City Love: Meandering Through Paris

Posted on January 13, 2015 by
Blue skies over Place de la République. Photo: Craig Nelson

Blue skies over Place de la République, where people came together after the attacks on January 7.

I was lucky enough to visit Paris near the end of last year. It was only my fourth time in the City of Light, but somehow I always feel at home there. My French is horrible, but that doesn’t stop me from roaming the streets, getting  a little lost and seeing what I stumble across. This trip included tasty crepes at Marché des Enfants Rouges, an evening with new friends at La Belle Hortense (a cozy wine bar/bookshop) and a catching a film at the old-school cinema Le Desperado. A few times I even shut off my iPhone and left my map at the hotel to see where I would end up. Exploring with no plan at all, I managed to wander through a Julie Delpy film shoot near Place de la République and a Karl Lagerfeld-Gisele photo session in the Latin Quarter…on the same day!

Just like in New York, walking through the city streets of Paris gives you a feeling of being truly alive. The urban energy, the architecture, the food and wine, it’s all perfect. I’ve been meaning to put up my photos since I came back, and with the horrible events of last week, it seems like the right time to share my love of Paris.

Biking along Rue de Archives. Photo: Craig Nelson

Parisians biking and walking along Rue de Archives. Photo: Craig Nelson

A hotel room with a view. Photo: Craig Nelson

My room with a view from Hotel Tiquetonne. Photo: Craig Nelson

Strolling around the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood. Photo: Craig Nelson

Strolling around the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood. Photo: Craig Nelson

Rue Tiquetonne

Rue Tiquetonne.

Porte Saint Denis

Porte Saint Denis

The chimneys of Paris. Photo: Craig Nelson

The chimneys of Paris. Photo: Craig Nelson

Best public transport signage in the world. Photo: Craig Nelson

Best public transport signage in the world. Photo: Craig Nelson

Looking up at Sacre Couer. Photo: Craig Nelson

Looking up at Sacre Couer. Photo: Craig Nelson

The beautiful Gare Du Nord. Photo: Craig Nelson

The beautiful Gare Du Nord. Photo: Craig Nelson

Sacre Couer Steps

Navigating the steep Sacre Couer steps.

Clouds over Paris

Clouds over Paris.

 

Hanging out along the Seine at night. Photo: Craig Nelson

Hanging out along the Seine at night. Photo: Craig Nelson

Rue de Lancry. Photo: Craig Nelson

Rue de Lancry. Photo: Craig Nelson

The city sprawling out from Sacre Coeur. Photo: Craig Nelson

The city sprawling out from Sacre Coeur. Photo: Craig Nelson

Paris Graffiti.

Paris Graffiti.

Paris Street

Classic Paris streetscape.

 

True "love" in Paris. Photo: Craig Nelson

True “love” in Paris. Photo: Craig Nelson

Canal Saint-Martin from a pedestrian bridge. Photo: Craig Nelson

Looking at Canal Saint-Martin from a pedestrian bridge. Photo: Craig Nelson

Notre Dame at night. Photo: Craig Nelson

Notre Dame at night. Photo: Craig Nelson

Sun breaking through on the Eiffel Tower. Photo: Craig Nelson

Sun breaking through over the Eiffel Tower. Photo: Craig Nelson

Posted in Road Trippin' | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Holiday Cheer Along The Harlem Meer

Posted on December 18, 2014 by
The Harlem Meer all lit up for the holidays.

The Harlem Meer all lit up for the holidays. Photo: Craig Nelson

Everyone knows about the charms of Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall at Christmas time, especially the famous spruce that attracts millions of onlookers. But did you know New York City is also home to a “floating” Christmas tree? Not many people make it up to the north section of Central Park, but if you venture to the Harlem Meer  after the sun goes down, you’ll find a festive holiday landscape without the crowds. In early December the park strings up lights on the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center and decorates a tree to place it out in the middle of the water. It’s actually multiple trees (17 to be exact) tied together to give it a heftier effect. If the temperatures aren’t too cold, there are plenty of benches to relax on. It all makes for a lovely scene that feels so peaceful, it’s hard to believe you’re in the middle of the city with Fifth Avenue and 110th Street just a few feet away!

