The earliest known map of New Amsterdam (1660) and a detailed redraft (1916). The fortified East-to-West street is, appropriately enough, Wall Street. There’s also a cool georeferenced version that tells you what each plot of land was used for and who owned it.
I photographed the little guy on the left because he was carrying a violin. During the post photo interview, his little brother kept chiming in with his own answers. It was clear that he wanted to be part of the process. After a few questions, the older one called to his brother: “Come be in my picture, Riley.”
That’s a cool big brother.
Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn.
“Looking for two roommates.”
“Top bunk is $500 per month, bottom bunk is $600 per month.”
Wait. Top bunk is cheaper? Are they crazy!? This is a steal.
Fog machine: free
Cinnamon babka from Bread’s Bakery. Minutes from the oven, and the best babka I’ve ever had. Full Review
Rocket Pig sandwich - brined, smoked, and roasted pork; mustard aioli, and red onion jam on ciabatta with a wee dab of bell pepper hot sauce. When a chef sets out to create a “perfect” sandwich, best hold onto your seat. Full Review
After I took her photo, she stuck her cheek out for a kiss. After I gave her one, she said: “Isn’t love great?”
“Yes it is,” I replied. Then she leaned in and said:
“But sex is better.”
Love these New York humans.
McKittrick old fashioned - bourbon, sherry, and chocolate bitters
Stopped by the new, no-secret-phone number-required Milk & Honey on 23rd Street today. Just like the times I visited the old locale on Eldridge Street, I discovered a new recipe I’d like to recreate. Aside from a strange looking-over at the door (pardon my scruffiness, sir), it was a chill evening. But with places like this charging $16 per drink, methinks it’s time to start flexing the cocktail shaking muscles and testing recipes for springtime rooftop imbibing. This one will make a fantastic nightcap.
What’s your summary?
He told me this long, winding, convoluted story of his life, involving three women, six jobs, four cities, and two Siamese cats that seemed to be with him the entire time. After about ten minutes, he sensed that I was losing interest, so he said: “I’m gonna summarize: I left New York at the age of 26 with $700 in my pocket. I came back ten years later with $800 in my pocket.”
Grand Central Terminal
The Bar at Campbell Apartment
This visually breathtaking, former private office tucked into the upper level of Grand Central Terminal is probably the least secret “speakeasy” in town. While the decor delivers loads of 1920s New York ambiance, the high-handed attitude from the staff and mediocre cocktails at $20 apiece definitely put a damper on things. If you’re wearing a fancy suit and have an expense account, or if you’ve commuted from Grand Central for over a decade and simply must satisfy your curiosity about this place, it’s worth a visit. Tip: If you’re tempted to take photos, be as discrete as possible and choose your shots wisely; they don’t take kindly to it. And don’t bother going at all if you’re wearing sneakers.
Here’s a nice shot of the interior and here’s an article about real, live actual Ghostbusters investigating the bar’s various spirits (no, the other kind).
