New York Daily Photo

Joe Plourde

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Brian Dubé

This website would not be complete if I did not mention Joe Plourde. I have ruminated for some years as to whether to include him. You will never meet Joe Plourde, nor will you read of him anywhere. He is, in many ways, an ordinary man of ordinary means. He has seen hardship with an austere upbringing. Appropriately, he lives in a town called Plainville.

But in other ways, Joe is an extraordinary man. He is disarmingly friendly and loved by everyone he meets. He is, like my family, of French Canadian ancestry, but unlike my parents who were born in Maine, he is from the Province of Quebec, moving to Maine and then later to Connecticut. It was in Hartford that he met my family when they made the same move and helped us find our first apartment.

I have written a number of times about the demonizing of the present and the praising of the past. That many believe that everything has been dumbed down and that the best was in times past. In Better When, I quoted from Jill Eisenstadt’s New York Times article about this very topic. However, with all due respect to Jill, she (or I for that matter) is not someone who left home at 14 years old from the woods of Canada.

Joe is quite direct and not always politically correct, but he is a fair and reasonable man and not materialistic at all. He does not champion the past. On one occasion he told my father, “Al, you know what they can do with the good old days. The can shove ’em where the sun don’t shine.” A bit vulgar, but a point I have never forgotten. The few pleasures of the simpler life of days of old did not outweigh the hardships he endured – he much prefers his modern life with simple comforts, like central heating and indoor plumbing.

Flower shops have been around for a long time, and Ovando Flowers, at 337 Bleecker Street, is a good example of how many retailers today excel in the quality of goods offered and presentation. Ovando’s extraordinary window display is itself a tourist attraction. From their website:

The owner, Sandra de Ovando, was born in Mexico City to Spanish and Russian parents. Sandra fell in love with nature, flowers and bold colors at a very young age when she often spent weekends gardening with her mother.

Later, in her travels throughout Europe and Asia, Sandra discovered exotic flowers, plants and fruits which she began incorporating into her designs – hence was born the signature style that today defines Ovando’s dynamic compositions.

Intent on indulging her bright passion for flowers and design, Sandra moved to New York where she soon after opened Ovando in 2003.

Today, Ovando has blossomed into a full-service Floral and Event Design Company. Sandra’s unique approach, the culmination of her life’s journey, has made her the favorite floral designer of New York’s elite, including celebrities, high-end restaurants, fashion houses and boutique hotels. From stunning bouquets, moody lighting, and the full-scale construction of breathtaking displays and environments, Ovando is a dazzling celebration of form, function, and flowers.

I don’t expect to find Joe Plourde there, but I know he would like it 🙂

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Art and Sculpture, Natural NYC, Stores. Bookmark the permalink.
The Porter House

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Brian Dubé

Branding existed long before it became a studied concept in business or a buzz word in the vocabulary of marketers. And, rich or poor, there are many words that in and of themselves connote exclusivity, privilege, wealth, and the special.

This was an explanation I have read as to why those of ordinary means often buy a very expensive gourmet food product, such as artisanal ice cream. Because, at least for a brief time, they can enjoy the best of something. This certainly was the case growing up on the poor side, when we would occasionally “splurge” on a food item. For my parents, this might mean a porterhouse steak, ordering, “I’ll take the porterhouse,” as if “the” (as opposed to “a”) conferred even greater scarcity or mythic status, leaving a child to wonder – was there only one porterhouse steak back in the kitchen?

I have noticed the structure atop another building in today’s photo for some years now, always wondering about its raison d’être. This is the Porter House, a residential building which consists of both a conversion of an historic building and an expansion sitting atop the the historic yellow-brick building. The property abuts the Old Homestead Steakhouse in the meat packing district. From the New York Times:

The Porter House, a new condominium rising 10 stories above the rapidly changing area known both as Gansevoort Market and the meatpacking district, takes its name from the cut of steak. Completing the circle, that cut of meat had, long ago, taken its name from a type of building.

The 22-apartment luxury development on the corner of Ninth Avenue and 15th Street offers high ceilings, large layouts and asking prices of $1.1 million for the smallest two-bedroom apartments.

The lower part of the $22 million project is a careful restoration of a brick Renaissance Revival warehouse built for Julius Wile, wine importers, in 1905. Until recently the building was owned and occupied by a furniture manufacturer.

The old part of the condominium is topped with four new sleek full stories with a facade of zinc and glass that cantilevers eight feet over the top of an adjoining building, and two partial floors that wrap down on the back of the old six-story structure. The zinc panels are to be laced with vertical lights that will glow softly in the evening light.

