The design and photography floor at Barnes & Noble bookstore in Union Square.

It starts when a friend implores you to eat downstairs at La Esquina, the subterranean brasserie branch of Derek Sanders's Mexican axis of Kenmare Street. The food’s cheaper and probably better at the walk-in-only cafe around the corner from the restaurant’s entrance—a door disguised by a taqueria counter and a sign that reads “Employees Only”—but there’s a certain category of New Yorker who thrives on having what others don’t. A reservationist will ask you if you’ve “dined with us before,” and in general, it takes knowing someone in the industry, smooth talking, or (velvet-rope flashback) looking good and confident at the door, to waltz in at prime time. The reward is dining in a Mexican dungeon as styled for a Vogue shoot, complete with metalwork, distressed stone walls, and water dripping on the back of your neck (though the owners can probably thank the air conditioner for the added atmospherics). Making up the grinning crowd at secluded booths and in private cells (?): a healthy mix of models, cougars, and maybe John Mayer picking his way through red snapper ceviche, cauliflower and avocado taquitos, grilled octopus tostados, or a plate of tuna tartare with a tamarind glaze. If the food sounds light, you’re right; it’s playing to the delicious crowd.  This is, what "The New Yorker" wrote about this fantastic place!

Neighborhood lunch place / Japanese supermarket. Love it for its authenticity and affordable Japanese food menu. Although its located in SOHO, it’s not hip, not fancy, not designed, not styled, not outstanding. Feels like a honest, family run business that makes the most out of this location for sure. Come here for Ramen, soba, sushi, and more. Try some fries with a choice of chili or wasabi mayonnaise. There’s something about them.

1st Thursday of every Month from 6-9PM, I like to visit New York Art Center curated by Shane Townley, founder & director of the center and NYA Gallery. This is creative art public space in Tribeca where you can meet established, emerging artists, curators from all over the World and a nice and professional team of NYA Gallery and Gallery 104 - Lucy McCarron, Tony Huffman, Estefania Ochoa, and others - and introduce yourself to them. My solo exhibition New Tech Girls - Bikini Issue will open to the public on Thursday, July 4th with a reception the following week on Wednesday, July 10th from 6-9pm. The show will remain on view until Sunday, July 21st. Visitors may see my works during regular gallery hours: Monday through Sunday, 12-5pm.  -------------------------- On the photo: Olga Feshina's booth at NYAFAIR at New York Art Center May 02 - May 05 2019

Best lobster roll outside of Maine. The brunch is a well kept secret. Chicken and waffles and shrimp & grits are my picks for brunch.