Photo by myself in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
In the summer, there are block parties in Brooklyn.
Signs are posted along the sidewalk the night before, so that people move their cars the next day. Then the street is closed off to traffic and a hydrant opened, to spray water for people to cool off.
People haul their barbecues and picnic tables into street. Someone turns on a boom box. Kids run around with squirt guns.
And there you have it, a block party. You have to get permission with the city, beforehand. Entire families hang out in front of their buildings in lawn chairs and enjoy the summer.
Above, Rupert and a couple of his buddies enjoy the water. A little dog friend was just out of frame to the right. It was very hot and sunny, Saturday.
A moment of contemplation. Rupert's little friend faced west, toward the setting sun.
Related posts: Last Bit of Summer, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Through the Haze, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn and Summering in the City.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Spray of Summer, in Park Slope, Brooklyn
Saturday, July 9, 2011
The Best Hot Dogs, in Times Square
Photo by myself in Times Square.
A vendor offered 'The Best Hot Dogs' in Times Square.
As you can see in the background, there is tons of different types of traffic going on, from buses to cars to motorcycles. With that and all the moving signage, this area is the place of distraction.
This photo was taken on Thursday. Friday we had insane humidity and thundershowers. Walking through the streets was like being in a steam bath.
Happy weekend, everyone!
Related posts: Passing the Time in Times Square, Tete a Tete, in Times Square and Looking Up, at Times Square.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Checking it out, on Leroy Street
Photo by myself on Leroy and Bleecker Streets, in the West Village.
A few visitors seemed overwhelmed with the choices in postcards, the other day.
By the way, we're having a sort of heat wave here. It's been hot and very humid, in the mid-80's. Down below in the subway stations, it's been much more unbearable than usual.
When you are standing outside, all you can hear is the whirr of air conditioning. Eek.
Related posts: At a Crossroads, in Times Square, On Fashion Sense and the West Village and On Looking Like a Tourist on Holiday.
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Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Ghostly Glow of Times Square
Photo by myself at 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue.
The signs around Times Square light up a huge portion of the night sky. You can see the ghostly glow from several blocks away.
We've been having warm summer nights. Tons of people were walking about, Wednesday evening.
By the way, I received a really nice email from the people at Prospect Park, yesterday. They enjoyed my recent photo of women playing badminton and posted it on their Facebook page.
You can see the photo on their wall here.
Related posts: At a Crossroads, in Times Square, Bewildered, in Times Square and The Naked Cowboy, in Times Square.
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Wednesday, July 6, 2011
On NYC Stories, in Midtown
Photo by myself at 41st Street and Sixth Avenue.
The latest slogan for a Citibank location is 'Write your NYC story'. The windows of this building across from Bryant Park is often decorated with interesting displays.
I have to wonder what this man's story is. The American flag he's toting is a remnant from the Fourth of July.
For a while, I was going to a pastry cart guy on the block where I work. I always got the same thing (cheese danish), and was greeted with a cheery 'good morning' and playful banter.
But now I'm on a new diet, one that says cheese danishes are a no-no. So I walk a couple blocks around and take a shortcut through a parking garage to avoid that fateful corner. Anything to avoid having to explain myself (it's not you or your pastries, it's me!).
This is my roundabout way of saying there are NYC stories everywhere. Even a large city can seem like a small town at times.
Related posts: Power to the People, in Midtown, The World Walks by, on Fifth Avenue and Homeless Woman, 34th Street Platform.
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Pedaling around Columbus Circle
Photo by myself at Columbus Circle, at 59th Street and Columbus, in Midtown.
New York is becoming more people-powered, lately.
Bicycle lanes are more common and there are plans for city-sponsored bike rentals. Generally, the vibe here is that driving, except for cabs and deliveries, is not so desirable.
Our Mayor, a very pragmatic businessperson, has been making the City more and more efficient. This is a good thing, I suppose. For people who live or around the city, it's a mixed bag.
Owning a car has always been difficult in the city. You can park on the streets but you need to move your car every other day and risk damage. Those who can afford it rent spaces in a garage. Monthly costs are in the hundreds per month.
In the outer boroughs such as Brooklyn, it's a little easier. If you park on the street, you only need to move your car once a week.
Related posts: Working It, How's About a Ride? and Enjoying a Ride, in Central Park.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Playing Badminton in Burqas, in Brooklyn
Photo by myself in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.
A group of young women enjoyed a game of badminton in Prospect Park, Saturday. They wore burqas and traditional clothing and scarves over their heads.
This is one of many cases where I wish I had my dSLR camera on me, for better detail. Drat!! We were taking Rupert on a walk and I didn't want to be weighed down with a heavy camera.
I have to wonder whether these garments keep you cooler. It's been very humid and rainy the last couple of days here.
I hope everyone's weekend has been a restful one! Mark and I hosted a barbecue on Sunday and will spend the day recovering on the sofa.
ps: Thanks to dear Catz in British Columbia for clarifying what garments these women were wearing (abayas and hijabs)!
Related posts: Playing Ball, in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Having a Ball, in Bryant Park and From the Sidelines.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Under Candelabra at One if by Land, in the West Village
Photo by myself at One if By Land, a restaurant on Barrow Street in the West Village.
