Spring has offered its most splendid flowers and new growth - the vast array of colors are a welcomed remedy for enduring a long winter! This weekend would be a great one to spend outdoors, either planting something or just admiring all of the beauty that nature has to offer - here's to a glorious Spring weekend!
New Yorkers know, the most exciting happenings take place on rooftops. I have had the good fortune of being on several rooftops throughout the years in almost every borough. I saw my first shooting stars (yes, more than one!) on a rooftop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn while learning how to Tango at a party - let me be clear, there was a full floor, pool and lounge chairs - not too shabby! I've watched the 4th of July fireworks from a rooftop and recently visited an urban farm on a roof in Tribeca. Here's a shot of one that I absolutely love, designed by Joel Sanders architecture and Balmori Landscapers. This beautiful design has given its owners a green retreat from the noise and concrete of the city. He also managed to bring the outdoors indoors with lush plants surrounding the stairs. It's great to see New York becoming so green!
For years, Sylvia's became the "go to" restaurant for politicians and dignitaries to frequent when in New York and visiting Harlem. Perhaps as a way to show there support of black communities and garner a few votes in the interim. Opened during the pinnacle of the Civil Rights movement in 1962, Sylvia, who worked as a waitress at the original luncheonette, received a loan from her farmer mother, purchased the restaurant and history was made. The soul food at Sylvia's was simply a must - although truth be told, the first time that I went, I was less than impressed by it - I had the impression that Sylvia was no longer doing the cooking. However, she is a trailblazer who deserves recognition.
