I’m not a native New Yorker, but I’ve lived in New York City since 1981. I’ve lived in most NYC neighborhoods, from the West Village, to Washington Heights; from Kips Bay on the East Side, to Hell’s Kitchen, west of the theater district. It’s been quite a ride, and regardless of neighborhood, New York’s my home!
For the last 17 years, I’ve resided in the Flatiron District - the area surrounding the famous wedge-shaped Flatiron Building on 23rd street, where Broadway and 5th Avenue intersect. By way of introduction, I thought I’d share some of the local sights, businesses and eateries in my little corner of the city.
Let’s start with the area’s namesake landmark, the Flatiron Building. Located at 175 Fifth Avenue, this triangular, 22 story steel-framed structure is considered a groundbreaking skyscraper, and when completed in 1902, was one of the tallest buildings in the city. Today, it’s a NYC icon and one of the most photographed buildings in the city. Designated a landmark in 1966, its name comes from its resemblance to a cast-iron clothes iron. The strong wind currents around the building’s base gave rise to a popular story that men in the early 1900‘s used to gather at the 23rd street corner to watch the winds lifting ladies’ skirts, prompting policemen to hustle the men out of the area, known as “giving ‘em the old 23 skidoo!” Currently, there are plans to convert the Flatiron into a luxury hotel.
As you look toward the Empire State Building, to the right is Madison Square Park. The site of the first two iterations of Madison Square Garden, the park was run down, and a bit dangerous when I first moved to the area. Efforts to renovate the park began in 1986, with the north end completed in 1988. Between 1998 and 2001, funding was finally raised to complete the restoration, and now it’s a thriving scene, featuring a popular dog run, a children’s playground, twice-yearly art installations, concerts, and the hugely successful Shake Shack. Still, with all that activity, Madison Square Park remains a lovely place to escape the steel and concrete of the city.
West of the park, across Broadway and Fifth Avenue, is Eataly, a huge indoor Italian marketplace, popular with tourists and locals alike. Conceived by an Italian businessman, partnered with Mario Batali, and Linda & Joe Bastianich, Eataly’s 50,000 square feet of space features fresh cheeses, produce, seafood, olive oils, breads, pastas, meats, even cooking utensils. In addition, there are mini-restaurants, where you can sample the fare. Eataly has marketplaces across the world, and in 2018, there are plans to open a location on the Las Vegas Strip. The crowds - mostly tourists - can be daunting, so my partner and I tend to go only when we need one or two items, but rest assured, the quality of the foods is amazing, so I’d certainly recommend it for a specialty product or a quick bite for an open air lunch in the park. Mangia!
Want to look your best? On 21st street, you’ll find Barber Bart, a classic barbershop with a modern edge. Barber Bart is the brainchild of Polish-born Bart Trybala, who learned his trade in Krakow, came to the U.S. in 2000, and made a name for himself at Chelsea Barbers, before opening his own establishment in 2004. Appointments can be made online, but you know you’re in for an old-school barbershop experience when you see the iconic wooden barber pole out front. Inside, you’ll be offered refreshment, sit in $8,000 chairs with heating and massage elements, and listen to music by well-known jazz artists, while being treated to expert haircutting, straight razor shaves with hot lather and hot towels, and a selection of colognes and pomades to finish off your perfect look. Every time I walk into Barber Bart, the entire staff, including my barber Eddie, and Bart himself, greet me like an old friend. Try Barber Bart and those personal touches will keep you coming back again and again!
Of course, this area has its share of wonderful restaurants - acclaimed fine dining establishments like 11 Madison Park, Gramercy Tavern, and Tom Colicchio’s Craft. But I tend to gravitate towards smaller, neighborhood joints. One of the newest additions to the area is Wagamama, one in a chain of popular noodle houses, first opened in the U.K. in 1992, with locations worldwide, including Boston and now the NYC locale on 5th Avenue. I had spotted lines of diners waiting patiently outside in the cold, which was a good omen, so on a damp, rainy afternoon, I went for a late lunch. A narrow, bustling space, the menu featured ramen, dumplings, curries, teppanyaki, and more, with the option to customize nearly everything. The Gyoza were yummy - mine were steamed and filled with minced pork and water chestnut, and the signature Wagamama Ramen - a bowl bursting with noodles, chicken, pork, prawns, mussels, chikuwa and half a tea-stained egg, ordered with a spicy broth, was tasty and perfect for the chilly weather. For more conventional American fare, try Big Daddy’s Diner, a colorful spot with a retro-70’s and 80’s feel. Serving burgers, fries, hot dogs, all-day breakfast, outrageous milkshakes and other comfort food staples, Big Daddy’s is a neighborhood favorite. The decor is classic diner - a long counter with swivel stools, booths with vinyl banquettes, and old neon everywhere. A mural on one wall, features images from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s - logos from Pan Am, Pac-Man, The Love Boat, TRON, the cover art from Kiss’ album Rock and Roll Over, and the old animated character Hong Kong Phooey, among others, while behind the counter, you’ll see vintage toys like a Greg Brady bobble-head, lunch boxes a collector would die for, and a white go-go boot emblazoned with a peace sign! I recently lunched there and had their excellent Mac & Cheese appetizer, and the aptly named Big Mac Daddy - their take on the burger from that popular national chain. My friendly server, Selma, insisted I try the Cookie Monster milkshake, loaded with vanilla ice cream and Oreo cookies! Oh, okay! Twist my arm!!
Take some time to explore the Flatiron District. If you’re planning a visit, you might stay at the Edition Hotel, a luxury hotel housed inside the landmark Met Life Tower, with fabulous views of Madison Square Park. Check out the Museum Of Sex - a space which preserves art and artifacts detailing the history of human sexuality. Have your make-up done at the MAC Store in the base of the Flatiron Building, or see a cabaret show at The Metropolitan Room, the last nightclub in which I worked, with a lighting system designed by...me!
Make my NYC your NYC!