SightSPECIFIC A new kind of guide book
The Lower East Side Issue 1 August 2014
Contents 4 Old & New 12 Food 15 Drinks 16 Art 19 Shows 20 Music 24 Shopping 26 Candids 28 Family 32 LES Playlist
EDITOR’S Note B
eing new to an area can be a bit daunting. You want to experience all you can, but we don’t all have a concierge to consult, and a Yelp review from a disgruntled employee may lead you astray. The Sight Specific team has gone out and tested the waters for you. Our mission is to give you insight into a New York neighborhood you want to get to know better. We hope to offer a new perspective on all that’s worth seeing, doing, and eating in the city. For our premiere issue we’ve chosen to cover the Lower East Side. LES has a strong and complex history as an immigrant neighborhood, making the area very diverse. A ten-minute walk will take you from housing projects to a millionaire’s brownstone. We hope our first issue will push you to explore this underrated cultural gem.
Eshna Chandak
Jordan Sternberg
Madison Jordan Kira Harada-Stone Miles Brenninkmeijer
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SOMETHING
OLD
SOMETHING New BY ESHNA CHANDAK & MILES BRENNINKMEIJER
In the midst of the organized chaos that is New York City, the Lower East Side, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, is a democratic muddle of streets and allies. The names of the streets are as varied and colorful as the people who can be seen here, some of whom have lived here for several decades.
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he core of the Lower East Side was once two adjoining farms, the Delancey and Rutgers estates. The estates were confiscated after the American Revolution and became a part of New York City. Today the Lower East Side goes east from Bowery, south of East Houston Street and north of Canal Street. However, colloquially, the term LES is loosely used to refer to everything south of Houston. The LES has long been considered an immigrant neighborhood with a potpourri of cultures and beliefs. However, despite their differences they have been coexisting in harmony for several decades. Two things that identify the LES are its disrepute for crime and its hotbed of talented artists. The two share an interesting relationship. When art flourished in the neighborhood, the level of crime went down. It rose again when the artists left the area due to a variety of causes. This is one of the reasons why the residents of the LES are fighting tooth and nail to preserve community centers and art galleries while preventing newer bars and restaurants from coming in. Amidst the present gentrification and fight for it’s historical preservation, we find the Lower East Side in a time of communal self-reflection. New residents and businesses openly welcome the neighborhoods face-lift, while veterans and community leaders strive to maintain the Lower East Side’s antiquated charm. The influx of upscale bars and restaurants are prominent signs of the neighborhood’s gentrification, instilling a sense of fear in some and optimism in others.
Long-time residents find the changing sociopolitical landscape detrimental to the area’s historical charm, while new residents and businesses find allure in the neighborhoods changing façade. It is a difficult task: to painstakingly acknowledge the Lower East Side as it falls prey to gentrification while striving to maintain its archetypal demeanor; following the footsteps of its predecessors of New York’s once characteristically unique neighborhoods, the Village and Soho. Though feelings regarding the neighborhood’s metamorphosis are seemingly mixed, we are unsurprised by the fact its altering reality. New York inhabitants have come to accept the ever-changing landscape; a once beloved hidden gem of a neighborhood gradually becoming a newly designated
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1846 - 1848 The mid-nineteenth century marks the beginning of the Lower East Side’s historical identity as an immigrant neighborhood
The Civil War Draft Riots in Thompkins Square Park reflect the Lower East Side’s anarchist roots
1863
Chesca A resident of New York for over ten years, Chesca started working at a salon in the Lower East Side three years ago. She feels there has been a huge change in terms of the gentrification of the neighborhood and the resident population. Earlier there were primarily immigrants and artists, now there are more students and young professionals; in her words, “young adults whose parents’ are supporting them financially.”
1934-1935 The urban reform movment and the accompanying proliferation of low-income housing projects
2001
Of the Lower East Side’s original sixty gardens, thirty-six remain
His
Construction of tenements in order to house the rising German immigrant population
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1913
Children’s Farm Garden opens, marking the Lower East Side’s commitment to community gardens
included The Lower East Sideisisisincluded on the list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places
2008 Historical Fact and Images courtesy of the
storical FactsLower and Images courtesy of the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative East Side Preservation Initiative
Kate Temple- West A longstanding community resident and activist of nineteen years. West is one of the many that stands against the once-beloved neighborhood’s shifting state. Though she acknowledges the community’s digression, she along with many others do not accept it passively. She believes in the dedication of the strong community board. She stands as a testament of the communal outpouring of support as the manager of the Children’s Magical Garden, one of many of the Lower East Side’s community gardens.
