-- --

Thursday, March 31, 2011

At the Base of the Ansonia, on West 73rd Street

The Ansonia, UWS
Photo by myself at 73rd Street and Broadway on the Upper West Side.

The Ansonia is a well-known pre-war apartment building on the Upper West Side. (Pardon the odd angle. The building is actually not slanted!)

Above, the residential entrance at 73rd Street. A bank is located on the first floor, to the left.

The details of the building are sculptural and over-the-top. A 4-bedroom co-op apartment was just sold here for 5.6 million dollars.

For listings of available apartments and recent sales, click for listings here.

Related posts: Below the Ansonia, on the Upper West Side, The Majestic Ansonia and The Stately San Remo on the Upper West Side.

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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

At a Crossroads, Outside Macy's

Outside Macy's, NYC
Photo by myself around 35th Street and Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.

A fellow was taking photos of the billboard on the Macy's building, Tuesday evening. What looks like an odd hat is really the flash attachment of his camera.

Macy's is located at 34th Street, where Broadway and Sixth Avenue intersect. The result is a large open space. A small public park is located on the sliver in the middle.

The 34th Street subway station and Long Island Railroad station is located here, too. Times Square is just steps away at 42nd Street. There is always tons of people walking about.

Related posts: Lost, Near Macy's, Happy Thanksgiving, From Macy's and There's a Moon Out Tonight.

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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Queuing for Ice Cream, in the Cold

Ice Cream in the cold
Photo by myself at 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue, in the Flatiron District.

Sure, even in the cold weather, the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream truck has business. Their clientele was dressed head to toe in knits in the chilly Spring weather.

The Van Leeuwen truck is parked daily around 22nd Street and 6th Avenue. Here, it was a couple blocks away at 23rd and Fifth. In addition to 'artisanal' ice cream, they serve coffee, espresso and pastries.

Artisanal ice cream means no preservatives and no artificial emulsifiers. The creamy and rich ice cream is also served in containers made from recycled materials. A portion of the proceeds are also donated toward wildlife preservation.

I have yet to sample their goods, which must be delicious. For more about the Van Leeuwen company, visit their pretty website here.

Related posts: The Latest Scoop, Italian Ice, East Village and I Scream, You Scream.

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Monday, March 28, 2011

On Meditation and Taking Candids

In Meditation
Photo by myself on Beech Street, in Boston.

Above, the only halfway decent photo I managed to take during my weekend in Boston.

Photographers were absolutely not shy, Sunday morning. They stood very close, while a woman was in meditation. The woman was a member of the Falun Gong, a religious group that uses meditation to attain spiritual well-being.

--

In the four years that I've been taking photographs regularly, I've seen an incredible change on the streets. I'm curious to know whether other people see it, too?

First, people in their daily lives seem much more on guard about being photographed. Street photography has become much more commonplace, and it seems harder to take good candids.

Second, photographers are bolder than ever. I'm not sure whether the paparazzi have influenced us, or the breakdown of boundaries via Facebook and other trends?

The above scene would certainly not have happened ten years ago. I truly hope this does not become a common sight.

Related posts: Stick Em Up, in Madison Square Park, On Contortionists and Viral Videos and Sun Salutation, in the East Village.

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Sunday, March 27, 2011

Peeping in, on the Upper West Side

Peeping in
Photo by myself around 72nd Street and Central Park West on the Upper West Side.

It's hard to resist peeping into people's apartments. It's a very human reflex.

A man was preparing dinner in a small galley kitchen, to the left. To the right, the lights were on in the Living Room. You can see the beams in the ceiling, which are typical in pre-war buildings.

The building above is a little unusual. Many of the apartments are duplex units, that is, apartments that have an upstairs and downstairs, connected by an internal stair. There are triplexes, too, apartments with three floors. The room above the Living Room is probably the Master Bedroom.

The benefit of owning a duplex is that they feel more like a regular house than an apartment building. The drawback is that the internal stair takes up precious square footage. Each level also seems small in comparison to an apartment on a single level.

There is a bit going on in the photo above. The large window on the right is metal. The windows on the far left are old, wooden windows, located in a fire stair. They look in need of a good cleaning.

There are a couple through-wall air conditioners above, where the air conditioning units penetrate the exterior wall. The air conditioner in the man's kitchen is within a window, which is not too nice looking and blocks some daylight from coming in.

