Between Delancey and 14th street, Manhattan bulges into the East River, ultimately piercing Brooklyn via the Williamsburg Bridge. In the old days, the bulge --- named ‘Alphabet City’ because of the presence of Avenues A B C and D --- might have been described as a boil, but nowadays it contains the village-y atmosphere of neighbourhoods rediscovered, but so far not ruinously redeveloped. In the very old days it contained the shops of Jewish immigrants, including the knife shop of the father of my former father-in-law.
Now though --- apart from a few reminders of the old days, like sun-baked rat corpses pressed into the tarry streets --- the widely seen charm impresses during any stroll or bike route one decides to create.
For some reason the bulge includes nine or so tattoo parlours all of which present for your viewing pleasure surprisingly creative, diverse imagery and the resident artists who produce it. That, along with clinics at which you can have your body pierced and your facial appearance enhanced with ‘microblading’ which for years I have misread as micro balding, and wondered what in the world it was.
Celebrities (check out the page 'Familiar Faces' on their website) bearing East Side Ink tattoos include Susan Sarandon, a hulking man with a fist-size skull on his larynx and flames bursting up onto his cheeks, Cate Blanchett, Scarlett Johansson and possibly Woody Harrelson with a downward hanging noose tattooed around his neck.
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
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The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
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"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
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"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
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"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
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In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
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The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
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"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
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"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!
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S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
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"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
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304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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