Chinatown, Walker Street Between Lafayette and Centre Streets

Mary Sargent © 2008 …………………………………….. click to enlarge

This might be the ugliest restaurant I've ever seen. So why did Bill and I stop there for lunch? Well, first, this shot was taken from across the street after we ate there; I don't think I realized how grotesque it really was. Second, I had a vague memory about XO sauce and maybe a restaurant of that name and was curious. Third, it was about 3:00 and we were pretty hungry.

Below is the inside.


Mary Sargent © 2008 …………………………………….. click to enlarge

It was comfortable enough and there was a nice tree growing up through the floor. We had dumplings (good), salt baked shrimp (I've had better), pea shoots (I've had better) and a soft noodle dish with dried shrimp (interesting and good). The waiter had cautioned me that the noodle dish was very Chinese. Verdict: It was good enough but no need to return. And I didn't see any XO sauce.




Mary Sargent © 2008 …………………………………….. click to enlarge



Mary Sargent © 2008 ……… click to enlarge

Construction! Condos in Chinatown! No need to get agitated, though, this was built in 1910 and is being renovated for retail market and professional office condominium spaces. I didn't even know they had such things, but it sounds like a good idea. Also, you should know that 139 Centre is fully in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui.

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Chinatown, Walker Street Between Lafayette and Centre Streets

Mary Sargent © 2008 …………………………………….. click to enlarge

This short block has a couple of themes going, which will unfold tomorrow night, but tonight it's all I can do to throw up this themeless street scene.

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Chinatown, Walker Street Between Cortlandt Alley and Lafayette Street

Mary Sargent © 2008 …………………………………….. click to enlarge



Mary Sargent © 2008 …………………………………….. click to enlarge

This is Art in General, a nonprofit arts organization, founded in 1981, and so named because it is housed in the General Hardware building. If you're wondering what the sign "Sam Beckett Come Home" is all about, you will not find it on Art in General's website. Instead, go here.



Mary Sargent © 2008 …………………………………….. click to enlarge

According to a sign above this shot, written mostly in Chinese, this is the U.S.A. Beauty School.

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Chinatown, Walker Street Between Broadway and Cortlandt Alley

Mary Sargent © 2008 …………………………………….. click to enlarge

Mary Sargent © 2008 …………………………………….. click to enlarge

Many apologies to those of you who depend on me to post every night. It was Verizon's fault. I'm thinking cable.

The boundaries of Chinatown keep changing because, unlike other neighborhoods, determined by geographic or historical associations, Chinatown is determined by the preponderance of Chinese businesses in the area, which obviously can expand (or contract, though it has not done that yet). Based on these two photos, I'm going with Wikipedia's declaring Broadway to be the western border.

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Tribeca, Walker Street Between Church Street and Broadway

Mary Sargent © 2008 …………………………………….. click to enlarge




Mary Sargent © 2008 …………………………………….. click to enlarge

I am hereby repealing the one photograph only per night rule. We have to move a little faster. I'm not going to live forever, you know.

The yellow sign in the lower photo refers to the annual New York International Fringe Festival, now over. Once again, I have failed to get myself to a performance. About 200 companies performed this year at over 19 venues, this being venue #5, walkerspace.

Urinetown was originally performed in the Fringe Festival; I saw it on Broadway and thought it was great. However, I would guess the ratio of good to bad is small. Great to bad even smaller. But it's cheap! $15 tickets. And fun! You may discover the next theatrical genius! Let's all go next year.

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Tribeca, Walker Street Between Church Street and Broadway

Mary Sargent © 2008 …………………………………….. click to enlarge

What a great convention. What a great candidate. And to hear Pat Buchanan call Obama's speech "magnificent," and "the greatest convention speech" topped off the night in a most pleasing way.

Okay, tomorrow, back to regular life.

Luckily I had the foresight to edit this photograph earlier today.

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