Murray’s Cheese Shop, NYC

If you have a hankering for cheese, any kind of cheese, there is one place in New York City where you’re most likely to find something to scratch the itch: Murray’s on Bleeker Street. Located between 6th and 7th Avenues, where Cornelia Street ends at Bleeker, you’ll find this NYC institution, which is shown below.

The shop used to be located across the street on a corner, so this is technically the “new” location. No matter. The people inside know their cheese. When you pass through the door, your nose is attacked by any number of stomach growling scents. Mice the world over dream of making a pilgrimage to this spot. Take a look at just one of the cases inside and you’ll see why.

There are things in there that I can not even begin to pronounce. My stomach doesn’t really care so long as a sample is to be had. Due to the volume of business Murray’s does, the cheese is always fresh. They are constantly receiving new varieties from all over the world, not to mention more locally produced artisan-types. Just take a look at the wheels shown in this photo:

Wow! If sight of that doesn’t make you think about eating, ask someone to check your pulse. So, even if you’re just passing through NYC, stop in for a slice of this or that to enjoy. Yes, there is a bakery a few doors down. Get some bread, some cheese, maybe some wine… you’re good to go.

What’s your favorite culinary emporium? Mention it here and photos, too, please.

Published in: on July 11, 2008 at 3:20 pm  Comments (1)  
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Piedra Plat Church, Aruba

In the area known as Piedra Plat on the island of Aruba, there stands this handsome Protestant Church. The proportions of this building always seemed pleasing to me. It stands about a hundred meters away from the main road, on a small street of its own. Services are still held here on Sunday afternoons.

As the plaque shown indicates (in Papiamento), the Protestant congregation began in the middle 1800’s in the area of Canashito before building this church in 1899. The building was restored in 2000.

My previous posts included photos and brief discussions of a few cathedrals in Spain. At the same time, I wanted to mention structures such as this one, which have as much atmosphere as those larger ones, albeit in a different way. They are more likely to be intimate and charming spaces rather than domineering or imposing.

When traveling, I try to work in small stops like this, especially if they are an active part of the community. They teach volumes about the culture of the population and thus give greater insight into the area. Do you remember a favorite place that seemed insignificant at first but turned out to be more interesting than you thought it would be? Let me know.

Published in: on July 11, 2008 at 12:34 pm  Leave a Comment  
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One Great Photographer

Perhaps my all-time favorite photographer is Mr. Christopher Burkett. I had the good fortune to meet him about ten years ago at a gallery in Delaware, USA. His website is http://www.christopherburkett.com/ and I highly recommend a visit. It’s a good website, but it doesn’t do justice to the quality of the color that Burkett captures in his prints. The prints that I saw at the gallery were stunning. His ability to capture nature is unrivaled. Looking at a 20″ X 20″ print or larger is pure eye candy, something you can not get enough of.

He has a show at a gallery in New York City at present. I hope to work a visit into my schedule. Wouldn’t mind having three or four of his prints on the wall. Viewing his photos on a computer screen is a mere impression of his ability. You must see them en vivo for the full effect. And the full effect is well worth the journey and the price. The prints that I saw were of the IlfoChrome or CibaChrome process. I’m not sure if he still uses this method. Again, the ones I saw were the best in the world, bar none.

Do you have a favorite artist? Let me know.

Published in: on July 11, 2008 at 1:00 am  Leave a Comment  
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Palapa Huts, Aruba

A nice feature of the beaches in Aruba, is that there are Palapa huts constructed in front of the various hotels and at other spots as well. After several hours in the lower latitude sun, it’s a good idea to find a little shade. Here’s a look at the huts on Palm Beach, near the Hyatt Hotel.

That guy in the middle of the frame probably has a good book. He’s kicked off his flip-flops, just had a sip of a fruity drink, and is diving back into the story. I hope it’s An Island Away. There is a scene in the book that takes place right here. One of the characters is at the Hyatt Hotel. She has a swim and lays out in the sun, enjoying the good life before getting a heavy dose of reality in her chosen profession. Anyway, be careful in the sun. Like all things, use in moderation.

Have you ever visited a location that was featured in a book or a movie? Let me know.

Published in: on July 10, 2008 at 8:52 pm  Leave a Comment  
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