The project will have 5 one-bedroom apartments; 13 two-bedrooms, some with studies or terraces; 3 three-bedrooms and a four-bedroom duplex with a private rooftop deck. Prices range from $735,000 for one-bedrooms to $4.15 million for the penthouse. Taxes and maintenance on a typical two-bedroom costing $1.3 million are about $2,700 a month.

The Porter House was named after the porterhouse cut of steak to link the marketing of the building to the Gansevoort Market, according to Bruce Ehrmann of Stribling Marketing Associates, which is selling the condominium units. The name of the steak, in turn, is widely attributed to porter houses, coach stops that served steak and ale in the 1800’s.

Much as the restaurant patron who has saved for that dinner splurge, I’m guessing the developers were hoping that prospective buyers would be thinking, I’ll take the Porter House 🙂

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Architecture, Homes and 'Hoods. Bookmark the permalink.
Hide and Seek, Show and Tell

Posted on January 3, 2011 by Brian Dubé

There’s a brilliant and frustratingly absurd Monty Python comedy sketch called Olympic Hide and Seek. One competitor is allowed to travel by any means and hide anywhere in the world while the other competitor counts to one thousand, then begins to search. Winning times are over 11 years.

Whether you are in the real world or that of Monty Python, if you are looking for hide and seek activities which are not mainstream, success is usually found in the geographical edges and neglected fringes. The balloon of conformity and mainstream behavior presses the unconventional and unaccepted into the edges, corners, fringes, and remote hinterlands of the landscape.

Look at the large gay communities in the United States. Many are located in remote or isolated areas – Key West, Florida, Provincetown, Massachusetts, and the West Village. Even in Fire Island (which is beautiful), the predominantly gay communities are located geographically out of the mainstream – Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines.

However, once an area becomes more well known as an enclave for the unconventional, hide and seek often becomes show and tell. And there is no better example than the Standard. This hotel was developed by Andre Balázs and straddles over the High Line, an elevated park created from an abandoned elevated railway, 1.45 miles long, in the west side of Manhattan (see here). The hotel itself is located in the stretch in the far West Village near the meat packing district, what has become one of the trendiest neighborhoods in New York City.

The place became a scandal with a flurry of media coverage in July of 2009. There were reports of nudity and every manner of lewd activity displayed in the windows of the hotel, including shooting of porn films and couples having sex. The exhibitionist activities were actually encouraged by the management, even putting in writing on their Facebook page:

“We encourage you to exercise your inner exhibitionist,” and their website asks, “Whatever you do, just make sure the shots are HOT and that you get them to us in whichever way you can. It’s all about sex all the time, and you’re our star.”

After public and neighborhood outcry over the “peep show”, the hotel removed the explicit encouragements and tried to tone things down. If this is the kind of thing you’re looking for, explore the outer fringes and there is where you will find the world of Hide and Seek, Show and Tell 🙂

Posted on January 3, 2011 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Architecture, Extreme NYC, Rebels of NYC. Bookmark the permalink.
Slush Fun

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Brian Dubé

Right now, the New York City streets and landscape are defined by the aftermath of the recent snowstorm. Invariably, talk of snowstorms here will include the dreaded melting and slush, analogous to the Mud Season of northern New England. So, it is befitting to end this week of snow-related postings with the last phase of a snow accumulation now underway, with the “blessing” of warmer temperatures.

At intersections across the city, pedestrians confront slush puddles, often large and deep enough to approach lake size and be quite daunting – it is common to see people standing in contemplation, paralyzed with indecision. There is jumping, pond skipping, circumnavigation while trying to locate firmer ground, or even abandoning a particular intersection and trying another. For those attired in tall rubber boots, there is just walking through without concern.

However, extensive walking is the norm here, and sidewalks are largely navigable without waterproof shoes, so for many, lugging a pair of shoes to change into or the prospect of wearing boots all day at the office are all unappealing. So, many tread the streets with footwear that really is inadequate for a world of slush.

As the slush to snow ratio becomes larger towards the end of a big melt, there is also the danger of heavy splashing as vehicles careen through slush. An unpleasant surprise, now you can enjoy the day looking like a mutant dalmatian. The seasoned native practices scanning and defensive walking and has learned long ago that there is no such thing as walking too far from the curb.

