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...
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 2019....
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...
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...
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...
9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin It is not obvious from the street but the large impressive Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu gym spreads out large in bright white and blue in the sub basement of 246 Columbus Avenue. Luca Atalla, called “Professor” by his students is...
