Bunn is not a big talker, but he is a big macher. For 30 years he does pretty much exactly what he does every day, drawing in the curious, the devotees, the experimenters, the confident, with his lures --- his well made, unique lids.
He stays independent, he says, because "if I don't, my craft will become work. This is my lifestyle".
"People who buy my hats are unique, creative souls, ...but it’s not just one set of people. My client base I would say is people with confidence."
The last Panama hat I bought was online. It is the real thing, from Ecuador, hand-woven, pricey, beautiful. I have no idea who made it (though it's signed), or where my money went.
My next? From Bunn. He'll make me a Panama for around $100. Out of the deal I'll get a hat, a chat, a reason to return, and the comfort in knowing I've pitched in to the survival of another black-owned business in the historic center of style and taste, Harlem.
Bunn takes his energy to the street every summer on the second Sunday of July. Music, refreshments, strutters, lots of stuff with an Afrocentric spin. A parade of customers, neighbors, random residents and gawkers, like me. Google the event to nail down the date.
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
John's Pizza is situated inside a former tabernacle with a domed stain glass ceiling about 50 feet above, and ‘sliced’ into 8 sections, just like a pizza.
by
On Broad Street stands a bronze sculpture named Fearless Girl which exudes bravery, pride and strength but not, according to the artist, 'defiance'...
by
The space functions day to day as a bright and modern-looking upscale deli and on certain evenings, it doubles as a performance space for stand-up comics.
by
It’s all free, on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll get a life jacket, a paddle, a 'kayak', and a locker, for a session of approximately 20 minutes.
by
"Amsterdam Billiards" in New York has a nice bar, nice service and soft couches. It's a well-known place to play (and watch!) billiards, darts, foosball...
by
The Cage in West Village is a chain link fenced, bagel-sized basketball court in New York. Here you can also find handball, a citywide spectacle...
by
"The Seasoned Vegan" in New York is crowded (in a good way), energizing and really fun. I got the Harlem Chopped Cheeseburger, and I'd order it again...
by
"TAP - NYC" makes Brazilian tapioca from yuca! I really love their Pão de Queijo, tangerine-sized, feather-weight bread-puffs with molten cheese...
by
"Bethesda Terrace" in New York's Central Park is home to Bethesda Fountains, sculptural balustrades and breathtaking magical depictions of wild animals...
by
"Bodegas" are NYC convenience stores that are as much an essential part of urban culture as are chippies in Whitley Bay or curry shops in London, England...
by
You can see eight of the thirty-six paintings by "Johannes Vermeer" in New York City. There's a ninth one, but it's behind closed doors...
by
"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!
by
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 Insider Tips