strolling new york

A Three Way Crossing

2011-06-28T04:58:00.004-04:00

3-Way Street from ronconcocacola on Vimeo.

Yet another amazing video from the New York biking field. More reading and follow up by the film maker Ron Gabriel.

Dear New York City, Ticket the people blocking the bike lanes. Not the bikers.

2011-06-28T03:21:00.003-04:00

A highly valid point made by Casey Neistat.

Bikie for sale

2010-09-26T13:31:00.008-04:00

Golden threespeed unisex cruiser. Great to bike. Bell. New chain. Lock for the saddle. Lock for the basket. Impossible to steal due to Kryptonite lock. A little bit of rust on the handlebar and the pedals - otherwise great condition. Bike and locks for half price - tot. $250. SVENSKA

Studio in Alphabet City, Manhattan

2010-09-20T04:32:00.006-04:00

My little cookie is no longer mine - will move out by the end of September. Anyone who would be interested in this beautiful studio with a big garden on prime location on Manhattan..?

Details: Second floor. Wooden floor. Checkerboard floor in the pantry. Tiled oldschool bathroom with bathtub. Two large windows. Trees outside the window. AC summertime. Cosy interior. Great landlord. Nice neighbors. First hand contract. One month notice. Rent control. Some pics on Flickr. IN SWEDISH.

Inside Out

2009-11-15T12:18:00.008-05:00

Photo from BAM's website
A breathtaking show by Swedish contemporary circus - Cirkus Cirkör. Last performance today 3 pm. Tickets still available. It's a must.
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BROOKLYN 30 Lafayette Ave Brooklyn Academy of Music
Last performance 3 pm today

Meeting point

2009-10-08T22:51:00.003-04:00

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WASHINGTON HEIGHTS W 176 St and Pinehurst Ave .

Atlantic Avenue Tunnel

2009-09-27T19:38:00.009-04:00

Through a hole in the street down a ladder and into a pool of mud. Some bending and twisting and another stair. Suddenly in another world. A large cool and dusk brick tunnel opened up like Wonderland. The world's first subway tunnel - right under Atlantic Avenue.

After being sealed and forgotten for some hundred years the tunnel was discovered by Bob Diamond in the 80s. The very same Bob Diamond who was our guide. An absolutely amazing character who made us laugh and cry equally. And who told the fascinating underground story of Brooklyn and New York. An absolute must.
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BROOKLYN Atlantic Ave and Court Street
Every other Sunday at 1 pm.

Vertigo

2009-05-21T23:43:00.004-04:00

Still can't get enough of those rooftops without glass and wires. The one's with 360° view. 38thish floor with butterflies.

Rocking sofa with dog

2009-05-20T22:00:00.006-04:00

On sunny spring sundays these rocking sofas are made for brunch. Constantly ordering yummie pastries coffees sandwiches and juices from the supercute cafe with the way too tacky name ciao for now.
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ALPHABET CITY 523 E 12th Street
Opening hours a bit unclear..

Wall decoration

2009-05-18T11:35:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I went to artists and fleas to check out the vinyls. A good friend of mine has eight dollys on the wall and of course I am greatly inspired. Looking at the black and white madonna the vendor instantly became interested in my mission. Soon we agreed on 70ies boogie so next week there will be a special collection only for me.
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WILLIAMSBURG 129 N6th Street btw Bedford and Berry
Saturday & Sunday 12-8pm

Room for rent

2009-05-17T18:54:00.005-04:00

Only eight minutes away. Star quality. Spacious furnished room with wooden floor and balcony. Built-in closet, two shared living-rooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen. Great roomies. Wireless broadband. Two blocks from Bedford L-train. Outside parking space for bike. $1100 plus utilities. Please email me asap if you are interested.
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WILLIAMSBURG North 5th and Bedford
From June 1st

Midnight train passing

2009-05-03T10:48:00.003-04:00

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WILLIAMSBURG Williamsburg Bridge

Summer heat in Williamsburg

2009-04-28T22:54:00.002-04:00

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WILLIAMSBURG Driggs and North 9th

Spuyten Duyvil mail box

2009-04-25T09:51:00.000-04:00

Fifties nostalgia

2009-04-25T09:41:00.004-04:00

Just opposite of Fette Sau but oceans apart is Spuyten Duyvil. Bar and cafe with a very streamlined fifties interior. Great wines great beers but do try the ginger soda for some additional authentic feeling.
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WILLIAMSBURG 359 Metropolitan Ave by Havemeyer
Sun-Thu 5pm-2am Fri-Sat 5pm-4am

For the pork lover

2009-04-24T07:50:00.004-04:00

Fette Sau reminds me so much of Delicatessen. Almost creepy but still warm and cosy. Dark and yellowish with rough interiors and brusque staff. Mainly meat and only pork is served straight on the tray and tastes great. In other words it's a must.
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WILLIAMSBURG 354 Metropolitan Ave
Open daily 5 pm till after midnight

Walking the bridges

2009-04-21T22:06:00.004-04:00

Recommending biking as the main transport in New York I still love walking for pleasure. Last Monday me and a friend strolled Williamsburg Bridge over to LES and SoHo. Shot some absolutely amazing photos and somehow this simple one became my favourite.
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WILLIAMSBURG - LES Williamsburg Bridge
Open all days all year around

Some decent Thursday fashion

2009-04-21T09:14:00.010-04:00

Part from peace - few things are as welcome as sustainable high fashion. Soft cmarchuska tees and jersey dresses apparel style without the fuzz. So pass by Vivons Vert Eco Fashion Show Thursday evening for a look. Swedish fashion appetizer ELSAandME. ____________________
FLATIRON 37 West 26th Street
8-9 pm open bar 9.30 pm eco fashion show entrance fee $20

Aurora in the morning

2009-04-20T21:40:00.014-04:00

Instead of waiting in line an hour for brunch at Egg - stroll a few blocks and have an amazing breakfast at Aurora. Supernice and pro staff. Truly recommend to share a Frittata and a French Toast.
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WILLIAMSBURG 10 Grand Street at Wythe Ave
mon-fri 12-3.30pm and 6pm-11pm - sat-sun 11am-4pm and 6pm-11pm

The New Yorkers New York in Swedish

2009-04-16T15:50:00.004-04:00

One of the main Swedish newspapers provide a guide to the New Yorkers New York. Although in Swedish it does give tips for strolling.

