Rediscovering New York

[EPISODE] Gramercy

Episode 12, a journey to Gramercy, and its famed Park.

My guests will be Tim Miller, The Daytonian in Manhattan, and restaurateurs Carrie and Terry Morabito, who founded and operate Friend of a Farmer, a family business.

Segment 1

Jeff welcomes Tom Miller to the show to discuss Gramercy Park. They trace Tom’s career and why he decided to write about New York City’s architectural history. Tom describes Gramercy’s origins as farm and describes the neighborhoods early urban development in the 1800's. Tom and Jeff list significant events such as the 1837 financial panic, building of the Croton Reservoir, and the Civil War Draft Riots  in the 1800's to demonstrate their effects on the area.

Segment 2

Jeff and Tom discuss various notable buildings in Gramercy Park including the Players Club and the National Arts Club. They touch on Gramercy Square, the Gramercy Park Hotel, and Pete's Tavern. Tom and Jeff describe the history of Baruch College in the area. They briefly mention  the effect of the L train on Gramercy Park.

Segment 3

Jeff is joined by the Morabito family, owners of Friend of A Farmer in Gramercy Park. Terry and Carrie discuss their early careers when their business was a bakery and how they grew Friend of A Farmer. The Morabitos describe why they decided to open in Gramercy Park. Terry and Carrie express their love for the charm and beauty in Gramercy Park. They weigh in on the demographic changes they've seen in their 32 years working in the neighborhood.

Segment 4

Jeff and his guests describe how social media has influenced how they operate their business. Terry and Carrie offer advice for anyone looking to open a business in Gramercy Park. Terrie touches on the sense of community in Gramercy and how the businesses work together to improve the area. They conclude with a notable character from the neighborhood and what the future holds for Friend of A Farmer.

[EPISODE] Ireland and New York

We will explore the past, and present of Irish immigrants who made New York City their home.

My guests will be Joyce Gold of Joyce Gold History Tours, and Ronan Downs, owner and partner in many New York businesses, including the Stone Street Tavern, and The Factory.

Segment 1

Jeff welcomes Joyce Gold back to the show to discuss the history of Irish immigrants in New York City. Joyce and Jeff detail the history Irish immigration to New York beginning in the years after the 1840's Irish famine. Joyce explains how Irish immigrants settled in the Five Points and Hell's Kitchen. Joyce notes the types of work the Irish found in New York and the challenges faced by early immigrants.

Segment 2

Jeff and Joyce touch on notable Irish Catholic churches throughout New York City. Joyce discusses how the Know Nothing Party in the 1850's, the Civil War draft riots, and race relations affected Irish immigrants in New York. They trace the Irish assimilation post Civil War and how discrimination waned.

Segment 3

Jeff is joined once again by Ronan Downs, who shares his experience of emigrating to New York from Ireland. Ronan shares his story of playing college soccer in the U.S. and his short professional soccer career. Ronan tells how he got his first job in America. Ronan then shares his career as a business owner from his first business through his 5 current ventures.

Segment 4

Jeff and Ronan discuss what they love about New York. Ronan describes the importance of diversity in New York and his love for the city’s architecture. They touch on Ronan's latest project, the wizardry themed “The Cauldron”. They move to Ronan's Andy Warhol inspired bar. Ronan then details his charitable work with Self Help Africa.

[EPISODE] Carnegie Hill

Join us on a journey through Carnegie Hill.

How did it get its name? What was the neighborhood like a century ago, and what is it like today?

My guests will be David Griffin, Founder and CEO of Landmark Branding, and Matthew Bauer, President of the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District.

Segment 1

Jeff begins the show with David Griffin of Landmark Branding. David discusses his initial interest in architecture and how he first became fascinated with neighborhoods. Jeff and David trace the early development of Carnegie Hill and the early effects of railroads in the area. They touch on the influences Henry Frick and Andrew Carnegie had on the area.

Segment 2

David describes the architectural character of many homes within Carnegie Hill. Jeff and David traces the building of the mansions on 5th Avenue. David shares the history of notable places including the Warburg mansion, the E.F. Hutton penthouse, and the Guggenheim museum. David elucidates the architectural significance of the Guggenheim's spiral design.

