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?
Owner and Stylist at Whistle Salon.
How long have you lived on the LES?
On and off for 11 years. (First in the East Village and now farther down in the Lower East Side.)
Favorite block in the hood?
East 10th Street between 1st Ave and Ave A would have to be my favorite block. My salon, Whistle, is on it’s third location… all have been on that same block! It’s a great block if your looking for oddities such as vintage taxidermy at Obscura or across the street for living animals at the new animal rescue Lil Monsters. Also the block has the best falafel and hummus at Moustache and The Russian & Turkish Baths where you can get beaten with oak leaves.
Favorite date spot in the hood?
Lunch at Freemans then a movie at Sunshine.
Favorite coffee in the hood?
I make my coffee at home but my favorite beans come from Porto Rico Importing Co., which has a shop set up in Essex Street Market. The Coconut coffee is my favorite.
Favorite slice in the hood?
Unfortunately because of my lactose intolerance, the choices are slim, but I love the Earth Mother at 2 Boots on Grand Street.
What is your favorite activity to do with your kids in the hood?
Other than the obvious Tompkins Square Park there is the much more obscure Seward Park at Essex and E. Broadway. It has a track around it that was perfect for our son to learn to ride his bike. And if you have a kid that will only eat french fries at restaurants, Remedy Diner has the perfect diner menu, not to mention slightly over the top diner decor – done well.
Where do you take your visitors when they’re here?
Economy Candy , wd-50, Sugar Sweet Sunshine, The Tompkins Square Park Dog Run…
Favorite dive/locals bar in the hood?
Motor City
Favorite LES memory?
Meeting my boyfriend, Steven, at the now defunct Meow Mix many many moons ago….
LOL, I know you only just got started, but so far, judging by “My LES”, the neighborhood consists of exclusively white yuppies who love Whole Foods and are coffee snobs. And the guys are 100% M4M it seems!
Are the folks who have been here since before 2000 just too intimidating to approach? :)
Now now Joey, being the type of avid reader that we are grateful to have, you must have noticed that our editorial content spans a wide spectrum of issues that affect all sorts of “LES-ers”, from every demographic…You do have a point that our first few “My LES” selections might seem similar, but give us a chance – we do have a great mix of people lined up and are always looking for recommendations and suggestions from people…SO, how long have YOU lived on the LES and when can I interview you?
Haha, I’m just giving you a hard time. Keep up the good work. This website is fantastic. And way to turn the tables. While I’ve been here since the 80s, I don’t think I’m the demographic you are lacking at this point, though I am straight!