André Soltner of Lutèce Fame Talks About Food

Soltner, originally from the Alsace region of France has been cooking for 60 years, and is known for his simple approach to food. He abhors using using frozen or canned goods and wisely advised: “I always say, you better [off] eat grated carrots which are fresh, then frozen caviar.” He doesn’t need or desire fancy equipment in his kitchen, and uses a small gas stove, the right knife for the right job, and a good pan. ”The fancy stuff, that’s for amateur chefs,” he told the New York Times in 2004, ”they need gadgets. I have 50 or 60 knives and I use just one.”

Read more here.

Related: The New York Times talks with Andre in 1995: Andre Soltner; Life After Lutece Is Just Fine. Delicious, in Fact.

Jeffrey Byrnes Photographs New York City

On Oct 30 of 2009, photographer Jeffrey Byrnes spent the weekend in New York City with two Nikon cameras, one point and shoot, 4 rolls of film, and a tripod. See the full series here.

Kelly Cutrone: If You Have to Cry, Go Outside

Kelly Cutrone: If You Have to Cry, Go Outside
Author Event, Author Signing
Tuesday February 02, 2010 7:00 PM
Lincoln Triangle
1972 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, 212-595-6859

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Subway Singer Daniel Small With Empro Express At Connolly's In Times Square

A tipster sent this YouTube video in the other week, featuring Daniel Small singing with the band Empro Express at Connolly's in Times Square. Commuters passing through the ABCD station at 59th Street will recognize Daniel, as he can often be found there singing Motown songs to the delight of those waiting for a train.

NYC The Blog spoke to Danny on camera in the summer of '08. He showed off a few dance steps, sang a few songs, and offered a brief history of his travels. He explained that he is originally from South Carolina and has been in New York City since he was about 18 years of age, a descendant of the Geechee people.

And according to this flyer, Danny and Empro Express will be performing at Connolly's once again on Feb 19.

Previously: Daniel Small AKA Geechee Dan: 59th St ABCD Subway Station

Looking For Affordable Housing In Manhattan? The City Recommends Going Somewhere Else

From the New York City Rent Guidelines Board website, housingnyc.com:

How Can I Find Affordable Housing?

Look Outside of "Core" Manhattan - Bear in mind that New York City has many housing sub-markets. If you are looking for moderately priced apartments, very little will be found in Manhattan south of 96th Street on the East Side and below 110th Street on the West Side. Nonetheless, parts of the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, upper Manhattan and Staten Island offer more affordable apartments. The median rent for a newly vacant apartment in Core Manhattan is typically double that found in the rest of the city.

What Every New Yorker Needs to Know About Rental Housing [Housingnyc.com]