The floating tree reflecting off the meer. Photo: Craig Nelson

The floating tree reflecting off the meer. Photo: Craig Nelson

The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. Photo: Craig Nelson

The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. Photo: Craig Nelson

Harlem Meer 7

Another peaceful evening in December along the Harlem Meer. Photo: Craig Nelson

Posted in East Harlem Life | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Graffiti Hall of Fame: Welcome to H-A-R-L-E-M

Posted on September 18, 2014 by

Harlem_Wall

One of the highlights of living in East Harlem is all of the street art on view, and I always look forward to walking by The Graffiti Hall of Fame (at 106th and Park) on the way to Central Park. The murals change a few times a year, and recently over Labor Day weekend, a new batch of freshly painted graffiti went up. The art is always mind-blowing, but this time the TatsCru captured a slice of the neighborhood across an entire wall in a totally unique way. Here’s an up-close look at each letter.

Harlem_H
Harlem_A
Harlem_R
Harlem_L
Harlem_E
Harlem_M

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Beats For Your Week – Bobby Womack

Posted on June 28, 2014 by

We here at Across 106th Street have to show our respect and love for the great Bobby Womack who died on Friday, June 27, 2014. We hope that Womack knew how much his music meant to so many people around the world, including these two 106thstreeters who loved the music so much it inspired the name for this blog. Though 110th Street may not be such a hell of a tester these days, it remains one of main arteries pulsing through the heart of East Harlem. And as always in New York City, you’ve still got to be strong if you want to survive. Live on Bobby Womack.

 

 

 

 

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Di Fara: The Pizza Served in Heaven (or at least Midwood)

Posted on June 9, 2014 by
The first pie out of the oven the day we visited. Craig Nelson, 2014.

Pizza perfection: The first pie out of the oven on the day we visited Di Fara. Craig Nelson, 2014.

If you know anything about pizza or New York, then you’ve heard of Di Fara Pizza. Located way out on Avenue J, it’s a trek for those without a car coming from Manhattan. The line is always ridiculous with waits of up to two hours, and a whole pie will set you back a hefty $28. So why I am even writing these words? Because, if you’ve never been, you’re missing out on one of the best culinary adventures in the city. Take a sick day, rent a car, bring along a few hungry (and very patient) friends…do whatever you have to do to make a visit to this temple of pizza at least once.

The thing about Di Fara that makes it so special, is that Dom DeMarco (the owner and chef) has been making pizza the same way since the 1960s. Other than the price, he didn’t change anything once the massive amounts of press started to arrive declaring his spot one of the best pies on the planet. He still carefully crafts each pie by hand and never rushes his technique. It can be painfully slow to observe him at work. Or a completely transforming religious experience depending on your viewpoint. You can guess which camp I fall into. And that’s the beauty of being there in person to witness Dom perform his magic. In today’s world, where so many food experiences are now perfectly manicured at an ever quickening pace, Dom just keeps it old-school so that every pizza is a unique work of art. Case in point: he pulls the pizzas out of the oven with his bare hands and cuts fresh basil over every fresh-out-of-the-oven pie for a final, perfect touch. It’s not a magic trick or a show. It’s just what he does, and no one does it better.

A beacon for pizza lovers around the world. Craig Nelson, 2014.

A beacon for pizza lovers around the world. Craig Nelson, 2014.

The same ovens have been in used since Di Fara first opened their doors. Craig Nelson, 2014.

The same ovens have been in use since Di Fara first opened their doors. Craig Nelson, 2014.

Even the working pizza station is a thing of beauty and looks preserved from a museum. Craig Nelson, 2014.

Even the working pizza station is a thing of beauty and looks likes a museum exhibit. Craig Nelson, 2014.

The pizza master, Dom De Marco, at work next to a painting of him at work. Craig Nelson, 2014.

The pizza master, Dom DeMarco, making a pizza next to a painting of him at work. Craig Nelson, 2014.

Pizza perfection topped with fresh cut basil and a savory blend of cheeses. Craig Nelson, 2014.

A classic pie topped with fresh cut basil and a savory blend of four cheeses. Craig Nelson, 2014.

For all things Di Fara, check out this great post from the pizza blog Slice. Or watch this great film from 2010:

The Best Thing I Ever Done from M Emily MacKenzie on Vimeo.

