Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Monday, October 29, 2018
Hudson. Dia de Los Muertos & haunted Halloween fun in NYC, just now...
#justlikeusthreeonlyskeletons #diadelosmuertos #Halloween2018
Sunday, October 28, 2018
TOM’S RESTAURANT, Upper West Side, NYC
TOM’S RESTAURANT on Broadway in the Upper West Side has been in business since the 1940s. The diner became famous after its exterior was used in scenes on the popular television sitcom, Seinfeld.
We interviewed the co-owner Mike Zoulis, in 2010 for our book, "New York Nights" and he told us, “I’ve been involved in the restaurant since 1980. I am the one who signed the initial release with Castle Rock Entertainment for the restaurant to be used in the TV series, “Seinfeld”. I believe that Jerry Seinfeld had eaten here years ago and remembered the restaurant and suggested it to his location scout. When they came here asking to film the exterior, they told me it was just for a pilot show. And some pilot that turned out to be! We have gotten a lot of publicity from it being used in the Seinfeld show. People recognize us even though in Seinfeld they crop out the word “Tom’s” and just have the neon “Restaurant” sign showing and also refer to the place as “Monk’s Diner.” In fact, people from all over the world make the pilgrimage here to see the restaurant and to take photos of it and eat here. Many customers tell us that they wanted to come to New York just to see our restaurant. And then when they eat here and the food is good, they are double excited.”
We interviewed the co-owner Mike Zoulis, in 2010 for our book, "New York Nights" and he told us, “I’ve been involved in the restaurant since 1980. I am the one who signed the initial release with Castle Rock Entertainment for the restaurant to be used in the TV series, “Seinfeld”. I believe that Jerry Seinfeld had eaten here years ago and remembered the restaurant and suggested it to his location scout. When they came here asking to film the exterior, they told me it was just for a pilot show. And some pilot that turned out to be! We have gotten a lot of publicity from it being used in the Seinfeld show. People recognize us even though in Seinfeld they crop out the word “Tom’s” and just have the neon “Restaurant” sign showing and also refer to the place as “Monk’s Diner.” In fact, people from all over the world make the pilgrimage here to see the restaurant and to take photos of it and eat here. Many customers tell us that they wanted to come to New York just to see our restaurant. And then when they eat here and the food is good, they are double excited.”
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Tortilla Flats, a Tex-Mex restaurant in the West Village, which opened in 1983 will sadly be closing its doors today
Tortilla Flats, a Tex-Mex restaurant in the West Village, which opened in 1983 will sadly be closing its doors today, Saturday October 27th after being unable to reach a lease agreement with the landlord. It is definitely a big loss for the neighborhood as Tortilla Flats served modestly priced food and drinks 🍹 in a kitsch setting and even hosted game and trivia nights.
Friday, October 26, 2018
St. Dymphna’s on St. Mark’s Place in the East Village opened in 1994.
It was named for the patron saint of the mentally ill and was known for its 🍺 pints of Guinness and also for its traditional Irish ☘️ breakfast (which we enjoyed) of eggs 🍳, baked beans, sausage and rashers and sliced potatoes 🥔. Sadly the Irish 🇮🇪 tavern closed a few days ago after 24 years in business.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
R&Y Meat Market, Bronx. NY
This Meat Market/Bodega 🍖🥩 🥪has a little bit of everything...an old-school ice machine and bubble gum 🍬our front and even remnants of chasing light 💡 #signage and a case full of goat 🐐, oxtail, beef 🐂and poultry 🐔in different cuts inside along with other grocery and household items.
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
We were featured in Downtown magazine's 10th Anniversary Fall 2018 issue on a journey down Orchard Street as we explore the many independently-owned stores with Editor in Chief Deb Martin.
Stops included Jimmy Webb's rock and roll boutique I Need More, Ted's Formal Wear, Regina's Grocery, and Cafe Katja. Pick up a copy and see the 3 page wide gatefold!