Segment 3

Matt Bauer joins the show to share his expertise. Matt explains how his love for his Brooklyn hometown sparked his interest in neighborhoods. Matt notes how the residential character, small businesses, and the many schools in the area gives Carnegie Hill a strong sense of community. Matt provides advice for business owners looking to open in the area.  

Segment 4

Matt touches on how the Madison Ave BID organizes philanthropic events for local charities. Matt describes various BID projects including the Gleam Team, partnering with local police for safety programs, and the Madison Avenue Gallery Walk. They explore the importance of stores connecting with clientele and constantly reinventing themselves.

[EPISODE] The Upper West Side

Tune in for this week's show as we journey to the Upper West Side!

My guests will be local historian Lucie Levine of Archive on Parade, and Katie Thompson, owner and Founder of the KT Collection, and Runaway Poppy.

Segment 1

Jeff’s first guest is Lucie Levine. She shares memories of growing up in the Upper West Side, studying history, and how her love for her home city developed in her formative years. Lucie traces the early history of the Upper West side from the original Lenape through Dutch and English development of the area. Lucie emphasizes the influence of the railroad in the area and how it brought a bit of the Wild West to the city. She shares the origin of the nickname Gotham for NYC.  

Segment 2

Lucie explains her business, Archive on Parade, where she brings to life archival research through walking tours throughout New York City. They touch on the Dakota building near Central Park. They discuss the design of Riverside Drive, Riverside Park, and the 79th Street Boat Basin. They note the residential development of the Upper West Side in the 1920's. Lucie describes the gentrification in the 1990's and how it has changed the area.   

Segment 3

Katie Thompson joins the program to share her experience as a business owner in the Upper West Side. Katie discusses her beginnings selling jewelry to her family and how she developed her passion for jewelry at an early age. She then traces her career in travel and leisure throughout Europe and South America. Katie describes how eventually she rediscovered her passion and decided to pursue jewelry design as a career.   

Segment 4

Jeff and Katie discuss the merchandise available at KT Collection and Runaway Poppy.They note some of the big draws in the area and the mix of cultures Katie’s experienced working in the area. They note how each street (Broadway, Columbus, Amsterdam) seems to have its own unique identity and how that affects the character of the neighborhood. They conclude with advice for business owners looking to open in the Upper West Side.

[EPISODE] Long Island City

Join me as we explore the past and present of Long Island City, with our guests Bob Singleton of the Greater Astoria Historical Society, and Robert Whalen, who manages Halstead's Long Island City office.

Segment 1

Jeff begins tonight's show with guest Bob Singleton. Bob shares how he originally came to New York City to work in finance but fell in love with the City, its history, and its neighborhoods. Bob remembers his initial interest in Long Island City and his work with the Greater Astoria Historical Society. Bob traces the early Dutch settlement of the area and tells the story of LIC during the American Revolution.  

Segment 2

Bob and Jeff continue their conversation with the development of Long Island City in the 1800s. Bob explains the impact of mills, shipbuilding, and railroads on the development of LIC.Bob stresses how LIC benefited economically throughout its history due to its location in the heart of New York. Bob touches on the effect the Midtown Tunnel and bridges affected the area in more recent years.

Segment 3

Jeff is joined by his second guest Robert Whalen, an experienced realtor in Long Island City. Robert Whalen recounts his career working in journalism, law, and with the Comptroller before deciding to work in real estate. Robert expresses excitement for the innovation he sees in Long Island City today. Robert describes the intimacy of the neighborhood and its sense of community.

Segment 4

Robert and Jeff discuss the demographics and diversity in Long Island City. They touch on the quality of life and how it attracts people to LIC. Robert lists the various attractions available to residents. They provide advice to businesses looking to open in LIC. Robert notes how Amazon recently spotlighted the area and had a positive impact even thought the company withdrew.

[EPISODE] The West Village, One of Manhattan's Oldest Neighborhoods

Join me as we visit the West Village, both past and present. My guests will be Joyce Gold of Joyce Gold History Tours, andNicky Perry, Owner and Founder of Tea and Sympathy.

Segment 1

Jeff is joined once again by Joyce Gold to discuss The West Village. Joyce begins tonight’s show discussing her time growing up in Pennsylvania before moving to Queens. Joyce tells how she became interested in New York’s history. Joyce notes the origin of the name Greenwich Village and details the early development of the area. Jeff and Joyce discuss the grid plan in the Village and the architecture of certain buildings in the Village.     

