Manhattan

It Was 20 Years Ago Today – Part 1

May 28, 2014 by Candi Leave a Comment

Sidewalk Chalk Writing

Well, it was “20 years ago today” last week to be exact. I moved to NY in May of 1994 with enormous enthusiasm, money borrowed from my younger Sister, a job, no apartment, few contacts and a heap of certainty.

1994 Skyline

20 years later, I am grateful to NY for being my home, my comfort, my springboard on which to move forward, stand still and temporarily revert at my own pace and on my own terms.

“Manhattanhenge” 2013

Despite the constant change of skyline, storefront and trends, NY is not fickle with respect to her endless possibilities, diversity, vibrancy and genuine heart and soul.

Tulips in Midtown

Central Park

Queensboro (Ed Koch) Bridge

Celebrating Super Bowl XLVIII n the City

The Anne Frank Center, Downtown

I have taken tons of snapshots of the City over the years and have chosen some favorites to share!

Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball

Park Avenue

Each snap celebrates a remarkable moment that is uniquely New York.

Central Park Snowstorm

Upper West Side

Bryant Park

Stay tuned for Part II (and possibly a Part III) with more snaps!

East River

Here’s to the next 20 years, my dear Manhattan!

Filed Under: Manhattan, Mixed Dish Tagged With: Alfred Nobel, Bryant Park, Central Park, East River, Ed Koch Bridge, Manhattanhenge, Queensboro Bridge, sidewalk chalk, Super Bowl XLVIII, The Anne Frank Center, tulips, Waterford Crystal Times Square Ball

Egg-Stra Egg-Stra!

April 15, 2014 by Candi Leave a Comment

“New Yolk Skyline” Marsha Meredith’s Egg #egg126

The egg symbolizes different things to different people. A particular favorite interpretation is that the egg represents an idea, that when hatched, will be full of promise!

“RETNA Egg” RETNA’s Egg #egg52

“The Golden Lincoln Cent Egg “ Jane Morgan’s Egg #egg6

New York City is a magnet for idea hatchers so The Candi Dish has had a cracking good time during “The Big Egg Hunt” (and egg-sperimenting with egg puns has been egg-cellent)!

“Eggcessories” Ryan Russo for Judith Charles Gallery’s Egg #egg149

“Farber Egg” Robert Farber’s Egg #egg214

I stumbled upon The Big Egg Hunt the other weekend when I was running errands in midtown Manhattan and it did not take long for me to join in the egg-citement!

“New Yolk Skyline” at The Penninsula Hotel

“Cost” Adam Cost’s Egg #egg212

“The Brooklyn Egg” Brooklyn Design & Fabrication, Inc’s Egg #egg104

The Hunt ends on the 17^th of April, so if you are in NY, you may wish to beat the scramble, break out of your shell and check out egg-actly what the hype is all about! www.thebigegghunt.org

“Marblegg” Antoine Wagner’s Egg #egg268

View #1 of “Dupont Egg” Richard Dupont’s Egg #egg148

View #2 of “Dupont Egg” Richard Dupont’s Egg #egg148

That’s all yolks!

Filed Under: Manhattan, Mixed Dish Tagged With: Elephant Family, Faberge, New York, New York City, Rockefeller Center, Studio in a School, The Big Egg Hunt

Barefoot in the Park

March 31, 2014 by Candi 1 Comment

One of the many Central Park passages

One delightfully sun-drenched and chilly day around this time last year, I wandered into Central Park and found myself at Sheep Meadow. The breeze. The sun. The smell of fresh grass. Fortunately, I was wearing my terrifically versatile snuggly coat that I used as a blanket to stretch out and gaze up at the sun. When was the last time that I was here? I could not recall, which meant that it had been too long. But I was there now. Listening to my iPod, zoning out but tuned in enough to be aware of my shortest hairs tickling my forehead as the wind blew across my face. I took off one sneaker and planted my foot in the cool blades of grass that felt deceivingly wet. I was in the moment. Very present. I took a few snaps of the sunny sky and blinked away the spots. Oh, how rare is the feeling of being unblocked? Unblocked under the wide-open sky in the middle of Manhattan.

Sheep Meadow

Sun snap

To locals, Central Park is our backyard, our own treasure trove. To visitors, it is a lush reminder that Manhattan is much more than a concrete jungle. I encourage sightseers to spend time in Central Park. If your goal is to see celebrated Manhattan’s sights, then I suggest hitting the highlights of the Park if you can narrow it down from the many possibilities. Belvedere Castle with its fantastic panoramic views; Bethesda Terrace home to the famous Angel of the Waters statue; The Obelisk; Alice in Wonderland Statue; Vanderbilt Gate; Hans Christian Andersen Statue; the Zoo, The Mall & Literary Walk; The Ramble, Turtle Pond, Strawberry Fields & the Imagine mosaic, both serving as a living memorial to John Lennon; the many Arches and Bridges and of course, the Lake with its row boaters and the not-to-be-missed Boathouse.