Our Guide to the All of the Best Places to Eat, Play, Drink and Shop in the Lower East Side
TIME TO EAT
BY JORDAN STERNBERG Brooklyn Taco Co. Essex Street Market, 120 Essex St No, you don’t actually have to go to Brooklyn to get a Taco (Lower East Side Taco Co. just didn’t roll off the tongue). Right inside the Essex Street Market is one of the freshest taco joints in all of New York. Vegetarians can unite once a week for Meatless Monday.
Russ & Daughters, 179 E. Houston St. The family-owned bagel shop is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary this year. The small jewish appetizer shop is a reminder of the Lower East Side’s Eastern European Jewish roots. Make sure you stop in for a “Oy Vey Schmear” sandwich.
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Dimes, 143 Division St. While you’re roaming the streets of the Lower East Side be sure to stop by Dimes, a favorite of the Sight Specific team. Simple, delicious (and relatively inexpensive) bites that not only taste good but also make you feel good. Known for their great brunch and all day breakfast, pop in and check out their seasonal specials, such as the delectable Summer Tacos, we recommend adding a sausage patty for our carnivores out there. But if meat ain’t your thing and you love the greens, go for any of their year-round lunch bowls. We love the black rice and kale bowl with their grapefruit ginger ponzu. Dimes has breakfast, lunch and dinner covered so you can’t miss this gem of spot, fit for any occasion, anytime. The relaxed atmosphere is enhanced by their playlist featuring the likes of A Tribe Called Quest and their wide array of visitors in search for a good bite at a good price
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Cafe Katja 79 Orchard St Austrian food. Yes, talk about diversity. Although a little more upscale than the rest, this barely-lit restaurant has become an addiction for its most loyal fans. It’s also a bit of a sausage fest... just saying.
Congee Village, 100 Allen St. Chinatown is a few blocks over, but that does not mean you can’t get some quality chinese cuisine in the Lower East Side! This restaurant sits right next to its sister bar. Be careful, uptowners may be used to paying for small portions, but Congee will have you bringing home bean curd for days.
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By ESHNA CHANDAK One of the biggest draws of a neighborhood is the bar scene. We visited Piano’s, a bar located on Ludlow and Stanton. It has a great happy hour, from 2 pm to 8 pm seven days of the week. The drinks are cheap, but the atmosphere and the service are anything but. Their specialty drink is their Frozen Margarita. It is so good, that they have it pre-made in a slushie machine. Pull a lever, attach a lemon wedge, stick a straw in it- your drink is ready. These are strong drinks, so you may want to follow the tortoise’s advice; slow and steady. The atmosphere is great and friendly. A group at a nearby table suddenly started singing and dancing in their seats. Pianos is definitely worth a visit. There are a lot of other bars and restaurants inearby, so it could be one of many stops in a long night of bar-hopping or a place to relax and catch up with friends over some food and drinks.
Make Your Own Margaritas Ingredients: 2 oz reposado tequila 1 oz fresh lime juice 1/2 oz agave nectar 1 lime wedge for garnish salt (optional) Procedure: Salt the rim of your glass if you wish. Add tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar to a shaker. Add ice, and shake well. Strain over ice, garnish, and serve.
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Art
By MILES BRENNINKMEIJER I spoke with Minji, manager of the recently relocated gallery SPACEWOMb about their ‘motherly-love’ approach toward art. MDB: How did you come up with the name SPACEWOMb? Minji: Our mission is to act as a stepping-stone for emerging artists. As a metaphorical mother’s womb, we want to bring artists out of our own womb and spread them out. MDB: Why the Lower East Side? Minji: We had to move out of our space in Queens and I heard the Lower East Side had a lot of galleries. We were looking to find an art space here because there are a lot of artists in the area, plus, we’re next to a few galleries and the New Museum is around the corner. The summer is kind of slow, but overall we have a lot of people coming. It’s become like one of those hot Chelsea areas. MDB: The Lower East Side is undergoing a lot of change, specifically the influx of new bars and upscale restaurants. Some local businesses and residents have expressed their feelings and
apprehensions of the once fervent art scene being pushed out. Do you feel that the art scene is still strong? Minji: Several galleries have opened within the past couple of months so I think it’s a pretty good spot. I think a lot of them are coming back because other areas are really expensive and it’s still reasonable here. There are a lot of bars but that’s why there are a lot of people. MDB: So your sense is that bringing in more bars and restaurants is a positive direction for the neighborhood? Minji: Yeah, because it attracts more people and if we have a bar next door, there’s a greater chance people will stop by the gallery to see the art too. MDB: What is the main focus of the art you feature or the artists that you represent? Minji: We mainly show emerging or mid-career artists. We want our gallery to be their stepping-stone into their career. We try to exhibit
different artists from around the world, not only local artists. Each show consists of half local and half international work. For most of the international artists, this is their first exhibition ever. MDB: What’s your favorite piece in the current exhibition? Minji: (Laughs) I like all the work. I think in this show, particularly, all of the work fits really well together. We do quite a lot of shows; some of them are a week long, some two or three weeks. MDB: Are you an artist
yourself? Minji: Yeah I majored in art but I don’t do it anymore. MDB: Do you prefer managing an art gallery as opposed to creating your own art? Minji: I was always interested in curating. As an artist I have more experience in being able to see what kind of different art can work together, so it gives me a better idea when organizing shows.