Segment 2

Jeff and Joyce continue to explore the Village’s history, touching on the history of the Docks in the area. They talk about the development of the Landmark district in the West Village. They touch on the ethnic profile of the area and how it changed throughout history. Joyce shares the story of Chumley’s at 86 Bedford Street, a noted speakeasy rumored to to be the origin of the phrase “86 it”.  

Segment 3

Jeff is joined by Nicky Perry, owner of Tea and Sympathy. Nicky gives her background and how she moved from Greenwich in London to Greenwich Village in New York. Nicky mentions her career working in tea shops in London and America. She tells how these jobs led her to open her own restaurant to bring British cuisine to New York City. She explains how she used her passion, care, love, and compassion to make her restaurant successful.

Segment 4

Jeff and Nicky discuss the changes she’s seen in the West Village in the past thirty years. Nicky laments the negative changes she has noticed in her time owning a business in the area. She mentions the loss of business in the area due to rent increases and high real estate taxes. Joyce, Jeff, and Nicky mention how even famous businesses like the The Strand Bookstore face these issues. Nicky urges citizens to be involved and deal with these community issues.

[EPISODE] The West Village, One of Manhattan's Oldest Neighborhoods

Join me as we visit the West Village, both past and present. My guests will be Joyce Gold of Joyce Gold History Tours, andNicky Perry, Owner and Founder of Tea and Sympathy.

Segment 1

Jeff is joined once again by Joyce Gold to discuss The West Village. Joyce begins tonight’s show discussing her time growing up in Pennsylvania before moving to Queens. Joyce tells how she became interested in New York’s history. Joyce notes the origin of the name Greenwich Village and details the early development of the area. Jeff and Joyce discuss the grid plan in the Village and the architecture of certain buildings in the Village.     

Segment 2

Jeff and Joyce continue to explore the Village’s history, touching on the history of the Docks in the area. They talk about the development of the Landmark district in the West Village. They touch on the ethnic profile of the area and how it changed throughout history. Joyce shares the story of Chumley’s at 86 Bedford Street, a noted speakeasy rumored to to be the origin of the phrase “86 it”.  

Segment 3

Jeff is joined by Nicky Perry, owner of Tea and Sympathy. Nicky gives her background and how she moved from Greenwich in London to Greenwich Village in New York. Nicky mentions her career working in tea shops in London and America. She tells how these jobs led her to open her own restaurant to bring British cuisine to New York City. She explains how she used her passion, care, love, and compassion to make her restaurant successful.

Segment 4

Jeff and Nicky discuss the changes she’s seen in the West Village in the past thirty years. Nicky laments the negative changes she has noticed in her time owning a business in the area. She mentions the loss of business in the area due to rent increases and high real estate taxes. Joyce, Jeff, and Nicky mention how even famous businesses like the The Strand Bookstore face these issues. Nicky urges citizens to be involved and deal with these community issues.

[EPISODE] Morningside Heights

Join us this week as my guests are Gregory Dietrich, Founder of Gregory Dietrich Preservation Consulting, and Abdi Abujebel, owner and founder of Oasis Jimma Juice Bar.

Segment 1

Jeff is joined by Gregory Dietrich, who shares his expertise in historic preservation and his knowledge of Morningside Heights. Gregory traces Morningside Heights’ origins as largely country estates and a shanty town called Bloomingdale. They mention the revolutionary history of the area and the Battle of Harlem Heights. Gregory explains how the Bloomingdale Insane Asylum and its stigma led to Morningside Heights not being developed until after other neighborhoods throughout Manhattan.  

Segment 2

Gregory describes his historic preservation business as a daily work in significance, evaluating and determining which buildings are significant. Jeff and Gregory discuss the building history of major institutions such as the Cathedral of St. John The Divine, St. Luke’s Hospital, Riverside Church, Grant’s Tomb,  and Columbia University in Morningside Heights.

Segment 3

Jeff is joined by Abdi Adujebel, owner of Oasis Jimma Juice Bar in Morningside Heights. Abdi shares his experience as a young man living in a refugee camp  in Kenya and the struggle to receive asylum. He provides his initial expectations of America and how he was treated in America. Abdi describes his experience with diabetes and how it inspired him to open an an affordable and holistic food restaurant in Morningside Heights. Abdi describes his belief that health is true wealth and how he shares this message with his customers.

