SightSPECIFICA new kind of guide book

Issue 1August 2014

TheLower East

Side

Contents4121516192024262832

Old & New

Food

Drinks

Art

Shows

Music

Shopping

Candids

Family

LES Playlist

EDITOR’SNote

Being new to an area can be a bit daunting. You want to experience all you can, but we don’t all have a concierge to consult, and a Yelp review from a disgruntled employee may lead you astray. The Sight Specific team has gone out and tested the waters for you. Our mission is to give you insight into a New York neighborhood you want to get to know better. We hope to offer a new perspective on all that’s worth seeing, doing, and eating in the city. For our premiere issue we’ve chosen to cover the Lower East Side. LES has a strong and complex history as an immigrant neighbor-hood, making the area very diverse. A ten-minute walk will take you from housing projects to a millionaire’s brownstone. We hope our first issue will push you to explore this underrated cultural gem.

Eshna Chandak Jordan Sternberg

Madison Jordan

Kira Harada-StoneMiles Brenninkmeijer

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SOMETHINGOLD

SOMETHING

BY ESHNA CHANDAK MILES BRENNINKMEIJER

In the midst of the organized chaos that is New York City, the Lower East Side, one of the city’s oldest neighbor-

hoods, is a democratic muddle of streets and allies. The names of the streets are as varied and colorful as the peo-ple who can be seen here, some of whom have lived here

for several decades.

New

4

&

Long-time residents find the changing

sociopolitical landscape detrimental to the

area’s historical charm, while new

residents and businesses find allure in the

neighborhoods changing façade.

It is a difficult task: to painstakingly

acknowledge the Lower East Side as it falls

prey to gentrification while striving to maintain

its archetypal demeanor; following the

footsteps of its predecessors of New York’s

once characteristically unique neighborhoods,

the Village and Soho. Though feelings

regarding the neighborhood’s metamorphosis

are seemingly mixed, we are unsurprised by

the fact its altering reality. New York

inhabitants have come to

accept the ever-changing landscape; a once

beloved hidden gem of a neighborhood

gradually becoming a newly designated

The core of the Lower East Side was once

two adjoining farms, the Delancey and

Rutgers estates. The estates were confiscated

after the American Revolution and became a

part of New York City.

Today the Lower East Side goes east from

Bowery, south of East Houston Street and

north of Canal Street. However, colloquially,

the term LES is loosely used to refer to

everything south of Houston.

The LES has long been considered an

immigrant neighborhood with a potpourri of

cultures and beliefs. However, despite their

differences they have been coexisting in

harmony for several decades.

Two things that identify the LES are its

disrepute for crime and its hotbed of talented

artists. The two share an interesting

relationship. When art flourished in the

neighborhood, the level of crime went down.

It rose again when the artists left the area due

to a variety of causes. This is one of the

reasons why the residents of the LES are

fighting tooth and nail to preserve

community centers and art galleries while

preventing newer bars and restaurants from

coming in.

Amidst the present gentrification and fight for

it’s historical preservation, we find the Lower

East Side in a time of communal

self-reflection. New residents and businesses

openly welcome the neighborhoods face-lift,

while veterans and community leaders strive

to maintain the Lower East Side’s antiquated

charm. The influx of upscale bars and

restaurants are prominent signs of the

neighborhood’s gentrification, instilling a

sense of fear in some and optimism in others.

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ChescaA resident of New York

for over ten years, Chesca started working at a salon

in the Lower East Side three years ago. She feels there

has been a huge change in terms of the gentrification of the neighborhood and the resident population.

Earlier there were primarily immigrants and artists, now

there are more students and young professionals;

in her words, “young adults whose parents’ are supporting them

financially.”

