Watch-Blog
Longing for Firenze (Florence, Italy) or a Spot in Campagna (countryside)
By Claudie Benjamin Firenze (Florence) is one of the most iconic of Italy’s many romantic destinations. Can you imagine how very wonderful it would be to sit at a wine bar in a popular bordered piazza (square) in town or in...
Creative Drinks and Neighborhood Vibe
By Claudie Benjamin Living, working and going to college in Manhattan has to have had its challenges for Amber Zachweieja after she first left Long Island and arrived in the city. But she’s been making this all happen and having fun too. Having earned a BA in...
86th Street and the Life of Adventure
By Claudie Benjamin Karem and Kenyi Sun were high school sweethearts in Lima, Peru. Their North American adventure began when Kenyi‘s father came to New York about 20 years ago. He was successful in becoming part of the management of a limo service. He went back to...
Champagne is in Order!
By Claudie Benjamin There’s big news from Flowers on the Park, an eye-catching presence as you proceed toward Central Park from Columbus Avenue on the south side of 86th Street. Champagne is in order. Responding to the latest trend among Upper West Siders and other...
Unstoppable Bike Mechanics
By Claudie Benjamin Without a doubt, energy and open friendliness is the vibe at Master Bike at 265 West 72nd Street. If this typifies the mood of the biking community, sign me on. I'm ready to jump on a Fuji, snap on a shiny, colorful, striped helmet and zip out...
A Good Dose of Caring
By Claudie Benjamin If you just need a pack of facial tissues and you're late for an appointment, almost any one of a number of mini marts or chain store pharmacies will do. But, come to Thomas Drugs at 171 Columbus Avenue if you want to calmly chat with your...
Urban Archaeology at Gristedes
By Claudie Benjamin Alfred Gumbs came to New York City from St. Kitts about 40 years ago. He was a musician, a drummer looking for work. Looking back, he says, "Too few gigs to pay my rent. I sold my drums." Alfred then followed a friend's suggestion to look...
Al Fresco Cottage
By Claudie Benjamin Straight out of the pages of an illustrated storybook, Il Violino restaurant manager Daniel Vlasceanu has designed and constructed a charming forest cottage that pleases customers of all ages. He designed and constructed the shelter early in the...
120 Seats, Stage, Curtain, Proscenium & Popular Shows
By Claudie Benjamin When Peter Martin bought the brownstone building at 158 West 72nd Street in 1995 it contained a theater. His job some five years earlier had actually been as company manager for a musical revue called Forever Plaid, which played at the same...
Love & Architectural Design
By Claudie Benjamin 304 Columbus is notably plain. There’s no sign of tremendous creativity housed within. But often it's astonishing what happens beneath the surface of things. In this case, what happens within these brick walls is exceptional. More specifically,...
