Happy New Year's Eve, from Grand Street, Chinatown

Photo by myself around Grand Street, in Chinatown.

The entrepreneurial spirit lives on, despite the cold weather.

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Happy New Year's Eve!!

I hope you all have joyous plans for tonight and you're looking forward to 2011. This year was very good for us, after zipping by in the usual fashion.

By the way, if you're planning on visiting New York soon, the Times published this article about visiting on cheap, a couple days ago. For a whole weekend, savvy traveler tours around Manhattan for only $100 US.

The thing is, the city is flooded with visitors at the moment. I truly doubt there will ever be a time when shops and subways are completely empty and you don't have to wait on line. Chances are, though, the crowds will be smaller after the New Year. Say, in February. ;-)

What are your plans for New Year's Eve? Mark, Rupert and I will be staying home and happily avoiding the crowds.

Related posts: On Canal Street and Annie Liebowitz, Soap Bubbles, Chinatown and All A-Shiver, in the Streets.

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After the Snow, in Soho

Photo by myself on Greene and Spring Streets, in Soho.

Even with loads of snow, slush, trash and parked cars, Soho still manages to look beautiful to me.

I took a brief walk about Soho Wednesday afternoon, to see how this neighborhood was coping with the snow. The narrow streets and shoppers are great for taking photographs.

As usual, visitors were in full force, even though many hadn't thought to pack knee high galoshes. The post-holiday sales haven't kicked in quite yet, but that didn't stop people from going at it.


Snow is still piled high, especially at street corners.


A cross section through the snow reveals bikes still chained to sign posts.

While walking around, all you could hear was the constant sound of dripping, as the snow was melting away. Temperatures were in the mid to upper 30s this afternoon, and are expected to climb to the mid-40's by Friday.


A view behind the eatery Cafe Duke, at Spring and Mercer Streets, in Soho.

Related posts: Strung Along, in Soho, Haggling for Furs, on West Broadway and Painting the Town, in Soho.

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Looking Up at 240 Centre Street

Photo by myself on Centre and Broome Streets in SoHo/Little Italy.

One of the most coveted addresses in lower Manhattan, the Police Building at 240 Centre Street in SoHo is said to be home to celebrities and models.

So they say.

I've waited walked outside the building many a time and have never seen anyone coming out or going in. Maybe all the residents are out on their yachts? ;-)

Formerly a police headquarters, the building was converted into co-op apartments in 1988. Just this past September, a four-bedroom apartment was sold for a whopping $16 million. The building is located in an odd area, between Little Italy and Chinatown.

For an earlier post on this building, click here

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I thought I'd post a reprieve from the snow photos, a little architectural palate-cleanser, so to speak.

For those curious, we are still digging our way out from Sunday night's blizzard. There are heaps of snow out there still. If you can dig your car out, good luck on finding a parking space. There is so much snow, people wind up parking some 12 feet away from the curb.

Temperatures will warm up later this week though, so hopefully all will melt soon!

Related posts: The Flatiron Building, in Detail, Going Postal, in Midtown and On the Market.

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Snowed Under, In Brooklyn

Photo by myself in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Somewhere under all that snow is someone's car. Strong winds made the snow drifts very high.

Park Slope has some nice side streets lined with older brownstones, like the ones above. Along the avenues, there are restaurants and little stores. Parking spaces are generally very difficult to find.

Mark, Rupert and I spent most of the day Monday holed up indoors, cooking. Rupert went out for a bit in the afternoon, only to tear down the sidewalk, turn around and tear back inside. Too cold for a little dog!


Seventh Avenue is a popular hang out in Park Slope. As in Manhattan, most people live on the side streets, leaving the avenues for dining, shopping and services.

Related posts: On Soldiers, Sailors and Going Nuts, Snowing in the City and Six Inches Under, in Central Park.

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A Blizzard Update, from Park Slope, Brooklyn

Photo by myself on Seventh Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

New York woke up to a huge amount of snow. Some 20 inches fell last night in Central Park.

I walked around at eight this morning to see the damage. Lots of other people were digging out their cars, shoveling their walks, heading to work (!) or walking their dogs.