Related posts: On New York Buildings, High and Low, Trumped, on the Upper West Side and How the Other Half Lives.

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Saturday, March 26, 2011

On Passing the Time and New York City BIDs

Distracted
Photo by myself in Union Square.

People walked around with their eyeballs and ears glued to their phones the other day, in Union Square.

This large, informal open area is host to many impromptu gatherings. You can find musical performances, hackey-sack contests and political protests here. In the background above, a large group jumps rope.

Among scheduled events are the Farmer's Market on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. During the holiday season, vendors set up special carts for their goods.

--

How are the parks and open spaces kept so clean, and how are formal events organized?

New York is divided up into 'BID's, or Business Improvement Districts. Businesses and buildings in each neighborhood contribute money to non-profit groups that that maintain the open spaces and activities.

Each neighborhood has its own decorations during the holidays, its own style of trash cans and signage. Lower Manhattan's Downtown Alliance was instrumental in getting people back into the neighborhood after 9/11. Lower Manhattan has its own distinctive street signs and maps.

The 34th Street area has internally lit street signs. The differences are subtle from neighborhood to neighborhood, but if you look closely, you will notice that each neighborhood has its own identity.

When open park areas are kept well-planted and maintained, people use these areas. Nice public spaces means more foot traffic for businesses, and so on.

BIDs are located in all five boroughs of New York City, not just Manhattan. There are 64 BIDs in all, which include everything from Union Square and Times Square, to Long Island City, Queens and Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

For more about the Business Improvement Districts and links to each of them, click here.
--

Thanks for the nice comments regarding yesterday's post. It's been nice seeing my family, though I wish the circumstances were better.

Related posts: The Curse of the First Born, Texting, Schmexting and People Watching, Union Square.

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Friday, March 25, 2011

Outside Madame Tussaud's, in Times Square

Outside Madame Tussauds, NYC
Photo by myself outside the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum on 42nd Street and Broadway.

Larger than life portraits adorn service doors at the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in Times Square. The Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum is right next door.

Times Square is no longer the seedy street it used to be. It's now part amusement park, part mall. A couple multi-story movie theaters are located on the street, as well as many fast food joints.

As a New Yorker I recommend not spending too much time along 42nd Street, though Times Square can be pretty cool at night. There are so many neighborhoods in Manhattan and the outer boroughs that represent New York City, its people and history much better.

--

I'm in Boston for the weekend. My grandfather passed away a few days ago at the incredible age of 99 100. He will be very missed.

He was feisty and intelligent, always in good humor and grateful for his life. I grew up with him and my grandmother around me, and their voices resonate in my head. To the very end, my grandfather insisted that he was only 98 years old.

Just Thursday night, my brother welcomed a baby girl. I am officially an aunt! What a happy and reflective time it is for my family.

Posts will continue here each day as usual.

Related posts: Now Playing at the Booth Theater, Madge + Macy's = Mayhem and Faces in Fashion, in Bryant Park.

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Thursday, March 24, 2011

At the Foot of the Freedom Tower

Freedom tower, from below
Photo by myself at the foot of the Freedom Tower, along the West Side Highway.

The Freedom Tower (seen above, right) and several of the other buildings at the World Trade Center are well underway. Construction is slow, but every time I manage to pass by, I see progress.

Enormous trusses span vertically for several floors, as you can see. The Freedom Tower is located near some older buildings, and the contrast is obvious.

--

By the way, Mark pointed out to me that I had another inadvertent celebrity sighting in yesterday's photo, at the 59th Street subway station.

N.J. Burkett is a television celebrity here, at ABC news. He is a news correspondent, and the ABC headquarters is located at 66th Street and Broadway.

For my other inadvertent celeb sighting was of Chris Kimball, of America's Test Kitchen, here.

Related posts: On the World Trade Center and My Big Toe, Night View, at the World Trade Center and Salvaged from the World Trade Center.

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Across the Platform, at 59th Street

Across the platform
Photo by myself at the 59th Street subway station.

Two strangers were framed by columns at the 59th Street subway station Tuesday night.

Mark noticed that the fellow above is NJ Burkett, a correspondent for ABC News. The ABC headquarters is a few blocks away from this subway station.





NJ Burkett, photo from the internet.

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By the way, the latest incident on the subway in the news involves a fight induced by spaghetti (!).

