New York Portraits

Kimchi Taco, in Herald Square

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself near Herald Square, at 33rd Street and Broadway in Midtown.

Photo by myself around Herald Square, at 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue.

In the spirit of true fusion food, Kimchi Taco was serving up Korean BBQ in crispy taco shells. This is one of their pop up markets that boasts fresh ingredients in creative combinations.

Taco flavors feature fried chicken, bbq short ribs and even fish. For those vegetarians, there is a spicy tofu taco and rich gnocchi. So good.

There is a taco truck, too, that parks in different neighborhoods during the week. For a truck schedule and menu, click on the Kimchi Taco site, here.

Related posts: On the Sidewalk, in Midtown, Signs, on Third Avenue, and Thursday Morning on Lex, on the Upper East Side.

Entrance on West 86th Street

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Sat, 26 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on West 86th Street, between Broadway and West End Avenue.

Some of the buildings in New York are really pretty. They have handcrafted details, done back when workers could lavish a bit of time on construction.

The entrances to some of these buildings are special, with awnings and spacious foyers. There are front desks for doormen and elevators to take you upstairs.

Related posts: The Plaza at Lincoln Center, From the Steps of the NYPL, and The Look, Outside the Flatiron Building.

Funny Sign, on Canal Street

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Wed, 23 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on Canal Street, in Chinatown.

A photo from a while ago, that I held onto because it was kind of funny. A sidewalk sign read 'Nut Sacks, $3.50'.

I'm not sure whether this sign was intended to be funny? (It is reference to male private parts).

And... at such a great price! Haha.

Related posts: On the Sidewalk, in Midtown, Signs, on Third Avenue, and Thursday Morning on Lex, on the Upper East Side.

Jugglers, Bryant Park

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Sun, 20 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself in Bryant Park.

A recent photo from Bryant Park, where there is always loads going on.

They had a juggling day. Hold on, juggling day is almost every day, during lunch. They started doing this thing in 2009 and have been at it ever since. Now with Twitter feed and Facebook page.

Related posts: Juggling Around, in Bryant Park, A Charge, Free of Charge, and The View from Bryant Park, at Dusk.

New-ish Station, at 86th Street

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Sat, 19 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself at the 86th Street subway station on the Upper East Side.

At long last, the subway has been expanded along Second Avenue up the Upper East Side. This is kind of old news, but I still have trouble getting over the fact that it was done. The project was talked about for years and years, and I really didn't think it would happen.

The station at 86th Street is quite large, with giant murals here and there. The older stations are cramped and dirty, so this place is a dream. The Second Ave. line allows people to travel from 86th Street all the way to Brooklyn on an express train. If you lived on York or First Avenue, you'd have to walk several long blocks to Lexington, which is no fun in the winter.

This station opened in January, 2017.

A giant Chuck Close self-portrait greets you near the entrance.

Related posts: Subway Conductor, on the Job, Strangers, Below Columbus Circle, and Under the Tracks, in Bensonhurst.

57th Street Tower, from Columbus Circle

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Tue, 15 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself around Columbus Circle, at 59th Street and Central Park West.

One of a few very, very tall buildings is being built on 57th Street. This might be what's called 'The Columbus Circle Tower', or the 'Extell Tower', one of which is supposed to be 99 stories tall.

If you look closely, there is a dot on the right side, about halfway up. I took this photo because I could see the dot moving upwards. It must have been some mechanical equipment being hoisted up toward the roof, which could not fit into the elevator (!). Yipes. I'm sure there was scaffolding below!

Related posts: Billionaire's Row, Along Central Park South, Manchester House, on the Upper West Side, and Living Large, on the Upper East Side.

Spring, in Park Slope, Brooklyn

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Sun, 13 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself around 10th Street and Sixth Avenue, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Pardon me as I get used to this posting thing, again! haha.