Most people wandered in the middle of the streets like zombies, since the sidewalks were piled high with snow drifts.

There were traffic mishaps too - cabs that got in very late at night and couldn't find a place to park were just abandoned in the middle of the street. There were buses and snowplows stuck in the middle of the street, too.

It looked like the end of the world. Along the sidewalks, parked cars were buried, only a bit of roof or an antenna visible.

From an announcement made on the local television channel NY1, it costs New York $1 million for every inch of snow that needs to be plowed for machinery, supplies, workers' overtime, etc. So 20 inches = $20 million dollars.


People trudged down the middle of the street at 8am, since the sidewalks were thigh-high in snow.

Related posts: The Brooklyn Ice House, in Red Hook, Brooklyn, A Blanket of Snow in Prospect Park and Yep, It's Still Winter.

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The Season's First Blizzard, in Red Hook, Brooklyn

Photo by myself on Van Brunt and Pioneer Streets, in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

New York City is bracing itself for as much as 16 inches of snow.

The snow and wind began Sunday, and is expected to continue through the night. At this writing at Sunday 9 pm, snow drifts are piled 10 inches high.

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I took the above photo outside a bar called the Brooklyn Ice House. By sheer chance, there were many spots of red in this image.

Red Hook is a cool, arty neighborhood that is still a little rough around the edges. Some of the streets are paved in cobblestone. There are a lot of bars and garden centers. There is no direct subway. Those who live in Red Hook take the bus or own cars.

The East River is just a couple blocks away from where this photo was taken. From the edge of Red Hook, you can see lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

For an earlier photo of the Statue of Liberty from Red Hook, click here.

Click here for some incredible readers' photos of the snowfall on the Times.

Related posts: The Brooklyn Ice House, in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Chez Ralph, in Red Hook, Brooklyn and Sledding Outside the San Remo.

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Outside Zucco, on the Lower East Side

Photo by myself in the Lower East Side, on Orchard and East Houston Streets.

As I stood outside Zucco, a French restaurant, what must have been the owner opened the door to say hello and pose for a photo.

I was drawn to their cozy storefront and their logo, a Boston Terrier. He said the dog used to belong to a friend of his and was named Lulu.

I wish I'd stayed around to chat a little more, since this fellow was very friendly. The restaurant was reviewed a few years ago in the Times, here.

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The Lower East Side is known for remaining authentic and informal, as you can see by the outside table and jumble of stuff inside. Most of the stores and restaurants are unique - no Starbucks, no McDonald's and no Barnes and Nobles. Some of the garment stores have been there for generations, and their signs have remained unchanged since the 1930s.

All of New York used to have the same vibe, but sadly the city has changed in recent years. When I first moved to New York over ten years ago, the Upper West side was similar. It was filled with small bookstores and one-off establishments. There were a few large stores around 86th Street, but that's it.

The city has changed. Chain stores and restaurants have become the norm. Large stores for housewares, clothing and groceries are all over the place. Only small pockets of the city, like the Lower East Side, have retained their character.

The reason? Escalating rents, I think. It is easier to attract an audience that is constantly changing when you're a large company with name recognition, than if you're a mom-and-pop establishment. Of course, there are still some stores that are unique, but generally speaking, the city is worlds different from what it used to be.

Related posts: Signs of Old Times, on the Lower East Side, "I'll Have What She's Having', at Katz's Deli and Making Off with the Lower East Side.

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Happy Christmas All, from the Village

Photo by myself in Washington Square Park.

A photo from my stash during SantaCon, last year. A whole mess of Santa Claus's convened in Washington Square Park, in the Village.

New York is generally very quiet on Christmas Day. Major stores are closed and there is virtually no traffic. If you're visiting the city, never fear, there are always a handful of restaurants that are open.

Merry Christmas, everyone!!

Related posts: Santas on Parade, in Washington Square Park, Get Your Christmas Tree, on the Upper West Side and Deck the Halls of the Plaza Hotel.

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Merry Xmas Eve, from Fifth Avenue

Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue, around 52nd Street.

