Classic Mom & Pop Deli Draws Regulars
By Claudie Benjamin “I was born in the building at the southwest corner of 75th Street and Columbus,” says Joe Aguilera owner of Giacomo Deli at 269 West 72nd Street, located just a few blocks from his home. ...
Morning Doorman at Historic Tower
Sammy Radoncic on duty at the Oliver Cromwell By Claudie Benjamin Less flamboyant and far more discreet than the Dakota across the street, the Oliver Cromwell at 12 West 72nd Street, has maintained its dignity throughout the decades. Sammy Radoncic, the Morning...
Expert Restoration of Theater Ensures Continued Iconic Status
By Claudie Benjamin It might seem that the transformation of the Beacon Theatre, a 1929 movie palace at 2124 Broadway into a 21st Century music venue was no big deal as both involved the presentation of entertainment. But, actually, there were monumental challenges...
An UWS Community’s Robust Commitment to Spiritual Needs and Social Responsibility
By Claudie Benjamin The West End Synagogue, at 190 Amsterdam Avenue, is distinctive in its commitment to combine traditional Jewish spirituality while addressing such immediate contemporary concerns like interpersonal relationships, the environment and antiracism,...
Digital Images & Volume Production: Upper West Side Copy Shop’s M.O.
By Claudie Benjamin Kunal Bose, owner of Upper West Side Copy shop on the 5th floor of 162 West 72nd Street, is proud that most of his employees have been with the business for 10 or 15 years. “We treat them well and they are loyal,...
Diamonds, Serpents, Cameos and More
By Claudie Benjamin Lara Kornbluh, owner of Icon Style at 104 West 70th Street, has years of experience and deep knowledge of the wide range of vintage jewelry she sells. That’s true also of the carefully curated garments that range from eyeglass frames to...
In his father’s footsteps on West 72nd Street
By Claudie Benjamin Pharmacist Shoukry Elfahawy came to New York from Cairo, Egypt in 1969 to make a better life for his family. Once earning the required NYS license, he acquired Bell Pharmacy in 1972, a business that was already established on the south side of...
Romance of an Eclectic Venue
By Claudie Benjamin Thursday Sugar Bar Open Mic nights have remained vibrant these past months. Undaunted by Covid challenges and restrictions, these exuberant sessions of talk, music and video clips have gained thousands of viewers via Facebook. Singer Songwriter...
