Best NYC Holiday Shopping Trip Ever!
Plus! The City's Greatest Salvation Army Bell Ringer!! My Xmas Wish!!!
Hello everyone,
Welcome to Issue #99 of CAFÉ ANNE!
So I know what you are wondering: “What does ANNE want for Christmas?”
Funny you should ask, because there’s really just one gift I’m dreaming about, and that is your weird trash photos.
Back in the day, before life turned to ashes, readers were sending me photographs of weird trash heaps found on the street to include in the newsletter. The best depicted a hodgepodge of items that didn’t make any sense, but there they were, as if trying to communicate an odd little vignette. Here’s one great example. Here’s another.
So please be on the lookout for weird trash! Email your photos to annekadet@yahoo.com.
If you happen to live in a weird-trash-free zone, the other thing I want most is a good NYC mystery to solve. If there’s anything in the city you’ve been wondering about that requires an investigation, send me the deets!
Meanwhile, a heads up: I am taking a two-week break, so this is the last issue of the year. The next newsletter (Issue #100!!!!) will land in your inbox—like a cardinal from outer space—on Monday, January 8.
In other news, super Bull-Loose-in-Newark-Penn-Station shoutouts to new paid subscribers Gary G. and Sarah B. That’s enough $$$ for ten tranquilizer darts and an eggnog!
And even bigger shoutouts to Forrest and Lucia in Providence. When I opened my mailbox last week and saw your holiday card, I was tickled. But when I saw what you had included inside, I shouted “WOW!” right in the elevator. It was a highlight of the week for me. Thank you!
I am very excited for this week’s issue, of course. We’ve got a look at the city’s coolest Salvation Army bell ringer, plus the best NYC shopping trip ever. Please enjoy.
Regards and happy holidays!
Anne
SPOTTED ON THE STREET
NYC’s Coolest Salvation Army Bell Ringer!
I was in Midtown the other day and stopped to use the amazing Bryant Park bathroom. There was a long line, as usual, but that was okay because I was hugely entertained the whole time by the best Salvation Army bell ringer I’ve ever seen in the city.
Most Salvation Army soldiers just stand around ringing the bell and asking for donations. But this fellow was playing the tunes, and his energy was so infectious, he got all kinds of passersby dancing with him. Check out his smooth moves in this 39-second video I shot!
His name, it turns out, is Roberto Ciriaco. He is a Salvation Army commanding officer and pastor in the Tremont section of the Bronx. I got his card and called him a few days later.
You have the best moves of any Salvation Army bell ringer I’ve ever seen!
Yeah people like it!
Where did you learn to dance like that?
I’m from the Dominican Republic. The culture there, we’re dancing as soon as we're born. We dance merengue, salsa, Latin music.
When you started out as a Christmas bell ringer, were you performing like that?
The first year I started, 14 years ago, nobody was doing that. Only ringing the bell. But one day I brought the speaker and played music and started dancing, and people liked it! I make the playlists, the music I like. And when I see people enjoy the music, I know they like it too!
I bet the dancing keeps you warm.
Oh yeah!
How long is your shift, and how much money do you collect?
I start at noon and go until 5 or 6 pm. Sometimes $1000. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
Our organization is Christian. We have a church, that is my favorite part. To preach the gospel, to pray for the people. l do social service. Today we’re working with City Harvest, delivering food for the community. Later this week we bring toys for the kids. That’s why we are raising money.
Do you get tired, ringing the bell all day?
Yes! But for me it’s exercise.
And you look like you’re having fun!
Oh yeah, I enjoy it. I love it!
What’s your message?
The message is, we try to bring joy and remember this season we are talking about Jesus Christ being born. He brings salvation.
SENIOR LEVEL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Seasoned, executive-level Admin Ass't available for p/t work from home with limited travel. Held staff positions at CUNY, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Corporation of New York, the White House, Trisha Brown Dance Company, and a private equity firm. Experience includes editorial assistant work and photo editing. $25/hour with a minimum of 8-12 hours/week. Usual computer skills. Resume upon request. Contact Mark: fhg7130@gmail.com.