At the bus stop

2009-04-16T01:43:00.002-04:00

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EAST MIDTOWN 2nd Ave at 42nd Street

Back biking in New York

2009-04-14T23:12:00.010-04:00

Strolling New York since a few weeks it is high time for me to post again. Eightish tonight me and my golden cruiser came down south from Midtown to Lower East in the evening rain. The tiny drops on my face while quietly rolling down the street was plain beauty.
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LOWER EAST SIDE Chrystie Street

Funky Swedish House Mafia

2008-10-16T11:44:00.009-04:00

Tonight The Swedish House Mafia - Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso - is back in New York. Just simply freaky love it. And this time not in dirty Pacha but in aircon Cielo. My first impression of Cielo was soso and my second just barely fine. But tonight it is not a matter of location but a matter of vibe. Both for the club hopping dancers and the true house nerds listening for those mixes.
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NOHO 18 Little West 12th Street
Thursday 10PM-4AM

Waiting for Bruce LaBruce

2008-10-14T18:30:00.002-04:00

One odd night I met this beautiful Mikael Karlsson with blue hair and a white dress. Tomorrow he is playing his own music at The Stone in Alphabet City. The soundtrack for Bruce LaBruces latest film Otto; or, Up With Dead People - screened at MoMA October 27th. So basically for anyone in New York I strongly recommend Ave C tomorrow night 10 PM. For everyone else I recommend Mikael's MySpace.

For my Swedish readers

2008-08-25T07:57:00.005-04:00

For those of you who understand Swedish - or how to manage the Google translator - I am now a columnist at the Swedish travel site Resekoll.se. Enjoy my first column on The Beaches of New York..!

Personal shopper in New York

2008-08-24T17:46:00.011-04:00

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Even though I advocate a longer stay in New York - there is a treat for shortstayers with a mission to shop. A personal shopper. Not so much to find that true inner personal style - but to find the right shops with the right style and price. To have a guide. The shoppers are still hard to find on internet - easier on craigslist. But as my dear friend Elisa Emejulu is a personal shopper since many years and knows the places by heart - she is my one and only recommendation for now.
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NEW YORK Elisa Emejulu

Taking a break from New York

2008-08-09T12:46:00.005-04:00

I will leave New York for a while and I have been way too busy moving packing flying and jetlagging to update strolling. Nevertheless. As I still have loads of brilliant photos and even more recommendations I will keep posting. Sometimes friends of mine will make guest apperances as well. The updating pace will be some two times a week until I come back next spring. So stay tuned.

Just Scandinavian

2008-07-30T23:29:00.009-04:00

Even though Just Scandinavian is a design shop - filled with the most beautiful furniture and fabrics - the main reason to step through those doors is inspiration. Take a stroll in this spatious and quiet room. Feel the exclusive fabrics of Joseph Frank - the laundry in Mamma Mia the Movie - or blade through the books abt Swedish design, culture and cooking. Have a chat with the owners who are supernice of course. Best of all - it is in the rough and funky Tribeca with chic and cheap restaurants just around the corner.
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TRIBECA 161 Hudson Street at the corner of Laight
tue-fri 10am–6pm sat-sun noon-6pm - check site for summer hours

Mamma Mia..!

2008-07-29T23:38:00.000-04:00

Sunday I saw Mamma Mia the Movie. Basically I agree with NY Times. However Mamma Mia made it to strolling by the mere fact that the ads are all over this city. Buss stops subway cars subway stations yellow cabs poster walls. No way anyone hasn't seen the beautiful happy brunet for the musical and blonde for the movie. They are in a third of my photos. And every time I see those ads I feel so happy.

Btw. The movie is well worth its 1.48 - not only for laughing tears at a singing Brosnan - but also for the Swedish address the Swedish flag the Swedish Björn Andersson playing piano and - most of all - the Swedish Joseph Frank's exclusive fabrics as hung laundry.

The Royal Wigs is a must see

2008-07-25T22:34:00.007-04:00

My gosh. The coolest little shop ever. Filled with wigs of all colors and all textures. Classy with 100% human hair and some really realistic hairs. And of course the sweetest staff. Well worth a visit and if you didn't intend to buy - you will nevertheless end up buying.
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EAST VILLAGE to USQ 229 E. 14th Street btw 2nd and 3rd
mon-sat 10am-7pm sun 12pm-6.30pm

A glimpse of heaven

2008-07-24T17:56:00.006-04:00

The New York club scene is only a vague reminicent of greater days. My first impression of Cielo was corporate clubbing. Cautious people and A/C. Yesterday I gave Cielo another chance and went to Little Louie Vega Roots Night. The place and the people were pretty much the same - but the first hour a handful people danced so creatively it was like a performance. Past midnight the crowd got dancing and the music was funky ambient roots house. At 1 am the Video Music Box founder Ralph McDaniels was playing 80ies hard mixed music. And after not too long the floor was filled with breakdancers. Amazing. Cielo Wednesdays.
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NOHO 18 Little West 12th Street
open all days - check calender for dj