Posted in Eat, Drink & Be Merry | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Bagels: A Bite of New York City History

Posted on March 8, 2014 by
Bagels galore fresh out of the oven at Absolute on the Upper West Side. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Bagels galore fresh out of the oven at Absolute on the Upper West Side. Craig Nelson, 2013.

It’s a debate that never ends: Who makes the best bagels in New York City? Everyone has their favorite, but opinions can get heated. But that’s the fun of the New York bagel obsession. Although it’s getting harder and harder to find top quality bagel shops, I recently researched and wrote a roundup article for NewYork.com called “The 16 Best New York City Bagels and What Makes ‘Em So Good.”  It was a fun assignment where I was able to dive deep into the history of the bagel, how they are made, and best of all, put the challenge to the ultimate test–what is the best tasting bagel in the city. Although, it’s hard to choose an ultimate favorite, right now I’m on an Absolute Bagels and Ess-a-Bagel kick. But that could change at any second. What are your favorite spots to pick up a bagel?

Enjoying an Absolute Bagels morning snack in Riverside Park. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Enjoying an Absolute Bagels morning snack in Riverside Park. Craig Nelson, 2013.

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A Snowy Tree Grows in East Harlem

Posted on February 7, 2014 by
A snowy tree transforms a normal block into a thing of beauty. Craig Nelson, 2014.

A snowy tree transforms a normal block into a thing of beauty. Craig Nelson, 2014.

When you’ve lived in a neighborhood for several years, you start to really notice the small details–a colorful doorway, a stunning mural, a flower in a window, the friendly octogerian guy sweeping the sidewalk. But sometimes it takes a jolt in the norm to bring to life some things you’ve never noticed. This happened this week with the snowstorm that swept through. It was nothing compared to ThunderSnow a few years back, but the powder was damp, and it clung to everything it came in contact with, including all of the trees in East Harlem. I had walked by many of these trees around Lexington Avenue hundreds, if not thousands, of times, yet I never noticed how big or even beautiful they could be. Living in the city, you tend to inhale nature in places like Central Park and leave more leafy scenes to blocks in Park Slope or the Upper West Side. East Harlem, you have surprised me again.

Tree 2Tree 3Tree 4Tree 5

Posted in East Harlem Life | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Frozen Tunnels: Metro-North Viaduct Icicles

Posted on January 2, 2014 by
The "No Standing" sign offers good advice when the icicles start to melt. C. Nelson, 2014.

A winter scene at East 106th Street & Park Avenue. C. Nelson, 2014.

Winter in the city creates all sorts of challenges from slippery black ice to chilly waits for the bus. But the invigorating cold air also brings out a special beauty in New York that you won’t experience any other time of year. (Just watch this stunning video to get a glimpse.) Along the Metro-North viaduct, running through the heart of East Harlem, freezing temps bring another reality of winter: giant icicles hanging from the walls. Metro-North chugs along underground in the Park Avenue Tunnel until it hits 97th Street, where it rushes out onto elevated tracks up to 125th Street and beyond. The stone viaduct with handcrafted masonry has pedestrian and automobile passageways that drip moisture in the warmer months and freeze up come winter. When the temperatures drop again and the ice daggers start to melt, walking through is a beautiful and dangerous experience. Don’t linger too long!

A winter scene at 106th & Park. Craig Nelson, 2014.

Beautiful and a little dangerous. Craig Nelson, 2014.

Some of the icicles measure several feet long. Craig Nelson, 2014.

Some icicles measure several feet long. Craig Nelson, 2014.

Don't linger too long! Craig Nelson, 2014.

Don’t linger too long! Craig Nelson, 2014.

"No Standing" sign is good advice. Craig Nelson, 2014.

The “No Standing” sign is good advice. Craig Nelson, 2014.

Posted in East Harlem Life | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Behind the Scenes at Radio City Music Hall

Posted on December 17, 2013 by
The famous state at Radio City Music Hall. C. Nelson, 2013.

The famous stage at Radio City Music Hall. C. Nelson, 2013.

