The Manhattan Sideways Podcast

In this episode, Ellie speaks with Tilde Mariani Giacche, whose family owned Asti's Restaurant, and still owns the building that now houses Strip House Steak House. Tilde shares amazing stories of her father and his singing waiters, her experiences growing up around the restaurant, and tells about her continued connection to this special place.

In this episode, Ellie and Betsy speak with Deborah Koenigsberger of Noir et Blanc NYC and Hearts of Gold. They discuss Deborah's modeling career, what it's like to help others find their style, and how the Hearts of Gold and the Thrifty HoG help to transition women and their children out of the shelter system.

In this episode, Ellie speaks with Voza Rivers of the Harlem Chamber of Commerce. They chat about the rich history of Harlem, Vozza's own past, and his journey to the positions he currently holds at the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce as well as the Harlem Arts Alliance.

In this episode, Ellie speaks with Andy Tarshis of Tiecrafters, a longstanding business now found on 29th street. They dive deep into the niche business of tie alterations: a niche that motivates customers to travel from far corners of the globe to support Andy's work. They also discuss the importance of sentimental values, the well-chronicled tragedies of bolognese sauce, and much more.

In this episode, Ellie speaks with Chad Beightol of Consigliere. Chad speaks about the current trends in men's grooming and beauty, the origin of his shop's name (hint: "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse."), Chad's own personal care routine, and the role of gender in cultural beauty standards. Absolutely everyone has something to learn from this interview!

In this episode, Ellie interviews Seren, Jody and Art, owners of Guerra Paint and Pigment Corporation in New York's East Village. Art shares stories about the more chaotic years of the neighborhood, Jody and Seren talk about their "origin story", and all together they explain some of the science and business behind pigment and color -- and why it all matters.

In this episode, Ellie speaks with the three sisters — Judith Lowry, Naomi Hample, and Adina Cohen — behind the Argosy Bookstore. They discuss Argosy's foundation in their father's deep love of books, and tell many stories about their adventures in the business … all while laying bare the sisterly elasticity that defines the “rubber band” of their relationship to each other.

In this episode, Ellie speaks with Alan Heron, bartender and co-owner of The Hunterian Bar on East 70th Street. They discuss Alan's move to the U.S., how the bar-scene is changing (and Alan's hopes for his own space), and whether or not to offer an open bar at a wedding in the Scottish highlands.

On this episode, Ellie speaks to Lorcan Otway of William Barnacle Tavern, Theatre 80, and the Museum of the American Gangster -- all of which are connected and housed in the historic buildings at 80 St. Mark's. Lorcan discusses the "mobbed-up" past of the building as well as its deeper origins in New Amsterdam, and then goes on to share his perspectives on how New York is changing today and the role he hopes to play in the city's evolution. And -- of course -- Lorcan's story wouldn't be complete without an introduction to the building's resident ghost, Gia.

In this episode, Ellie and Betsy speak with Dimitri Gatanas of Urban Garden Center. Dimitri discusses his Greek roots, tells of uprooting an 18 foot tree, and talks about what it means to be an “urban” business, along with how UGC strives to be a positive part of its Harlem community.