New York Portraits

Making Change, on Fifth Avenue

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself at 50th Street and Fifth Avenue.

I wish I could say this fellow was presenting me with money, but alas, it was not the case. He was making change for a customer, out of frame.

There are loads of visitors right now in the city, and street food carts on the sidewalks at all hours. This cart sold large pretzels, hot dogs and drinks. In the wintertime, many carts also sell hot chestnuts.

Related posts: All Lit Up on Fifth Avenue, Street Meats on Seventh Avenue, and Pizza Truck, Only a Buck.

Batter Up, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

Summer is in full swing (excuse the pun).

Prospect Park is littered with baseball games every weekend. Some of the teams are made up of tiny little kids who can barely hold the bat upright. There are more serious teams, too.

All the teams are coached by parents, and neighborhood businesses help sponsor the cost of uniforms.

We've been having some really glorious weather, interspersed with heavy rain storms. As a result, the vegetation looks more suited to a tropical island than the northeast.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Related posts: Shooting Hoops at West 4th Street, in the Village, A Quick Game, in Tompkins Square Park, and Fierce Competition, in Bryant Park.

Work in Progress, at the Plaza Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself around 59th Street and Fifth Avenue.

There is some major renovation work going on on the exterior of the Plaza Hotel, near Central Park South.

The entire east side of the building is covered with an architectural drawing showing what the building should look like. The drawing is printed on a fine mesh, so that people inside the building can still look out their windows.

Behind the drawing must be a whole wall of scaffolding, keeping the mesh in place. The Plaza Hotel is part hotel, part condominiums.

I think people who live there full time have use of room service too, so they can be pampered year-round. There are separate entrances for guests and residents. The hotel entrance is on this side.

I took this photo while passing by in a cab. (Just tell a cab driver to go to 'the Plaza', and they'll know what you mean.)

Related posts: On a Winter Day, at the Plaza Hotel, Deck the Halls of the Plaza Hotel, and The View from New York and the Plaza Hotel.

Yoga, in the Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself in Bryant Park, in Midtown.

Scores of yoga enthusiasts were on their mats and stretching, in Bryant Park. In the rain, no less!

Apparently this public yoga has been going on for ten years, now, on Thursday evenings. It's one of the many free events going on in this relatively small park.

The yoga instructor had a microphone, so everyone could hear his instructions broadcast on large speakers.

For a schedule of events, click here.

Related posts: Striking a Pose, in Central Park, Get Your Zumba on for Free, in Herald Square, and Skating in Line, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

Protest, on the Steps of the New York Public Library

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, at the main branch of the New York Public Library.

Protesters occupied the steps of the main branch of the public library, Monday night. People held signs and handed out flyers to passersby.

The story I got from the protesters was that budget cuts will mean that some library branches will be eliminated.

Budget cuts also mean job losses, fewer books available for researchers and fewer library branches. At the same time, the buildings that once housed libraries would be available for developers. Developers mean tax money and future hotels or high-end real estate.

Ah yes, it's all about money.

There are many are very happy that New York withstood the recession for the most part. But there are also those who look around at the huge stores and very expensive apartments and long for 'Old New York', a city that was shabbier around the edges but that was filled with unique nooks and crannies.

For more about the libraries from the protesters point of view, visit their Save NYC Libraries website, here.

Related posts: Women in Black, Against War, Portrait of a Picket Line, in Hell's Kitchen, and Occupying Wall Street, One Day at a Time.

Business as Usual, on the Q Train

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Fri, 31 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on the subway.

It was business as usual on the subway the other day as we crossed the East River. There is the usual glimmer of sunshine as we crawled across the Manhattan Bridge.

TGIF everyone!

Related posts: Morning Ride, on the D Train, Commute Home, on the D Train, and Sunset Ride, on the Ride to Brooklyn.

Pedicab, on Sixth Avenue

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Wed, 29 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.

A pedicab driver posed for me the other day. Behind him, was a slew of regular yellow cabs.

I asked him about his mock license plate on the front of his bike. He doesn't actually own a taxi license, which costs hundreds of thousands of dollars and are bolted down to the hoods of yellow cabs.

As you can see, it's been raining on and off recently, but this pedicab is equipped for the weather. He asked whether he could give me a ride.

