Filter by our Side PicksI was giddy with excitement having the iconic Queensboro Bridge (also known as the 59th Street Bridge, and more recently renamed the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge) alongside me as I began my walk on 59th Street. How incredible that my journey started on 1st Street and now I have worked my way to this bridge … read more
Pino Luongo sat down at the table to join us. “Did you enjoy the pasta?” he began. Our immediate response was, “Absolutely.” The kitchen had prepared a few of Morso’s staple dishes for members of the Manhattan Sideways team: the Pollo Martini, the Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, the Carciofi, and the Carciofi … read more
Through an unadorned door and simple hallway, Ubu presents itself as a quiet but professional gallery catering to “obscurity in surrealism.” Opened in 1994, the staff primarily works with clients who “know what they’re after,” be it Hans Bellmer, or an obscure Czech surrealist. Curated across two floors, … read more
Guastavino’s gets its name from the Spanish architect, Rafael Guastavino, who designed an arcade of Catalan Vaults to fit under the Queensboro Bridge in the early part of the twentieth century. Initially, the arcade was host to a year-round marketplace, but it was shut down during the depression. Not … read more
In a rather small space, Royale Galleries has accumulated a treasure trove of collectibles since 2003. Showcasing items from the nineteenth century, the mother and son team, Madeline and Ephron, boast an impressive collection of paintings, clocks, chandeliers and jewelry. One could spend hours sifting … read more
Opened by a second-generation Korean immigrant, Hanna Wigs focuses on self-love as much as it does fashion. Gina Kwon, Hanna’s niece and protégé, explained that their products are personal items, not just simple accessories. “We are very connected to our clients,” many of whom have lost their … read more
Lowy Frames not only has the largest collection of antique frames in the country, it is also one of the oldest conservators in New York, an important title to have in a city with so much history, art, and culture. With over five thousand antique frames dating from the sixteenth century onwards, Lowy … read more
I always enjoy browsing the shelves in Japanese markets. When I first entered this one, I assumed that it was similar to the others that I had visited on the side streets. I soon learned from the people behind the counter, however, that this was a business unlike any other in Manhattan. They explained … read more
It is a thrill to be able to be writing about the Argosy Bookstore. As a former owner of a children’s book shop, I could not wait to get to 59th Street so that I could delve deeply into this family history, which began in 1925, and share the story of the three extraordinary sisters that have carried … read more
