Filter by our Side PicksThe architecture on 78th Street made for a particularly breathtaking walk with some of the oldest townhouses on the Upper East Side. It was the small businesses, however, that continued to capture my attention as I traversed the street. It provided me with a surprisingly wide range of fascinating boutiques: … read more
When I peeked my head inside the space under construction next door, I did not get much past “hello” before Joe invited me into Salvo’s and insisted that I have something to eat. It was here, while devouring my amazing slice of pizza with warm creamy ricotta and spinach, that I was introduced to the … read more
Stores like Martine’s Antiques are exactly the kind of businesses I look for on the side streets. Though small, every inch of the shop has some new treasure to discover. There are watches, jewelry, glassware, and various knick knacks decorating the room. Though she has been in New York since 1992, … read more
Entering Tiny Doll House during the holiday season, I discovered that even dolls decorate for the holidays. There were elaborate miniature houses on display, decked out in Christmas lights with small reindeer and Santas on the front lawn. Everything in the store, from the central houses to the rows of … read more
Orwasher’s is one of the miraculous New York institutions that has been able to stay in business for a century. Begun by a Hungarian baker in 1916, it has been continually churning out breads for the Upper East Side ever since. Recently, it has experienced a personal renaissance: Keith Cohen purchased … read more
Ed and his wife Heidi know that being small has its advantages and disadvantages. Their reputation has been growing, which is wonderful, but on many evenings this can also mean up to an hour wait for people hoping to get into the tiny restaurant. Based on its popularity, there is no doubt that the cozy … read more
Calexico began as – and still is – a food truck run by three brothers. Jesse, Brian, and David Vendley grew up near Calexico, a real place located on the border between Mexico and California. Missing the food from their hometown, the three began cooking and serving their grandmother’s recipes out of … read more
Pil Pil, named for a specific kind of sauce originating in the Basque region of Spain, fills an important role on the Upper East Side. It is a neighborhood watering hole, upscale and with enough ambience for a perfect date or friendly hangout, but still casual enough to lure locals back multiple times … read more
Choices tries to help anyone looking to improve his or her life while also offering different paths to recovery for its varied clientele. Jay DePaolo discovered Choices Books & Gifts shortly after it was sold by the original owners, a doctor and a nurse, who opened the store in 1989 to help the 12-step … read more
Everything about Klara Beauty Lab embraces the overall ambience of tranquility and hospitality, from the teal, turquoise, and white color palate to the welcoming plate of cookies in the waiting room. I immediately felt tingly and at ease upon walking in. The greatest source of calm is, of course, Klara … read more