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| (Top photo James and Karla Murray) |
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| (Top right photo James and Karla Murray) |
Hudson. Downtown Magazine's 10th Anniversary Fall 2018 issue "Best Friends".
Outside Kossar's, Lower east Side, NYC...
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Photography and interview with Paulie Gee from our visit to Paulie Gee's Slice Shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, for 6sqft...
Full article: https://www.6sqft.com/where-i-work-paulie-gees-slice-shop-is-dishing-out-retro-pizzeria-vibes-in-greenpoint/
"Long-time pizza enthusiast Paulie Giannone opened his first wood-fired pizza restaurant, Paulie Gee’s, in 2010 on Greenpoint Avenue in Brooklyn. Since then, he’s opened locations in Miami, Columbus, Ohio, Chicago, and Baltimore. Most recently, though, he came back to his roots with Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop, just a few blocks away from his original spot in Greenpoint. While Paulie’s restaurants center around gourmet pizzas, including many vegan options, the Slice Shop specializes in classic New York City-style and Sicilian slices. In keeping with this classic pizza joint feel, the Slice Shop’s retro décor is inspired by the pizzerias Paulie Gee frequented while growing up in Kensington, Brooklyn."
"Long-time pizza enthusiast Paulie Giannone opened his first wood-fired pizza restaurant, Paulie Gee’s, in 2010 on Greenpoint Avenue in Brooklyn. Since then, he’s opened locations in Miami, Columbus, Ohio, Chicago, and Baltimore. Most recently, though, he came back to his roots with Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop, just a few blocks away from his original spot in Greenpoint. While Paulie’s restaurants center around gourmet pizzas, including many vegan options, the Slice Shop specializes in classic New York City-style and Sicilian slices. In keeping with this classic pizza joint feel, the Slice Shop’s retro décor is inspired by the pizzerias Paulie Gee frequented while growing up in Kensington, Brooklyn."
We love the interesting combination of coffee ☕️ and donuts 🍩 and halal sandwiches this coffee shop advertises in #neon in its windows.
People often ask us how we decide which storefronts to document and we always say that it has to have a certain look and feel that we identify with. This one certainly does!
Monday, October 22, 2018
FURSI RAVIOLI in Ozone Park, Queens was founded by Carmine Furci over 45 years ago.
When we photographed the #storefront in 2012 for our book “Store Front II-A History Preserved” we interviewed the current owner, Abe. He told us, “I began working here for the second owner, over 20 years ago and learned all of the original recipes that were handed down from Mr. Furci. This used to be a very large 🇮🇹 Italian neighborhood but now the area has really changed and many other nationalities have moved in. We still have a lot of old Italian customers who have been shopping here for years and no longer live in the neighborhood but return here just to buy our homemade ravioli and fresh-baked prosciutto bread.” We not only lived its ravioli but also its vintage #signage.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Saturday, October 20, 2018
3 Star Coffee Shop on the Upper West Side closed in 2014 after 30 years in business.
We always loved its #signage especially since it listed many of our favorite foods: BURGERS 🍔, DONUTS 🍩 and SANDWICHES 🥪 as well as COFFEE ☕️! Sadly we passed by this #storefront today and it still remains empty but has been renovated with an all glass facade. We are not sure what is taking its place but we can be pretty certain that it won’t be a reasonably priced coffee shop.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Navy Yard Cocktail Lounge located on Flushing Avenue at Washington Avenue was in business from 1907 to 2010.
Steve Frankel, who owned it since 1999, lost his lease when the building was sold to a developer. The bar originally served the tens of thousands of Brooklyn Navy Yard personnel who worked in the shipbuilding industry, but in recent years catered to the workers in the many industrial businesses and film and television studios, which rented spaces at the revitalized Navy Yard industrial park. Photo from 2008 and full text appear on our book “Store Front II-A History Preserved”.
