Frozen Vodka Lemonade for Rollercoaster Times

Frozen Vodka Lemonade for Rollercoaster Times

By Claudie Benjamin When The Dakota Bar first opened in the early 2000s, it gave off an aura of posh.  Now with service only outside due to Covid restrictions, you can still savor an expensive cab. Parminder Singh and his family opened The Dakota Bar in 2014...
New Banking Reality

New Banking Reality

By Claudie Benjamin Noon on a Wednesday, Citi Bank’s spacious entry floor is nearly empty: no lines, just one interaction occurring between a customer and bank teller.  Upstairs on the 2nd floor where complex business matters are conducted,  Branch...
Celebrity Hair Styling

Celebrity Hair Styling

By Claudie Benjamin More often than not, the second floor businesses on West 72nd Street are marked discreetly. Most have signs or window lettering that nod to the type of business conducted within, but with little razzmatazz. The Harold Melvin Salon at 137 W. 72nd...
72nd Street is His Middle Name

72nd Street is His Middle Name

By Claudie Benjamin When Jonah [72nd Street] Phillips, owner with his father Alan of Pastrami Queen at 138 W. 72nd, starts talking about traditional Jewish Kosher Deli foods, he turns theatrical, using the inflection of immigrants who spoke Yiddish and settled in the...