Hudson River to my right

2008-07-22T22:57:00.003-04:00

Hudson River to my left

2008-07-22T22:53:00.003-04:00

Dipping my toes in Hudson

2008-07-22T22:42:00.008-04:00

Sometimes I find it frustrating - constantly so close to the water without being able to jump into it. But on my bikeride up along the west side I found the perfect spot for dipping my toes. Just a step further into the water there is sand. The Hudson is probably quite dirty - but so is the city - and for my toes I don't mind. View coming.
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WASHINGTON HEIGHTS 170th Street by Hudson

Fire Island

2008-07-19T23:25:00.007-04:00

New York has plenty of beaches - Fire Island being one of the finest. Easily accessible through the Beach Package from Penn Station. Today I went to Sunken Forest by two trains a shuttle and a ferry - by far the cleanest ferry ever. All in all the trip is about two hours one way and 24 dollars there and back. The cutest small boats and tidy piers. Maybe a bit windy so waves are more for surfing than swimming.
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FIRE ISLAND Fire Island

At the end of Freeman Valley

2008-07-18T15:57:00.007-04:00

Freemans has the most adorable interior perfectly dismatched with the coolest staff. Everyone is nice without being overnice. The brunch menu has a range from almost Swedish smoked trout and sourdough bread to American classical burger. Artichoke dip is a must. Somehow the place feels French tho. A star for the superclean restrooms. Not to mention the location in the tiny Freeman Alley. Love it.
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LOWER EAST SIDE Freeman Alley at Rivington btw Christie & Bowery
seven days a week 11am-4pm and 6pm-11:30pm

Bikers in the making

2008-07-16T20:05:00.005-04:00

In my early days of biking New York I was amazed by the security measures. Even the street biker symbol had a helmet. And now I have seen them being made. From the very bikers template. Amazed.
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SOMEWHERE SOHO

A strollers best friend

2008-07-14T09:33:00.007-04:00

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No matter how great shoes. Sometimes some help is needed. And I so prefer preventing blisters from healing them. Supposedly Blister Block is sold everywhere but can be tricky to find. So if you see it - buy it.

Colorful heaven made my day

2008-07-13T14:44:00.009-04:00

Strolling Chinatown as usual when i suddenly had a glimpse of heaven. Family-owned renowned Economy Candy with everything sweet you can imagine. Including the owner. Lovely staff lots of sweets nice atmosphere very affordable. Jellybeans and M&Ms en masse. Open seven days a week. Gotta love.
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CHINATOWN 108 Rivington Street btw Essex and Ludlow
sun-fri 9am-6pm sat 10am-5pm

Another midtown rooftop

2008-07-12T03:36:00.012-04:00

Rare View is a nice cosy rooftop quite similar to 230 fifth - but with a younger crowd and less people. Great view nice staff and decent beers. Some really comfy seats if you are early and consistent. Love the lightbulbs creating a ceiling. Only down side is the early closing.
In the pic - the Chrysler Building that was sold to Abu Dhabi Tuesday.
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EAST MIDTOWN 303 Lexington Ave at 37th Street
evenings until 11pm - might stretch it till midnight - closed sundays

Eleni's fairy world

2008-07-10T23:25:00.004-04:00

For an almost surreal experience - drop by Eleni's at Chelsea Market, opposite of the Chelsea Wine Vault. The walls are shining white. The logo is bright cerise. And the glass cubes are filled with cup cakes of all colors. It is like Alice in Wonderland or maybe a saga not yet told. There is also candy by the weight [lösgodis] - just as in Sweden..!
And - staff supernice but no pics allowed.. Blue logo from the bag.
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CHELSEA 75 Ninth Ave at 15th street
weekdays 8am-8pm sat 9am-7pm sun 10am-6pm

The New York waterfalls

2008-07-08T22:58:00.011-04:00

At first I was surprised. To me the so talked-about waterfalls of New York were supposed to be breathtaking - adding on to the beautiful scene of the bridges. So imagine my confusion when I - on my daily walk by the East River - from a distance saw water rushing down a steel piece. Oh no - not a leakage. Not until close and seeing the other ones at a far distance I realised these were the mighty falls.

Now they have grown on me and I love them for being these tiny scaffold ladders. So New York somehow. Most probably even better from a boat view. Not to mention the artist Olafur Eliasson is Danish-Icelandic and there is further reading in Swedish.
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LES B'LYN Gov Isl Pier 35 Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Piers and Governors Island
July 1st until October 13th.

Greek yoghurt place in SoHo

2008-07-07T20:42:00.007-04:00

Yesterday I recommended ice cream and today yoghurt. But The Yoghurt Place II is in another part of Manhattan so no competition. Greek delicious yoghurt in all shapes. Love the cup with a small portion of yoghurt and lots of fig jam. For the sceptical one - read some true praise and surrender. Besides I was very happy to take a pic. Rare moment inside a shop. And so beautiful cookies.
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SoHo 71 Sullivan Street btw Spring and Broome
everyday 10am-7pm

Alphabet Scoop

2008-07-06T21:15:00.008-04:00

If you feel like having an ice cream - take a stroll over to Alphabet Scoop. Not only home made and absolutely delicious ice cream - but also an amazing project for young kids to have employment. The shop is run by the Father's Heart to reduce violence and gang involvement. And the kids are really supernice - so stay for a chat.
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ALPHABET CITY 543 East 11th Street
sun & tue-thu 2-8pm fri 3-9pm sat 11am-9pm mon closed

Riding the subway

2008-07-05T18:36:00.007-04:00

On the subway today a couple stands in front of me. Artistically dressed. Somehow I realise I am not the only one noticing. So does the cute mom with two kids who smiled at me before and the elderly sympathetic man next to me and the too-cool-for-school girl opposite me. Something is out of the ordinary. The young woman has a flared skirt and a hairband and the young man has a shirt and a vest. When they start kissing even more people look and then look down.

