This is my favorite bar in the city: original cocktails, an unpretentious crowd and live jazz.

Brooklyn's only black-owned Jazz Club and musician-run nonprofit supporting the arts and community since 1981.

One of my all time favorite shops. They have amazing succulents at reasonable prices. It's always a pleasure to stop in and see what they've got that day. Ched, the owner, is not only extremely knowledgeable but totally hilarious. Every plant has been personalized and anthropomorphized.

Coming back from from New Haven, we got off at Grand Central and he took me down one of the concourses to the place with the vaulted ceiling. He stood at one corner and I stood at another and we whispered into the walls, our voices drifting across to each other.

No, it's not a butcher shop. It's a destination sneaker spot with the best selection of Vans!