotel, at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, is all decked out for the holidays.
The front desk is to the left, out of view. Several doormen stood by, at the ready to help people with luggage.
This hotel is very fancy, with rooms starting at $500 per night, upward to over $1k per night. They also have several apartments for sale, some with kitchens, some without (!).
One apartment for sale takes up a whole floor of the building. Its monthly maintenance is over $30k per month. Hello??!! That is a thousand dollars per day! Some of the smaller apartments resemble hotel rooms, and all are beautifully decorated.
For the Sherry-Netherland website, which includes apartments for sale, click here.
Related posts: Waiting at the Grammercy Park Hotel, All Lit Up, Outside the Gershwin Hotel, and The Royalton, Renovated.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
In Neon, on Seventh Avenue
Photo by myself around 54th Street and Seventh Avenue.
The old-timey neon sign of an oyster restaurant beckoned from across the street. A place called The Famous Oyster Bar first opened in 1959, and looks as if it hasn't changed.
As always, please research restaurants before attending. This restaurant has mixed reviews.
People were lining up on the sidewalks to purchase tickets from convenience stores (!). People in 44 states participated in the drawing, which took place at 10:59 EST.
I didn't buy a Powerball ticket, did you?
Related posts: Twinkly Lights, at the Breslin, Neon Storefronts, Midtown, and From the Corner Deli, in Soho. Read more...
Friday, August 17, 2012
Fancy Living on the Upper East Side
Photo by myself at Fifth Avenue and 73rd Street, on the Upper East Side.
The lobby of 912 Fifth Avenue is lofty and gorgeous, with polished stone floors and floor-to-ceiling marble walls.
Antique furnishings decorate the space. In the corner to the right is a small cabinet below the house phone. Further into the lobby where I was sitting, were a couple elegant sofas and lamp tables.
The steps off to either side lead to offices that occupy the first floor. This is a common feature in large apartment buildings. The first floor spaces are not so desirable in terms of privacy from the sidewalk.
When people say 'white glove building', they're referring to the uniformed doormen who hold the door open for you and hail you cabs. And announce your visitors, call the elevators, and receive your packages and dry cleaning.
Most of the buildings along Fifth Avenue north of 59th Street have such lobbies, each beautifully decorated in its own way. There are also many large fancy buildings lining Park Avenue and Central Park West.
Related posts: Sixth Avenue, in the Rain, On Rainy Nights and Busy Days, and The MetLife Tower, in the Rain.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
On Playing Numbers and Photography 101, in Midtown
Photo by myself, at 39th Street and Eighth Avenue in Midtown.
The weather has truly been resembling March lately. It's been slightly chilly and blustery, sending everyone running to their long coats and hats.
Also, the Megamillions sweepstakes drawing on Friday for over $550 million dollars turned up three first place winners around the country. Despite that, people are still playing the lottery. Above, the guy on right was playing one of those instant win games, where you scratch off areas to see whether you've won.
Usually I don't mess around with the proportion of an image. More often than not, I post using a 4:3 proportion, or 1200 x 900 dpi, as in the photo below:
For some reason, the photo didn't look right. So I changed the cropping proportion to 3:2, or 1200 x 800 dpi. The result is more horizontal and oppressive. The overall layout seemed to reflect the body language of the 
Finally, there were some nice shadows on the
What do you think? Is the flatter image better? Do you prefer the color over black and white? Is using black and white a gimmick?
Let me know. I'm curious!
Related posts: On Chrystie Street and Photography 101, On Stolen Glances and New York Moments, and Bewildered, in Times Square. Read more...
Monday, April 2, 2012
On the Price of a Slice, Downtown
Photo by myself, at 17th and 7th Avenue in Chelsea.
We New Yorkers loves us some pizza.
Some of us are pizza snobs, myself included. I have to admit, after eating pizza in other places and countries, the pizza here is pretty darned good. Even the lowliest, no-name pizza stand will have really good, thin crust pizza served to you within minutes.
The above chap was spotted outside 2 Bros. (Brothers) Pizza, which is a chain here at 11 locations strong, at this writing. I've never eaten here, but like the sign says, slices cost $1 each.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Seeking Help, on the Upper East Side
Photo by myself at Fifth Avenue and 81st Street, on the Upper East Side.
A woman stood outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, seeking the generosity of strangers. This image was taken on a windy and cold day last week.
Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side is known for its fancy apartment buildings. Manhattan is an expensive place to live in general, and especially so in this neighborhood.
Related posts: On Needy Causes, in Midtown and Beyond, Ringing Bells, in Midtown, and Seasons Greetings, from the MTA.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The View from 24th Street, Chelsea
Photo by myself around 24th Street and 9th Avenue, in Chelsea.
