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 308 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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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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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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"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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"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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"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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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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308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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