Pergola in the Park

Sheep Meadow is a 15-acre preserve located in the South End of Central Park and has a colorful history. From sheep (hence the name) grazing until 1934 to President Harry S. Truman speaking on Navy Day in 1945 to a rare Barbra Streisand concert in 1967 to shared gasps of convened people watching the televised broadcast of the first moon landing in 1969 to park regulars rejoicing in 1981 when the Meadow was reopened after a massive renovation. Sheep Meadow is currently a haven for masses of sunbathers, picnickers, kite-fliers and serenity-seeking, breeze-loving locals like MOI!

Light at the end of the tunnel

Spring. love.

Central Park is open year round but if you wish to visit Sheep Meadow, it is open from mid-April to mid-October from dawn to dusk in fair weather.

http://www.centralparknyc.org

Filed Under: Manhattan, Mixed Dish Tagged With: Barefoot in the Park, Central Park, Sheep Meadow

“Free To Be…You And Me” 40 years later

March 13, 2014 by Candi Leave a Comment

Celebrating a classic in Manhattan

Television, radio, film and listening to vinyl were a huge part of my early childhood in the 1970s. Simply being entertained was the focus over sticking with particular genres. I loved STYX and watched Hee Haw; enjoyed The Six Million Dollar Man as much as Broadway soundtracks (well, not really AS much but I did like seeing bionics in action).

I think that it is really something that as a kid, I was very attracted to broadcasting that had strong social messages: “All in the Family”; “That Girl”, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”, to name a few. Watching these shows as an adult, I realize that the themes, with which I now agree, were totally over my head more than 30 years ago. Given that I most certainly did not fully grasp what I was ingesting, something in them captured my attentiveness.

My introduction to “Free To Be…You And Me” was around 1980 when my 3^rd grade class performed songs from the album for our family and friends in the auditorium of our elementary school.

Invitation to the 3rd Grade Production (made by me)!

I loved the music, which was catchy and fun. After getting to know the lyrics, the realization of the meaning behind the words began to sink in. It was very cool that Rosey Grier, with his “defensive end” NFL stature and deep voice, told children that it is totally ALL RIGHT to cry. Marlo Thomas & Harry Belafonte instructing kids that parents are people who can be in any profession regardless of gender? Yes! Mel Brooks as a baby in the nursery of a hospital trying to figure out if he is a boy or a girl? Fantastic!

The strong message of moving past stereotypes, treating people fairly, embracing friendships, embracing differences and most importantly, embracing ourselves was one heckuva lesson to learn decades ago. Some feel that it was a feminist message. I disagree. I believe “Free To Be” communicates a human message: the importance of feeling comfortable in one’s own skin and respecting others. All people. Not just one gender, one age range, one color, one religion, one “type”. People.

Living in Manhattan, I have access to spectacular events, many of which celebrate things that I loved as a child and still love as an adult. I should add that while protesting and liberation movements were not a part of my childhood, the fair treatment of other was a vital theme (also, I think that I was born with this kind of internal moral compass that sounds an alarm in my head when exposed to the unjust but that is a different story for another time!)

So, when I had the opportunity to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of “Free To Be…You And Me” hosted by Marlo Thomas and friends, I seized it in a New York minute.

Alan Alda, Rosey Grier, Carole Hart, Gloria Steinem & Marlo Thomas

The event at the Paley Center was co-moderated by Gloria Steinem (!!) and Marlo (!!) with a panel: Alan Alda and Rosey Grier, who were featured on the album and TV special; Carole Hart, the magical producer and Lettie Cottin Pogrebin, the visionary who co-guided the creation of “Free To Be”. The panel discussions were intellectual, interesting and stimulating. Clips of the TV special were shown and it was quite moving watching them on the big screen along with the “Free to Be” stars. Fortunately the talented writers, composers, lyricists, producers, comedians, poets and musicians behind the scenes like Dan Greenburg, Carol Hall, Sheldon Harnick, Stephen Lawrence and Tony Walton also joined the celebration. The list of brilliant contributors to the “Free To Be” album, book, TV special and Foundation is endless. I think that the prerequisite to be a part of the project (in addition to talent) was to believe in the premise: “different does not mean wrong”! Good stuff, right?

It was strongly acknowledged that while we have come a long way, our society has not fully achieved what “Free To Be” set out to do in 1974. We still have a lot of work to do on enriching the “sense of self” and empowering others to do the same. What a great challenge for us!

Being a part of the celebration of something close to my heart was a tremendous experience. I shall forever be “glad to have a friend like” Free To Be You…and Me.