Eating and drinking is not allowed on the subway, though a little snack now and again might be okay. A full-blown meal like spaghetti and sauce is a different story.

Routinely you see women putting on their makeup on the train. Once I saw a man shaving on the subway platform with a battery powered buzzer.

The fight involved three women and eventually half the subway car was standing up. And it was all caught on video.

You can read about and see the argument on the Daily News site here.

Related posts: On the Platform, 34th Street, Seen, Below Ground and Commuting in the Hood on the Atlantic/Pacific Platform.

Read more...

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

On the View of Midtown West and Dining In Brooklyn

Midtown skyline
Photo by myself around 52nd Street and 12th Avenue, on the West Side.

The view from a parking garage on the far west side, looking southwest.

Ahead, the glass towers along Midtown West. The W Hotel is located at 47th Street and Broadway. The building on the very right with the spiky top is the New York Times tower at 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue.

The building just above the 'G' in Guess is the Westin Hotel at 43rd Street and Eighth Avenue. The Westin is recognizable for its colored vertical stripes.

--

By the way, on the other side of Manhattan, it's Restaurant Week in Brooklyn.

Restaurants in neighborhoods all over Brooklyn are offering special menus until the end of March. You can enjoy prix fixe lunches for $20.11 and three-course dinners for $25. Every cuisine imaginable is represented.

Some of our favorite restaurants are included, like The Smoke Joint in Fort Greene (bbq) and Anthony's in Park Slope (Italian, great thin crust pizza).

For a map and list of all participating restaurants, click here.

Related posts: Sunset from Brooklyn Bridge Beach, Different Vistas and The East River at Dusk.

Read more...

Monday, March 21, 2011

Handcrafted Objects at the Architectural Digest Design Show

Architectural Digest Show
Photo by myself at the 2011 Architectural Digest Home Design Show, at 55th and 12th Avenue on the Upper West Side.

Above, the work of Mark A. Perry, a folk artist who lives in Rhode Island. His fanciful works in wood seemed to be imbued with hidden meaning.

My fiance Mark and I attended the Architectural Digest Home Design Show held at Pier 94, this Sunday. The show started last Thursday and ended yesterday.

This was the 10th year of the show, sponsored by the magazine Architectural Digest, or AD for those in the biz. The magazine publishes high end residential work by architects and decorators.

Over 300 exhibitors showed home furnishings, such as custom furniture, hand-blown glass lights and textiles. There was also a separate section devoted entirely to art. We encountered innovative and beautiful objects at every turn.

Architectural Digest Show
The delicate work of Jedediah Morfit. A bas-relief in plaster was suspended in front of a painted surface.

The themes of much of the work seemed to be reclaimed or natural materials. There was a good deal of furniture made of beautiful rare wood and glass objects in earthy colors.

Architectural Digest Show
Custom made wood pieces by Patrick Weder Design, a craftsman working out of Brooklyn.

Architectural Digest Show
Burled end tables, lamps and handmade earthenware by dbO Home.

Architectural Digest Show
Playful cast iron coat hooks resemble hands in different poses, by Nick Davis.

The above images are just a smattering of what we saw. Mark and I walked away with our heads full of ideas for our apartment.

What was especially refreshing was how open the exhibitors were to having their work photographed. Thankfully, there is the understanding that photographs can be less about stealing ideas than promotion on a large scale.

For more information on the AD Show and to sign up for their mailing list for next year's event, click here.

Architectural Digest show
Faux aquariums created by Samantha Freeman. Fish were painted on layers of clear glass, creating a sense of depth.

Related posts: Now on Display, at the Annual Winter Antiques Show, At the Brooklyn Museum - The Dizzying World of Murakami and East (Side) Versus West (Side).

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Sunday, March 20, 2011

Morning on 42nd Street

42nd and Broadway, NYC
Photo by myself on 42nd Street near Broadway, in Midtown.

The reflection off a modern glass building was lighting up the facade of an older building.

The building ahead is French-inspired and very ornate. Though it looks like a hotel or residence, I think it's used as an office building.

Related posts: The Flatiron Building in Detail, Going Postal in Midtown and Details, Details.

Read more...

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Windswept, in SoHo

Windswept
Photo by myself at Lafayette and Spring Streets, in SoHo.

A group of women looked windswept and a little SATC-like* on a popular street corner in SoHo.