This book gives you the tools to make a super-low-budget movie for yourself, by yourself, without waiting for anyone's permission or blessing. If you've been trying to sell a spec script, attach a star, or raise financing, why not do something while you're waiting for others to do something? Get it on Amazon, or click here for more information.
Want to advertise your service, hire help or promote your own newsletter in the next issue of CAFÉ ANNE? Click here for info!
FEATURE
Best NYC Shopping Trip Ever!
I can’t buy many gifts this year, but who cares! The real fun of shopping in NYC is chatting with the shopkeepers. And when you’ve got your own blog, you’ve got a great excuse for being nosy.
This year, I hit random stores across city to ask shopkeepers two questions: what’s the best gift in the store, and what gift would you most like to receive?
Please enjoy!
Enza Cammisa, Owner, Gift of Love, Queens
Ms. Cammisa, who opened her gift shop 40 years ago after arriving from Sicily, recommended a $400, 18-inch porcelain baby Jesus. “They sell in the Vatican, in Rome!” she said.
The doll was still in its cellophane wrapper:
For herself, Ms. Cammisa choose a $400 gold-tone leaf centerpiece, imported from Israel.
And if she could have anything in the world?
“Peace,” she said. ‘Peace for everybody. Nothing else! The people, they don’t need any more stuff!”
Courtney Cook, Stylist, What Goes Around Comes Around, Soho
The luxury vintage shop stylist said the best present in the store was a vintage black Chanel double-flap handbag: “Especially for a starter, someone who’s never owned a Chanel bag before.”
Courtney walked me back to a display case holding a large assortment of black Chanel bags, and unlocked the case. “Princess Diana carried this bag,” said Courtney. “24-carat gold. Very classic, very chic, very easy for someone starting out with a Chanal bag, who loves history and good quality.”
The price: $7,150.
Courtney’s dream gift from the store? A $21,000 Louis Vuitton “Ghost” bag. “It’s a collab with Comme des Garçons!”
“And if you could have any gift in the entire universe? I asked.
“A million dollars,” said Courtney. “That’d be a great gift. Then I’ll go buy everything else that I want!”
Juan Rivera, Owner, Variety Mart, Brooklyn
What’s the best gift in your store?
That’s up to the person. You know, there’s the person who comes in an emergency and needs a plunger because he’s been having parties and the bathroom is, ah—and then there’s people who, you know, needs candles for the holidays. And the guy who wants to start making a mixed drink and his blender broke down. We have everything.
I guess that’s why it’s called “Variety Mart.”
Hence Variety Mart! We’ve been here since forever.
What would YOU most like to receive as a gift?
Time off! Let me go to the beach and sit down on my boat, look at the water, read a book, smoke a cee-gar. That’s the greatest gift of all. It can’t found on one of my shelves. And then when I’m back, I’m in a good state, and I’m good for the people!
Vanessa Salavarria, Sales Clerk, Tango, Brooklyn
Of everything in the store, what would you say is the best gift?
Hmmm! Jewelry. I’m a jewelry girl.
Let’s look at the jewelry then. Is there an item you’d choose?
This set. I mean, look at it. It sparkles like diamonds. It’s from Adina Reyter, based out of California. The necklace is $1,498 and the bracelet is $698.
But clearly one should buy both.
Of course! Who doesn’t love a matching set?
If you could get anything in the whole world as a gift, what would you get?
A house! My lease is up in the spring. I’m trying not to think about it. Get through the holidays first. That’s always stressful. I live in Bay Ridge. I’m trying to stay in Bay Ridge, but I don’t know. There’s no inventory now.
What’s your fantasy house? Where would it be?