The mid-nineteenth century marks the beginning of the Lower East Side’s historical identity as animmigrant neighborhood

1846 - 1848

1850

Construction of tenements in order to house the rising German immigrant population

The Lower East Sideis included on the list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

1863

The Civil War Draft Riots in Thompkins Square Park re�ect the Lower East Side’s anarchist roots

1913

Children’s Farm Garden opens,marking the Lower East Side’s commitment to community gardens

1934-1935

The urban reform movment and the accompanying proliferation of low-income housing projects

2001

Of the Lower East Side’s original sixty gardens, thirty-six remain

Historical Facts and Images courtesy of the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative

2008

The mid-nineteenth century marks the beginning of the Lower East Side’s historical identity as animmigrant neighborhood

1846 - 1848

1850

Construction of tenements in order to house the rising German immigrant population

The Lower East Sideis included on the list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

1863

The Civil War Draft Riots in Thompkins Square Park re�ect the Lower East Side’s anarchist roots

1913

Children’s Farm Garden opens,marking the Lower East Side’s commitment to community gardens

1934-1935

The urban reform movment and the accompanying proliferation of low-income housing projects

2001

Of the Lower East Side’s original sixty gardens, thirty-six remain

Historical Facts and Images courtesy of the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative

2008

Kate Temple- WestA longstanding community

resident and activist of nineteen years. West is one of the many that stands against

the once-beloved neighborhood’s shifting state.

Though she acknowledges the community’s digression, she along with many others

do not accept it passively. She believes in the dedication of

the strong community board. She stands as a testament of the communal outpouring

of support as the manager of the Children’s Magical Garden,

one of many of the Lower East Side’s community

gardens.

isis included

Historical Fact and Images courtesy of the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative

Our Guide to the All of the Best Places to Eat, Play, Drink

and Shopin the Lower East Side

TIME TOEATBY JORDAN STERNBERG

Russ & Daughters, 179 E. Houston St.

The family-owned bagel shop is

celebrating it’s 100th anniversary this year.

The small jewish appetizer shop is a

reminder of the Lower East Side’s Eastern

European Jewish roots. Make sure you stop

in for a “Oy Vey Schmear” sandwich.

Brooklyn Taco Co.Essex Street Market, 120Essex St

No, you don’t actually have to go to

Brooklyn to get a Taco (Lower East Side

Taco Co. just didn’t roll off the tongue). Right

inside the Essex Street Market is one of the

freshest taco joints in all of New York.

Vegetarians can unite once a week for

Meatless Monday.

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Dimes, 143 Division St.

While you’re roaming the streets

of the Lower East Side be sure to

stop by Dimes, a favorite of the

Sight Specific team. Simple,

delicious (and relatively

inexpensive) bites that not only

taste good but also make you

feel good. Known for their great

brunch and all day breakfast, pop

in and check out their seasonal

specials, such as the delectable

Summer Tacos, we recommend

adding a sausage patty for our

carnivores out there. But if meat

ain’t your thing and you love the

greens, go for any of their

year-round lunch bowls. We love

the black rice and kale bowl with

their grapefruit ginger ponzu.

Dimes has breakfast, lunch and

dinner covered so you can’t miss

this gem of spot, fit for any

occasion, anytime. The relaxed

atmosphere is enhanced by their

playlist featuring the likes of A

Tribe Called Quest and their wide

array of visitors in search for a

good bite at a good price

Dimes, 143 Division St.

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Congee Village, 100 Allen St.

Chinatown is a few blocks over, but

that does not mean you can’t get some

quality chinese cuisine in the Lower East

Side! This restaurant sits right next to its

sister bar. Be careful, uptowners may be

used to paying for small portions, but

Congee will have you bringing home

bean curd for days.

Austrian food. Yes, talk about

diversity. Although a little more

upscale than the rest, this barely-lit

restaurant has become an addiction

for its most loyal fans. It’s also a bit

of a sausage fest... just saying.