Suddenly the woman leaves the man and goes to the other end of the car. Without looking all of us are now watching. The man turns around takes a few steps grabs the bar and cries Oh Juliet..! The woman is at the bar at the other end and desperately echoes Oh Romeo..! Then a short dialogue by Shakespeare follows. They were excellent. Gave me the goose bumps all over. When the show was over we all clapped our hands while they told us we had just seen the project Shakespeare on the Subway.
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COLOMBIA - MIDTOWN Line 1

The subway at 125th

2008-07-05T17:21:00.005-04:00

I love a rainy morning. Some rusty steel. A new neighborhood. This is the 125th Street subway station - above the ground. Like it a lot.
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COLUMBIA 125th Street

A true 4th of July Beer

2008-07-04T18:42:00.002-04:00

Who can drink Heineken on the 4th of July. Besides. I do deeply love Brooklyn Beer for its graphic design. Summer Ale - blue and yellow - being my favourite. And of course it's delicious as well.

Ice cream in Alphabet City

2008-07-03T20:51:00.002-04:00

The NYC Cycling Map

2008-07-02T23:59:00.000-04:00

Sunday I found the bike map. The one I have only seen on the internet so far. Oh my. I was in heaven the whole evening. Still am. It is all so clear. Where to buy a bike, rent a bike, fix a bike, take a bike. How to cross the bridges. Of course I know that deep down I didn't want the map cause I wanted to figure it out all on my own. But the New York cycling map is a huge recommandation for anyone biking or wannabe biking. Can be found in any bike shop.

Strolling Williamsburg

2008-07-01T12:48:00.002-04:00

Beautiful townhouses on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Williamsburg. Bike the Williamsburg Bridge or take the L-train to Bedford. Have a brunch and stroll over to the Lorimer stop - then down the Lorimer street and under the bridge. Et voilà.
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WILLIAMSBURG Bedford - Lorimer

Wineshops on Manhattan

2008-06-30T23:46:00.001-04:00

Today I have been looking for a sparkling Italian wine. More precisely a beautiful bottle with an artistic green label and a handtied string over the cork. Looks classy tastes great and doesn't cost a fortune. Well. I didn't find it. But I did find three supernice wineshops. At the Winfield-Flynn Ltd. in Midtown I was recommended the Chelsea Wine Vault and thereafter I went to Discovery Wines in my own Alphabet City. All staff supernice. Not afraid to recommend other shops. Clever questions on drinking purpose. Great interior - great cards.
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MIDTOWN Winfield-FLynn 558 Third Ave at 37th street
CHELSEA Chelsea Wine Vault 75 Ninth Ave at 15th street
ALPHABET CITY Discovery Wines 10 Ave A at Houston

Privacy policies

2008-06-30T17:53:00.008-04:00

Strolling New York is all about me being genuinely curious. Asking and documenting. As simple as that. I guess that is one of the reasons why I love our time. Everything is so accessible. Not everyone is like me tho. People I stroll by - with the most fantastic ideas and creative plans - are afraid. Of our time of people like me of Internet and most of all - of cameras. Usually I'm not allowed to take a pic inside a shop - no matter how much I show my businesscard or let them approve the photo. People are terrified. I am of course used to another and much more open society. But I do sincerely hope people will let down their guard a little bit and take the advantage of the Internet. Soon.

This is the lock of one of those supersecretive superprivate shops.

Bike repair at Lorimer

2008-06-29T22:31:00.011-04:00

My favourite bike repair is in Williamsburg. No businesscard no accessories no fancy schmancy. A tad quiet to begin with - but getting more and more talkative. Always very professional and efficient. They fix the bike on the street while you are waiting. Go for a coffe or hang out with the funky crowd. There are also bikes for sale.
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WILLIAMSBURG 636 Lorimer Street
Open all days of the week. Usually close 7pm weekdays.

Russian candy at Brighton Beach

2008-06-28T13:15:00.009-04:00

As everyone else I deeply love all the different cultures in this city. Most of all I love to go to Korea China and Russia - all in one day. Just a few blocks from the Brighton Beach subway there is a delicatessen with Turkish and Russian food. And candy. I was so happy when I found this Russian fudge. Absolutely delicious.
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BROOKLYN Brighton Beach Exakt address to come shortly.

Midtown not to be forgotten

2008-06-26T14:46:00.005-04:00

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Last fall I spent some decent time in Midtown. Mainly office hours far up in some skyscrape - but also quick lunches and walks to other offices. Yesterday I had a morning appointment just by Madison Square Garden. And I have to say - few things are as fotogenique as some good old New York skyscrapes. Take a stroll along 6th Ave up to 33rd Street over to Madison Square Garden and continue on 8th Ave up to Central Park. Ave 6 and 8 are my favorite walking avenues.
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MIDTOWN 33th Street betw 7th and 8th Ave
Morning hours for the best light.

Live at Ludlow

2008-06-24T23:57:00.001-04:00

Pianos on Ludlow is a nice and cosy bar - surprisingly enough with a concert room in the back. Only 8 dollars for all bands playing. First band out was Running still - ballads and more hardcore rock. A very good singer and an extremely entertaining drummer - Zack. Worth seeing live only because of him. A bit later The Bones of Davey Jones with bluegrass-kletzmer made us dance and clap our hands. Great crowd. Nice staff. Pianos is well worth some love for their live music.
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LOWER EAST SIDE 158 Ludlow Street two streets south of Houston
coming soon...