It was a drippy rainy day Saturday, a welcome thing for all the flowers and trees. We had a long, long winter this year. It was tough on the psyche. As a result, everyone is relieved that it is finally Spring.

Spring and Fall are typically short-lived in New York. The city thrives on extremes.

Related posts: Roaming Free, in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Sunday Morning, in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and Typical Streetscape, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Dusk, on Mott Street

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Sat, 12 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on Mott Street near Grand Street.

Hi everyone! It's been a while since my last post. Some two years! Time flies!

I can't promise that I'll be back on a regular basis. I think about this blog often and am still taking photos...though life has been extremely busy on all fronts.

Above, a photo during a brisk walk on Mott Street, in Chinatown. I've been frequenting the area north of Canal Street a lot more than in the past, for the fresh produce and as a change of pace. Canal Street is much too filled with street vendors and foot traffic.

I cannot promise that I'll be able to post new photos everyday. It might be more of a 'once in a while' thing. The dogs are doing really well, by the way, as is Mark. I hope everyone is doing well!

Related posts: On Canal Street and Funny or Die, In Chinatown, and a Rupert Update, and Looking for a Bargain, on Canal Street, Chinatown.

The View near 59th Street, Columbus Circle

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself around 60th Street and Broadway on the Upper West Side.

It was busy and cold on Monday near Columbus Circle. Cabs and cars were whizzing by.

In the background toward the left, is one of the new buildings for billionaires. The skyscraper at 1 East 57th Street is a really, really tall residential tower, rising 75 stories. It looms over its neighbors.

Costs for apartments at 1E57 there average $6,667 per square foot. Egad. Some apartments sold for as much as $91 million dollars.

Luckily at this writing, there are still some $58 million dollar apartments that are up for grabs! For the One57 website, click here.

Related posts: One Central Park, at Night, Billionaire's Row, above Central Park South, and Office Towers, near Bryant Park.

Before the Walk, on the Upper East Side

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself around 80th Street and Park Avenue, on the Upper East Side.

A group of at least twenty dogs were prepping for their morning group walk.

Most of them were portable-sized. Some were clothed. All were excited.

Happy Friday everyone!

Related posts: Here's Looking at You, in Washington Square Park, On Dogs and Dogs, and Furry Friends, in Tompkins Square Park.

Man and Cat, on Sixth Avenue

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.

A man and a cat sat in the cold on Sixth Avenue.

I've been walking by this spot every weekday for work, and have watched the cat grow up from a tiny kitten, starting last Fall. Often, both cat and owner are fast asleep.

At first I felt very cynical about this arrangement. Over time though, I saw how (relatively) happy the cat is, how caring his owner is, and how generous New Yorkers can be. There is a cat litter, a scratching pad, cat food, and several different cat jackets.

When I took this photo and spoke with the guy, a woman stopped by to donate a breakfast muffin. There are actually two different guys who take care of the cat, switching back and forth in shifts. At night, it has been very cold, with brisk winds.

Related posts: Cat on a Leash, in Midtown, Beware of Cat, in the East Village, and The Guy with a Cat on his Head.

Woke up, on the Subway

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on the subway, below ground.

I was taking snapshots on the subway Monday morning and the guy sitting near me suddenly woke up. Aaaah!!!

As you can see, it's become much colder out. People are bundled up in their puffy coats, hats, boots, etc.

Related posts: 9:45am on the B Train, Below Brooklyn, Dancer, on the Ride Home, and Sunset, on the Ride to Brooklyn.

Warning to Skinny People, in Park Slope

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Sandwich boards on the sidewalk are a common way of luring people inside restaurants and bars. I appreciate signs that show some originality.

Related posts: Pork is the Answer, on the Lower East Side, Tongue in Cheek, on the Sidewalk and on the Subway, and A Sense of Humor in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Happy 2016, from Central Park

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself in Central Park.

Pedicab rides can be found easily in and around Central Park. Above, some visitors stop to look east, toward the skyline.

