9th Ave. Elevated, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin If you just need a pack of facial tissues and you’re late for an appointment, almost any one of a number of mini marts or chain store pharmacies will do. But, come to Thomas Drugs at 171 Columbus Avenue if you want to calmly chat with your...
9th Ave. Elevated, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin Alfred Gumbs came to New York City from St. Kitts about 40 years ago. He was a musician, a drummer looking for work. Looking back, he says, “Too few gigs to pay my rent. I sold my drums.” Alfred then followed a friend’s...
9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin Straight out of the pages of an illustrated storybook, Il Violino restaurant manager Daniel Vlasceanu has designed and constructed a charming forest cottage that pleases customers of all ages. He designed and constructed the shelter early in the...
9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin 304 Columbus is notably plain. There’s no sign of tremendous creativity housed within. But often it’s astonishing what happens beneath the surface of things. In this case, what happens within these brick walls is...
9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin Whether you marvel at a pillowcase’s smooth white crispness or admit you don’t know why, but you do nap more deliciously under an impossibly soft cashmere throw, the point is that some luxuries really do make daily life better. The...
9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin When Manny Colon took over the French restaurant (Bistro Cassis) at 225 Columbus Avenue where he had worked as General Manager for 17 years, he considered giving it a new French name. ‘But, my friends and longtime...
