therealtamara

That long & winding Coffee Trail

Le Petit Parisien at 78th off 1st Avenue is the newest in a bunch of local French bistro.

It never ends; the quest for a good to great cup of Joe is a serious endeavor.

For me, it is also circumscribed these days by my near environs.

Le Petit Parisien offers all the basic requirements. It’s a pleasant [to the point of adorable] space. It is authentic without being too foreign. The food display is very appealing.

The cappuccino was delectable, although miniscule. Strong without any hint of bitter. Nicely presented and paired with a pirouette. I also like the 5″ baguette sandwiches which are crunchy, tasty and manageable.

This coffee at Le Petit Parisien compares favorably to my standby latte or cappuccino from Le Moulin a Café. The mini-baguette at Le Petit has a slight edge over Le Moulin’s version. It feels a touch more substantial and the baguette better replicates the longer version of same.

For your basic cup of coffee, I know I’ve praised my smoothie purveyor at Green Bean Cafe. I will again. Their policy is to brew a fresh pot every 30 minutes so be prepared for a small wait. A nice smooth brew will be your reward for patience.

Fall, on the river

River traffic on this beautifully vibrant day is a bonus; I am admiring the foliage on Roosevelt Island across the river.

Mostly the trees are turning yellow this year. Dark orange and reds make an occasional appearance but are generally missing from the landscape.

Whither?

New French (not to be mistaken for “nouvelle” pops up in our environs regularly. This one is Le Petit Parisien.

482 is followed by 418 on East 74th where the numbering has always puzzled me.

Suddenly there is lots of activity at the empty lot and its proximate neighbors.

Progress at the Episcopal Church on York Avenue at 74th Street

Early in the work schedule at 74th and York

Walking

The Samsung I use to record my trips through New York City has a Pro feature. I should remember to use it. It vastly improves the views!

From the bottom up: Along York by the Rockefeller Institute, then to Sutton Place and over onto First in the environs of the U.N. with a glimpse of Beekman Place

The 59th Street Bridge is romanticized in the foggy mists on this particular walk.

There’s Tennis under the bridge. Oh, I almost forgot this stalwart was here.

Beekman Towers beckons with a 360° view at the top although the dug-up sidewalk on the 1st Avenue front is a bit off putting.

Construction seems to accompany my little travels today. There is new access to the the East River Esplanade on Sutton Place South going up.

Somewhere along 1st Ave in the mid to low 50s I notice a plethora of flower shops. I had just passed one that closed but bingo here is a new one on the verge of a grand opening. Another opening catches my eye when Chez Les Frenchies, a small shop that originated on my home turf found its way to 50th and 1st.

Basement labyrinths

The extensive network of rooms and back alley in this landmarked complex has always intrigued.

Its history dates back to tenement and social reform.

More recently it is tied to the owners of the New York Post relinquishing the property because of its landmark restrictions.

City & Suburban is a vibrant block of apartments in the heart of a vibrant little neighborhood. Its neighbors include the other landmarked complex with a history dating back to the tenement reform movement, Cherokee Place.

The Round House

My favorite kickbox move is also the theme for these 81st Street bird sanctuaries.

These birdhouses in the round just cropped up recently.

October

Fall foliage and other views from the Asphalt Green windows add atmosphere to any workout.

The balcony

Ode to the balcony

You've got a place to hang. 
Or barbecue or share a drink.
It's in the open air but it's 
Ever so privately yours. To 
Enjoy quiet and friendship.
The snazzy is a real balcony
But we remember the peace
Of the fire escape as well.
Step out and grab a beer with
Pals and your honey. It's fresh
And cool out here, with a 
Different perspective than
You get sitting on your sofa.

We had a balcony, both together and separately. I know we enjoyed that little bit of outdoors. And each of us had a porch at one time; in a suburban or country setting, that’s being close to nature yet ..not. Neither of us ever had a fire escape so seeing folks use one as an extension of their living space stirs some envy. It looks to be freeing!

Private spaces

And they’re all underutilized

I didn’t have to travel far to take my survey of outdoor spaces that are decorative and sometimes decorated but not much used. Am I jealous? Yeah, wouldn’t it be grand to just have a sit in the quiet there?

This is from the Landmarks review of City & Suburban

Around a corner

Halloween snuck into this post. Sorry.