A man gazed up at the brilliant decorations surrounding the Cartier flagship store in Midtown.

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It is hard for me to believe that it is the holiday season already.

I wish you all a joyous season and a happy and healthy 2011. This year has just scampered by, hasn't it? It feels like just yesterday that I posted my New Year's post, asking readers what their outlook was for the year.

This blog has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to post about this vibrant city that I call home. I consider it a gift to share my photos with you all every day.

Thank you readers for tuning in. Taking photos is fun, but it is nothing remotely close to sharing them with an interested audience!

Best, K

Related posts: Have Yourselves a Very Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, All and Happy Christmas Eve.

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I Heart NY, in Midtown

Photo by myself in Midtown.

Don't be fooled.

Despite the slogans on these t-shirts, New Yorkers are generally pretty nice folks.

Related posts: Holy Smokes, in the East Village, Now on Sale, in Midtown and Reasons to be Pretty, Times Square.

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Looking up at Macy's, in Midtown

Photo by myself outside Macy's, at Sixth Avenue and 34th Street in Midtown.

The entrance to Macy's is usually decked out with lights strung up to resemble a giant Christmas tree, during holiday time.

All the windows of this large building are painted white, since the last thing you need to do in a store is gaze out the window. This is actually a very nice, old building with pretty details.

When walking around on a crowded sidewalk, it's easy to get caught up in what's in the store windows and forget to look up at the building itself. The stuff in the windows change with the fashion and season, but the gracious old buildings stay the same. At least we hope so.

Related posts: Duane Street, Tribeca, Trinity Church, at Dusk and 42nd Street.

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Gone Fishin', Along the East River

Photo by myself along the East River, around Market Street.

Along the East River in Manhattan are pedestrian, bicycle and jogging lanes. From here, you get a clear view of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. Overhead to the right is the FDR, or East Side Highway, where cabs and cars zip along at high speeds.

A man was fishing on Sunday afternoon. I should have stopped to ask what he was fishing for, but he had that 'don't-you-dare-bother-me' look about him. So I stayed away.

Just west of this location are a number of apartment buildings that must be city projects. They are slightly dilapidated and a bit scary looking. Keep walking west and you find yourself in Chinatown.

It is coldest along the edges of Manhattan. The wind travels briskly over the water and hits you with full force. The middle of the city is much warmer because the asphalt and buildings trap the radiant heat accumulated during the day.

For an earlier photo of a fisherman on the west side of Manhattan, click here.

Related posts: The Brooklyn Bridge, in the Balance, Walking the Brooklyn Bridge and From Under the Bridge.

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Doing Business in the Cold, in Chinatown

Photo by myself, on Grand Street in Chinatown.

It was nippy Sunday afternoon, with a brisk wind. Of course the chilly weather didn't prevent business from being done.


A watch repair man and his customer sat on little stools on the sidewalk. Price to replace each battery: $3-$4.

Related posts: En Masse, On Canal Street, From Under the Banner, in Chinatown and The Dragon Parade on Mott Street.

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New York Portraits on Etsy

Photo by myself, at home.

I'm happy to announce a new storefront on Etsy!

I've sold several prints to readers but I've always wanted to make prints available to everyone.

This is still a work in progress. Right now there are a handful of black and white prints are listed in two sizes. Color prints on glossy paper will be added very soon. I will keep you posted.

To see the store, click here.

Related posts: Bird's Eye View, near Bryant Park, Under the Spray of Summer, in Park Slope, Brooklyn and Sunday Morning, along the East River.

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Swinging to the Welf Dorr Group, at 34th Street

Photo by myself below 34th Street, in Midtown.

Yet another hoppin' jazz group underground, the Welf Dorr Group entertains passersby at the 34th Street subway station. Welf is the fellow on alto sax, to the left.

The group has appeared in various configurations over the years,with Welf at the helm. You can see a video of them here:


Related posts: See Saw, Underground, On Drums and the Brooklyn Bunny and Subway Jam Session.

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On Fashionistas and Broadway Shows, in Midtown

Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue, around 50th Street.