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Photography from our visit to The Four Freedoms Park on the tip of Roosevelt Island for 6sqft...
Full article: https://www.6sqft.com/where-i-work-the-four-freedoms-park-team-talks-louis-kahn-fdr-and-preserving-a-legacy/
"In 2012, 40 years after it was conceived by late architect Louis Kahn, Four Freedoms Parkopened on four acres on the southern tip of Roosevelt Island. Part park, part memorial to FDR (the first dedicated to the former president in his home state), the site was designed to celebrate the Four Freedoms that Roosevelt outlined in his 1941 State of the Union address–Freedom of speech, of worship, from want, and from fear. In addition to its unique social and cultural position, the Park is set apart architecturally–the memorial is constructed from 7,700 tons of raw granite, for example–and horticulturally–120 Little Leaf Linden trees are all perfectly aligned to form a unified sight line."
"In 2012, 40 years after it was conceived by late architect Louis Kahn, Four Freedoms Parkopened on four acres on the southern tip of Roosevelt Island. Part park, part memorial to FDR (the first dedicated to the former president in his home state), the site was designed to celebrate the Four Freedoms that Roosevelt outlined in his 1941 State of the Union address–Freedom of speech, of worship, from want, and from fear. In addition to its unique social and cultural position, the Park is set apart architecturally–the memorial is constructed from 7,700 tons of raw granite, for example–and horticulturally–120 Little Leaf Linden trees are all perfectly aligned to form a unified sight line."
Over at Café Tomaselli, Salzburg, the oldest café in Austria, earlier...
The café was founded in 1700.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
LENNY’S PIZZA 🍕was founded in 1953 and has been run by Frank Giordano and his family since 1983.
Lenny’s Pizza became famous after it was used in a scene for the movie Saturday Night Fever where the character played by John Travolta is seen ordering two slices of #pizza from Lenny’s, and eating them “double-decker” style, one piled on top of the other 🍕🍕. We love their #vintage #neon sign and their pizza is great too! Photo and full interview with 2nd generation owner of @lennyspizza86 appear in our book "New York Nights".
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Photography from our visit to fashion designer, stylist, and model Stella Rose Saint Clair's apartment for 6sqft...
Full article: https://www.6sqft.com/my-730sqft-its-a-retro-pink-party-at-fashion-designer-stella-roses-bushwick-apartment/
"From the Rococo sofa she found on Craigslist and bought from an eccentric divorcée on Staten Island to the collection of vintage food packaging in the kitchen, everything in Stella’s apartment has a story, many of which will make you laugh. But behind the giggles and bubblegum walls, Stella is not afraid to get real–“I don’t have my shit together, and I’m okay with it.”–and take a serious look at how obstacles in her life, such as being bullied as a teen, have shaped her into the creative force she is today. Ahead, take a tour of Stella’s one-of-a-kind apartment and get to know her a bit better."
"From the Rococo sofa she found on Craigslist and bought from an eccentric divorcée on Staten Island to the collection of vintage food packaging in the kitchen, everything in Stella’s apartment has a story, many of which will make you laugh. But behind the giggles and bubblegum walls, Stella is not afraid to get real–“I don’t have my shit together, and I’m okay with it.”–and take a serious look at how obstacles in her life, such as being bullied as a teen, have shaped her into the creative force she is today. Ahead, take a tour of Stella’s one-of-a-kind apartment and get to know her a bit better."
Clock Tower, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, NYC
19th-century clockworks that are in still use after 143 years. #OHNYwknd #untappedcities
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| Stairs above the main sanctuary to the clock tower. |
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| Clock's counterweights |
SMITH UNION MARKET in Carroll Gardens was founded by Placido Scopelliti on February 22, 1945
His grandson, Vincent Taliercio has been managing the business since 1986. We have interviewed Vincent SMITH UNION MARKET in Carroll Gardens was founded by Placido Scopelliti on February 22, 1945. His grandson, Vincent Taliercio has been managing the business since 1986. We interviewed Vincent in 2009 when we took this photo and he told us, “This was originally a meat market opened by my grandfather after World War II ended. We had a large showcase for the meats and butcher blocks, where all the meat was cut by hand. We also had grinding machines and a large hand-crafted wooden walk-in-box, which I still use today to store beers. It works great and keeps everything super cold. After my brother the butcher retired, I told customers that I simply replaced the meats with many varieties of beer.”
