New York, New York ,The Big Apple
It is a commonly held perception that New Yorkers are rude, mean and downright nasty. I am sure that there are some of us(yes, I live in Georgia but I am a Yankee at heart) that fit that bill but in my experience New Yorkers are kind, helpful and all around good people. During my trip today to “the city” of Manhattan I met some entreprenuers that exemplified the good spirited nature of New Yorkers.
My first stop was a natural hair care salon called Locks N Chops. As an African-American woman my hair in its natural state is tightly curled and free of any chemicals. I have chosen to wear my hair in Locks (dreadlocks) for the past 10 years. I don’t comb my hair but twist it at the roots as it grows in and my hair looks very similar to braids. Some may think this is an easy style to maintain but like any other hairstyle it requires work to keep it looking good.
Locks N Chops specializes in hair cuts and loc maintanence. Their styles are gorgeous and since I wanted a nice up-do for my trip I chose to visit. My stylist Chris is a tall , dark and handsome man with the begginings of salt and pepper hair in his beard. Originally a barber, when locs became the rage he learned how to style them too. As he gave my hair the tlc that it has long been missing he was quiet and unassuming. But this was clearly a result of me being a new client because once talk in the salon turned to politics and current events he quickly became very animated in the lively discussion.
The owner Orin is the consummate professional. Although a long term client canceled an early morning appointment, he provided us with ongoing commentary
from the day’s newspaper; including adopting his imagined dialect of the individuals interviewed for an op-ed. When I mentioned that I wanted to take photos of the salon to document my experience but left home sans camera, he quickly offered to take pictures with and forward them to me. Unfortunately technology was not on our side and he wasn’t able to download his pictures – but here a few photos taken with my phone.
My next stop was mere footsteps away. I ventured to Soul Fixins' for a quick meal of down home cooking. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in and saw the restaurant had been featured on The Food Network, the CW and CitySearch. Soul Fixins’ has actually been a favorite of mine for years, I’ve even introduced a South African friend visiting NY to their great food offerings.
This time I was greeted by the owner Eric. When he saw that I was waiting for awhile he took my order and although the restaurant is more conducive to take-out I decided to stay and eat. This proved to be a a good move on my part. I had the opportunity to talk with Eric and he gave me some great tips about my business. I really appreciated him taking time during a busy lunch rush to do so. The food – magnificent. My meal of candied yams, fried whiting, corn bread and creamy macaroni and cheese was absolutely delightful. My desert? A slice of triple layer double chocolate cake that was simply divine. The portion size was generous and I ended up bringing the food home to share with my mother.
So I will end the way I started. That myth about New Yorkers? Maybe true for some but I’ve only run into great people here. If you ever visit New York and are looking for some soul food be sure to visit Soul Fixins and if you have locs or natural hair Locs n Chops is a must visit.
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And now I must pack for my trip. Click my bird friend here to follow me on Twitter and get all of the updates of my trip. And please don't forget - I am raising funds for public school children in Atlanta ! Every dollar helps, please consider donating!
Comments
Be safe!
absolutely AMAZING;-)
And that corn bread sounds good!
Have a good trip!
I hope that you enjoy the rest of your trip and I am looking forward to reading more about it as it unfolds.
Check out my prize at the Super Duper SuperWAHMz Contest!
the one time that i've been to NY the folks were nothing but nice and hospitable. a lady *we didn't even know* gave us a ride to our hotel room using her GPS device (after we'd sorta gotten lost). some of my online, "virtual friends" opened their home to us so we wouldn't have to pay for another night at the hotel. and gave us food, took us around, etc.
people on the streets greeted us as we walked by. it was much like home.
i had such a wonderful experience, and look forward to returning soon.
i enjoyed reading about your adventures. lol @ the way chris the hair stylist is just casually carrying on conversation while washing someone's hair.
Whether I like it or not, my status as a Jersey girl automatically makes me from NYC in the minds of southerners and I sometimes get mean and rude comments based on who they think I am.
What great experiences you are having!
I love NY. I have found a mixture of people from extremely helpful to rude but mainly the former. NY is fast paced and is a buzzing happening place. Have you been to Sylvia's restaurant yet? If my memory serves me well it is on Lennox Avenue in Harlem. I last ate there a couple of years back so it may have changed but it seems everybody eats there! I could stand on any street in NY for half an hour and find a story to tell.
Keep on keeping on!
Zee
http://keepitclassyjen.blogspot.com
It looks like a fabulous time so far! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip.
Keep having fun!