Some fashionable people wandered around Fifth Avenue.

Cold weather does not mean one has to suffer a loss in style. The sun was overhead at midday, providing some great highlights.

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If you're ever in New York, the TKTS booths in Times Square, South Street Seaport and downtown Brooklyn are a great way to enjoy a Broadway show or play at discounted prices. The booths sell tickets for that evening's performance for up to 50% the cost of the ticket. All you have to do is show up and wait in line.

Now there is a free iphone app that allows you to see what tickets are available. You can preview what tickets are being offered before committing to wait in line.

The app is free until March 1. For the article in the Times, click here.
For information about the app itself, click here.

Related posts: On Guys in Hats and the Issue of Style, Beautiful People, in the East Village and Living in Style, in Williamsburg Brooklyn.

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Pedalling in Style, on Central Park South

Photo by myself outside the Plaza Hotel, at 59th Street and Central Park South.

Even the pedicabs are decked out to reflect the holiday season.

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Beware! As the temperatures drop, it's much more difficult to get a cab, especially during rush hour. At that time, folks compete to get to the theatre, catch the train home or meet someone for dinner.

I had to run to a meeting on Thursday at 4:30 pm. Usually I would take the subway, but this was an emergency. It was very chilly and no available cabs were in sight. Out of desperation, I contemplated taking a pedicab (!).

A gypsy cab pulled over and we talked about price. Gypsy cabs, also known as livery cabs, are unlike the typical yellow cabs that New York is known for. They are usually black or grey sedans and don't have meters.

Gypsy cabs are generally fine to use as long as you negotiate a price beforehand, preferably while you are standing on the sidewalk. In the outer boroughs such as Brooklyn, livery cabs are plentiful and operate out of car services that are open 24/7.

Anyway, I had to get to 65th Street and Madison Avenue, only 20 blocks away. The driver wanted 20 dollars, that is, one dollar for every block. Astounded, I walked away out of principle.

Of course, ten minutes later, I was hailing down another gypsy cab. Twenty bucks was the going rate, and twenty bucks it was. It was that or running 20 blocks uptown.

Related posts: Riding in Style, in the Village, Before a Tour, Pedicab Style and The Twinkling View at Rockefeller Center.

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Holiday Under the Stars, at Columbus Circle

Photo by myself at the Time Warner Center, in Columbus Circle.

Above, the main atrium space in the Time Warner Center. In the background are Columbus Circle and Central Park South.

Suspended in the atrium are twelve stars, each internally illuminated with LED lights. The largest stars are 14 feet tall.

The LED lights cycle slowly through the color spectrum, turning the stars blue, purple, yellow, orange, red and green. It takes less than a minute to get through the entire spectrum. I took the above photo at around 3 pm.

Starting at 5pm every day is a light show called Holiday Under the Stars. The show includes over 150 strobe lights and a musical soundtrack. The show must be very dramatic, since by that time it's dark outside.


Above, the lights slowly turn from blue to green.

Related posts: On Target, On Houston, The Starry Sky Above 59th Street and The Twinkling View at Rockefeller Center.

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Serving Up Sushi, Below the Plaza Hotel

Photo by myself at the Food Hall below the Plaza Hotel, at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue.

The area around the southeast corner of Central Park was never known for its restaurants.

Fancy stores and fancy places to live, yes. A classic movie theatre tucked away on a side street (the Paris on 58th Street) and crowded sidewalks, yes.

The Food Hall below the Plaza opened this June to mostly good reviews. When I stopped by I expected it to be deserted, since the entrance is not clearly marked and there is no street frontage.

Down several steps through a side entrance to the hotel, another world opened up. A large-ish room was ringed with food bars - a sushi bar, a raw bar, a dumpling bar, a pizza bar...even barbeque! There are 13 menus in all, though when I visited, it didn't look overwhelming.


Even in colder weather, people were enjoying the raw bar.

An internally lit false skylight covers the space, since you're below ground and there are no windows. Prices are reasonable, but beware, they don't take reservations. You will have to duke it out over a seat.