Cafe Katja 79 Orchard St

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By ESHNA CHANDAK

Make Your Own

Margaritas Ingredients:

2 oz reposado tequila1 oz fresh lime juice1/2 oz agave nectar

1 lime wedge for garnishsalt (optional)

Procedure:Salt the rim of your glass if you

wish.Add tequila, lime juice, and agave

nectar to a shaker.Add ice, and shake well.

Strain over ice, garnish, and serve.

One of the biggest draws of a neighborhood is the

bar scene. We visited Piano’s, a bar located on

Ludlow and Stanton. It has a great happy hour, from

2 pm to 8 pm seven days of the week. The drinks

are cheap, but the atmosphere and the service are

anything but.

Their specialty drink is their Frozen

Margarita. It is so good, that they have it pre-made

in a slushie machine. Pull a lever, attach a lemon

wedge, stick a straw in it- your drink is ready.

These are strong drinks, so you may want to follow

the tortoise’s advice; slow and steady.

The atmosphere is great and friendly. A group at a

nearby table suddenly started singing and dancing

in their seats.

Pianos is definitely worth a visit. There are a lot of

other bars and restaurants inearby, so it could be

one of many stops in a long night of bar-hopping

or a place to relax and catch up with friends over

some food and drinks.

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ArtMDB: How did you come up with the name SPACEWOMb?Minji: Our mission is to act as a stepping-stone for emerging artists. As a metaphorical mother’s womb, we want to bring artists out of our own womb and spread them out. MDB: Why the Lower East Side?Minji: We had to move out of our space in Queens and I heard the Lower East Side had a lot of galleries. We were looking to find an art space here because there are a lot of artists in the area, plus, we’re next to a few galleries and the New Museum is around the corner. The summer is kind of slow, but overall we have a lot of people coming. It’s become like one of those hot Chelsea areas. MDB: The Lower East Side is undergoing a lot of change, specifically the influx of new bars and upscale restaurants. Some local businesses and residents have expressed their feelings and

apprehensions of the once fervent art scene being pushed out. Do you feel that the art scene is still strong?Minji: Several galleries have opened within the past couple of months so I think it’s a pretty good spot. I think a lot of them are coming back because other areas are really expensive and it’s still reasonable here. There are a lot of bars but that’s why there are a lot of people. MDB: So your sense is that bringing in more bars and restaurants is a positive direction for the neighborhood?Minji: Yeah, because it attracts more people and if we have a bar next door, there’s a greater chance people will stop by the gallery to see the art too. MDB: What is the main focus of the art you feature or the artists that you represent?Minji: We mainly show emerging or mid-career artists. We want our gallery to be their stepping-stone into their career. We try to exhibit

different artists from around the world, not only local artists. Each show consists of half local and half international work. For most of the international artists, this is their first exhibition ever. MDB: What’s your favorite piece in the current exhibition?Minji: (Laughs) I like all the work. I think in this show, particularly, all of the work fits really well together. We do quite a lot of shows; some of them are a week long, some two or three weeks. MDB: Are you an artist yourself?Minji: Yeah I majored in art but I don’t do it anymore. MDB: Do you prefer managing an art gallery as opposed to creating your own art?Minji: I was always interested in curating. As an artist I have more experience in being able to see what kind of different art can work together, so it gives me a better idea when organizing shows.

By MILES BRENNINKMEIJER

I spoke with Minji, manager of the recently relocated gallery SPACEWOMb about

their ‘motherly-love’ approach toward art.

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GALLERIesGalore

Laurel Gitlen, 122 Norfolk St.

Gallery Onetwentyeight, 128 Rivington St

Envoy Enterprises, 87 Rivington St.

Frosch & Portmann,53 Stanton St.

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Bowery BallroomThis is a venue where

you can relax in a

comfortable lounge,

while listening to a live

band. This place is

popular because of how

easy it is to get close to

the stage.

Live in TheaterThis a must see! Visitors

have a great experience

watching the actors set

up a murder mystery.

The actors interact with

the audience, dropping

hints throughout the

performance to solve

the mystery.