The nice thing about pedicab rides is that you can often find someone to give you a tour in your native language, if it's not English.

Apologies for not having a more festive photo! We've had very grey, overcast (though warm) days lately. Happy 2016, everyone!

Related posts: A Bit of Fog, in Central Park, Before a Tour, Pedicab Style, and Dogs in Costume, at Tompkins Square Park.

The Latest Addition, at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself at home, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

I hope everyone is enjoying a fantastic holiday!

We've been busy with a new addition to our home, a little dog named Maisie. Above, she and Rupert have stopped playing for a split second and look extremely serious. Don't be fooled.

Maisie is about 3 years old and seems to be a mix of a very short long dog (maybe Dachsund?) and a larger dog (maybe a cattle dog?). She is super sweet and affectionate, and has turned out to be the perfect companion for our Rupert.

We honestly didn't think Rupert needed a friend. He's never very interested in other dogs on the street. But we've been thinking about adopting a rescued dog and one thing quickly led to another. All we can say now is that we are SO glad to have taken the plunge! We are a much more active household now. And Rupert is 1000% a happier dog as a result!

Rupert and Maisie are occupied with the art of tug of war and wrestling, 99% of the time. Above, a rope toy survives about 30 minutes before being destroyed.

Maisie takes refuge below a bench. She enjoys hoarding toys and biting rear legs.

By the way, if you care for a single dog, please consider adopting a second! There are so many wonderful deserving dogs out there in need of a family.

Related posts: A Rupert Update, with Friend, On Hipsters and Rupert, Downtown, and Dogs in Costume, at Tompkins Square Park.

Wrapped Bike, in Park Slope, Brooklyn

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Someone with a lot of energy had tackled a bike on the sidewalk with wrapping paper.

Related posts: Getting Around Traffic, in Midtown, On Custom Bikes, in the Village, and Portrait of a Bike Messenger, in Midtown.

Outside Chick-Fil-A, from Above and Below

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, in Midtown.

When Chick-Fil-A opened its doors for the first time in Manhattan, there was a line out the door and down the street. Not just for a day or a few days or a week. For weeks.

That is how nutty some people are about their chicken sandwiches and/or nuggets. See how serious people look in line? It is serious stuff!

This fast food place has two floors. Now that the hoopla has died down, you can actually get a sandwich without waiting many minutes outdoors.

Below, a view of the line from the air.

On Broadway, in Brooklyn

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, around Broadway and Bedford Streets, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

We've been having a spell of warm days but it's supposed to get back to being winter, this week. Or so they say.

The view from Williamsburg toward Manhattan was a quiet one, Sunday. The Williamsburg Bridge, toward the right, will get you over the East River to the Lower East Side.

Broadway is known as a major avenue on the west side in Manhattan, that extends 18 miles north of the city. It's also shorthand for the theatre district, which includes part of Broadway near 42nd Street. Most people don't know that a different street in Brooklyn is also named Broadway. Yes, confusing!

A striking black and white mural of a young girl covered an entire building. I'm not sure if this was art or an advertisement. Mark and I were here for lunch with his mom.

Happy Monday everyone!

Related posts: Framing the View, Up Broadway, Giant Bird, on Broadway, and On the Sidewalk, on Broadway.

After the Marathon, on the Upper West Side

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, around 72nd Street and Columbus, on the Upper West Side.

Dozens of runners crossed the street wrapped in blankets after finishing the marathon, Sunday afternoon. The scene looked a little like soldiers returning home from a battle.

Part of 72nd Street was closed to traffic. This was a popular spot for family and friends to meet up with runners after the race.

Related posts: The 2011 NYC Marathon, Running Down the Streets of New York, and The 2010 NYC Marathon.

In Honor of Tiger, in Brooklyn

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

A memorial for Tiger, on Sixth Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

On a walk yesterday, I encountered a sweet memorial for a well-loved neighborhood cat named Tiger.