I laughed and said I was going to Brooklyn. A long trip!

Related posts: Pedalling Around Columbus Circle, Before a Tour, Pedicab Style, and Working It.

Outside the Dakota, on the Upper West Side

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, around 72nd Street and Central Park West.

Two doormen stood outside the Dakota, a high-end apartment building on the Upper West Side.

Beyond the wrought iron gates is the central courtyard. The little doorman's booth has a little red light at the top to help hail passing taxis.

This building is known for many things. John Lennon lived here until his death in 1980. He was shot outside on the sidewalk. The building was also featured in the movie 'Rosemary's Baby'.

Not all apartment buildings have names. And not all apartment buildings that have names are remembered for their names. But a choice few have names and are memorable enough buildings to be known by their names!

Related posts: The Look Outside the Dakota, On Lost Icons and the Dakota, and Night View, Near the Dakota.

Cat Specialists, on the Upper West Side

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, around 76th Street and Broadway, on the Upper West Side.

Yes, there are cat specialists here.

Manhattan Cat Specialists focus on everything cat - they board cats, groom cats, and look to their special medical needs. They even make house calls and had a couple brand new (adorable) kittens in their window for adoption.

I'm not sure whether New Yorkers own more cats than dogs. Some apartments don't allow pets at all, but they are the exception rather than the norm.

As with any business, please check them out before using them. By the way, the free pick and delivery canopy was for a dry cleaners next door, not for the cats!

Related posts: Cat on a Leash, in Midtown, Beware of Cat, East Village, and Cats on Leashes.

The View Above Park Avenue

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, on Park Avenue on the Upper East Side.

The view high above Park Avenue in the East 70's is an interesting one.

The distinctive layout of the street can be seen, below. Several lanes of traffic are separated by a green swath of plantings. All the yellow cabs were out delivering customers.

Across the street are terraced, pre-war apartment buildings. By zoning requirements, buildings must step back from the street on the upper floors. This allows for private terraces and gardens.

This photo was taken from the 11th Floor. Larger apartments cost tens of millions of dollars (!).

Related posts: Looking Up West End Avenue, Looking Down from the Upper East Side, and Hovering Above Park Avenue.

Greetings, from the West Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on Ocean Avenue, in Santa Monica.

The sunsets can be really lovely here, in Santa Monica.

Ocean Avenue is one of the main north-south streets, along the water. There is a huge drop of (at least) sixty feet to the beach below. The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as the PCH, runs alongside the beach out of view.

In the daytime, it is brightly sunny and breezy. Above, the view along the beach and the dozens of colorful, playful (and expensive) beach houses. There is a path for joggers and cyclists. To the left is the beach, with volleyball nets set up for public use.

During the week, a smattering of people enjoy the beach. On the weekends, it is a little more crowded, but there is so much beach that it's never as terribly crowded as it can be in the northeast (!).

I'm here for a few days, while my fiance Mark is working. I'm flying back to New York, Wednesday evening.

Related posts: The Hotel Shangri-La, in Santa Monica, Greetings, from Santa Monica, and Sunset, from the Hotel Shangri-La, LA.

Ready for the Bike Share, on 24th Street

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself around 24th Street and Broadway.

Hundreds of outdoor bike racks are being set up for the Citibike bike share, to be launched at the end of this month.

The bike share has been talked about for a while now, and it's finally happening. Similar programs adopted in London, Paris and Washington have been successful.

I was skeptical about the bike share until now. After reading more about the program, I am hopeful. This is more a practical program for commuters, than an amenity for sightseers who might not know where they are going.

People like my fiance Mark will benefit the most. His office is located on the edge of Manhattan, on Tenth Avenue, long blocks away from the subway. Having a bike for just those few blocks during the dead of winter will be life-altering.

Taxis and other drivers can be very aggressive here, with little patience for all the pedicabs, pedestrians, cyclists and skateboarders. Riding a bike here is not for casual fun!

The bike share starts on May 27th. For more about the Citibike program, click here.

Related posts: Summer Streets, on Park Avenue South, Pedaling Around Midtown, and On NY Bike Tours and Real Housewives.

Sample Sale, on Fifth Avenue

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Sun, 12 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, around 29th Street and Fifth Avenue in Midtown.