Killer A Haunted HouseIf you enjoy being scared this

is the place for you! When you

arrive you will walk through

a variety of spooky sets. In

groups of six, you will explore

the haunted house for a half

an hour. The actors, dressed in

elaborate creep costumes, will

get your adrenaline pumping

with a new surprise around

every corner.

Blogologues This venue provides fresh,

hilarious, and imaginative acting!

Mixing comical songs with vividly

creative scenes, Blogologues will

leave you laughing hysterically!

Plus, there’s a stellar gift bag waiting

for you at the end of the show!

Combat for Stage and ScreenThe experience here is like no other!

An instructor teaches audience

members all the tricks to staging a

theatrical fight. The class will provide a

full overview of combat performance.

Speakeasy Dollhouse If you enjoy being scared, this is

the place for you! When you arrive

you walk through a variety of

spooky sets. In groups of six, you

TimeShow

By Madison Jordan

you explore the haunted house for half an hour. The actors, dressed in elaborate eerie costumes, will get your adrenaline pumping with a surprise around every corner!

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Listen up

By JORDAN STERNBERG

Sitting right on the edge of

the Lower East Side is

Fontana’s, one of LES’s

largest clubs. This vast club is

no CBGB, but it’s still

helping keep the Lower East

Side’s punk/new wave roots

alive. In the back you’ll find

stairs down to the chandelier

room, which is where all the

good stuff happens. There’s

live music. It’s a real treat. So

grab your friends, your ID’s

and some cash (it’s a NYC

club after all) and head on

down to

Fontana’s

105 Eldridge St

Fontana’s

The Lower East Side has a rich musical history.

If you ask a long-time LES resident what comes to

mind when they think of music here, chances are

that they will say “punk.”

Amid rising crime rates in the 1950s, people were

fleeing New York City. The Lower East Side was hit

particularly hard. However, the falling prices left a

hole that artists on cheap budgets could fill.

By the ‘60s, bands were forming and releasing

music under the genre of “Freak Folk.” It was

punk’s prototype, not in musicality or

instrumentation, but with the edgy lyrics. It’s a

sound worth listening to. (Look up: The Holy Mod-

al Rounders)

In the ‘70s, the term “punk” was coined by a music

journalist and the new wave of music was in full

swing.

NYC musicians like David Peel, Blondie and The

Ramones helped take punk to the next level. Their

styles were played all over the U.S. and were even

taken across the Atlantic by bands like the Sex

Pistols.

Rising tensions and the increasing commercial

credibility of punk gave birth to new wave’s

satirical counterpart–no wave. You’d be forgiven

for not knowing any musicians of that subculture,

none of them went “mainstream.”

However, their style did go on to influence

artists for many years to come. Most notable are

the Beastie Boys. In an interview with Rolling

Stones, band member Mike Diamond said, “I end

up on the No Wave default setting.”

Today, there are only a few clubs that occasionally

step back into the LES’ punk/new wave roots. But

when you can find the right place at the right time

it’s an experience well worth living.

By KIRA HARADA-STONE

Steals on

Four years ago, Jessie Goldenberg was

a New York University student study-

ing film production. Today, she’s the

owner of the Nomad Truck, which she

describes as, “the wandering boutique.”

Goldenberg spent the year after she

graduated working in film production.

“I tried every aspect of production,”

Goldenberg said. “I realized that it wasn’t

what I really wanted to do, I really want-

ed to be my own boss.”

Since working retail in countless boutiques

growing up, the idea of owning her own boutique

had been in the back of Goldenberg’s mind. Last

April, she finally took the plunge and opened up the

doors of the Nomad Truck. Taking inspiration from

boutique trucks on the West Coast, she decided to

break ground on what was still an untapped market

in New York City.

The innovative boutique appears in a new location

every day. “We usually stay downtown,” Goldenberg

said. “I think we have more of a laid back, downtown

vibe.”