In the Hamptons. I love it out there. A little beach house. I don’t ask for much! A beach house in the Hamptons, that’s it.
That’s about $30 milllion, I’m guessing.
I’ll take a non-beach house—in the Hamptons!
Jorge, Street Vendor, Downtown Brooklyn
Does your business have a name?
I have a couple of businesses. This one here is “Everything Under the Sun.” I’m a licensed vendor.
Of all the stuff you have, what would be the best gift?
That’s a good question. I’ve been trying a little of everything. As you can see. I’ve got the electronics, the sunglasses. When nothing else is moving, the sunglasses are moving. A fast quarter is better than a slow dollar—that’s the concept I’m operating under.
Ain’t no bootleg stuff here. I’m just getting it at a real great price, available from my distributor. The stores have more inventory, but I try to get unique stuff you won’t get just anywhere.
So what’s the best gift? I like the avocado phone charger.
I think this is unique.
It’s a sleep mask that plays music. It connects to your phone with blue tooth. That’s a great idea. How much is it?
Ten dollars. Can’t go wrong!
Last question: if you could have any gift in the world for yourself, what would it be?
My health! Health is wealth. You can have all the money in the world—if you’re not healthy, you can’t live to enjoy it.
Tony Sadek, Owner, Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop, Brooklyn
Of everything in here, what would be the best gift?
We have a very nice gift box assortment of baklava. All made with honey, organic cashew, pistachio, almond. $65.
You know what? I had a party recently and someone brought one of these!
Beautiful! That’s why you look happy.
Of everything in the store, what would be the best gift for you?
For me? Seeing good customers like you!
Haha! And of everything in the whole world, what would you most like to get?
Health!
You’re the second person to say that.
You have your health, you have everything.
Tony Searselli, Owner, Atlantic Bicycles, Brooklyn
What is the best gift in the whole store?
The Fuji Feather. This is a classic bike!
Oh, that’s a nice looking bike. I love the color.
Everybody loves it! Single speed. Simplicity. People like that.
And where’s the tarantula. Is he still here?
Yeah, he’s still here. Mad Max, we call him. He’s a little aggressive. Though he’s not poisonous. Unless you’re allergic.
Is Max for sale?
Max, no. But I’d like to sell him. He’s escaped twice. He knows!
I have one more question for you. What Christmas present would you like more than anything in the world?
My bills to be paid! To be debt-free. That would relieve a lot of stress.
Vivian Wang, Wang 99¢ & Up, Queens
Ms. Wang recommended the $14.95 plush green Christmas tree figurine, holding a shiny gold saxophone, displayed by the register. As she noted, not only does it play “Here Comes Santa Claus” and dance like a pine tree on fire, it repeats everything you say, like a parrot. Check out this 28-second video:
Reader, I am sorry to say I bought one. I’m not sure who to give it to. Perhaps the best option is to bury it in the back yard.
Ms. Wang’s wish? Good health for her mother-in-law, husband and son in Queens, and for her parents back in China.
Grady Walker, Orphan Guitars, Brooklyn
What’s the best gift in the store?
One of these little Taylor guitars, these little acoustics. They’re small but really well made. You get it for your kid, you can also play it. I play this all the time!
If you could have any gift in the universe, what would it be?
Contentment.
I think that’s the perfect answer. Then it wouldn’t matter what else you had or didn’t have. Of course that’s the right answer!
Yeah, peace and contentment. But that’s a tough one to achieve.
It’s totally something that no one can give you.
That’s your life’s work, I guess. Figure that one out on your own.
CAFÉ ANNE is a free weekly newsletter created by Brooklyn journalist Anne Kadet. Subscribe to get the latest issue every Monday!
Beautiful. Peace and contentment for all. A perfect wish. Have a lovely break dear Anne. You’ve been a wonderful addition to my life this year. Thanks so much for all you do. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes for the year ahead. 🤗🤗😘😘🥰🥰
Weird trash? CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!!