Filed Under: Manhattan, Mixed Dish Tagged With: Alan Alda, Carole Hart, equality, fair treatment, Free To Be…You And Me, Gloria Steinem, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Marlo Thomas, Mel Brooks, Paley Center, Rosey Grier

Turn Back Tuesday 10 December 2013

December 10, 2013 by Candi Leave a Comment

Peppermint Park was on the Upper East Side. The tile threshold remains.

I wax nostalgic…OFTEN. It is a pastime of mine. I do try not to “miss” things that aren’t around anymore. My 1982 VW Rabbit convertible, my Disney Read-Along vinyl records and picture books (Black Beauty was THE best), sunbathing…with oil, Gloria Vanderbilt jeans, curling iron (for my bangs), Rick Springfield posters, Fashion Plates.

But I do miss certain places in Manhattan that I LOVED in the 1990s: Cosmetics Plus, The Tunnel, Nobody Beats the Wiz, Elaine’s, Polly Esther’s, Peppermint Park, Marion’s, A to Z Cosmetics, Limelight, Columbus Bakery and Life Nightclub to name a few.

Marion’s Contiental on the Bowery was retro and cool.

Marion’s Continental on the Bowery. Retro & cool.

Okay, we now have Bed, Bath and Beyond, Best Buy and Tasti-D, all of which I have nothing against BUT I would be psyched to have a cocktail at Marion’s, an ice cream sundae from Peppermint Park and a groove at Polly Esther’s…just one more time!

70s & 80s music in a cheese-tastic venue! Polly Esther’s on West 4th.

Filed Under: Manhattan, Mixed Dish Tagged With: 1990s, Elaine’s, Gloria Vanderbilt jeans, Limelight, Marion’s, Nobody Beats the Wiz, Peppermint Park, Polly Esther’s, The Tunnel, waxing nostalgic

Celebrating Downtown Manhattan’s Recovery

October 29, 2013 by Candi Leave a Comment

It is an odd feeling sitting in a spot that was completely submerged with river and rain water exactly a year ago. I do not spend a lot of time near the Seaport or in the Financial District but decided to acknowledge (and contribute to the economy of) one of the areas that is still recovering from Hurricane Sandy’s wrath.

The diversity of the island of Manhattan never ceases to amaze me. As I sit on a wooden stool at Pier 11 literally a few feet above the east river (next to a seagull who is giving me the side-eye), I watch the Seastreak Ferry (one of its journeys is between Manhattan and Martha’s Vineyard) docking, vehicles racing on the FDR above and behind me, the nearby heliport is humming with landing and disembarking helicopters and the autumn sun is reflecting off of the wake caused by the NY Waterway vessel.

My heart is full of empathy for those affected by any type of tragedy. I do not compare one person’s loss to that of another; one hurricane to another; one flood to another or one fire to another as each deserves its own attention, its own mourning period, its own community coming together to care for its neighbors, its own opportunity to receive anonymous assistance from strangers and of course, its own recovery. I do, however, relish in the strength people possess to overcome. This is what I celebrate, with the utmost respect, today.

There are many people and businesses in need after a disaster strikes but if you would like a suggestion on how to easily stimulate the post-Sandy economy in Manhattan, visit the South Street Seaport area. As I write this, I am enjoying a Barbera d’Asti at the very friendly Bin No. 220 which just reopened a year after the storm. I took a photo of the water mark on an interior column (approx. 9 feet above sea level). www.binno220.com www.southstreetseaport.com

Filed Under: Manhattan, Mixed Dish Tagged With: Bin No 220, Hurricane Sandy, Pier 11, recovery, South Street Seaport

Visiting Greenwich Village as if it was the first time

October 28, 2013 by Candi Leave a Comment

Keith Haring Mural at James J Walker Park

The Candi Dish is a huge fan of taking tours to get to know cities. Manhattan included, even for residents. The City’s 380+ year history provides for much to see, do and learn so naturally there are many tour opportunities that cater to both visitors and locals. I made a clever last minute decision to join a “Free Tours by Foot” Greenwich Village walking tour led by Renée on a chilly and sunny autumn day last week and it was fantastic. Learning new things about the place that I call home felt great. I detail my two favorite parts of the tour here.

I joined the group at stop #2 (because I was running a bit late) in front of The Northern Dispensary, a now defunct medical facility that was built in 1827 and is located at an interesting intersection in which one side of the building faces two streets: Grove and Christopher while the other two sides face Waverly. I have passed that building tons of times but never knew its interesting story (please look it up for more info).