Dozens of drawings, photos and notes were left in his honor. Tiger had house outside, and so had formed quite a fan club. He will be missed!

Related posts: Cat on a Leash, in Midtown, Odd and Colorful Birds, in Bryant Park, and The Hua Mei Bird Garden, in Chinatown.

Water Taxi, from Red hook, Brooklyn

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

We got back safe and sound, Saturday afternoon and are recovering from jet lag. Part of the recovery process involved getting some groceries from Fairway, in Brooklyn. Already, vacation seems far away!

From the park alongside the supermarket, you can see the Statue of Liberty quite nicely. Sunday was bright and clear.

No one was in line for the Water Taxi, which takes you to Wall Street each day. The taxis run every 45 minutes and are painted the same shade of yellow as the four-wheeled ones on the streets.

For the Water Taxi schedule, click here.

Related posts: Yellow Cab, Under Snow, Hailing a Cab, in Times Square, and Evening on Sixth Avenue.

Up and Down Rue Moffetard, in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on or about Rue Moffetard, in Paris.

The area on and around Rue Moffetard in Paris, is known for tons of eateries, bars and the occasional clothing store. The street is packed every night with students, visitors and locals, looking for dinner.

Unfortunately my photos from Paris are very limited this year; I was too preoccupied with looking around, and then there was an terrible accident with my camera and a bottle of water. Ugh.

My camera is pretty beaten up, so maybe this was good timing. The photo below was taken on my phone.

Outside a restaurant serving Spanish food, a giant pan of paella was being cooked up. The dish is served only on Wednesdays.

Related posts: No-Bull Hot Dogs, on the Upper West Side, Outside Baked by Melissa, in Soho, and Baked Fresh Daily, in Soho.

Serious Sweets, in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, in Paris.

Two gentlemen ordered their pastries the other day in a little shop that sold treats covered in honey. I'm not sure which neighborhood this was, probably near Montparnasse, where we were walking around from beautiful boutique to beautiful boutique.

I must say, the bread places and patisseries that are open to the streets are pretty incredible. You can just smell freshly baked STUFF with butter. I'm very lucky not to have much of a sweet tooth, but even without one, I have been tempted by all the gorgeous cakes and things. The French take these pleasures very seriously, along with their coffees and wine.

Our typical day has gone like this: coffee and light breakfast while sitting outside, then a walk around, then a simple lunch, say a toasted sandwich with salad, with more coffee, then more walking around. Then perhaps a breather with a macaroon and coffee, then a careful yet deliberate search for the perfect dinner place, followed by desert somewhere else, such as perhaps a crepe made on the street. Yippee!!!!

The sweets on show at Thevenin, in the 6th Arr., near the Luxembourg Gardens. We sampled some really delicious macaroons.

Related posts: Get Your Street Sweets Here, Pistachio Cupcakes, in the East Village, and Serving It Up, at Naruto Ramen, in Park Slope.

Bath, on Cornelia Street

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on Cornelia Street, in the Village.

Before leaving on our trip, I took a quick walk around the Village. A tall dog named Rhett was patiently receiving a thorough bath, right out on the sidewalk.

A few other people noticed and were taking photos, too. Rhett is a Borzoi and a therapy dog. Kibble is not cheap. Rhett earns his keep, getting $1/minute for his services.

Related posts: Critters, Streetside, A Four-Legged Co-Pilot, on Flatbush Avenue, and Enjoying Pugs and Drinks, Outside.

Night View, in the Spiegelwartier, Amsterdam

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty) — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself in the Spielgelkwartier district, in Amsterdam.

Just the night view on one of the roads in the Spielgelkwartier, in Amsterdam. This lovely area is home to many antique and fine art stores, and is brightly lit at night.

I'm on vacation for the moment but will be home soon.

Related posts: From New Amsterdam to Amsterdam and Beyond, Sweet Memories, and On Custom Bikes, in the Village.