9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin Whether nostalgia for the pre-gentrified Columbus Avenue of years ago tugs at your heart or if you’re just curious about the way it was, the shoemaker/ watch repair/ keymaker all under the name Express Shoe Repair at 549 Columbus Avenue,...
9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin Awesome doesn’t begin to describe the remarkable NYC Barber Shop Museum at 290 Columbus Avenue. Entering by way of a pair of red velvet roped brass stanchions, you feel you are about to encounter a special experience. Your...
9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin There’s no question that Silvya Silvany sets goals for herself and achieves them. She’s also open to adjusting and expanding her dreams and plans and taking on the education needed to achieve them as her experience sets her view...
9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin There are certainly many eyeglass shops on the Upper West Side. But the designs at Anne et Valentin are in a class of their own. Mathilde Brecy is the manager of the store at 248 Columbus Avenue that opened in March 2016. Started about...
9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin Pioneer Supermarket at 289 Columbus Avenue goes way back. And, Steve Vasilikos, a long-time partner of Lenny Franzblau the original owner, has been managing the store for 53 of the businesses’ 70+ years. Steve’s father immigrated...
9th Ave. Elevated, Columbus Avenue, Cultural Immigrant Initiative
By Claudie Benjamin It’s hard to imagine a more spectacular plum tart than the one Sami Baker has just produced. Many other fresh sweet and savory items are still on trays in a rack ready to go into the small, charming front room of the bakery. The...
