This weekly feature spotlights a wide variety of people who live and work on the Lower East Side. If you would like to participate in “My LES”, please email us here.
What do you do?
I’m a mother of three children and the Assistant Director For Foundation and Government Support for The Door, a youth development agency, and University Settlement, a social services agency located right here on the LES on Eldridge and Rivington Streets.
How long have you lived (and/or worked) on the LES?
All my life! I grew up in Chinatown and moved into my own place with my then boyfriend, now husband, 15 years ago. I also worked as a Tenant Advocate on the LES about 20 years ago, left the non profit world for a while, then came back to work on the LES recently.
Favorite block in the hood?
Mine! I’m very lucky. I live on 2nd Street between Avenues A and B. It’s bookended by my bank and a deli on one side and a drugstore on the other. I’ve got the M9 on one side, the M14 on the other. I’ve even got a laundromat on my block. Can you see the theme here – convenience, convenience, convenience!
Favorite date spot in the hood?
Ahhhh…with three kids, we need a date spot very close to home so as to maximize the time spent with each other and not traveling to and from so once again, I have to say I am very fortunate since there are so many great restaurants on the LES. I’m a fan of Supper, right here on my block – great food and the staff is so nice!
Favorite coffee in the hood?
I like the coffee they sell in Chinese bakeries. They put salt in the coffee grounds and it adds a distinct flavor to the coffee. I don’t live in Chinatown anymore, but there are two Chinese bakeries nearby – one on Allen and Houston and another on Clinton and Delancey.
Favorite slice in the hood?
None, not a fan. I know, I’m an anomaly.
What is your favorite activity to do with your kids in the hood?
Going to the park. As a full time working mom, I relish the time spent with my three young children just plain playing in the park. There are lots of parks nearby. Tompkins is a fan favorite with all the various play areas, the sprinklers, the pool and of course checking out all the dogs in the dog run. There is also the seal park on the FDR drive where the kids love to run around in the water.
Where do you take your visitors when they’re here?
Chinatown! So much to see and explore and lots of eating!
Favorite dive/locals bar in the hood?
Il Posto Accanto, right across the street from me on the north side of 2nd Street by Avenue B. It’s a great wine bar owned by the same folks as Il Bagatto. The staff is friendly and the owner is so gracious. They have live music occasionally right in front of the bar in the street! Always such a wonderful surprise when that happens. This neighborhood is so gentrified, it’s nice when the music is right out there for everyone to enjoy, and not just for the paying customers inside.
Favorite LES memory?
When I moved into my own apartment!