For someone living in New York City, there is a building and adopting of many defensive strategies, whether it is where to keep your wallet, chaining bicycles, protecting against auto vandalism (as I wrote about in No Radio), window glass etching (see here), or how to navigate on slush days. To the native, these become second nature, automatic reflexes. To the visitor or outsider, this panoply of life strategies is unfathomable, and to many new residents, the aggregate number of inconveniences can be too much to endure, as I wrote in Dwanna.

Even for the seasoned New Yorker, there is certainly a level of internalized stress that is often not recognized until one leaves, temporarily or permanently. A close friend who moved from the city described this period of readjustment as decompression.

For those committed to being here, Happy New Year and join the Slush Fun 🙂

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Natural NYC, Slings and Arrows of NYC. Bookmark the permalink.
Gotta Shoot Village Cigars

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Brian Dubé

There are many iconic photographic images of New York City. Typically I leave them alone – iconic for me translates as it’s already been done and done well, you probably won’t do it better or in a more interesting way. So, rather than look like a wannabe or copycat, I look elsewhere.

However, there are many, many subjects in this city that, given the right time and conditions, will lure anyone with a camera. Photos like that of Village Cigars in a snowstorm by Igor Maloratsky. A mysterious Hess Family triangular mosaic is set in the sidewalk in front of Village Cigars (see my story and photo here).

Village Cigars, at 110 7th Avenue South at the corner of Christopher Street, occupies a unique, tiny, one-story triangular building. This neighborhood landmark has been located there since 1922. It has been seen in film, and there have been numerous images taken over the course of its history, in a variety of seasons, available in both color and black and white, as stock photos for advertising, art prints, greeting cards, and photos sold on the streets to tourists.

Try as one might to exorcise those legendary photos from ones mind, similar conditions often acts as a trigger. Caught in a snowstorm while walking down Christopher Street with a camera in hand? Gotta shoot Village Cigars 🙂

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Art and Sculpture, NYC's History, Scenic NYC. Bookmark the permalink.
Friends – Part 2

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Brian Dubé

(see Part 1 here)

Meet Su Jung and read about our serendipitous adventure together. See my complete photo gallery here.

A young woman approached me, asking if could I take a photo of her in front of the building at the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets. As a photographer I always relish the opportunity to do this for a visitor. My puzzlement as to why this building was soon answered when she asked was this in fact the building used in the popular TV series Friends? I answered that I did not know (it turns out it is) but if so, it would certainly only be for the exterior shots only and that the balance would have been done in a studio. She appeared to be somewhat disappointed. This type of thing is a common quest and also the type of thing tours often feature. However, just seeing a building or location without the characters can often be a bit of a let down.

My second question as to why she was alone, deep in the West Village in one of New York City’s biggest blizzards in history was also soon answered. Su Jung is a 22-year-old engineering student from Korea who was studying for one year in California, was visiting New York City for the Christmas weekend, and had been trapped in the city due to a cancelled plane flight. She did have friends in the city with her, but they were uninterested in making the pilgrimage in a blizzard to accompany her.

Seeing an opportunity to brighten her day and at the same time have a companion, I explained my day’s mission and asked if she would like to come along. I got a resounding yes, so off we were into the streets and storm. I also told her of this website and asked if she would like to be a story. She was delighted, so my time with her also included photos punctuating our adventure.

I now switched gears, turning this much more into a private tour, knowing full well that for me, any route would take me through snow laden environments and plenty of photo ops. I showed her my favorite spots, including Commerce Street, Cherry Lane Theater, Grove Court, and Washington Mews.
However, I had planned to go all the way to the Hudson River, truly insane in this weather. Was she game? A resounding yes again. She did ask how far, and I explained that in Manhattan, the river was never that far, with the entire island being only 2 miles wide, and we were in fact only a few blocks away.

We went to the Christopher Street Pier. The wind was howling with gusts over 50 miles per hour – absolutely frigid, cutting your face like a knife. The sun was setting, and the lighting and atmosphere was dramatic. I pointed out the Statue of Liberty, the Verrazano Bridge, the financial district, and New Jersey across the river where snow was being blown, looking like a sandstorm (see gallery). Su commented how waves were rolling in like the ocean. Even though she had a wool hat and mittens, she often felt it necessary to cover her ears.

On our return, I took Su Jung by 121 Charles Street, on of my favorite anomalies in the entire city (lower center photo) and then down Bleecker Street, stopping in renowned guitar shop Matt Umanov and Murray’s Cheese. I followed with a jaunt through Washington Square Park, which she had not yet visited with its Christmas tree still up.