Most of the pieces in the traveling clothing store are

simple and boho. Goldenberg likes to call the style

“careless elegance.” Most clothing items are sourced

from small merchants in Los Angeles, while the

jewelry is all locally made. The best thing about the

store however, is that all items are under $100.

The Nomad Truck is slowly building up a vast online

presence. Along with an e-store, the website posts

updates as to where the truck is located so that

customers can follow their favorite store.

You can find them at thenomadtruck.com24

Wheels

New YorkShop

Narnia VintageIt won’t be a true trip to the

Lower East Side, without a

visit to a vintage clothing

store. Narnia Vintage offers a

mix of boho-inspired pieces

from the various decades.

With a few designer pieces

sprinkled throughout, prices

can range anywhere from

$40 to $500. The quaint little

boutique, which is hidden

away on Rivington Street, is

any floral crown-wearing,

crochet bag-toting girl’s

dream.

ODDThis boutique is for the

avant-garde with deep

pockets. If the nude

mannequin with a security

camera shoved through its

forehead doesn’t scare you off

when you first walk in, you’ll

easily find bizarre pieces for

both men and women. One of

the store’s most iconic items is

a leather messenger bag with

the imprint of a screaming

head shoving its way through

your bag. Be forewarned

though that prices here are

often in the thousands.

Pixie MarketThis online retail giant had

its humble beginnings in

this small Stanton street

boutique. After opening

in 2006, the boutique has

found success in its es-

tore that competes with

the likes of Nasty Gal and

ASOS. The physical store

offers a small selection of

the many designs that can

be found online. Appealing

mostly to trendy young

adults, prices usually stay

below $100.

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THE THINGSYOU’LL SEE...

Child-proofBy MADISON JORDAN & KIRA HARADA-STONE

The Lower East Side can be a challenging place to bring children, so we’ve put together a day plan that

will keep you and your child happy.

FirstStop:Sara D. Roosevelt Park.

This park is located right on the

edge of NoLita and the beginning

of the Lower East Side. If you’re

coming from uptown, this is the

perfect first stop. The playground

offers a vast play area with swings

and a splash park. If you get here

before noon, you may get to hear

some singing. Everyday, elder-

ly men from the neighborhood

hang up their songbird cages

around the park.E. Houston to Canal St. between Chrystie St. and Forsyth St.

Economy Candy

Yes, shopping for sugar this early in the day

might seem a bit risky, but it will ward off

the begging later. Economy Candy opened

its doors in 1937 as a place to buy discount

candy in bulk. Their mission still holds true.

Among the towering shelves you can find

bins of gummies, taffy and chocolate, all of

which can be filled up in a mixed bag for $4

a pound..

108 Rivington St.

Second

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ThirdTenement Museum- Victoria Confino tour

This next stop is great for any

history buffs. This tour meets with

“Victoria Confino,” an actress play-

ing a 14-year-old girl who lived in

the actual tenement in 1916. The

actress stays in character as you

take a tour around her home. She

explains life in a tenement while

kids have the opportunity to play

with the items in her home.

103 Orchard St.

Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream

End your day with a little treat. This little ice cream

shop has something for everyone, even the little tykes

who have allergies. While the store offers many of the

traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate, adults can

have fun trying bizarre new flavors like green tea pis-

tachio, banana curry and even salt and pepper pine

nut. For kids with dairy allergies, there are six different

sorbet flavors.

2 Rivington St.

LastStop:

1. New York, I Love you, But You’re Bringing me Down-

LCD Soundsystem2. In the End- Linkin Park

3. Lower East Side-David Peel

4. Beautiful Night- Paul McCartney

5. Dragons- Princess Nokia6. It’s Not Impossible-

Ben Solle7. A Great Design-

Black Marble8. Manners- Arca

9. Broadripple is Burning-Margot & The Nuclear So

and So’s10. In the Flesh- Blondie

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Cover art by Gian Deantonio