Filter by our Side PicksThe gems on 70th fully captivated my interest, glowing with seemingly effortless beauty as I passed by the townhouses that line the street. Arriving on the East Side on a weekday afternoon, to begin my walk across town, I was surprised by the activity between York and First Avenue. Every neighborhood … read more
Walking around Creel and Gow, I marveled at the rare but not endangered species preserved in lifelike taxidermies, each having died of natural causes. One of my favorites was the vulturine guinea fowl, a large black bird with subtle touches of blue and purple feathers, and I found myself staring at the … read more
Established in 1904, The Explorers Club is centered on scientific discovery in all realms – land, sea, air and space. Its original headquarters were located at the Studio Building on West 67th Street, and it moved to this location in 1965. In 1918, a signature flag was introduced, capitalizing on historic … read more
When Henry Clay Frick passed away in 1919, he had placed in his will that his residence be turned into a museum forever open to public access, featuring the impressive collection he had assembled over a span of forty years. In addition, his will provided a fifteen million dollar endowment for maintenance. … read more
Every year of my childhood, my parents would take my brothers and me into Manhattan to watch the Thanksgiving Parade. We would meet friends and relatives and congregate on the steps of what we referred to as the Spanish Portuguese Temple. This synagogue held a special meaning to us as my aunt and uncle … read more
I have lived on the Upper West Side for several years, but it was not until I walked on 70th Street one evening that I discovered Shalel. It is tucked away down a set of stairs with no signage during the daytime. Curious what this was, I descended the steps lined with rose petals and herbs, and entered … read more
Sweet aromas lure one into this tiny coffee and tea shop on west 70th. Originally founded in 1976 across the street, the Sensuous Bean moved to its current location in 1990 and is now co-owned by partners in life and in business, Lucretia La Mora and Tom Wilson. “People follow their noses,” explained … read more
With an affinity for gems from 1835 to the 1980s, and having been involved in this trade for nearly two decades, Lara Kornbluh entered the retail business in 2013. Much of her focus is on Egyptian revival jewelry, and the serpent emblem even appears in the Icon Styles logo, but rare finds from well known … read more
With woven wicker chairs, plush red booths, tiled walls, a bar backed by an antique mirror, and many years as a topnotch restaurant, Cafe Luxembourg resounds with familiarity. And, as portrayed in the signature postcard of three naked ladies photographed by Cheryl Koralik in 1988, playfulness and boldness … read more