I had a nagging problem, however – a girl with soaked, cold feet. Like many, she had purchased Ugg-styled boots not realizing these were not waterproof. In fact, they operate more like sponges than protective footwear in wet weather. The situation desperately ns eeded to be dealt with, and she said she would try to find a place to buy new boots. In this weather? I asked. Most stores were closed, and she did not know the city. If she liked, I could take her up Broadway toward Union Square, where most likely David Z or Shoemania would be open. Shoemania was living up to its name – it was a veritable zoo, with hundreds with the same dilemma shopping for footwear, appropriate for the storm.

Su Jung made a quick decision but showed concern about my time waiting. No matter – I was committed to seeing her through this and out of those wet boots. She made her selection quickly but was worried that she was taking the last size 4 and another woman after her expressed interest. No matter, I replied. You were first and your feet are cold and wet. There were no appropriate socks, however, so back out into the cold in wet feet, with Su Jung saying she would deal with this at her hotel on the Upper West Side.

I was bothered by this – my home was just a few blocks away, and I agonized about suggesting the obvious, which could certainly be misconstrued. But I asked – did she want to stop at my home, warm up, dry off, change her socks, and then go to her hotel? I was surprised to get the same charming yea that I had gotten the entire afternoon. Arriving at my home on Washington Square North, I explained my good fortune to live in such an historic building overlooking a park (and my reason for living in the same apartment for 30 years).

Once inside, I attended to the first order of business: I gave Su Jung a selection of several pairs of socks and a hairdryer, suggesting she use it to dry her feet. She seemed very much at home, sitting in the center of my living room on the floor. When I suggested she could use a chair, she responded that she was quite comfortable there – she was Korean.

Afterwards, we spent some time perusing my website. It was 8PM and we had been together nearly 4 hours. I suggested she may want to return to her hotel and friends. Another yea, and off we were to the subway, where I told her that she was to take the C train only. A parting hug and off she went.

Overall, it was a remarkable day. Su Jung’s incredible trust as a newcomer to New York City gave me an unprecedented sense of responsibility. Her joyous and adventurous spirit was truly disarming. No need to find a special building on Bedford and Grove or watch a TV series if you’re looking for Friends…

Note: Here is the email I received from Su Jung the following day:

It was the most awesome day in the last 3 days in NY. I couldn’t ever imagine I would meet Brian and have fun looking around the real NY life that I could ever get by myself. I was kind of deseparate from the calcellation of the flight to LA cause I’d been thinking Cali was much better than NY. It seems like Californian in spacious and quiet area by oceans can afford to enjoy their life more than New Yorkers in the packed city. The 3days’ itinerary was too short that I was traveling around only the main landmarks like Times Square and Wall street just crowded by tons of tourists around so I couldn’t reveal the charm of New York. However, yesterday’s journey changed my mind and I gotta love staying more days in NY thanks to the snow storm and it was ‘no pain no gain’:D. My feet were frozen by the watery ugg boots.

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Homes and 'Hoods, People, Scenic NYC. Bookmark the permalink.
Friends, Part 1

Posted on December 28, 2010 by Brian Dubé

I learned many years ago that recruiting a companion to go out into a blizzard was an exercise in futility. Although many can perhaps be persuaded to see the reasons behind such a venture, apart from children, very few are going to voluntarily leave the cozy confines of one’s home to subject themselves to a blizzard. On one occasion, I had tried to persuade a girlfriend to go out into a blizzard with blinding wet snow, so strong it required goggles. The response was a very confident “no way” – understandable, I suppose. Arguments aside, the facts speak for themselves – there are good reasons that the city looks like a ghost town in these conditions.

But my office was shut down, and although I had things to do indoors, this record-breaking snowfall really begged for some photography – a greatly added incentive to bundle up and venture out. A snowstorm this crippling is a rare phenomenon in New York City. Deserted streets. Even as a I write this, I have not heard a vehicle pass by in over one and a half hours.

I headed into the West Village, where I knew I would find the least adulteration of the snowfall. I was amply rewarded with sites that rivaled anything I have seen here in a long time. Cars completely buried and row houses so beautifully framed and adorned by snow, some still with Christmas decorations. See my photo gallery here.

At the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets, I stopped to take a photo of 17 Grove, which was so exquisite with its wreaths in every window adorned with blue bows, each frosted with snow. As an added bonus, the owner had taken a moment to open the doorway and admire the winter wonderland outside his home. We spoke briefly in a way that bespoke of two people meeting in a small rural town. I so love this part of New York City, and the snow just gave it an extraordinary ambiance.