Squint a little, and the woman on the left would be Miranda. The woman on the right would be Carrie, who is underdressed as usual. They've run into an old friend of theirs after an expensive brunch.

It's been a bit more Spring-like in the last week. Miraculously, as you can see, there is no more snow.

*SATC = Sex and the City

Related posts: On a Stoop, in SoHo, Down Broadway and Watch Where You're Going, In SoHo.

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Friday, March 18, 2011

Film Shoot, in Midtown

Film Shoot, Midtown
Photo by myself in Midtown.

A film shoot of some kind was in progress, Thursday night.

The film crew, mostly guys wearing blue jeans, occupied the sidewalk below. On a platform was a cameraman, getting a view through an open window.

Film Shoot, Midtown

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By the way, it was St. Patrick's Day here. I tried very hard to get a photo of happy people dressed in green, but nothing turned out very well!

The St. Patrick's Day parade took place on Fifth Avenue Thursday, from 44th Street to 86th Street. Traffic was a mess.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Related posts: Movie in the Making, in Alphabet City, Lights, Camera, Action! and Portrait of a Film Shoot, in Brooklyn Heights.

Read more...

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Passing the Time on the Sidewalk

Passing the Time
Photo by myself, somewhere in Midtown.

A very sad sight on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, homelessness is common in major cities.

To pass the time, he or she was doing crossword puzzles.

Related posts: On Lost Icons and The Dakota, Walking the Walk, in Midtown and Copping a Feel on the Subway.

Read more...

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Look Outside The Dakota

The Look
Photo by myself at 72nd Street and Central Park West.

The Dakota is a landmarked apartment building that spans from 72nd to 73rd Street on Central Park West.

This was once the home of John Lennon. Lennon was shot on the sidewalk outside the building one December night, while walking home with his wife, Yoko Ono.

I was near The Dakota briefly, Monday morning. An entire tour bus had just stopped there. I overheard a fellow at a newsstand who said the tourists come by constantly, every single day.

Related posts: On Lost Icons and The Dakota, Walking the Walk, in Midtown and Copping a Feel on the Subway.

Read more...

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Empire State at Dusk

ESB at dusk
Photo by myself around 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue.

The Empire State Building is located at 35th and 5th Avenues. This shot was taken at 23rd Street, where Fifth Avenue and Broadway merge. The streets open up for a nice vista. I was in the neighborhood on an errand, Monday night.

The Empire State Building bathed for the next few days in white light. The lights will turn green for St. Patrick's Day on Thursday, the 17th.

White is the default setting. The colors are for special occasions and include the colors of the rainbow.

Holidays are recognized, like Christmas, Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day. Non-holidays are recognized too, like the Westminster Dog Show (!), the Superbowl and the New York City Marathon.

Now that the lights on the building are programmable LED lights, changing colors is easy. For the building's lighting schedule click here.

The Empire State Building, or ESB, is currently the third-tallest building in the US, behind the Willis and Trump Towers in Chicago.

Related posts: The Empire State on St. Patrick's Day, Skating Under the Empire State and All Decked Out Below the Empire State.

Read more...

Monday, March 14, 2011

Sunday, on Canal Street

On Canal Street, NYC
Photo by myself along Canal Street, in Chinatown.

The goings on here in New York pale in contrast to what's going on in Japan.

On Canal Street, it's business as usual. In the daytime, this street is nearly always crowded with people looking for bargains. At night, the street is close to empty.

Canal Street is lined with many jewelry and gift stores. There are some grocery stores, too. Restaurants are generally located on the side streets.

Related posts: En Masse, on Canal Street, On a Hot Night in Chinatown and From Under the Banner, in Chinatown.

Read more...

Sunday, March 13, 2011

What's Hoppin', in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Bunny Suit, NYC
Photo by myself at 7th Avenue and 9th Street in Park Slope.

A random moment this weekend, while walking around the neighborhood in Brooklyn.

We had a glimmer of Spring on Saturday. The sun was out, and it was a little warmer than usual.

Many families and giant bunny rabbits were strolling around outside. Ha.

Related posts: Big Green Monster, in Midtown, Cow Appreciation Day, Fifth Avenue and Big Red Monster, in Herald Square.

Read more...

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Kiosk at Night

Kiosk, 23rd Street
Photo by myself around 23rd Street and Park Avenue.

Kiosks and newsstands only need to be deep enough to fit one person. This one sells magazines, gum, cigarettes, lottery tickets and drinks.