Mark and I dined at One if by Land, Two if by Sea, a well-known restaurant, Saturday night.
One if by Land is touted for being one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. It is also very expensive. Mark received a gift certificate from a business contact over a year ago, and we finally got around to eating there.
There is a piano player in the front of the house, as well as a well-stocked bar. A double height space is lit with candelabra. The vibe is Old New York, with exposed brick walls and very low lighting.
We opted for the six-course chef tasting menu but should have gone with the four-course prix fixe menu instead (there are only these two options on weekends). We were absolutely stuffed by the fifth course. And then there was dessert!!
The bar and seating, in the front room. A fireplace is out of frame, to the left.
I had pate, a beautiful summer salad and steak, among other dishes. Mark had lobster, pan seared scallops and halibut. Some of the courses were just okay, some were divine. Overall, our food experience was a good one.
I don't have any photos of our food, unfortunately. We were sitting between to two other tables and I felt strangely embarrassed to take photos with such limited space.
There are mixed reviews to One if by Land online. Frankly, Mark and I prefer down-to-earth ramen places and Ethiopian food to fancy places.
For a review in New York Magazine, click here.
For the restaurant website, which includes current menus, click here.
Related posts: The Flatiron Building, in Detail, On the Market and Details, Details.
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.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Flipping Out, on the B Train
Photo by myself on the B Train, on the Manhattan Bridge.
A group of kids performed dance moves on the subway, Thursday night. Performers usually turn on a boom box or shout an announcement. Then they run down the aisle doing handstands or grabbing a pole and flipping themselves upside down for contributions.
People were engrossed in their own thoughts, or sleeping, or texting at the time. Ha. Musical and acrobatic performances on the subway are not uncommon.
There is a moment when the trains to and from Brooklyn emerge from the tunnels and cross the Manhattan Bridge. The cars are bathed in daylight. It's the ideal time to check text messages or to make a quick call.
This weekend is July 4th weekend, a holiday in the States. People celebrate by having barbecues or picnics. Most people have Monday off from work. Happy July 4th weekend, everyone!
Related posts: The Trains are Hopping, Funky Chicken, in Park Slope and Cowboy Dancer, in Midtown.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The United Palace Theater, in Washington Heights
Photo by myself at 175th Street and Broadway.
The above photo was taken while speeding by in the car.
Unfortunately Mark drives much too fast for my tastes. He detests New York traffic, which can be stop-and-go and dominated by dummies. (Mark calls them more colorful names).
I had no idea this theater existed until we whizzed by, and I only had time for a couple snaps. The United Palace Theater originally opened in 1930, and was purchased by the United Church Science of Living Institute in 1969.
The building continues to show concerts by current artists like Beck, Sigur Ros and Modest Mouse.
For the wiki entry on the building, click here.
Related posts: St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, Trinity Church, at Dusk and Grace Church, in Color.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Times of Change, on the Upper West Side
Photo by myself at 77th Street and Broadway, on the Upper West Side.
New Yorkers took their evening saunter, Tuesday night, enjoying the long days of summer.
I wasn't taking a photo of the people, actually. If you look closely, all the stores behind these folks are empty.
Most likely, this block will be torn down to make way for yet another new apartment building. One block at a time has been converted into brand new modern apartment buildings recently. The West Side is becoming the East Side.
And why not? Two or three story buildings filled with shops can be converted into many stories of luxury condominiums. Or better yet, luxury condominiums with a full service staff, so you can feel like you're living in a five-star hotel.
Who could blame the developers, going about their business with making money? What we all lose, however, are the little quirky shops and mix of building styles. There is much more metal and glass on the Upper West Side than before.
The NY Times also reports that the neighborhood will soon lose H&H bagels, which has been located at 80th and Broadway for the last 40 years. Sure, their interiors were dated and it was 120 degrees inside. But as a literal piece of history, H&H will be missed.
For an earlier photo inside H&H, click here.
To read about the changing Upper West Side in the Times, click here.
To read about the closing of the H&H Bagels location, click here.
Related posts: Sitting Outside, on Broadway, Trumped, on the Upper West Side and Dusk, at 72nd Street Station.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
In a State of Fusion, at Sushi Samba
Photo by myself on Seventh Avenue South and Barrow Street.
People will dine anywhere outside, even if there are barricades up and trucks going by.
These folks were dining at SushiSamba, a Japanese restaurant in the West Village. Their take on food is a bit less traditional than some places.
Their menu offers a blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian food. Chilean Sea Bass, Peruvian roasted corn and crispy tacquitos are offered alongside shrimp tempura, chicken teriyaki and sushi.
I haven't dined at SushiSamba, so please check out reviews online before going.
Related posts: Enjoying Pugs and Drinks, Outside, Serving up Sushi, at 15 East 15th Street and What's in a Name, at Tavern on the Green.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Crowd Crossing, at 34th Street
Photo by myself at 34th Street and Broadway.
Allow me to indulge myself with yet another crosswalk scene. I have a weakness for those moments when random people encounter each other in all directions.