But this was not to be the day I thought it would be. Not at all. Across the street lies the building whose exterior was used for the filming of the TV series Friends. It is here that I would meet a lone traveler who would change my day (see Part 2 here)…

Posted on December 28, 2010 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Homes and 'Hoods, Natural NYC, Scenic NYC. Bookmark the permalink.
Blizzard

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Brian Dubé

In a city of extremes and superlatives and one that is a bit of a drama queen with a tremendous ego, a blizzard is one of many events that lets the world know – hey, we got that too. It’s a media bonanza with tales of the stranded and acts of stoicism in a city that is virtually shut down.

We can however, only take credit for surviving it because, like it or not, this is mother nature’s call and we don’t control the weather yet. So the event does not go as planned. Today’s blizzard is a record breaker, the sixth largest in New York City history. We experienced high winds, 17 continuous hours of snow, heavy accumulations, 3-5 feet of drifts, and even thundersnow. Central Park reported 20 inches.

For the first time in memory, none of my coworkers have been able to get to the office. Service on some subway and bus lines have been suspended. People have been stranded in trains and in cars on highways. Some cannot exit their homes because of snow drifts. Streets are not plowed. Sidewalks are not cleared. Some have spent hours getting to their workplace in Manhattan only to find them closed, then returning home.

And, of course, there is the day off for many, an unexpected perk after a Christmas holiday and extending the weekend. For those not inconvenienced, and there are many who have been trapped in airports, trains, and cars, it is an opportunity to hole up at home.

Once behind us and all is well again, it will be another feather in the cap of the New Yorker. That even here, we can survive a blizzard…

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Natural NYC, Slings and Arrows of NYC. Bookmark the permalink.
Area Code 714

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Brian Dubé

The Story of a thing Lost, Found and Nicole Dubuc. Part 2 (see Part 1 here)

Of course it was Nicole. A very, very happy Nicole. At one juncture in her profusive thanks, she asserted that she owed me a lot. To which I responded that she would have a way to repay me in a way she would not expect. Her response was a concerned OK.
I told her she could pick up her license at any time – at my office or elsewhere after work. Immediately is the time she chose and accompanied (with a male friend) is the way she came. I imagine my comment regarding repayment would concern anyone.

On meeting me, Nicole seemed relieved to find I was not a psychopathic serial killer but a business owner surrounded by people and immersed in the throws of the holiday season. After a brief tour, I made my proposal: could I take a photo of her and do a story for this website? And would she agree to supplying some biographical details by email? She gave me her email address. I provided her with a biographical questionnaire. I imagine that all this was much more than she ever imagined, but she agreed:

FROM NICOLE’S EMAIL:

Thanks again for all your help with the license — seriously, you were a lifesaver. Thank you for sharing your blog with me! I’m humbled and honored to be invited to contribute.

ABOUT HER EDUCATION:

I was born in Huntington Beach, California. I went to Yale University. I have a BA in English and graduated with my pre-med requirements fulfilled. Which means I can recite poetry while I apply bandaids.

Most of my work has been in the entertainment industry in one way or another — I started out as a child actress, and then after graduating college (with a six month stint in the world of dot coms), I became a writer, with most of my work in animated tv series.

ANYTHING ELSE TO SHARE?

Well, I can tell you a bit about animation — I love it. I watched cartoons as a kid and all through college. I knew the names of Pokemon way past the age where that is acceptable trivia. I’m very proud of some of the shows I worked on this year; “Young Justice,” a new DC/WB show about the sidekicks of the DC universe coming into their own, and “Transformers: Prime,” Hasbro’s new computer-animated show.

WOW, SO I ASKED NICOLE IF SHE WAS A CELEBRITY:

I wouldn’t classify myself as a celebrity, but when I was a child actress I was a regular on “Major Dad” and “Our House,” which still occasionally leads to people recognizing me. Apparently I look exactly the same. I acted for 11 years in commercials, TV and movies before finishing high school and calling it quits for college.

WHY SHE WAS HERE AND HOW SHE FEELS ABOUT NEW YORK CITY:

I was visiting New York for fun! I hadn’t been back this time of year since I was in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (many moons ago), and I wanted to see the city in holiday splendor. This trip I indulged my Christmas craving by skating at Rockefeller Center, seeing the Rockettes, and cruising the windows at Macy’s. I think I’ve been to New York over ten times (easy when you’re living in CT), and I love the constant current of excitement that seems to permeate the place.

