U.E.S. Events #24 HOT!

You heard it here first. The best wine tasting on the Upper East side takes place on July11th at 306 East 86th street between first and second. Come around two o'clock and don't miss this neighbourhood event. It'll blow your mind with food and the wines from all over the world.

The owners name is Dean and he can help you with all of you liquor and wines needs at a very reasonable price. His personal selection is extensive. He also has a monthly wine club where he just sends you his weekly pics. Fantastic!!

U.E.S.Events #24

I never thought I'd say it but I've joined a knitting club. No, I don't kit. No, I don't really want to learn but I'm telling you I never had a better time with a group of women in my life. So now I've officially joined the Knitting Club which will be going on in June every Tuesday night in the garden at Logos Bookstore (York between 83rd and 84th) at 7:00. Be there!

U.E.S. Hot or Not #18

NOT!

Businesses are falling like flies on 86th street and the consequences are dire. I have noticed the awnings looking ratty, the empty storefronts staying empty and the sniff of quiet desperation from the remaining businesses. If you're wondering why the landlords won't make a deal to a tenant they have know for years, you just need to look at the tax law. There's a rule which will let them write off the empty space as a loss. Therefore, landlords have no motivation to rent or negotiate. If you think we learned something about greed after the economic collapse you're wrong. Apparently some people still did not get the message.

I took a pic of the Georgica which used to sport a spotless entrance. Now elegance has taken a turn for the worse. Turns out it's expensive to keep up appearances.

U.E.S. Hot or Not #17

Business are dropping like flies on 86th street but when I saw this one go my heart sank. Nature's Gift is gone after over 15 years in business. I often remember walking home late at night it could be dark, or rainy or just plain lonely and so often my eyes were drawn to the welcoming sight of great tomatoes at an even greater price. Because of their top quality produce I found myself experimenting with eggplant, avocados and artichokes. By giving me choice they expanded my palate and made me a healthier person over the years.

I recall their home cooking take -out, and a variety of soups so yummy they fed me for a full meal.

Walking home last week I saw this sign. And thought this shouldn't have happened after all those years couldn't the landlord negotiate a deal? Then someone informed that the landlords get a tax break when store front goes unrented so they have no motivation to lower rents. Let's not loose anymore of our neighbour heart beats this way. Once they're gone they don't come back. We don't get a second chance.

U.E.S. Sweet Secrets #1

There is a certain neighborhood woman who must be getting on a hundred years old. She guards 83rd street mostly although in her younger days she tore through the neighbourhood like butter.

I call her the "troll of 83rd street" because she pretends that she doesn't see you when you walk by. This is really a test because she sees EVERYTHING and if you walk by and NOT say hello your up shits creek.

UES Events. #22 Free Movie

If you can get yourself down to the Church of the Epiphany on 74th and York Tuesday night at 6:30 you will be treated to a free large screen version of "The Mission". This is a great way for anyone thinking about church or going to church to introduce yourself in an informal way.

(That's my dog Henry in the Church Garden)

UES Events #23 Live Music

Come one come all to the Logos Bookstore on York Av, between 83rd and 84th on Wed June 17th for a Garden Party. Complete with live music, drinks and a little nosh it's great way to introduce yourself to one of the heartbeats of this neighbourhood.

Peter G. Pereira Sculpture

My favorite artist had a sculpture exhibition on Governors Island this weekend. It was during a festival called "Figment" which is getting bigger and better every year. Do yourself a favour one weekend jump on the 4 Train, get to Bowling Green and catch the free ferry over to Governors Island. It's simply a magical place.

Peter G. Pereira made me look at a tree like I never looked at it before. The natural bumps and bruises became heightened as he wrapped them up in abstract swirling paintings that mimicked the age of the tree from the outside in. This was simply spectacular! The kids loved it and I hope he gets to do all of Central Park!

Logos Bookstore Interfaith Reading Group

Please join in the lively discussion at Logos Bookstore on York and 83rd tomorrow night at 7:00. We'll be reading and discussing passages from the New Testament. This is a special group of folks so if your looking for something new and spiritual come one come all!