Strolling uptown on St. Nicholas toward 125th Street --- down-coated, warm despite the cool, breezy April night air, settling my Seasoned Vegan stuffed belly --- I'm wondering what I will find.
There. A tiny bar with big plate-glass windows, bright, full. Turns out to be a ‘juice bar and lounge’ named New Life. While reading the window menu, I'm beckoned inside by two patrons. We engage in conversation. Someone mentions drinks for sexual rejuvenation.
It turns out that this is a ‘new’ bar, for those who don’t want alcohol, but want to hang out, to socialize. Not sure yet about the rejuvenation.
My next conversation is with one of the owners, who tells me that they have just opened up a couple of months back, and intend to modify their offerings to suit their clientele if only they can determine who their clientele is, or might become.
All very interesting --- especially the sexual rejuvenation part --- and, I think, a place to go to meet local residents, to find out what’s up, up there, to get high on love potions and exotic additives like aloe, cayenne, chia seeds, acai, seaweeds and mosses.
Finally I reach 125th, check out The Apollo, chat with a ticket taker, ask ‘what’s up tonight?’---she gives me an unclaimed ticket, free, to the upper balcony and I catch the last number of Ledisi's tribute to Nina Simone. Three great backup singers, a pumped five-piece band and an enthusiastic full house.
My return trip led to further long, interesting conversations.
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.
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There are three houses not far from each other in NYC of three icons: James Dean, James Baldwin, and Dorothy Parker...
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"Heckscher Field" in Central Park, New York, is used for softball. Here you can see games played for the Broadway Show League. Celebrity stars may be seen.
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Among its offerings are a $10 breakfast special and its enormous $15 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance.
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This sun soaked park bench is a destination neighborhood residents know, spending time there in observation. It’s one of the more fabulous NYC stages.
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"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...
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"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...
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"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...
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Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
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"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
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"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
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Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
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304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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