The biggest difference between the East Coast and the West Coast that I noted when I came here for college was that in California you got a free refill on your iced tea or Coke or whatever, and on the East Coast you were charged for it. To me, that can be extrapolated to say something about the cultures of the place: in NYC there’s less space, less time, and you have to EARN your place. In CA, it’s more laid back, more willing to accept you… But perhaps less sincere about it because it’s so easily achieved. Or, you know, maybe I’ve just been going to the wrong restaurants.

HOW SHE LOST HER LICENSE:

I lost my license coming back from Babbo. I LOVE Mario Batali, and I try to eat at his restaurant whenever I’m here. One thing I’m really unfamiliar with is wearing a coat/scarf/gloves/hat when I’m going out, so I think in juggling all my belongings, my license didn’t get as firmly placed in my back pocket as it should have. And, seeing as I skipped twenty blocks home from dinner because I was so happy with a belly full of boar papparadelle, it’s no wonder it fell out.

AND WHY SHE BELIEVES IT WAS FOUND AND RETURNED TO HER:

Whenever we lose something in my family, we say a prayer to St. Anthony. I picture him as a very harried monk-like guy who rolls his eyes and says, “really?! What did you lose NOW?” He waves you away and says, “I’ll see what I can do, alright?” So it was to the St. Anthony in my subconscious I turned to when I couldn’t find my license.

A SMALL MIRACLE ON THE PHONES:

And I didn’t realize it was missing until around 1 PM, since I was writing all morning. Earlier, I had called my mom, and during our conversation and my rundown on my amazing meal at Babbo, she noticed she was getting a call from New York. “Who else besides you would call me from New York?” she mused. We laughed it off and it went forgotten until she got my second call of the day, panicked and all thoughts of chianti banished from my mind. That’s when she remembered your call and finally listened to the message. She called me back and it basically went like this:

Mom: I know where your license is.
Me (wondering if my mom’s up-til-now-dormant psychic powers were suddenly making their appearance, and grateful they were): What?!
Mom (dramatic, as though speaking with spirits beyond): It’s in SoHo.
Me: How could you possibly know that? Is this like a Miss Cleo moment?
Mom: This very nice man called. He said he found it. He’s so kind, said he knew you’d be worried sick. You should call him back. See if he’s single.
Me: MOM!!!!
Mom: You’re the one who dropped your license. And who am I to argue with fate?

I’M GLAD YOU GOT YOUR LICENSE BACK. MERRY CHRISTMAS, NICOLE!

See Nicole’s Internet Movie Database page here.
See Nicole’s website here.

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in People, Slings and Arrows of NYC. Bookmark the permalink.
Area Code 714

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Brian Dubé

The Story of a thing Lost, Found and Nicole Dubuc. Part 1

It was so obviously, cleanly, and squarely placed on the sidewalk, it was begging to be picked up. So much so, that my friend Bill, who spotted the license, was concerned that perhaps it had been planted there intentionally for some nefarious reason. We found it on Washington Square North on my way my home.
I love the opportunity to do a good deed, but it was not clear what type of deed this would end up being. Undaunted as the the fool who rushes in where angels fear to tread, I picked up the driver’s license* and examined the identity of the owner.

‘Twas a Californian from Huntington Beach. I do love California, so this was not only an opportunity to do the right thing, but also to be an ambassador of good will and let it be known to those in the Sunshine State that New York is not a den of charlatans, thieves, and ne’er-do-wells.

When arriving at my home my first priority was to do an online lookup. Nicole Dubuc was easy to find. However, in spite of an extensive website, Nicole had absolutely NO contact information whatsoever.
A whitepages.com lookup produced a Nicole Dubuc with matching address. However, in what was becoming a common occurrence, a companion website was offering additional information, including the phone number, for a charge. However, many a New Yorker refuses to pay a toll and prides him or herself on taking the free alternate road. I was not going to pay for a phone number. At least not yet. And I am tenacious. But it was late. Off to bed. I would try searching again in the morning.

On rising, I did a reverse lookup on the address instead of a name search and, voila, a phone number. I would wait a few hours until 10 AM Eastern Time before calling the California number. At 10 AM (7 AM Pacific Time), I made the call and was quite disappointed to get an answering machine. I left a detailed message, explaining that I had found the license and gave my cell phone and business numbers. I also explained that I would be carrying the license all day and would be at my office in SoHo where the owner could pick it up. Or she could arrange to pick it up after office hours.

