NEIGHBORHOOD
insiders Jayma Cardoso’s
little italy
MORGAN MILLER
I
was born in Brazil, and much like the United States, Brazil is made up of Europeans who travelled to the Americas. My mother’s maiden name is Zilliotto, which means at some point a part of my family hailed from Northern Italy. And since we are on the topic of Northern Italy, “Nolita” doesn’t stand for North of Little Italy, it stands for Northern Little Italy! Don’t take my word for it, you can read up on it at the Italian American Museum. Little Italy used to be overlooked by New Yorkers with complaints such as: “too touristy,” “Italian food is better in other parts of the city,” “there’s nothing to do.” It’s probably one of the main reasons why I was in favor of opening Goldbar in Little Italy. To quote a friend: “If everyone is on one side of the boat, you might want to check out the other side.” I couldn’t agree more. In Little Italy you’ll find history, shopping, great food and a night out on the town. I’m proud of Little Italy. Goldbar was one of the first establishments to lead to a renaissance of a hidden treasure in our fair city. So, with that, here are a few jewels you should check out. Felice Esplorare! —Jayma Cardoso
Jayma Cardoso’s Little Italy Picks No.6 Store 6 Centre Market Place 212.226.5759 www.no6store.com Something old, something new—either way you’re walking out of this store with something cool. Di Palo Selects 200 Grand Street 212.226.1033 www.dipaloselects.com It’s like walking into the old world or into your great grandmother’s pantry. Beautiful shopping, where they have procured the finest handcrafted ingredients and food from Italy. Reborn Process 35 Crosby Street 212.226.6306 www.rebornprocess.com The owners of this store travel to flea markets around the world to seek out signature items and restore them before putting them on display. Torrisi Italian Specialties 250 Mulberry Street 212.965.0955 www.piginahat.com It’s American Italian style food, and I usually favor native Italian style, but this food is truly done with quality. You can’t go wrong either way when done with love and pride. La Esquina 114 Kenmare Street 646.613.7100 www.esquinanyc.com This falls under “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” Serge Becker is one of my favorites for making dining more than just a meal,
but an experience. So, seek out the new, but this place is tried and true. Try the hamburger upstairs, it’s a guilty pleasure of mine and my pick for the best hamburger in the city. Goldbar 389 Broome Street 212.274.1568 www.goldbarnewyork.com Goldbar still holds all the magic. It’s gone from hot spot, to being surpassed by new and trendier place and now it falls under legacy. I love Goldbar at its current stage more than at any point, it has perfect blend of people. St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral 263 Mulberry Street 212.226.8075 www.oldcathedral.org Well, we are in Little Italy, so why not take a moment to visit New York City’s first Catholic Church. For me it’s a great place to stop to reflect and give thanks. Go at dusk as it adds to the beauty of the walls that hide and shroud the mystery of the Basilica. Italian American Museum 155 Mulberry Street 212.965.9000 www.italianamericanmuseum.org Learn everything from the journey of Italians to the Americas, to seeing the beauty of a Sicilian marionette or the true meaning of masks at the Venetian Carnival. You’ll come away with one thing for certain: Italian Americans have given us more than amazing food, they are vital to the tapestry that makes up New York City. FEBRUARY 2012 · AVENUE MAGAZINE | 51