A line snaked down the sidewalk for a sample sale of designer clothing. A man in a suit acted as a bouncer.

Rebecca Minkoff ready-to-wear clothing and accessories were being sold 75% off list price. Often, designers rent ground floor spaces for a couple days to get rid of inventory.

It's a win-win scenario - the designers save money selling the items to the public directly, rather than going thru a third party. Landlords are paid for a couple days for spaces that would go un-rented. The public gets inexpensive designer clothing.

There are various on-line websites you can subscribe to, to find out when and where sample sales are.

Related posts: Fall Fashion Week, Bryant Park, Behind the Prada Store, in Soho, and Model Behavior, Downtown.

Mighty Balls, at Mad. Sq. Eats

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Sat, 11 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, around 24th Street and Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron District.

Happily reunited with my Leica, I took a short walk to the Flatiron area.

Mad. Sq. Eats is shorthand for 'outside eateries near Madison Square Park'. People were outside sampling street food and enjoying the gorgeous Spring weather.

Some thirty stalls offer foods, drinks and desserts. Friday evening, people waited in line for oven-fired gourmet pizza, cannolis, chocolates, bbq, ice cream...the works.

Strangely, there were several people walking around carrying watermelon drinks...in watermelons. Whatever was in the drink must have been excellent because the drink-ers had big grins on their faces.

Mad. Sq. Eats is only open for the month of May.

For more information about Mad. Sq. Eats, click here.
--I'll be out in LA for several days. Posts will continue here!

Related posts: Mad. Sq. Eats, in the Flatiron District, Serving it up from the Back of a Truck, and Pizza Pizza.

From the Steps of the NYPL

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Fri, 10 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, around 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue.

An event was held at the main branch of the New York Public Library, Thursday night.

A red carpet lay at the very top of the steps.

Related posts: Random Graffiti, on Second Avenue, Graffiti, Williamsburg, and Ruff Ride, in the East Village.

Graffiti, in Soho

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Tue, 07 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself in Soho, around Crosby Street and Broadway.

A photo from the stash. Yes, there is graffiti, even in gorgeous Soho.

I thought this was nice combination of old-timey signs and paste-ups. The old brick is nice, too.

Apologies again for the sporadic posts. It's been insanely busy, and there's no end in sight. I've also been without my little Leica camera for a couple months, now. It spontaneously decided to stop working.

Fortunately, it was still under warranty, and should be arriving any day now from the repair shop. Hooray!!!!

My big Canon camera must weigh over 2 lbs with the lens, and when carried with lunch, wallet, phone, pens and the occasional 25-foot measuring tape, I have become a lop-sided hunchback. So sad!

Related posts: Random Graffiti, on Second Avenue, Graffiti, Williamsburg, and Ruff Ride, in the East Village.

Outside Tea and Sympathy, in the Village

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Fri, 03 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself around Greenwich and 13th Street, in the Village.

A red car was conveniently parked outside an elevation with a lot of red in it, the other day.

Tea and Sympathy is a store carrying British goods. It looks incredibly cozy.

TGIF everyone!

Related posts: Outside Mamoun's, in the Village, Graff Attack, in the Meatpacking District, and The Urban Art Form, Downtown.

Graffiti, in Alphabet City

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Wed, 01 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, somewhere in Alphabet City.

Some of the graffiti you see around are works of art, with layers of spray paint and paste ups.

I caught this fellow passing by with his breakfast.

Related posts: Graffiti, in Soho, Graff Attack, in the Meatpacking District, and The Urban Art Form, Downtown.

Outside Casimir, on Avenue B

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on Avenue B and 7th Street, in Alphabet City.

It used to be that you never ventured into Alphabet City, because it was dangerous and filled with homeless drug addicts. You might visit Avenues A and B in daylight, but people spoke of 'Avenue C and D' in hushed tones.

Now, near Tompkins Square Park, there are bars open to the street and little stores. There is a farmer's market outside the park every weekend, selling fresh produce from nearby farms.

I wouldn't say the area is totally spic and span. It's still rough around the edges. Mark, Rupert and I were there on Sunday, enjoying a sunny, breezy Spring day. It was quiet around 11am, with people still waking up.

I haven't been to Casimir, a small French restaurant, but Mark has and says it's great. It's gotten good reviews online. For their website, click here.