A long New York day at the beach

2008-06-23T21:50:00.008-04:00

Some days it is really hard to believe Manhattan NewYorkers are only 45 minutes away from a huge beach with bright blue sky - superfine sand - and refreshingly cold water. Best of all - it's not even crowded. And a total bonus is the kitschy fairground of Coney Island and the Russian neighborhood in Brighton Beach.
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BROOKLYN Coney Island or Brighton Beach Subway N or Q

Mermaid Parade on Coney Island

2008-06-22T23:02:00.009-04:00

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A less traditional summer celebration is the Mermaid Parade. And what place can be more suitable for a kitschy and cheesy parade than Coney Island. Actually some of the participants were really good. But most of them were just for fun. And for naked.. This year was the 25th anniversary - and in the evening there was even a Mermaid ball.
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BROOKLYN Coney Island
21st of June - next year i guess...

Swedish Midsummer in New York

2008-06-21T23:36:00.007-04:00

Sweden may be known for cold weather and darkness - but that's only the winter truth. Summertime temperatures rise and days never end. The Swedish solstice - Midsummer - is celebrated since pagan days. Most people go to the countryside and eat typical Swedish food such as dark sourdough bread herring salmon meatballs - the smorgasbord - and then a juicy piece of strawberry cake with whipped cream.

Swedish Midsummer in New York is in Battery Park and - I do have to say - is a recommendation for next year. Either come early to avoid lines to delicious Swedish food - or bring your own picknick put together by Swedish friends. Even bottles are allowed. The New York Park Department is organising the event in close cooperation with The Swedish Consulate and Swedish sponsors.
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FINANCIAL DISTRICT Battery Park
Friday between 19th-25th of June.

Free Williamsburg

2008-06-20T14:10:00.004-04:00

To get myself around New York I use a lot of different guides - as you can see among the links. Only favourites make it to my list - and Free Williamsburg is the latest add. Great info on restaurants and bars in a perfect strolling area. I especially like the cool background on the website - and therefore borrowed some dots.

Acqua Santa

2008-06-19T23:30:00.002-04:00

Acqua Santa is a cosy Williamsburg spot. Good pizza and pasta - don't hesitate to try the beet gnocchi. Most of all I like the interior and atmosphere - very homie. Staff is nice and friendly and the owner quite something. Go see! E per favore - parli in italiano con lui. Winebar will open soon.
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WILLIAMSBURG 556 Driggs Ave Corner of North 7th Street
mon-thu noon-11pm fri noon-midnight sat 11am-midnight sun 11am-11pm

The perfect strolling route

2008-06-18T23:43:00.005-04:00

Some of my friends are visiting from Sweden and I am so happy they understand what New York is all about. Strolling. Today we took a stroll from Union Square via a coffee at the undercover Starbucks at Washington Square Park and down south to Prince Street. Prince to Broadway and a couple of streets down Broadway. It doesn't have to be more difficult than that. Supercute and supernice. On my way home cross China Town and up to Alphabet City I had this beautiful view at Houston and Essex. Looks lite Cuba to me. Gotta love.

IKEA Brooklyn opens Wednesday

2008-06-16T22:08:00.014-04:00

IKEA will have its grand opening in Brooklyn Wednesday morning.

Actually I took this pic without any thoughts of the opening. Passed a huge IKEA ad at 4 am Saturday morning. When I sat down on the sidewalk for a closeup of the logo - some kids laughed and yelled IKEA all over the street. What I love about the photo is the haze - accentuated by the sharp orange spots that are actual street lamps.
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BROOKLYN 1 Beard Street
Open 9am Wednesday June 18 | thereafter 10am-10pm every day

Beautiful New York pieces

2008-06-15T21:48:00.014-04:00

Slipped into Fishs Eddy porcelain shop only minutes before the thunder storm yesterday. The sticky heat outdoors was transformed into a warm and nice homie feeling indoors. Now I know where everyone buys supercute Manhattan cups. Not to mention I fell in love with the Brooklyn bowls. Super nice staff dressed in Manhattan tees. Basically the perfect place to buy classy New York stuff. And enjoy the oil canvas portraits on the walls. - fortunately not for sale.
One can even stay at home and buy online.
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FLATIRON 889 Broadway at corner of 19th Street
mon 10am-9pm tue-sat 9am-9pm sun 10am-8pm

European soccer in New York

2008-06-14T18:49:00.004-04:00

Simply love soccer. So no choice but to see the Euro2008. The last game I tried to watch indie-style on a Chinese bar down-town. Bad idea. Reluctantly I decided to try the Tonic Bar although I saw it as a tad cheesy. But I was wrong. It is actually the perfect place for a soccer game. Decent food - efficient staff - a variety of beers - large screens - A/C - english-speaking speakers (yes in my part of the city they are spanish-speaking). Organised by the International Swede.
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MIDTOWN 727 7th Ave between 48 and 49
Sweden-Russia Wednesday 2.45 pm. Be early for good seating.

Organic Avenue B

2008-06-13T18:35:00.005-04:00

Another perfect spot on Ave B is Back Forty. Not only do they have delicious food and supernice staff - which is kinda mandatory to make it to strolling - they are also green. Or at least as green as one can be in the middle of New York. Most of the food is bought at the Farmer's Market on Union Square only a few blocks away. And still affordable prices. Also note that the owner owns Savoy in SoHo.
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ALPHABET CITY 190 Ave B between 12 and 13
mon-thu 6pm-11pm fri-sat 6pm-midnight sun also brunch

Escapade

2008-06-12T22:37:00.006-04:00

Just love those stairs. Good for escape good for anyone being locked out good for parties. And quite graphic at the Manhattan scene.