Northern Dispensary – Empty but Full of History

I previously posted about how one should look out and up when walking around the City so please allow me to contradict myself because examining the pavement beneath your feet can be very rewarding. One such example is the small triangular mosaic imbedded on the southwest corner of Christopher and 7^th Avenue South in front of Village Cigars that reads “Property of the Hess Estate Which Has Never Been Dedicated for Public Purposes.” In a nutshell, David Hess once owned a five-story building at this location and it was seized by the City since it obstructed construction plans to widen 7^th Avenue South. In 1914, Mr. Hess fought the city but lost and was left with only a 500-square inch piece of land, which he was expected to donate to the City to become part of the thoroughfare “for public purposes”. Mr. Hess refused and to symbolize his defiance, implanted the mosaic to remind people of his plight. In 1938, Mr. Hess sold the triangle to Village Cigars and the shop has left the mosaic message, a west village treasure, untouched. Again, I have walked by Village Cigars (a NY institution in its own right) countless times and never noticed this priceless piece of NY history.

David Hess’ Tiny Plot of Private Property

Being escorted around Greenwich Village by someone who knows much more than I was a joy. I observed architecture (smallest house in Manhattan), special spots (the alleged origin of the term “86 that guy”) and street art (Keith Haring, anyone?) for the first time. An experience like this for a local is remarkable. If you have 2.5 hours to spend exploring, consider a Free Tours by Foot, you will be glad that you did. http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/

Washington Square Park

Please note that I was not compensated by Free Tours by Foot for this post. My hope is to simply spread the word about a great tour company.

Filed Under: Manhattan Tagged With: David Hess Triangle, Free Tours by Foot, Greenwich Village, Keith Haring, Northern Dispensary, Tours for Locals, Washington Square Park

Fall into Autumn in New York

October 24, 2013 by Candi Leave a Comment

It is invigorating when the crisp autumn air fills the open spaces of Manhattan. I have been pointedly observing the extra spring in people’s steps as we welcome the fall weather.

In each season there are important places to visit in NY so that your senses may experience the changes. Strolling along The High Line when the weather is brisk is one such joy.

For those who do not know about The High Line, it is an elevated pubic park built on an historic freight rail line that runs 1.45 miles on the West Side of the City (parallel to the Hudson River) between Gansevoort Street and West 34th Street.

The rail line was used to transport goods between factories, warehouses and Penn Station between 1934 and 1980 at which point it lay dormant for 25 years (except for the grass, trees and plants that grew on the tracks) and was saved from demolition in 1999 by two dedicated neighbors who partnered with the City to preserve the area. Reconstruction began in 2006 to create a sustainable public green space and it opened to all in 2009. The High Line, which is owned by the City of New York, offers its visitors terrific views, history, plant life, a resting spot (particularly if you nab a chaise lounge) and local NYC food vendors. For complete information on its history, tours and maps, check out the official website: www.thehighline.org

Filed Under: Manhattan Tagged With: Autumn in New York, Chelsea, elevated rail, Fall, Meatpacking District, The High Line, Tieks

Manhattan Moment Monday

October 20, 2013 by Candi Leave a Comment

Manhattan is a borough chock full of uniqueness. I am a proponent of looking out and up when walking around the city. There are too many interesting faces, places and spaces to miss if you are looking down.

I derive great joy from the many connections that I make with those faces, places and spaces and had “one of those moments” over the weekend. I was strolling south on Tenth Avenue in Chelsea when I caught eyes with a stranger who was sitting on the steps of The Church of The Guardian Angel with a notebook on her lap. The woman asked me if she could borrow a pen for her prayer list that she needed to compile before Mass. I obliged and handed her a ballpoint pen. She thanked me. I told her it was my pleasure. As I walked away, I turned back around and asked her if she would add a name for me to her prayer list. She said it would be her pleasure.

Manhattan is a Life Saver (I took this photo on a NY Harbor Line Cruise)

Manhattan is a Life Saver
(I took this photo on an architecture tour that circumnavigated Manhattan)

“My favorite thing about New York is the people, because I think they’re misunderstood. I don’t think people realize how kind New York people are.” –Bill Murray

Filed Under: Manhattan Tagged With: Manhattan, New Yorkers, strangers

It is ALL ABOUT YOU…in the Big Apple! The Candi Dish is offering handcrafted guides just for you!

October 18, 2013 by Candi 1 Comment

“Fortitude” is one of two marble lions that has “lived” in front of the landmark New York Public Library, greeting visitors on Fifth Avenue, since 1911.

Are you visiting New York for the 1st time? 10^th time? Having a customized plan based on your specific interests and preferences will make your upcoming visit even more memorable.

Have you recently moved to Manhattan or are thinking about it? An individually designed “Living in Manhattan Guide” written to meet your personal requirements can be yours!

Contact me so that we can discuss details and fees. Let the personalized dishing begin!

Please note that while The Candi Dish dishes out excellent suggestions, booking services for transportation, shows, hotels or dining reservations is not part of the dishing experience!

Filed Under: Manhattan Tagged With: customized itinerary, Manhattan, NYC, personal guide, The Big Apple, tour, tourist, visitor