If you're ever caught in the middle of rush hour in Midtown, it's sort of like orchestrated chaos. People cross each other's paths at a brisk pace.
One wrong move, one head fake or stumble, and dozens of people would collide into each other. But everyone has great reflexes, and disaster is avoided.
I have yet to see a pile-up!
Related posts: Across the Crowded Sidewalk, in Midtown, Lost in a Crowd, in Midtown and Madge + Macy's = Mayhem.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Celebrating Gay Pride, in the West Village
Photo by myself at Christopher Street and Seventh Avenue South.
Marriage for same sex couples was legalized in New York, last Friday.
New Yorkers are progressive in many respects, but the legalization was surprising to me, since the city has a mix of many different viewpoints. I have many gay friends, and it's great to know their unions can be recognized.
Above, the site of the Stonewall riot in 1969 is now synonymous with Gay and Lesbian Rights. The news comes just in time for the Gay Pride parade, which takes place today at noon.
The parade starts at 33rd Street and Lexington and goes down to Christopher Street in front of Stonewall. I was in the neighborhood Saturday by chance and the barricades were up. Rainbow flags were visible and tons of people were walking around, enjoying the weather.
There were only a few obvious signs of celebration. I'm sure when the news broke, people were running around and dancing disco in the streets, lol.
For more about the Stonewall riots, see the wiki entry, here.
A sandwich board on Christopher Street says it all.
Related posts: Browsing Around in the Village, Crazy Fantasy, Anyone? and The Lower Half of the Pants, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
All Ears, in Park Slope, Brooklyn
Photo by myself around 1st Street and 5th Avenue, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
This friendly couple and their beloved papillon dog were enjoying the air, Friday night. They were nice enough to pose for me (very patiently, I might add, since I was having trouble with my camera!).
The papillon is named after the shape of their ears. 'Papillon' means 'butterfly' in French. This sweet little dog was completely at ease to have a big lens in her face.
This spaniel breed has been long associated with royalty, appearing in European paintings from the 1500s.
With her ears, this little dog looked like she would fly away.
Related posts: Dogs in Fur Coats, on Madison Avenue, Doggy Bag, on the Q Train and Roaming Free, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.
Friday, June 24, 2011
A Friendly Wave, in Midtown
Photo by myself around 30th Street and Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.
I got a friendly wave from a scaffolding worker the other day, while walking about Midtown.
Little did he know that I am wary of scaffolding! I have anxiety about walking under metal poles and walkways that look like they are about to topple over.
There is tons of scaffolding on buildings in New York, since there are always repairs and restoration being done to building exteriors. You can't avoid walking under scaffolding. Often you will find it on both sides of the street.
Related posts: Bewildered, in Times Square, Tete-a-Tete, in Times Square and On Times Square and Our Rupert.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Looking Around, in Times Square
Photo by myself in Times Square, around 44th Street and Seventh Avenue.
Ah yes, sometimes all you can do when confronted with gigantic, flashing signage is stand with hands on hips.
I took this while speeding by in the car. I regret it's not more in focus!
By the way, if you are visiting New York, I recommend hiring a taxi and driving around for photos. Sit on the right side of the car, so you're closer to the sidewalk.
When pulled over for red lights, you can get really close to pedestrians. People are not looking at cab windows for cameras, so it's a great way to get take candids.
Related posts: Bewildered, in Times Square, Tete-a-Tete, in Times Square and On Times Square and Our Rupert.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Cheers, from the Boat Basin Cafe, on the Upper West Side
Photo by myself in Riverside Park at 79th Street, on the Upper West Side.
The Boat Basin Cafe is one of my favorite places in New York.
Certainly not fancy, this outdoor bar is located at 79th Street in Riverside Park. It is named after the dock just outside, where dozens of houseboats are moored.
The Boat Basin is a neighborhood bar and is only open during the warmer months. They serve burgers, fries, beer and frozen drinks like maragaritas and pina coladas, which are mixed by machines.
Beyond the stone arch, you can see the Hudson River and New Jersey. The main walkway of Riverside Park is one level below. The park is narrow in this area. There is room for benches, a strip of grass and a jogging path.
With the breezes, it feels like you are in a boat. Well, if you have a couple potent margaritas and close your eyes, you can imagine being on a boat. Or being near a boat. Which you are, since there are boats parked within arms reach ;-)
For an earlier view of Riverside Park from the Boat Basin, click here.
For the Boat Basin website, click here.
Related posts: Looking Out Yonder, to the Far West Side, Sunset, Along the West Side Highway and On the West Side Highway.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Telling Tales, on 23rd Street
Photo by myself at 23rd Street and Third Avenue, in the Flatiron District.
While pulled over at a red light, I took this photo from the passenger's seat.
Two fellows were deep in discussion, Sunday morning. The young man on the left wore baggy jeans and was drinking a tall can of iced tea. His friend on the right sported a Spiderman tee shirt and multiple tattoos.
The awnings in the background are quite typical in New York. This ballistic signage becomes white noise after a while - you don't even see it, much less read it.
Related posts: 'Campaign Offices', Set in Midtown, On the Pricelessness of New York Delis and A Dollar and a Dream.