A disappointing heaven

2008-06-10T22:05:00.006-04:00

House and clubbing in New York seems like a long gone fairy tale. Last summer a friend of mine insisted I should go to Cielo as "the best commercial club for house". It took me a year but Friday I went. Well. Seamus Haji was playing and he wasn't bad. But no one was dancing. The club was rather empty and mostly men. Bathroom supernice and bouncers supersweet. But no. Don't go there a Friday unless your favourite DJ is playing. Weekdays may work tho.
BONUS The best song played was... PJANOO. Of course. Swedish.
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NOHO 18 Little West 12th Street
open all days - check calender for dj

New York Communication System

2008-06-09T22:20:00.008-04:00

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Gotta love all those New York signs and messages. Especially the varieties of keep-your-voice-down. This one being a favourite.

Avenue B for dining

2008-06-08T23:01:00.007-04:00

There will be a series of B recommendations from now on. As I couldn't go very far for some weeks I explored my own neighborhood. Rue B is a classy yet homie spot with superb food and great service. Dinner offers asparagus artichoke prusciotto olives mozarella and brunch includes delicious pancakes with strawberries or classical salmon bagels. Share one foodie and one sweetie - cause the portions are generous. Best part is walking through the kitchen to find the outdoor seats. Tiny and funky.
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ALPHABET CITY 188 Ave B between 11 and 12
weekdays 4pm-4am weekends 11am-4am [happy hour weekdays]

Dashing SoHo spot

2008-06-07T20:20:00.007-04:00

Barmarché is a SoHo oasis I found last fall. Yesterday I took a friend for a salad before clubbing. Oh my gosh. The service is brilliant. Brilliant. Food is great and prices affordable. And a classy interior.
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SOHO 14 Spring Street at the corner of Elizabeth

Parking lot

2008-06-07T20:16:00.000-04:00

Soulgasm for decent weekday house

2008-06-05T02:46:00.005-04:00

Just before I was going to bed - a friend called me and asked if I wanted to join for Soulgasm at Sin Sin. As he knows all the funky spots I got dressed. Some two hours I enjoyed really good house at the first floor and a beer at the second. The photos delude - the place is all but glamorous. But the music was great. And the very best part was the relaxed crowd. No one mentioned I was the only blondie - and people actually DANCED. Wednesdays for house.
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EAST VILLAGE 85 Second Ave actually on 5th street
open all days - but house on wednesdays

Stonehenge at Manhattan

2008-06-04T23:57:00.001-04:00

On our way from Upper East to Alphabet City Sunday evening this beautiful sight met us at every single intersection. When I stopped for a picture a young man told us it was like the Solstice at Stonehenge. The Sun shines straight through all the streets of Manhattan.
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EAST MIDTOWN 42nd Street and Second Ave

Epitaph for George Dillon

2008-06-03T23:52:00.002-04:00

Tonight I went to 45th Street Theatre to see a friends friend play. No expectations whatsoever. A tiny intimate theatre. And I have to say it was really good. Low key yes. But good. Especially the second act - where some quite thoughtful dialogues got me thinking. About stereotypes and cliches. Noncurious people. Artsyness really being nothing but religiousness. Worth seeing for the colorful setup only.
And thanks to Paloma Pigeon I found the official website.
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HELL'S KITCHEN 354 West 45th Street btw Ave 8 and 9
call 212 613 6328 for hours dates and prices

Lifesavers

2008-06-03T13:04:00.007-04:00

All my apologies for letting go of this site for three weeks. Monday the 13th I experienced my first bike accident and it turned out pretty bad. A cab driver suddenly and absolutely unexpectedly opened his door when I passed by on my bike. It was all his fault and I had no chance whatsoever predicting the situation. The edge of the door cut into my foot and suddenly I had a wound to broad to even stitch.

The process of being injured in another country taught me a lot of things. First of all I realised that the American health care isn't as bad or expensive as the rumours say. Quite the contrary. I went to Beth Israel at 34th street and was x-rayed and taken care of so well it exceeded all my experiences in Sweden. I also realised the worst part was neither the accident nor the cut - but the fact I got handicapped in New York and couldn't walk - at all - for ten days. My experiences of being different in Alphabet City got a whole new aspect.

Last but not least - I once again fell in love with my bike - that has taken me everywhere I couldn't walk. Slowly I have recovered and now I can walk pretty much as before. It will probably take yet another week or two before I am fully recovered tho. Yesterday I had my first bike across the bridges and it was fine - part from muscles and foot being a bit sore today.
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LOWER MIDTOWN 55 East 34th Street between Park and Madison
monday-friday 9-5

Supercute and supercheap

2008-05-16T18:07:00.009-04:00

Everyone coming to New York keeps talking about SoHo and 5th Ave and Century 21. Well. Loads of tourists and cheap clothes sold for dear dollars. Personally I prefer the outskirt vintage shops - the shadier streets of China Town - and the random shops. As Joyce Leslie. Looks cheap in more than one way - but given a second chance it reveals a basement filled with supercute dresses. Did I say supercute. Supercute. $10-20. Also check out the customers for inspiration. Staff can't be blamed for being friendly but are on the other hand not rude. Oh and the dressing rooms are not for the shy.
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NoHo 20 University Place at the corner of 8th
10am-9pm all days but sunday 11am-8pm