You can tell that people feel generally safe in the city - supplies were unattended to the side, waiting to be stocked.

Plastic covered piles of newspapers in the front because it just rained.

Related posts: On the Pricelessness of New York Delis, Shacking it up in the City and Holy Smokes in the East Village.

Read more...

Friday, March 11, 2011

The MetLife Tower, in the Rain

Rain, 23rd Street
Photo by myself at 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue, in the Flatiron District.

It was cold and rainy all day, Thursday. By evening, the sky was misty.

Ahead is the brilliantly lit Met Life Tower, which was once the tallest building in the world, way back in 1913.

Wikipedia writes that the building was sold in 2005 to an investment company for $200 million dollars. It may be converted to high end apartments.

So far, this is just a rumor. I would not be surprised. Selling high end apartments in New York is a very popular way to make a lot of money, and there seems to always be people looking for a piece of the city.

Related posts: Architectural Detail, Above, The MetLife Building, All Lit Up and More is More.

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Thursday, March 10, 2011

Prep School Kids, on the Upper East Side

In line for breakfast
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.

Read more...

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

A Moment for Beauty, on the Upper West Side

In the chair
Photo by myself around 76th and Broadway, on the Upper West Side.

A small salon on the Upper West Side called City Brows offers many personal services, including threading, waxing and facials.

The woman in the chair was getting eyelash extensions. With proper care, extensions last about two weeks. (I am pretty sure synthetic eyelashes are used!).

I stopped by Tuesday night for eyebrow threading. Instead of tweezers, a thread is used to remove individual eyebrow hairs.

The attendant pulls a thread very tightly between both hands and rubs it quickly against the client's skin. Hairs are uprooted by twisting rather than plucking. It hurts a little but the pain is temporary.

The cost of threading varies according to the establishment. Threading costs $8 at City Brows.

For a look at the City Brows website and their services, click here.

Related posts: Living Wall, Lincoln Center, Performance Eats, on the Upper West Side and Yadda, Yadda, Yadda, on the Upper West Side.

Read more...

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The Sunset View from Malibu

Malibu sunset
Photo by myself from the beach in Malibu, California.

Ah, another photo from our weekend in Los Angeles.

Stands for life guards look out onto the Pacific Ocean. The public beach is very wide along the Malibu Coast. It is rarely ever crowded, even on the most beautiful of weekends.

Temperatures were in the upper 60's and lower 70's, this weekend. Mark and I spent some much-needed time communing with nature. Simply walking barefoot in the sand and marveling at tiny sea life made us deliriously happy.

Of course, the joyride came to a crashing halt, Monday night when we came home. We waited 30-people deep in line for taxis outside JFK airport in the cold. Brrr!

Related posts: Not So Wild Horses, The Getty Villa, in Malibu, California and Tell Me About the Rabbits.

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Monday, March 7, 2011

Homage to Mother Earth, in the East Village

Mother Earth, NYC
Photo by myself, somewhere in the East Village.

A photo from the stash. Mark and I are traveling back today from the West Coast.

Related posts: Ninja Assassins, in the East Village, Abandoned Lot, East Village and Art for the Masses.

Read more...

Sunday, March 6, 2011

At Night, Along the East River

Manhattan Bridge at night
Photo by myself on the FDR highway, along the East River.

The Manhattan Bridge connects Manhattan with Brooklyn.

A little further south, toward the right, is the Brooklyn Bridge. Both bridges carry subways and pedestrians across the water.

--

I took this photo of the Manhattan Bridge and the East River from a cab, while getting home one night last week. It's been that kind of busy lately, which is good and bad.

Mark and I are flying back to New York on Monday. The jolt of fresh air, sunshine and beach breezes has been so healing.

We've encountered dozens of people exercising outside. The people here are generally so friendly and kind. They smile. They walk their dogs, enjoy nature and embrace life.

What culture shock! If you ever visit New York and notice that people are pushy and surly, just know the stress can get the best of us.

I wish everyone a wonderful week ahead.

Related posts: Red Skiff in the East River, Sunday Morning, Along the East River and From the Edge of DUMBO.

Read more...

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Greetings from Santa Monica

Santa Monica bluffs
Photo by myself over the Pacific Coast Highway, in Santa Monica.

Hello from the other side of the US! My fiance Mark and I are in Santa Monica, California for the weekend.

