Buffalo Horn, Gold & Titanium: Classy Frames for Finely Made Lenses

9th Ave. Elevated

By Claudie Benjamin   For some, elegantly simple eyeglass frames made of titanium or real gold might seem a bit “de trop”. But, not so much at all if you compare the look and quality of eyeglasses to a luxury car purchase of say, a BMW or a Mercedes suggests...

A Bit of Glitter Shine

9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative

By Claudie Benjamin On a balmy spring day Ruth and Scott Bienstock are standing at the open doorway of Outlette, their jewelry store at 220 Columbus Avenue.  Locals stop by to chat or wave hello as they go by.  This is totally Columbus...

Crème Brûlée enrobed chocolates & Ruby Bars

9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative

By Claudie Benjamin Kee’s Chocolates are the creme de la creme of chocolate morsels and bars.  These handmade chocolates that have secret recipes created by Kee Ling Tong are sold in a tiny store at 228 Columbus Avenue opened in October...

Plant-Based Dining Prescriptions

9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative

By Claudie Benjamin Imagine a creative who travels the world inspired by the sights, sounds and aromas he encounters but he’s flummoxed by the lack of one fundamental thing he cares passionately about.  It seems almost impossible to find plant-based...

Sailing the Seas Via Columbus Avenue

9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative

By Claudie Benjamin Passing on foot, bike or car Lokal’s outdoor dining shelter at 83rd Street and Columbus may remind you of a totally different means of conveyance.  Lokal Mediterranean Restaurant co-owner Serhat (Sergio) Cetin credits co-owner Murat Aktas for...

Nomads and Romantics

9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative

By Claudie Benjamin By some subtle magic, everything at the Peruvian Connection at 341 Columbus Avenue looks desirable.  The beautifully hued flower patterned or woven geometric fabrics that look slightly bleached by the sun suggest that the wearer is a sophisticated...