For the Times' mostly positive review, click here.
For the Plaza Food Hall website, chock full of photos and menus, click here.

Related posts: Colorful Eats at Kelley and Ping, SoHo, Hot Diggity Dogs All Day Long and Ramen Noodles in the East Village.

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All A-Glow, in SoHo

Photo by myself on Prince Street and Broadway, in SoHo.

Temperatures have taken a sudden downward turn, here in the city. Brrrrr....

While in the mid-20's the wind chill makes it feel more like the mid-teens. Snow flurries were in SoHo Monday night. We woke up Tuesday morning to a light dust of snow on the ground.

Related posts: Old New York, on the Lower East Side, Glitzy Glam, Outside the Pierre and Christmas Windows to Warm the Heart.

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On Line at Abercrombie & Fitch, Midtown

Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue and 56th Street.

There seems to always be a line outside the flagship store of Abercrombie & Fitch. This one looks very well-dressed.

I'm not sure why the people are waiting, but I know there are hunky semi-nude male models in the store. My gay male friends are always craning their necks to see inside without having to wait in line!

Related posts: Shopping 'Til Dropping, on Canal Street, On Shopping on West 4th and My Insider's Guide and An Early Spring on the Lower East Side.

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Leaving the Santa Convention, in the East Village

Photo by myself in the East Village, around 4th Avenue and St. Mark's Place.

A Santa Claus, a Christmas tree and a giant present looked around for a cab, Saturday. I'm sure they were off to celebrate at a pub.

This costumed trio was a remnant of this year's SantaCon, the convention held every year of Santa Clauses in various cities. This year's New York SantaCon was held in ten spots, including Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, the main post office near Madison Square Garden and the American Natural History Museum on the Upper West Side.

SantaCon was marked down on my calendar, but I completely missed it while recovering from a very busy week at work. I'm glad I ran into the guys above while doing errands with Mark.

For my photos from last year's SantaCon, click here.
For photos on the Gothamist website, click here.

Related posts: Get Your Christmas Tree on the Upper West Side, Two Bells Ringing on Fifth Avenue and Deck the Halls of the Plaza Hotel.

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A Brief Moment Above Ground, on the B Train

Photo by myself on the subway.

Friday morning, the morning commute was like any other day. Above, more riders than usual are immersed in low tech books and the newspaper.

The express trains from Brooklyn cross the East River via the Manhattan Bridge. For a brief time, the train is above ground and bathed in daylight and reflections.

People typically bury their noses in their phones or other electronic devices. Many will reach for their cellphones to call the office to say they're running late, or check into email. On the way home, people even order dinner to be delivered! I usually text Mark to say I'm on the bridge.

As you can see, most folks are dressed in black, the standard NY dress code.

Related posts: A New York Frame of Mind, The Daily Madness, Outside Madison Square Garden and Commuting in the Hood, on the Atlantic/Pacific Platform.

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Touring Along Fifth Avenue, Midtown

Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue, in Midtown.

Visitors are out in full force right now along Fifth Avenue. The weather has taken a turn for winter. The lower temperatures seem even lower with the brisk wind.

I think this was taken around Rockefeller Center. Across the street is St. Patrick's Cathedral, which is now under scaffolding for repairs or cleaning. Incidentally, the main branch of the New York Public Library is also being cleaned. The west side facing Bryant Park is absolutely pristine, while the east side entrance is obscured.

It's unfortunate - on any given visit to New York, some iconic buildings will be under scaffolding. This means that if you visit, you'll have to visit at least twice to get a full view of everything.

Related posts: Mass Mentality, Times Square, NYC and Looking like a Tourist, in Midtown.

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'Tis the Season for Roasted Chestnuts

Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue, in Midtown

Some food vendors serve up roasted chestnuts during holiday time.

The New York Daily News wrote recently that few food vendors in New York offer roasted chestnuts. I hope this does not become a tradition of the past.

The vendors that do serve chestnuts are mostly located along Fifth Avenue between 65th and 42nd Streets, that is, in areas highly trafficked by tourists.

Related posts: On the Soup Station and Snow, Street Eats, Midtown and Get Your Street Sweets Here.