If you look out from Chelsea northeast, you'll see the Empire State Building.
For orientation's sake, imagine the island of Manhattan. You're on the lower left side. The ESB is near the center of the island.
This is the view from London Terrace Towers. The building fills one city block, bounded by 23rd and 24th Streets on the north and south, and 8th and 9th Avenues on the east and west.
The building is a co-operative and its apartments are charming. There is a gym, garage and indoor pool in the building.
One of the apartments listed for sale there at the moment (not the one in my photo), is a four-bedroom for nearly 5 million dollars. The maintenance fee alone is over $6,500 US per month. For gorgeous photos of the apartment, click here.
I don't have any hard facts, but I guarantee that if you can write 'Empire State Building views' in your real estate ads, the apartment will raise in value.
Related posts: It's a Free Country, After All, A Peek Through Central Park, and The Sky is Falling.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
The Warm Glow of 2112 Broadway, on the Upper West Side
Photo by myself at 73rd Street and Broadway, on the Upper West Side.
The vestibule of 2112 Broadway, otherwise known as the Apple Bank, is both spare and detailed. The frieze and entry doors are ornamented in wrought iron.
Originally a bank building, the interiors were recently converted into condominiums. The apartments have been sold between $1,780 tp $2,220 per square foot. The building's gym, dog grooming station, bike room and 24-hour doormen certainly add to the value.
These apartments are ideally located, just steps away from the 72nd Street subway station, which is an express stop. Just a block away are Fairway and Citerella, which are two deluxe supermarkets, though I'm sure if you can afford to live here, you might not be cooking your own dinner.
For an earlier post showing some of the ironwork on the exterior, click here
For a more about the condo units, including some interior photos, click here.
Related posts: Looking Up at Pointy-Eared Creatures, at 73rd Street, City Portraits - The Williamsburgh Bank, Brooklyn, and Going Postal, in Midtown.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Gold Guy, Below 34th Street
Photo by myself at the 34th Street subway platform.
A performer dressed completely in gold clothing and makeup looked like he'd had a very rough day.
Or maybe he was still recovering from the night before. This was taken around 6:30 pm on Wednesday.
It's been business as usual here, the days just racing by. I've been swamped at work drawing bathrooms, powder rooms and vanities (for those who don't know, a 'vanity' is the cabinet where the bathroom sink is located).
It seems there is never a shortage of bathrooms to draw up. In fancy houses, there are Powder Rooms, for the guests. There is a Master Bathroom with two sinks, or there are separate bathrooms for him and for her (or him and him, or her and her). Often the toilet has in its own separate little room, for privacy (!).
Of course, the typical New Yorker does not have such luxuries. In my apartment on the Upper West Side, I could not step out of the bathtub/shower without opening the bathroom door, because there was only enough floor space to plant one foot, but not enough space to turn around on said foot.
Yes, I'd have to open the door into my tiny kitchen (basically two closets, one with a sink, the other with a stove, facing each other), and have to dry myself off there.
Funny, my bathroom situation seemed completely normal at the time, I did not give it a second thought. We humans are very adaptable creatures!
Related posts: Gold Guy, at 59th Street, Recovering from a Rough Night, on Avenue A and Green Man, in Washington Square Park. Read more...
Friday, September 16, 2011
On a Cigarette Break, in Chelsea
Photo by myself, around 27th Street and 11th Avenue.
Way west in Chelsea are large warehouse buildings used for storage, offices and art galleries.
I'm not sure what kind of building this was, but it looks like a fellow just received a shipment of bread. He looks like the type who should not be messed around with. Very serious.
By the way, at some delis, a pack of cigarettes costs $15 bucks right now. That's 75 cents per smoke. Smoking is an expensive habit here.
Happy Friday, everyone.
Related posts: Open Spaces, in Chelsea, A Moment Alone, in the East Village and Texting, Schmexting.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
In the Shadow of the Standard Hotel, on the West Side
Photo by myself below the Standard Hotel, at West 13th and Washington Streets.
Way, way, way over on the far west side, tucked under The High Line and the towering Standard Hotel, is a giant piece of public art.
The sculpture was created by the street artist named Kaws. It is only 16 feet tall, however seems much taller. Influences from Mickey Mouse can be seen in the 'gloves'. (The artist started his career as a freelancer at Disney).
People were eating and relaxing nearby in the gorgeous weather. The Standard is a super cool building that straddles The High Line, the elevated public park. Rates at The Standard vary from about $450 to $2,200 per night.
Related posts: Public Art and Other Freebies, Portrait of a Young Man, Without a Home and Portrait of FIve New Yorkers, on the Upper East Side.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Tough Times, on the Sidewalk
Photo by myself, somewhere downtown.
Times are still tough for many here in the city.