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GALLERIes
Galore
Laurel Gitlen, 122 Norfolk St.
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Gallery Onetwentyeight, 128 Rivington St
Envoy Enterprises, 87 Rivington St. Frosch & Portmann, 53 Stanton St.
Show Time By Madison Jordan
Bowery Ballroom
Combat for Stage and Screen
you explore the haunted house for half an hour. The The experience here is like no other! actors, dressed in elaborate An instructor teaches audience eerie costumes, will get your members all the tricks to staging a adrenaline pumping with a theatrical fight. The class will provide a surprise around every corner! full overview of combat performance.
This is a venue where you can relax in a comfortable lounge, while listening to a live band. This place is popular because of how Blogologues easy it is to get close to This venue provides fresh, the stage. hilarious, and imaginative acting! Mixing comical songs with vividly Live in Theater This a must see! Visitors creative scenes, Blogologues will have a great experience leave you laughing hysterically! watching the actors set Plus, there’s a stellar gift bag waiting for you at the end of the show! up a murder mystery. The actors interact with the audience, dropping hints throughout the performance to solve the mystery.
Speakeasy Dollhouse If you enjoy being scared, this is the place for you! When you arrive you walk through a variety of spooky sets. In groups of six, you
Killer A Haunted House
If you enjoy being scared this is the place for you! When you arrive you will walk through a variety of spooky sets. In groups of six, you will explore the haunted house for a half an hour. The actors, dressed in elaborate creep costumes, will get your adrenaline pumping with a new surprise around every corner.
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Listen up
By JORDAN STERNBERG
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he Lower East Side has a rich musical history. If you ask a long-time LES resident what comes to mind when they think of music here, chances are that they will say “punk.” Amid rising crime rates in the 1950s, people were fleeing New York City. The Lower East Side was hit particularly hard. However, the falling prices left a hole that artists on cheap budgets could fill. By the ‘60s, bands were forming and releasing music under the genre of “Freak Folk.” It was punk’s prototype, not in musicality or instrumentation, but with the edgy lyrics. It’s a sound worth listening to. (Look up: The Holy Modal Rounders) In the ‘70s, the term “punk” was coined by a music journalist and the new wave of music was in full swing. NYC musicians like David Peel, Blondie and The Ramones helped take punk to the next level. Their styles were played all over the U.S. and were even taken across the Atlantic by bands like the Sex Pistols. Rising tensions and the increasing commercial credibility of punk gave birth to new wave’s satirical counterpart–no wave. You’d be forgiven for not knowing any musicians of that subculture, none of them went “mainstream.” However, their style did go on to influence artists for many years to come. Most notable are the Beastie Boys. In an interview with Rolling Stones, band member Mike Diamond said, “I end up on the No Wave default setting.” Today, there are only a few clubs that occasionally step back into the LES’ punk/new wave roots. But when you can find the right place at the right time it’s an experience well worth living.
Fontana’s Sitting right on the edge of the Lower East Side is Fontana’s, one of LES’s largest clubs. This vast club is no CBGB, but it’s still helping keep the Lower East Side’s punk/new wave roots alive. In the back you’ll find stairs down to the chandelier room, which is where all the good stuff happens. There’s live music. It’s a real treat. So grab your friends, your ID’s and some cash (it’s a NYC club after all) and head on down to Fontana’s 105 Eldridge St
Steals on Wheels
By KIRA HARADA-STONE
Four years ago, Jessie Goldenberg was a New York University student studying film production. Today, she’s the owner of the Nomad Truck, which she describes as, “the wandering boutique.” Goldenberg spent the year after she graduated working in film production. “I tried every aspect of production,” Goldenberg said. “I realized that it wasn’t what I really wanted to do, I really wanted to be my own boss.”