Funky Brazilian sushi

2008-05-13T22:07:00.008-04:00

Another one of my favorites is the Shiki Kitchen. Japanese sushi with a Brazilian twist such as added banana or mango. If one likes fruit-in-food - like me - this is the place to go. Absolutely delicious. Not to mention the sprinkled tempura crackers on top. Keep an eye on the beer tho - Sapporo tastes great but half a liter is a bit much for one plate of Monday sushi. Last but not least - the ceiling is filled with highly creative paper art made by the the very cool chef.
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EAST VILLAGE 135 1st Ave between St. Marks and 9th
mon-thu 3.00 pm - midnight fri-sun 1.30 pm - midnight

Spend an afternoon behind the tables

2008-05-11T20:29:00.009-04:00

Being in New York and loving music - one can't miss out on the Scratch DJ Academy. Today was my first of six classes - and I will def use my full access to the turntables during these six weeks. For the someone who is not staying that long - book a one-to-one session. The place is so funky and the staff and teachers so nice. Superpro website and a nice voice in the other end if you need to call.
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WEST VILLAGE 434 6th Ave between 9th and 10th
check the website for schedules and classes

Always have a refuge

2008-05-10T02:42:00.006-04:00

My best recommendation ever is to have a plan b. Anywhere you go - make sure to have another place nearby. For instance. If you would ever try out Café Habana - because you have heard so much good about it - and by chance the wait is over an hour, the waitress is really rude and someone places a dirty dishcloth by your not-finished drink seconds before you are asked to leave. Just cross the street to fabulous BarBossa instead. As simple as that.

Bibimbap

2008-05-08T23:26:00.004-04:00

Some ten years ago I lived in Beijing to study Chinese. Most of my friends were korean and we always had the most delicious korean food just outside of campus. In Sweden there are barely no korean restaurants at all - so here i New York I just eat as much and often as I can. There are quite a few nice spots in my hood but Snacky in Williamsburg makes it to strolling because of its nice prices late hours and red hot walls. And friendly staff of course.
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WILLIAMSBURG 187 Grand St at Beford
6pm-1am all week and fri-sat until 3 am

Beauty beyond beautiful

2008-05-07T19:12:00.007-04:00

On my way to pick up Huffy at Spring Street I passed Face Stockholm today. Naturally I slowed my steps down and decided to have a quick look. And maybe some red blusher. Immediately I found the glittery powdery eyeshadows and - of course - my favourite green shining the brightest. Only seconds later I saw the beautiful magazine and fell in love. This is a genuine all thought-through business - perfect for balanced and beautiful makeup and also good recommendations from knowing and friendly staff. Beauty as an art rather than make up.
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SOHO 110 Prince Street in the corner of Greene Street

The cheapest coolest books ever

2008-05-06T22:37:00.006-04:00

A friend of mine took me to his hours-spent favourite bookstore Housing Works Bookstore Cafe. And instantly I understood why. Spacious with quite a few tables wifi and a café. Superfriendly staff. Prices are fab as the books are either used or advance uncorrected proofs. And best of all - a whole shelf with brand new interesting literature on society and international politics. Along the balcony - serving as the second floor - there is another kind of selection. Gotta love this wedding book by Martha Stewart tho.
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SOHO 126 Crosby Street just south of Houston
mon-fri 10am-9pm weekend noon-7pm

Clean and simple

2008-05-05T19:35:00.007-04:00

On my way for take out I passed Reciprocal skateboards. On my way back I passed again. And after my late lunch I returned. I just had to buy one. Strolling by foot and bike just isn't enough. But I guess it'll take me a while to figure the whole thing out. Even though you won't buy - step in for the neat shop and friendly atmosphere. And a Vice.
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EAST VILLAGE 402 E 11th St between Ave 1 and A
all days 1-7 except sun 1-5 and tuesdays closed

In another part of the city

2008-05-04T04:25:00.006-04:00

Usually I go against red - when biking - but this time I had to stop. At 5th Avenue. Too much hustle to even try. As I stood there I had a look around and I have to say this city is highly photogenic.
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MIDTOWN 1 East 29th St at 5th Ave

Actually a spacious restaurant in East village

2008-05-03T08:44:00.005-04:00

Yesterday me and some friends had a late dinner at The Smith. A spacious cheap nice and friendly restaurant with beautiful photos on the walls. And very tasty burgers. Actually I learnt that the brunch always come with free drinks on Sundays and a burger and a beer cost some very cheap dollars - maybe 12 or 16 - in Sunday evenings. So for sure - this is a place for regular visits.
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EAST VILLAGE 55 Third Avenue between 10th and 11th
10am till midnight weekends a bit later

The Bourgeois Pig might be the best name ever

2008-05-02T23:56:00.001-04:00

The Bourgeois Pig is exactly as unexpected as its name. And funky. A fascinating red and dark mix of David Lynch, Delicatessen and the Vampire Bar in Florence - yet neat with sweet staff and comfy chairs. Actually this is the place I am always looking for without ever finding. Good to know tho - this is a wine and beer place. With chocolate fondues and desserts. No dinner no tonics no burgers.
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EAST VILLAGE 122 E 7th St between Ave A and 1st
sun-thu 3pm-2am and fri-sat 3pm-4am

Biking the streets of New York

2008-05-01T11:30:00.014-04:00

No it's not the traffic. It's the streets. Seeing my bike people almost instantly ask me how I dare biking in this city. And then add - the cab drivers must be freaking you out. No not at all. Quite on the contrary cab drivers and bikers ride in symbiosis. No it's the streets. Filled with holes and bumps craving for attention. Part from that - biking is absolutely fab and in no way more dangerous than driving or walking. And the perfect way of commuting. Seeing so much more than a few subway stops and a couple of parks. All those streets and avenues connecting the main areas. And the small non-touristy homie parts.