This view was taken over the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) which runs along the coast. The Santa Monica Bluffs are to the right. Footbridges and steep stairs along the bluffs allow pedestrians to get from beach level to street level, above.

It is gloriously sunny and mild here, as it always seems to be. It was evident when we got off the plane that we were New Yorkers - everyone around us was wearing light colored, fun clothing, while we were plodding around in black and navy.

This winter has been a particularly tough one everywhere, New York included. The sunshine and beach are perfect antidotes to the winter blues.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Related posts: More Notes from the Left Coast, California Dreamin' and From the Left Coast.

Read more...

Friday, March 4, 2011

Outside Grand Central Station, in Midtown

Grand Central, at night
Photo by myself outside Grand Central Station, at Park Avenue and 42nd Street.

Grand Central Station is one of the most stately and photogenic buildings in New York. The lighting of the building is superb at night.

The delicate bridge in the foreground brings traffic down to Park Avenue. Cars heading south zip around the building at a higher level, then travel down a ramp to street level. It is a very cool moment in the city.

--

I apologize for what I consider to be a cliche'd photo today. I worked much too late Wednesday night and while searching for a cab, I found myself outside Grand Central.

It's been so busy and stressful lately. I will spare you my complaints. Fortunately, Mark and I are off to visit LA for the weekend, for some much-needed rest and time with my parents.

This blog will keep running, of course, never fear.

Related posts: The Crowds in Grand Central, Grand Central and Tall Tales and On Street Photography and Grand Central Station.

Read more...

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Wednesday Morning, Below Brooklyn

The Morning Commute
Photo by myself, somewhere underground.

This photo illustrates the cliche that New Yorkers dress in black. Can we have a spot of color beyond navy and denim, please?

Riders are tote their laptops, thermoses and newspapers. There is no wifi on the subways, but that doesn't stop people from doing work or playing games.

I whipped out my camera when I saw the fellow ahead intently reading his paper, as opposed to his phone.

Related posts: The Morning Commute on the N Train, Commuting in the Hood, on the Atlantic/Pacific Platform and On the Ride Home.

Read more...

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

The No Bull Hot Dogs, on the Upper West Side

72nd and Broadway, NYC
Photo by myself on the Upper West Side, at 72nd Street and Broadway.

For whatever reason, the hot dog is somewhat associated with New York City. Above, Gray's Papaya hot dogs in particular are linked to NYC.

Hot dogs are one form of street food. They're portable, they accommodate a variety of toppings. They're inexpensive.

Restauranteur Danny Meyer prefers the Chicago style dogs at his own Shack Shack locations. Tennis star Patrick McEnroe favors Papaya King dogs with mustard. Mark and I prefer the New York style dogs at Nathan's, which are very skinny and long, with mustard and sauerkraut.

Ruth Reichl, the former editor of Gourmet Magazine, is the 'real New Yorker' in the Grey's Papaya ad. She claims the Gray's Papaya dog as her all-time favorite.

Check out this list for a survey foodies of their favorite hot dogs.

Related posts: Hot Diggity Dogs, All Day Long, Dirty Water Dogs, Midtown and Waiting for Dogs, in Madison Square Park.

Read more...

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Lunching at the Oak Bar, on Central Park South

The Oak Room
Photo by myself at the Oak Bar, at the Plaza Hotel.

In New York there are theme bars, jazz bars, underground bars. Bars that specialize in martinis, wine or beer. Above, the Oak Room and Bar is known for its beautiful detail and longevity. It originally opened way back in 1907.

To view the stunning plaster ceiling, it is best to visit during the day. Large, moody murals are inset within the wood paneling on either end of the barroom. The windows look out on the sidewalk along Central Park South.

The Oak Room is a large dining room located to one side of the bar. It is undergoing restorations and was covered with sheets for the time being.

The menus include upscale American fare such as hanger steak, organic 'brick' chicken and ribeye steak. There is also a raw bar selection. For the brunch, dinner and cocktail menus, check out the Oak Room website here.

The Oak Room
A giant banquette is located on one end of the room. There's enough room for you and ten of your friends.

By chance, my friend and fellow New Yorker Ken Mac posted about a downtown bar with a wooden top. You can see his post here.

Related posts: What's in a Name, at Tavern on the Green, Lure Fish Bar, SoHo and Chez Bouley, Tribeca.

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