East Harlem Community Garden

Shadowed by the leaves of a weeping willow is hidden a little oasis in the city. As I entered, I was greeted by the sight of neatly organized rows of boxed-in garden plots, and a path through the middle decorated with cobblestones. There were overhanging vines, and stray cats sunning themselves among the cabbages and the squash. On either side, of the garden were concrete walls. The Rodale Pleasant Community Garden was built from a vacant lot in 1998, so we learned from Sandy, a member at the community garden who proudly showed us her piece of land. It was Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project that is responsible for enabling this piece of land to be turned into the garden. When Ms. Midler learned that vacant lots were going to be sold, she "came in with lots of money, and said that she wanted to save the green, " Sandy recalled. Today, Rodale boasts a membership of close to fifty. They not only come from the neighborhood surrounding the garden, but men and women travel from Lower Manhattan and Midtown to care for their small piece of land. There are eighteen lots where the community is invited to plant vegetables and or flowers while also putting in four hours every month to water the plants and to maintain the garden's appearance. Together they work to cultivate a community of active gardeners in a place where nature is scarce. Sandy told us that everyone begins planting in spring, and within a few weeks, there is an abundance of food for them to eat throughout the season. Looking around, we saw signs of zucchini, tomatoes, lettuces, mint, basil, peppers and okra. Amazed at the variety, and commenting on how my husband and I could never grow anything like this when we lived in Westchester because of the deer and rabbits, Sandy laughed and said, "Here, it is whole foods for the squirrels, deer are the issue in the suburbs. "Some would say the charm of Manhattan is in its people. Some would say it is in its innovative, forever-changing spirit. Some still would disagree and say it is in its constancy. To Sandy, and many of the urban gardeners on 114th Street, the charm of Manhattan is in its gardens and green spaces. "It is a lifeline... a gift, " said Sandy, "to be able to garden, and vegetables are my thing. "

"It has not been easy being hidden on East 117th Street, but I am trying hard to spread the word, " Nestor Leon revealed to me as soon as we sat down together. I could sense the intensity emanating from deep within Nestor as he spoke passionately about his "home country, " and his strong desire to share the Mexican flavors, art, culture, spirits and wine with his guests. Nestor had worked in hospitality before coming to New York in 2001. He had a "big dream" to learn English, and chose to work in other restaurants before taking on the challenge of running his own. Because he was unable to return to Mexico for several years, in 2012, he decided that he needed to bring his personal experience to East Harlem. His brother had also opened a restaurant in Manhattan, but Nestor said that he really learned to cook from his mom. "I always loved food, and I liked experimenting and coming up with different combinations. "The fare is authentic at El Kallejon, but as Nestor describes it, "with a twist. " When I peeked inside the tiny kitchen area, I met Bertha Torres who grew up in a little village in Mexico. She also enjoys "putting interesting ingredients together, " and watching the reaction of the customers. It was great fun standing there as Bertha cut and chopped preparing an outstanding guacamole, served in a cocktail glass with ceviche on top. Next up she quickly made a "tamalex" - a corn cake with cheese, roasted tomato sauce, and finished with some watercress. With very little space to maneuver, within minutes Bertha was presenting us with dish after dish. Everything was uncomplicated allowing the intensity of the chilies, garlic and their own infused olive oils to explode in each bite. While Bertha was busy in the kitchen, Nestor was making the drinks. As I sipped on the Hibiscus Flower that was made with a rose pedal infused tequila and lime, I was given a lesson about the difference between the restaurant's vast selection of artisanal mezcales and tequila, as well as the extensive Latin American wines. Everything at El Kallejon reflects a piece of Nestor's life in Mexico. The entire space is brightly painted with turquoise, orange, yellow and fuschia, and each piece of art and other decorations have a personal story. Even the bathroom is filled with memorabilia and history. I was particularly taken by an interesting looking instrument that Nestor explained was made from the jaw of a donkey. It was the middle of the winter when I visited, so it came as a great surprise when Nestor said that before I left, he had to show me something special. How fortunate he is to have a very colorful backyard garden, complete with a mural painted by his brother. In the warmer months, the food is grilled outdoors and there is live music. This restaurant is not just a business to Nestor, it was so clear to me that he has poured his heart and soul into it. "I have a positive attitude towards life, and I understand that owning a restaurant is difficult, but as long as you love it, you can survive - everything is possible. "

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