This weekly feature spotlights a wide variety of people who live and work on the Lower East Side. If you know someone you would like to suggest be featured in “My LES,” please email us here.
What do you do?
I help run the Hester Street Fair with my 3 other lovely partners. We started the fair in April 2010. I think we saw a need for something fun and outdoors in the neighborhood, some place to gather with friends and family and spend a nice Saturday afternoon. We looked for spaces for a while but couldn’t find anything that worked and kind of shelved the idea until we fell into the Hester space. When we realized that Hester Street had a wonderful history and was once home to one of the largest outdoor pushcart markets, we knew we were in the right place. I feel like the Hester Street Fair really is the modern day pushcart market.
How long have you lived on the LES?
6 years.
Favorite block in the hood?
Broome between Orchard and Ludlow. It has beautiful tenements, nice small shops, and is never crowded.
Favorite date spot in the hood?
An Choi has always been a favorite of mine. They have great food in a relaxed atmosphere. The staff is super friendly.
Favorite coffee in the hood?
The new spot Dora on East Broadway. Excellent coffee, beautiful interior and she’s a Hester alumni!
Favorite slice in the hood?
Nonna’s for a quick and delicious slice. I wish Pizza a Casa sold slices…
Where do you take your visitors when they’re here?
Tenement Museum tours are awesome. LES is also great because its so close to Chinatown, its fun just walking and getting lost.
Favorite dive/locals bar in the hood?
Bar 169 – dark, pool table, darts, cheap beer — can’t really beat that.
How has the neighborhood changed in the last few years?
Lots of great stuff moving more south. But I feel like the couple of blocks around me haven’t changed very much. I love it the way it is!
Favorite LES memory?
I liked this winter with all the snow and that giant impromptu community snowman on Canal and Essex street.
That Snowman almost made the winter bearable.