The talented Rockettes might be the main attraction at Radio City Music Hall during the holidays, but the space itself is a true wonder. Stunning Art Deco details are everywhere you look, and just walking into the dramatic lobby can take your breath away. The first thing you’ll see is a gigantic 35-foot Christmas tree chandelier made out of Swarovski crystal. But don’t forget to look down at the intricate carpet detailing, the “Fountain of Youth” mural by Ezra Winter on the stairway, and the classic signage above the doors. If you want to see the highlights without the crowds, take the Stage Door Tour. An expert guide will fill you in on the storied history of the building as you tour the beautiful men’s and women’s lounges and watch the performers warming up on stage. Oh yeah, you also get to meet a real-life Rockette in person. There are no high kicks involved, but you can ask a few questions to get a sense of what life is like as a famous New York icon. That’s worth the price of admission alone.

Want to enjoy other unique experiences in New York City? Take a tour with Bowery Boys Walks to explore NoHo, Central Park, Broadway, and other spots in the Big Apple.

The holiday Swarovski crystal chandelier tree in the lobby. C. Nelson, 2013.

The holiday Swarovski crystal chandelier tree. C. Nelson, 2013.

Ezra Winter's stunning "Fountain of Youth" mural in the lobby. C. Nelson, 2013.

Ezra Winter’s stunning “Fountain of Youth” mural along the staircase. C. Nelson, 2013.

The beautiful walls of the concert hall. C. Nelson, 2013.

The beautiful walls of the concert hall. C. Nelson, 2013.

Men's lounge. C. Nelson, 2013.

Men’s lounge. C. Nelson, 2013.

Art Deco signage. C. Nelson, 2013.

Art Deco signage. C. Nelson, 2013.

Lounge area. C. Nelson, 2013.

Lounge area. C. Nelson, 2013.

Gentlemen's lounge. C. Nelson, 2013.

Gentlemen’s lounge. C. Nelson, 2013.

Ladies' lounge. C. Nelson, 2013.

Ladies’ lounge. C. Nelson, 2013.

The lobby decked out for the holidays. C. Nelson, 2013.

The lobby decked out for the holidays. C. Nelson, 2013.

Rockettes costumes from the archives. C. Nelson, 2013.

Rockettes costumes from the archives. C. Nelson, 2013.

Rockettes outfits on display. C. Nelson, 2013.

Rockettes outfits on display. C. Nelson, 2013.

The famous marquee. C. Nelson, 2013.

The famous marquee. C. Nelson, 2013.

Posted in Exploring New York City | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Fenway – Sacred Ground Since 1912

Posted on October 16, 2013 by
Pre-game view from standing room section. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Pre-game view from the standing room section. Craig Nelson, 2013.

“Fenway is the essence of baseball.”  -Tom Seaver, Hall of Fame Pitcher

After a long break, I finally got back to Fenway Park this season. During high school and college summers, it was practically a weekly religious experience for me. Jump on the T, walk through Kenmore Square, and grab a bag of peanuts on the way in. Fenway could get pretty wild back in those days, and tickets were cheap and plentiful. Front row bleacher seats to see Roger Clemens strike everyone out for $6? Yes, please. But slowly the experience grew distant for me, thanks to a new life away from Boston, combined with the scarcity and meteoric rise in ticket prices over the last ten years.

Not that I’m complaining, because Fenway was almost lost. Can you believe in the 1990s there was constant talk about tearing it down? It could have easily ended up like Comiskey Park in Chicago or Tiger Stadium in Detroit. Gone forever. At first I thought it was some sort of cosmic joke, but after seeing the old Boston Garden replaced with a soulless arena that could have plunked down in Anytown, USA, I was worried. Luckily, a group came along to help change the discussion–Save Fenway Park. This grassroots effort really helped get the ball rolling on changing the conversation, and I joined the cause with what was probably my first ever donation to a non-profit group. And thanks to new ownership that tapped into the enormous value of a preserved Fenway, and fans that never gave up the dream, you can still stroll up the concourse ramp and see the beautiful Green Monster in all its glory. Amen.

The famous Citgo sign. Craig Nelson, 2013.

The famous Citgo sign. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Yawkey Way. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Yawkey Way. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Behind the net. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Behind the net. Craig Nelson, 2013.

The right field bleachers. Craig Nelson, 2013.

The right field bleachers. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Ichiro at bat. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Ichiro at bat. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Green Monster up close. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Green Monster up close. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Back Bay. Craig Nelson, 2013.

Back Bay. Craig Nelson, 2013.

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