Tiny and exotic Japanese

2008-04-29T11:45:00.007-04:00

Rai Rai Ken is a tiny Japanese bar well worth the visit. Eating by the bar just by the kitchen adds to the exotic Japanese interior. Fourteen seats only. Tasty and cheap. And in my favourite neighborhood.
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EAST VILLAGE 214 East 10th street between ave A and 1
mon-sat 12pm-2.30am sun 12pm-11.30pm

My favourite China Town spot

2008-04-27T23:49:00.005-04:00

In the wild huckstery at Canal Street I have found this little oasis. The Pashmina Mall is calm and quiet and filled with beautiful pashminas of all colors and qualities. And supernice staff who patiently listens to my Chinese and answers as if I actually speak it well. Absolutely adorable. A bit tricky to find tho. On the north side of the Canal Street some 10 shops from the corner of Lafayette. A huge sign with Chinese lanterns says Pashmina Mall. It is at the very right hand end of the long corridor into the building.
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CHINA TOWN 265 Canal Street by the Lafayette intersection
10.00 am - 7.00 pm

The East River traffic

2008-04-27T21:49:00.003-04:00

My feelings for the East River Walk are mixed. The idea of having a walk just by the water is brilliant. And the benches and rails and pavings are super. But the heavy traffic from the East River Drive is absolutely awful. And just as close as the water. So I highly recommend an ipod for this trip. Running from 32nd street down to just below the Williamsburg bridge and back is really nice. Lot of happenings to pass. Not to mention this beautiful sea traffic.
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EAST VILLAGE 36th to the Williamsburg Bridge

Afternoon in Washington Square Park

2008-04-26T13:27:00.004-04:00

My stroll in Washington Square Park yesterday reminded me of one of my snapshots about a month ago. A quick glance made me presume this was a young student studying at NYU but dreaming of Columbia Harvard or Yale. In every detail fullfilling all the necessary criteria of the classical image of an intellectual student. From the neat sailor shoes and discrete pullover to the newly bought briefcase and the mandatory glasses. With a pipe as a distinct trade mark.

No strolling in the parks for now

2008-04-25T19:34:00.001-04:00

There used to be this very nice axe between Union Square Park and Washington Square Park. A brief outdoor lunch at the former and a coffee at the latter. Very happening. But right now - with major refurbishing projects in both parks - I suggest lunching and coffeeing elsewhere. Hopefully the parks will come out astonishingly beautiful in the near future - with these pink blooming trees allover.

For the B-boy lovers

2008-04-24T12:22:00.007-04:00

I do recommend a pitch stop at The Sunshine Cinema to see Planet B-boy. Fun touching and interesting about hiphop culture and the world championship of break dance. At times the film felt just a little bit too long, but the music and the moves made it so very worth it. Especially loved the french blondie and his insightful mom.
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LOWER EAST SIDE 143 E Houston between 1st and 2nd Ave
check homepage for the hours

The Sunshine Cinema

2008-04-23T23:55:00.001-04:00

The Sunshine Cinema at Lower East Side is not very crowded now the warm sunny spring is here. Which makes it even better as a warm and soft closing of a day in the sun. Independent movies and supernice staff. Perfect location between American Apparel and the Wholefoods. Supernice bars in the area.
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LOWER EAST SIDE 143 E Houston between 1st and 2nd Ave
11.00 am - 10.15 pm weekdays - supercool films weekend midnights

Living at the age of extinction. Or restoration..?

2008-04-22T21:08:00.010-04:00

Black & White Gallery's current exhibition is tiny and supercool Law of the Land by Kim Holleman. The paintings were not my cup of tea - but instantly I fell in love with the apocalyptic turntables and the bouncy remote control toy cars. Not to mention the open trailer with plants outside the front door. At the back yard, visitors may add plastic bags to interact with the piece of art. Supernice staff who encouraged both carplaying and photoshooting. Gotta love that..!
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WILLIAMSBURG 483 Driggs Avenue between 9th and 10th
friday-sunday 12 pm-6 pm until May 25th

For all those bridgelovers

2008-04-21T21:22:00.010-04:00

At Memorial Day there will be some serious strolling across the bridges of New York. Burn Some Dust is organizing a walk across some 20 bridges within one day. Starting off early in New Jersey - ending at nighttime across the Brooklyn Bridge. Not to mention they give training walks [beautifully maped] and keep track on Face. Both the maps and earlier project NYC Trek give inspiration on where to stroll.
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THE FIVE BOROUGHS
Memorial Day 24th of May 2008 07.30 am in New Jersey

Artsy New York

2008-04-20T01:56:00.000-04:00

The beauty of New York is all the tense creativity. Everyone knows someone. Who is an artist designer photographer painter writer. The best part of being here is to actually meet all these people. Today I went to see Nonnie Moore's paintings since decades. The first one from 1960 all dark and the very last one from this year all yellow and pink - were my favourites. But what captured me the most were her scetches and scrap books. A whole life wrapped up in a few strokes.

Superfriendly Gitane

2008-04-19T23:35:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I am amazed by the smallest things. Like the combination of efficiency and friendliness. The huge crowd outside Café Gitane made me hesitate today - when this suprisingly calm girl noted me for the list - gave me the exact time for return - and smiled. I took a stroll along Mott street and came back a little late. Again - she smiles and shows me the notebook with my name and a big question mark. Oh I had the perfect spot for you and you were gone. Indeed. Maybe a bit loud but tasty and friendly. French-Maroccan. And affordable.
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NOLITA 242 Mott Street at the corner of Prince
9 am till midnight

Estimate your New York moves

2008-04-19T12:42:00.005-04:00

Use the Google Map Distance Calculator if you are curious on the distance of your walkings and bikings. This brief stop at the library and a dinner in Brooklyn was 18 km [12 miles] and took less than an hour biking. A decent evening stroll.