• Photo and full interview with Vincent appear in our book, “Store Front II-A History Preserved”.
• Photo and full interview with Vincent appear in our book, “Store Front II-A History Preserved”.
Monday, October 15, 2018
"10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WEEK OCTOBER 15 – 21" : BBC Anglophenia (On The Beat)
Our instagram @jamesandkarla is number 9 on the list!
Full article: http://www.bbcamerica.com/on-the-beat/2018/10/10-things-you-need-to-know-this-week-october-15-21
Full article: http://www.bbcamerica.com/on-the-beat/2018/10/10-things-you-need-to-know-this-week-october-15-21
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Saturday, October 13, 2018
El Barrio Bakery as photographed in 2001 for our book, “Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York”.
We love when the name of a particular #storefront helps identify the neighborhood it is located within, and El Barrio Bakery on Third Avenue at East 110th Street is a perfect example. The word “barrio” means neighborhood in Spanish and this section of Harlem has a high percentage of Spanish-speaking residents.
Friday, October 12, 2018
Photography from our visit to Grant's Tomb - General Grant National Memorial, Harlem, NYC
Thank you Untapped Cities Insiders! for another great tour!
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Thank you to The Council of the City of New York, Carolina Rivera & The East Village Community Coalition!
Thank you to EVCC Director Laura Sewell for a fantastic evening!
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| Hudson. Checking out who's down there, Housing Works rooftop, East Village, NYC , last night... Thank you to @evccnyc & The Council of the City of New York for honoring us last night and for such a great event! East Village Community Coalition |
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Photography and Interview from our visit to Mendel Goldberg Fabrics, Lower East Side, NYC for 6sqft...
Full article: https://www.6sqft.com/where-i-work-mendel-goldberg-fabrics-has-been-outfitting-the-lower-east-side-for-130-years/
"Mendel Goldberg Fabrics, a fourth-generation family-owned textile boutique, has been in business since 1890 and is located on a quiet side street on the Lower East Side. On a recent visit to the fabric store, we had a chance to speak with Alice Goldberg, the great-granddaughter of Mendel Goldberg, about how the business went from a pushcart to a unique destination, the joys of running one of the oldest surviving shops in the neighborhood, and the secrets of some of their most high-end fabrics."
"Mendel Goldberg Fabrics, a fourth-generation family-owned textile boutique, has been in business since 1890 and is located on a quiet side street on the Lower East Side. On a recent visit to the fabric store, we had a chance to speak with Alice Goldberg, the great-granddaughter of Mendel Goldberg, about how the business went from a pushcart to a unique destination, the joys of running one of the oldest surviving shops in the neighborhood, and the secrets of some of their most high-end fabrics."
100 Year Old Kino Lucerna, Prague
Kino Lucerna is the oldest continuously operating movie theater in Europe and the site of the first showing of a sound movie in Prague.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Photography from our visit to Japan Society for 6sqft and Archtober...
Full article: https://www.6sqft.com/where-modernism-meets-tradition-inside-the-japan-societys-historic-headquarters/
"The headquarters of the Japan Society is located in Turtle Bay at 333 East 47th Street, purposely constructed just blocks from the United Nations. In addition to being known for its extensive curriculum, the architecture of the society’s building also stands out. Designed by architects Junzō Yoshimura and George G. Shimamoto, the building is the first designed by a Japanese citizen and the first of contemporary Japanese design in New York City. The structure, which first opened in 1971, combines a modern style with traditional materials of Japan. In 2011, the building was designated a city landmark, becoming one of the youngest buildings with this recognition."