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Since working retail in countless boutiques growing up, the idea of owning her own boutique had been in the back of Goldenberg’s mind. Last April, she finally took the plunge and opened up the doors of the Nomad Truck. Taking inspiration from boutique trucks on the West Coast, she decided to break ground on what was still an untapped market in New York City. The innovative boutique appears in a new location every day. “We usually stay downtown,” Goldenberg said. “I think we have more of a laid back, downtown vibe.” Most of the pieces in the traveling clothing store are simple and boho. Goldenberg likes to call the style “careless elegance.” Most clothing items are sourced from small merchants in Los Angeles, while the jewelry is all locally made. The best thing about the store however, is that all items are under $100. The Nomad Truck is slowly building up a vast online presence. Along with an e-store, the website posts updates as to where the truck is located so that customers can follow their favorite store.
You can find them at thenomadtruck.com
Shop New York
Narnia Vintage
ODD
Pixie Market
It won’t be a true trip to the Lower East Side, without a visit to a vintage clothing store. Narnia Vintage offers a mix of boho-inspired pieces from the various decades. With a few designer pieces sprinkled throughout, prices can range anywhere from $40 to $500. The quaint little boutique, which is hidden away on Rivington Street, is any floral crown-wearing, crochet bag-toting girl’s dream.
This boutique is for the avant-garde with deep pockets. If the nude mannequin with a security camera shoved through its forehead doesn’t scare you off when you first walk in, you’ll easily find bizarre pieces for both men and women. One of the store’s most iconic items is a leather messenger bag with the imprint of a screaming head shoving its way through your bag. Be forewarned though that prices here are often in the thousands.
This online retail giant had its humble beginnings in this small Stanton street boutique. After opening in 2006, the boutique has found success in its estore that competes with the likes of Nasty Gal and ASOS. The physical store offers a small selection of the many designs that can be found online. Appealing mostly to trendy young adults, prices usually stay below $100.
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THE THINGS YOU’LL SEE...
Child-proof By MADISON JORDAN & KIRA HARADA-STONE
The Lower East Side can be a challenging place to bring children, so we’ve put together a day plan that will keep you and your child happy.
FirstStop:
Sara D. Roosevelt Park. This park is located right on the edge of NoLita and the beginning of the Lower East Side. If you’re coming from uptown, this is the perfect first stop. The playground offers a vast play area with swings and a splash park. If you get here before noon, you may get to hear some singing. Everyday, elderly men from the neighborhood hang up their songbird cages around the park. E. Houston to Canal St. between Chrystie St. and Forsyth St.
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Economy Candy Yes, shopping for sugar this early in the day might seem a bit risky, but it will ward off the begging later. Economy Candy opened its doors in 1937 as a place to buy discount candy in bulk. Their mission still holds true. Among the towering shelves you can find bins of gummies, taffy and chocolate, all of which can be filled up in a mixed bag for $4 a pound..
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108 Rivington St.
Third
Tenement Museum- Victoria Confino tour This next stop is great for any history buffs. This tour meets with “Victoria Confino,” an actress playing a 14-year-old girl who lived in the actual tenement in 1916. The actress stays in character as you take a tour around her home. She explains life in a tenement while kids have the opportunity to play with the items in her home. 103 Orchard St.
LastStop:
Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream End your day with a little treat. This little ice cream shop has something for everyone, even the little tykes who have allergies. While the store offers many of the traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate, adults can have fun trying bizarre new flavors like green tea pistachio, banana curry and even salt and pepper pine nut. For kids with dairy allergies, there are six different sorbet flavors. 2 Rivington St.
1. New York, I Love you, But You’re Bringing me DownLCD Soundsystem 2. In the End- Linkin Park 3. Lower East SideDavid Peel 4. Beautiful NightPaul McCartney 5. Dragons- Princess Nokia 6. It’s Not ImpossibleBen Solle 7. A Great DesignBlack Marble 8. Manners- Arca 9. Broadripple is BurningMargot & The Nuclear So and So’s 10. In the Flesh- Blondie
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Cover art by Gian Deantonio