Related posts: Casimir, on Avenue B, A Quick Game, in Tompkins Square Park, and Waiting, in Alphabet City.

Last Night, in Bryant Park

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, in Bryant Park.

The lawn at Bryant Park is all set for the summer - all grown in and freshly mowed. The main branch of the New York Public Library sits at the east end of the lawn.

I took this photo last night. As you can see, this space is well lit. Several strong lights sit on top of a tall office building across the street on the west side, behind where I'm standing.

On Monday nights during the summer months, free movies are played outside. The lawn is packed with people. Usually people go very early to stake out their spots.

Edit: To my horror, I posted another very, very similar photo a month ago, before the grass had grown in. Egad. You can see it here.

Related posts: Dusk in Bryant Park, Under the Canopies in Bryant Park, and Free Flicks in Bryant Park.

Street Corner, in Midtown

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, somewhere in Midtown.

The street corners in the mornings can be crowded, with people waiting impatiently for the light to change.

People usually creep off the sidewalks and into the street, which is kind of dangerous. Thankfully, the only accidents I've seen involve cyclists, not cars.

The light is streaming down the street, as it does every morning. Ah, the canyons of the city.

Related posts: Street Crossing, on Fifth Avenue, Crosswalk, at Prince Street, Soho, and Waiting, in Times Square.

Big Bird, in the Flatiron District

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself around 23rd Street and Broadway, in the Flatiron District.

A giant bird made of giant nails stood near the Flatiron Building, the other day. He carried a giant flower in his giant mouth.

The bird is 12-feet high, though he looks much taller. He weighs a hefty five tons.

Occasionally there is art in the open area near the Flatiron Building. Most of the time, the space is filled with tables and chairs. The open triangle is formed by the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, which runs on a diagonal.

This photo is from the stash. The bird was removed a couple days ago (!). I think I took this photo from the car.

For more about the sculpture, click here.

Related posts: Giant Bird, on Broadway, Giant Head, in Madison Square Park, and Charging Through Wall Street.

Outside Cafe Cluny, in the West Village

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on West 4th Street in the West Village.

A quaint view outside Cafe Cluny, in the Village.

All you need are a couple of wooden benches, an old-fashioned bicycle, and a flowering tree and there you have it.

Usually I don't like to include parked cars in my photos...or the ghostly blur of someone walking by. But this image fits my concept of living in the Village. Little streets. Little cafes and restaurants with awnings.

I was walking around there the other day and I've finally mastered the art of 'not getting lost' in that neighborhood. After more than 10 years of living here. There are random diagonal streets and having been brainwashed by the grid, you wind up going in circles.

I've never dined at Cafe Cluny, though I've heard of it. It's gotten good reviews online.

For the Cafe Cluny website, click here.

Related posts: Cozy Interior on Perry Street, in the West Village, Streetside, in the Village, and Outside a Smoke Shop, in the Village.

On West Fourth Street and a Rupert Update

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on West 4th Street, in the Village.

Flowering trees are suddenly abloom, all over the city.

Cherry and magnolia trees are bursting, right now. A couple are located in front of these quaint brick rowhouses in the Village.

Rupert is doing fine. I haven't posted about him in a while, but it's been business as usual. He plays fetch constantly and is just enjoying life.

One of Rupert's favorite treats is yogurt (!). I often give him a taste of my Greek yogurt at breakfast. It is mildly hilarious because he usually gets some on his bottom lip...and because his lips are black, it's quite visible. He has no clue it's there.

Finally, everyone's been saturated by the news in Boston. We can now breathe easy, now that the last bomber has been captured. Thank goodness.

Apologies for the late post today!

Related posts: Back Home to the Brooklyn Bridge and a Boston Terrier, On Hipsters and Rupert, Downtown, and Roaming Free, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

Getting Inked, in the Village

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, on West 4th Street in the Village.

A man was getting a sleeve tattooed the other night, in full view of the sidewalk.

It was still light out, so unfortunately there is some reflection of the parked cars on the street. I think this would be eliminated with a polarizing lens.

Related posts: Working Under Bright Lights, at the Wooster Street Social Club, Tattooed Man, in Herald Square, and Daredevil Tattoo, on Ludlow Street.