"The headquarters of the Japan Society is located in Turtle Bay at 333 East 47th Street, purposely constructed just blocks from the United Nations. In addition to being known for its extensive curriculum, the architecture of the society’s building also stands out. Designed by architects Junzō Yoshimura and George G. Shimamoto, the building is the first designed by a Japanese citizen and the first of contemporary Japanese design in New York City. The structure, which first opened in 1971, combines a modern style with traditional materials of Japan. In 2011, the building was designated a city landmark, becoming one of the youngest buildings with this recognition."
Monday, October 8, 2018
We hope you can join us this Wednesday at the East Village Community Coalition's Fundraiser Honoring James and Karla Murray
Join East Village Community Coalition as they celebrate their 14th year serving the community. Enjoy appetizers, drinks, music and sparkling skyline views from the beautiful Housing Works rooftop.
Please email info@evccnyc.org
Can't make it but still want to help?
Please visit evccnyc.org/
DATE AND TIME: Wed, October 10, 2018 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
LOCATION: Housing Works Cylar House Rooftop 743 East 9th Street New York, NY 10009
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/east-village-community-coalition-fundraiser-honoring-james-and-karla-murray-tickets-51050584673
Please email info@evccnyc.org
Can't make it but still want to help?
Please visit evccnyc.org/
DATE AND TIME: Wed, October 10, 2018 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
LOCATION: Housing Works Cylar House Rooftop 743 East 9th Street New York, NY 10009
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/east-village-community-coalition-fundraiser-honoring-james-and-karla-murray-tickets-51050584673
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Our 30 x 30 inch photograph of the departed Live Bait printed on aluminum dibond, with a rail wall-mount in the back so that it is ready to hang!
This aluminum dibond print has a glossy finish, and is 100% water-resisitant and protected from sunlight as well as easy to clean with a glass cleaner. We photographed Live Bait in 2010 for out book "New York Nights" and interviewed the owner about the history of this iconic dive bar in the Flatiron district. We are happy that we can now not only offer unmounted limited edition prints of our storefront photography to our clients but also these visually stunning and durable metal prints. Contact us for pricing and size information at: jandk@jamesandkaralmurray.com
Saturday, October 6, 2018
14th St., East Village, NYC, not that long ago...
Meyer’s Discount Cosmetics in the East Village in 2004 as photographed for our book, “Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York”. This photo and 11 others from our “Store Front” books were chosen by Esquire España magazine October 2018 issue to highlight our documentation of many mom-and-pop businesses in New York City. We can’t thank Esquire Spain enough for the love and support! It is always wonderful to know that people in Europe appreciate our work here in NYC! To see Esquire Spain magazine’s 11-page spread of our work please watch the video below!
Friday, October 5, 2018
Photography from our visit to the Historic Synagogue at the Museum at Eldridge Street, Lower East Side, for 6sqft...
Full article: https://www.6sqft.com/ten-secrets-of-the-eldridge-street-synagogue/
"With stunning stained glass windows and a striking mix of Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque features, the Eldridge Street Synagogue cuts an imposing figure on the Lower East Side. The Synagogue opened in 1887 as the first and finest Orthodox house of worship built by Eastern European Jews in America and served as a spiritual headquarters for millions of immigrants as they made new homes in New York. By the turn of the 20th century, over 4,000 congregants supported three daily services, and holiday crowds overwhelmed the building."
"With stunning stained glass windows and a striking mix of Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque features, the Eldridge Street Synagogue cuts an imposing figure on the Lower East Side. The Synagogue opened in 1887 as the first and finest Orthodox house of worship built by Eastern European Jews in America and served as a spiritual headquarters for millions of immigrants as they made new homes in New York. By the turn of the 20th century, over 4,000 congregants supported three daily services, and holiday crowds overwhelmed the building."