I hoped that I had sounded as honest as possible on my message – who would believe that anyone would go through all this trouble? Why not just throw the card in an envelope and mail it back, as all my coworkers suggested?
But I wanted to let Nicole know NOW that her card had been found and make unnecessary any efforts on her part to start the process of replacing her license. Also, as a traveler away from home, I was sure that a driver’s license would be important.

As I ruminated during the day, an idea began to crystallize. I had visited Nicole’s website and she appeared to be quite interesting. Perhaps this tale of lost and found, depending on how it played out, might make a story.
But by mid-afternoon, with no returned phone call, I was beginning to have my doubts about getting Nicole’s license back to her in New York City. The story was secondary. I was just ready to make a second and last phone call when, at 3:32 PM, my cellphone rang. A glance showed exactly what I was hoping for, a number with area code 714… (see part 2 here)

*For Nicole’s privacy, some of the data on the license’s image has been deleted.

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Brian Dubé

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Heard It Through the Grapevine

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Brian Dubé

Many New Yorkers, like many Americans, have a love of things French, and in New York City, as elsewhere, we have imported as much of the culture as we can – the food, wine, language, art, film, fashion, style, and architecture. Our biggest import of all sits in New York’s harbor – the Statue of Liberty.

In many contexts, the very word “French” is virtually synonymous with class or sophistication. Of course, the French are also a people that many Americans love to hate, a people who can be trying or difficult. When it comes to food, most are happy to put differences aside. French restaurants and pastry shops abound in New York. Casual French styled bistros or cafés, such as French Roast, however, are not as easy to find.

French Roast has two locations, one located on the Upper West Side, the other, seen in the photo, is in the Village at 78 W. 11th Street. They are open 24/7. One of the most interesting things about French Roast is that it is located on the site of The Old Grapevine Tavern (bottom photo). From the New York Public Library website:

The three story clapboard roadhouse was built in the 18th century and was located on the southeast corner of 11th Street and 6th Avenue. Originally a private home, it eventually became a saloon known as The Hawthorne. The 11th Street side of the building was covered in a gnarled old grapevine and by the early 1800s the establishment was simply known as the Old Grapevine. It quickly became a favorite destination for those wanting to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city (lower Manhattan) and head north towards into the open country (11th Street).

During the Civil War it was a popular hangout of Union officers and Confederate spies. Later, when the Jefferson Market Courthouse was built the local lawyers and politicians would gather there to talk business. Artists and actors also met there. It was the ideal place to get news and information, or in the case of spies and politicians, the ideal place to spread rumors and gossip, leading to the popular phrase “heard it through the grapevine”.

The vine died in 1883 and was cut down. The Old Grapevine Tavern was demolished in July, 1915 to make way for a six story apartment building.

It was missed after its demise. The New York Times ran an article: “Passing Of the Old Grapevine. Quaint Landmark Known to Artists, Actors and Good Fellows Generally is Torn Down.”

Reviews of French Roast run the gamut. Whether it is food, decor, or service, like France and the French, some love the very things that others hate. I find it a pleasant alternative to the standard diner for breakfast or brunch. From the New York Times:

These two restaurants are both open 24 hours a day, which means you can get bad food and surly service around the clock. Basically, they are diners masquerading as French cafes.

Some question the etymology of the grapevine phrase. Some don’t like the French. Others don’t like French Roast. I heard it through the grapevine 🙂

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Food and Restaurants, NYC's History. Bookmark the permalink.
Stability In a World of Change

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Brian Dubé

Professor Gurland (see here) once commented that one of man’s problems was looking for stability in a world of change. Perhaps he was right and this is the reason we find such tremendous comfort in those few enduring icons, legacy businesses, products, and annual holidays and celebrations. And why nostalgia is so strong that we build bridges in our minds between past memories and present experiences, with connections as cables.

In spite of all the dynamic changes in our world, New York City is a mecca for durable icons. People come the all corners of the earth to see the same buildings, bridges, and attractions that millions have seen before them.
Over the years in producing this website, I have photographed and written about the fantastic Christmas displays in New York City, known worldwide. Rockefeller Center with its tree and skating rink, Santaland at Macy’s, and the store windows – Macy’s, Bergdorf, Tiffany’s, Barney’s, Saks, and Lord and Taylor. Amidst all the business failures, there really is a miracle on 34th Street, where we find Macy’s year after year and and the same Christmas theme, Believe (see here), with the only change being a digital display.