An older couple sold cold drinks on the sidewalk.
Speaking of money, rates went up recently for regular commuters to and from New York.
For those commuting by train to New York from New Jersey, the monthly train pass went from $54 up to $89 dollars. For drivers, those using pre-paid cards went up by $4 per ride.
If you're a driver using cash, your toll goes up from $8 to a whopping $15, each time you drive to and from the city. Those using cash at the tolls slow down traffic and require humans to be hired to provide change.
Many, many people commute between New Jersey and New York daily.
For more about the toll hikes, click here.
Related posts: Life Goes on, Columbus Circle, Free Food, Washington Square Park and Man and Companion, on the Sidewalk. Read more...
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Looking Up at Pointy-Eared Creatures, at West 73rd Street
Photo by myself outside the Central Savings Bank at 73rd Street and Broadway on the Upper West Side.
The Apple Bank, formerly the Central Savings Bank, is located just where Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway intersect, on the Upper West Side. Pointy-eared creatures look down from the railing above.
The building was originally built in the 1920's. The upper floors were converted into condominium apartments in 2006.
Two bedroom units were originally sold for $5.8 million. A three-bedroom unit was originally sold for $6.65 million, or $2,204 per square foot. The average price for apartments in this neighborhood is $1,299 per square foot.
All apartments were outfitted with their own laundry rooms and kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances. The building also has an indoor gym and 24-hour doorman.
For an article about the building, including photos of the apartment interiors click here.
A better look at the pointy-eared creatures.
Related posts: The Flatiron Building, in Detail, On the Market and Details, Details.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
901 Broadway, in the Flatiron District
Photo by myself at 22nd Street and Broadway, in the Flatiron District.
At 901 Broadway is stunning European-inspired building with tall windows and very little wall area. You can see the reflection of the Flatiron Building next door, in the windows.
Cast iron columns support the facade. These original windows must be about ten feet tall.
The ground floor of this building are stores, but above are actually loft apartments for rent. Currently a 2,700 square foot apartment is on the market for rent at $14,000 per month.
For the listing of the apartment, click here.
Related posts: Duane Street, Tribeca, The Flatiron Building, in Detail and Trinity Church, at Dusk.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Fresh Flowers Outside Nello's, on Madison Avenue
Photo by myself at 62nd and Madison, on the Upper East Side.
It was downright balmy on Monday, with high humidity and temperatures in the mid-70's (about 23C).
Above, the planted flowers are out and the doorknob polished at Nello's, an expensive restaurant on Madison Avenue, on the Upper East Side. There are few restaurants on Madison Avenue, which is populated with little boutiques and antique stores.
Nello's has mixed reviews online at best. They do not have website but New York Magazine posted the menu online.
For $40 you can get the lobster bisque soup. Or the wild mushroom risotto. Or a big bite of the roasted veal chop.
One story online shows a lunch bill at Nello's totaling over $47,000. Actually $47,221.09, to be precise, and that was over a year ago. About $36k for the bill was for alcohol.
I must say that most New Yorkers avoid such places. There are so many fine restaurants here that are reasonably priced.
For a peek at the Nello's menu, click here.
For the post about the huge lunch tab, click here.
Related posts: The Cost of Living Part II, or Life in Playland, High Above the Metropolitan Museum and Glitzy Glam, Outside the Pierre.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Prep School Kids, on the Upper East Side
Photo by myself on the Upper East Side, around 63rd Street and Madison Avenue.
Boys dressed for private school were waiting for their breakfast from a street cart.
My guess is that these boys were students at The Browning School, an all-boys school at 62nd Street, between Madison and Park Avenues. The school serves boys from pre-primary age (around 4 years old) through high school.
Subjects in high school include Philosophy, Latin and even Greek. There is a jazz ensemble and clubs to suit every interest. The list of classes sound like college courses.
Less than 400 students attend the school in total. Tuition averages about $36,000 per year. There are just under 200 private schools in New York City.
Related posts: A Kid's Life, in Brooklyn, Playing Ball in the Public Courts and The Carousel, in Bryant Park.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Twilight, on West 4th Street
Photo by myself on West 4th Street and Sixth Avenue.
Believe it or not, this is not a photo of a church.
Originally built as a Methodist Church in 1860, this building was converted into condominium units in 2006. Not the best timing in terms of the real estate market.
Perhaps because people don't like the thought of living in a church, the apartments have not been selling too well. Many of the units are now being rented out by the developer.
A 3-bedroom penthouse apartment there was recently sold for $6.9 million dollars. 2-bedroom loft apartments are being rented for just under $10k a month.
Related posts: On Eating Chicken Sandwiches in Montreal, 184 3/4 West 4th Street and City Portraits: Washington Square Park.
