Watch-Blog

The Much-Loved Dorilton
By Claudie Benjamin Constructed in 1902, the Dorilton is definitely over-the-top gilded age style. But, the key to its enduring splendor is in the details. And beyond that, it’s immeasurable how much the building staff’s dedication to the building and the...

Art Forges the Way
By Claudie Benjamin “I love my country, but we were pushed between the Afghan mujahideen (armed Islamist rebel groups) and the communists.” This is how Jamaluddin Azin (Ran) explains a life-changing decision in 1990 to leave his native Kabul with his wife and two...

Talent and Happenstance
By Claudie Benjamin Meredith Bernstein's literary agency office is filled with natural light and looks out to the ornate detailing of the Ansonia and the traffic on Broadway. She’s deliberately decorated the space to have a Parisian flair. Paintings hang on the walls...

Orange Stands for Lox
By Claudie Benjamin Have you spotted the new Zabar’s disposable coffee cup? Look around on any street of the UWS and you’ll likely see someone carrying their cup of hot brew. The thing that actually makes you want to have your own is not only the enticing aroma but...

A Pink Hammer
By Claudie Benjamin “If you come in asking for a pink hammer, it’s likely that two more people will come in asking for pink hammers,” says BasicsPlus Store Manager Rafael Villar. He explains the hardware store’s commitment to flexibility and to being in sync...

Safeguarding Cash, Gold, Jewels and More
By Claudie Benjamin Richard Krasilovsky, the owner of Empire Safe Company, Inc., earned a Master's Degree from Antioch New England graduate center in Keene, NH, (1975-1977) focusing on environmental sciences with an emphasis on education. Rather than continuing his...

Yes, Please: A Slice of Pear Tart
By Claudie Benjamin You certainly know Citarella as a purveyor of high-quality fish and fine meats. But, have you tried the pastries? You must! Sweet connections are the domain of Citarella’s Corporate Chef Carolina Perego. Her first professional love was creating...

Artifacts
By Claudie Benjamin It may seem unusual for an apartment house lobby to use and display artifacts of its past. But then the Ansonia is no ordinary building. Demetrios Mitsopoulos has been the Concierge at the Ansonia for 21 years. He arrived at the historic building a...

Greek Traditional Menu Plus Innovation in a Classy Setting
By Claudie Benjamin It’s not by chance that you feel comfortable at Elea no matter where you've settled yourself. The restaurant essentially offers three venues in one at their just off-Broadway West 85th address. The menu is available throughout the restaurant. But...

63rd Street Kids
By Claudie Benjamin Everybody knows the Charleston rhythm. Most have some idea about the look of the dance. [1] The Charleston has been filmed in at least a half dozen films and captured in hundreds of photos including an iconic image of Josephine Baker performing the...