Segment 4

Jeff and Abdi discuss the variety of juices and healthy food options his restaurant offers. Abdi shares why he enjoys the diversity of Morningside Heights and how it has become his second home. Abdi He mentions how the neighborhood has become cleaner and safer, but prices have made it somewhat difficult for small business to flourish in the area. Abdi then mentions Oasis Powerhouse, the community center he opened to help share his talents with his neighborhood.

[EPISODE] Manhattan's Chinatown

Join me as we explore the past and present of Manhattan's Chinatown, New York's first Chinatown, with Joyce Gold, founder of Joyce Gold History tours, and Joanne Kwong, President of Pearl River Mart, with locations at 395 Broadway, the Chelsea Market, and beginning January 31st their newest store at the Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre Street.

Segment 1

Jeff introduces tonight’s featured neighborhood: Chinatown. Joyce Gold returns to the show to once again share her knowledge of city history. Jeff and Joyce begin their discussion with the original settlement of the area now known as Chinatown by Europeans. They trace the transition from commercial area to impoverished residential area. Joyce details the influx of Chinese immigrant to the area and the discrimination faced by early Chinese immigrants.

Segment 2

Jeff and Joyce discuss the development of restaurants in Chinatown and the growth of Chinatown’s food culture. Joyce notes the presence of Chinese theaters and other businesses at the beginning of Chinatown’s development. Jeff notes how Chinatown has continued to flourish without undergoing great demographic change in the way that other ethnic enclaves have in New York. Joyce then shares her favorite experiences on her tours in Chinatown.

Segment 3

Jeff is joined by Joanne Kwong, President of Pearl River Mart. Joanne discusses her career beginning as a litigator, to working at Barnard College, to her decision to work with her family at Pearl River Mart. Joanne shares her family’s story of immigrating to America and how Pearl River was created as a friendship store to help eradicate discrimination against Chinese immigrants. Joanne describes how Pearl River Mart has changed and moved locations, but maintains its mission to foster community.

Segment 4

Joanne recounts her childhood spending weekends in Chinatown, enjoying the food, clothing, and culture. She describes the energy within the Chinese and Asian immigrant communities in New York and takes pride in the second and third generation businesses still thriving in Chinatown. Jeff and Joanne touch on the celebrations and various upcoming festivities for Chinese New Year.

[EPISODE]  Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn's First Neighborhood!

Join us as local historian David Griffin talks about the history of the Heights, and restaurateur Francesco Nuccitelli shares with us what he loves about the neighborhood.

Segment 1

To start this wonderful show about Brooklyn Heights, Jeff Goodman is joined by local historian David Griffin. David shares his childhood memories and how he came to love learning about the city and its architecture. He also talks about how Brooklyn Heights was established and the history of the neighborhood’s development including the increase in population, wealth, real estate, and businesses. Plus, why Brooklyn Heights is a great neighborhood for visitors to enjoy.

Segment 2

Jeff and David talk briefly about his company Landmark Branding, which provides creative sales-enhancing services for the national real estate community. The guys then talk about how building the Brooklyn Bridge and the Subway took some of the attention away from Brooklyn Heights. Also, how Robert Moses transformed the borough of Brooklyn, the best kept secrets about New York City, and when exactly did Brooklyn Heights start to prosper?

Segment 3

Restaurateur and owner of Sociale Brooklyn, Francesco Nuccitelli, joins the show. Francesco starts off by telling a story of how he became a restaurant owner, from his origins in Italy to new beginnings in the Big Apple. While experiencing culture shock in America was tough for Francesco, he never gave up his dream of owning a restaurant. After a few years working for a hot spot in midtown, he finally opened up Sociale in Brooklyn Heights. Francesco talks about the process of opening his restaurant, why he chose the neighborhood, and how the community has became one of the biggest reasons for Sociale’s success.

Segment 4

Francesco Nuccitelli returns for one last segment. Him and Jeff talk about the changes in Brooklyn Heights ever since he began running his Italian Restaurant. Francesco also mentions the challenges of owning a food place in Brooklyn Heights and offers advice to those that want to run a business in that neighborhood. As previously mentioned, Francesco says that it’s all about community and what you can provide for others. Also, it’s okay not to be too creative when making your Italian menu. Plus, how is important letting go your ego when running a business?