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The NYPD on Guard, at 34th Street

Photo by myself below ground at the 34th Street subway station.

A rather large police dog was on duty, Tuesday morning.

Just then, a large group of policemen rode up the escalator. The dog suddenly perked up, ears pointed forward. A few seconds later, he started prancing excitedly.

His handler explained to me that the dog recognized the police uniforms. I only wish I'd had a video camera, because the change was so incredible, just night and day!

By the way, I did not have trouble with photographing the police, but I did ask permission first. In my experience I have not had issues taking photos of the NYPD.

Related posts: NYPD Blues, Patrolling the Streets and A Horse of Course, in Midtown.

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The Proposal, in Rockefeller Center

Photo by myself in Rockefeller Center, at 5th Avenue and 50th Street.

The decorations up during holiday time make New York very romantic.

I'm not sure whether this was a proposal, above, but it certainly looked like one.

Related posts: Sparkly Lights in Rockefeller Center, The Rink at Rockefeller Center and On Stolen Glances and New York Moments.

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Santa Claus is Cruisin' to Town

Photo by myself on Central Park South and Fifth Avenue.

Apparently Santa's in town already!

And he's done it in style. No longer sporting the old reindeer sleigh routine, Santa is cruising in a gorgeous convertible.

Santa was spotted on Central Park South, Sunday afternoon. The Plaza Hotel is across the street, in the background.

The entire area was bustling with people visiting New York for the holidays. Horse-drawn carriages were trotting into Central Park, one after the other.

Related posts: Big Red Monster, in Midtown, Big Green Monster, in Midtown and Celebrating the Year of the Tiger, in Chinatown.

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Outside Radio City Music Hall, on Sixth Avenue

Photo by myself in Midtown, around Sixth Avenue and 50th Street.

Every winter season, Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes features a special show. Incredible costumes and sets describe New York City, Santa's workshop and the story of Christmas.

The show has existed since 1933. Ticket prices range between $45 and $105 a seat.

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Not the greatest photo, I know, but I am a sucker for neon.

Related posts: Making an Entrance, in Neon, From the Corner Deli, in SoHo and Emailing Under the Influence...Not.

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Fierce Competition, in Bryant Park

Photo by myself in Bryant Park.

Even with a nip in the air, leaves on the ground and an outdoor ice rink just steps away, the ping pong tables are being used in Bryant Park.

These tables are for use for the public. Surrounded by tall office buildings, Bryant Park provides a touch of nature to people stuck in an office all day. Many times during lunch hour, I've seen grown men take their shirts off to sunbathe. (Some should know better, and leave their shirts on!!)

Related posts: Work Hard, Play Hard, Tomorrow's New York Giants and Having a Ball, in Bryant Park.

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Ringing Bells in Midtown

Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.

During holiday times, volunteers for the Salvation Army ring bells to solicit donations for their worthy cause.

Related posts: Two Bells A-Ringing, on Fifth Avenue, Worthy Causes and On Needy Causes, in Midtown and Beyond.

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On the Sidewalk, Fifth Avenue

Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue, around 35th Street.

A slice of life from the sidewalk.

Fifth Avenue isn't all glitz and glam.

Related posts: Baby, It's Cold Outside, Life Goes On, Columbus Circle and Life in High Contrast.

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Christmas Ornaments on Sixth Avenue

Photo by myself on Sixth Avenue around 50th Street, in Midtown.

A giant pyramid of red ornaments decorates a fountain near Rockefeller Center.

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I wandered down toward Rockefeller Center Tuesday night, since the lighting of the giant Christmas tree was scheduled. A couple blocks away, I turned around and went home because the sidewalks were so packed with people.

The police had barricaded the sidewalks so you couldn't cross the street anywhere near Rockefeller Center. In the background of the photo above, you can see the long line of people on sidewalk, who had to walk a couple blocks north just to cross the street.

I will take photos of the tree another day, when there are fewer people to deal with!

Related posts: Christmas Windows to Warm the Heart, On Stolen Glances and New York Moments and Holiday Displays on Fifth Avenue.

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