We travel, we search, we comb the recesses of our minds for the enduring constants. There’s no better place and time than New York City at Christmas to find those very few things that allow us to Believe there is some stability in a world of change 🙂

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Holidays, Stores. Bookmark the permalink.
Sirens of Convenience

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Brian Dubé

I had a friend, Steve, with whom I shared the same sense of humor. Over time, we developed shtick that we enjoyed doing at every opportunity. One involved the creation of a character who did not care about money – a blowhard, someone like Ralph Cramden of the Honeymooners TV Series who has little but flaunts what he has to appear to be a big man.

Any time we were together, Steve would typically bring out this character without warning for maximum effect. “Mr. Dubé, I don’t care about money. I throw it away. In fact, here’s some money now [Steve would take out a bill]. I’m throwing it away. [he would crumple it and throw it to the ground].” His delivery and style was superb, and we never tired of this bit.

Although this character was not based specifically on any New Yorker, it is not too far from how many New Yorkers appear to treat money. The incredibly high cost of business rents in tandem with incomes that are typically higher and the incredible convenience of services and goods all conspire to develop a very cavalier attitude by many New Yorkers concerning money. This leads to outrageous statements like “Their food is ridiculously cheap. Salad is only $7.95 a pound,” or paying more for a product because you are too lazy to cross the street and go to a supermarket.

Recently, a friend and I noticed small pieces of Divine Organics Raw Chocolate Brittle for $10.89 each in a local natural foods store. We are never daunted by prices in the city, and extreme examples abound and surround us. Nonetheless, we found this product at $10.89 for a 1.6 ounce piece so outrageous (that’s $108.90 per pound), it has become a source of amusement whenever we see it.

I’ve been to places, and perhaps you have also, where the value of money is taken very seriously, where even a dollar or 50 cents means something. I once ate at a diner in rural Maine where I asked for a substitution in a dinner platter. Since something of lesser cost replaced something of greater cost, the waitress actually volunteered a price reduction of some cents. I can’t dream of such a scenario in New York City.

New York City is a seductress, with the sirens of convenience ready to lure you in. If you crash upon our shores, the easiest way to spare your life is with money. Just tell the sirens, “I don’t care about money. I throw it away. In fact, here’s some money now. I’m throwing it away.” 🙂

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Extreme NYC, Slings and Arrows of NYC, Stores. Bookmark the permalink.
Bergdorf Holiday Windows 2010

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Brian Dubé

Although quite non-traditional, my favorite holiday windows are those at Bergdorf Goodman department store, with three exposures along Fifth Avenue and 57th and 58th Streets. They are highly imaginative and superbly crafted. The window displays are illuminated so they can be seen day or night. See my gallery of photos here. This year’s theme is Wish You Were Here. From Bergdorf’s website:

“Appropriately titled Wish You Were Here, this year’s 2010 Holiday Windows invite its audience to join David Hoey and his talented visual team on a journey through fantasy travel, sly visual wit and far-flung places. With an array of wild mash-ups of unexpected arrivals and departures, each window features visual influences as diverse as Roman mythology, 1940s Hollywood musicals, the original Penn Station, and the very first science fiction film.”

This year Bergdorf also has provided a short behind the scenes video on the production – “Follow Me: the Making of Bergdorf Goodman’s 2010 Holiday Windows.” You can see the video and read about the window theme and its creation here and here.

See my previous postings of holiday windows and Christmas postings: Bergdorf Windows 2009, Witty Holiday, Bendel, Christmas 2008, Fifth Avenue Windows, Tiffany’s Windows, Saks Windows, Santacon, White Christmas, Christmas Trees, Comfort and Joy, Believe, Nested Embraces, Dyker Lights, National Tree, Saks Fifth Avenue, Surly Santas

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Holidays, Stores. Bookmark the permalink.
Coulda Been a Contender

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Brian Dubé

In my travels throughout the five boroughs, I see and photograph many things, but I am unable to get adequate information about some of these subjects. For this and any other number of reasons, I may not feel that they lend themselves to the type of stories I have evolved to writing in this website. So, today I have assembled a collection of photos that did not quite make the grade as far as individual postings, but, in the words of Marlon Brando, any one of them Coulda Been a Contender…

Photos (Left to right, top to bottom): Hess Station and building mural on 4th Avenue Brooklyn, Sohmer Piano Building, blue violinist under Washington Square Arch, Dumpling Truck in the Financial District, students painting in Washington Square Park.

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Brian Dubé

This entry was posted in Scenic NYC. Bookmark the permalink.

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