September 13, 2011 Weather: Sunny, High of 84 Degrees.
News:
Well-known Upper West Side chalk artist Hani Shihada was commissioned to draw conservatives like Margaret Thatcher and Friedrich Hayek on the streets of the Upper West Side, mostly near Columbia. The man who commissioned the art, Michael Schrage, said he was looking to balance out Shihada’s usual depiction of Democrats and left-leaners like Barack Obama and Supreme Court Justrice Sonia Sotomayor. Said Schrage: “It’s the idea of a friendly rivalry, not standing in opposition. If I wanted to [upset] people I would have asked for [Newt] Gingrich or [Mitt] Romney.” Someone appeared to have spilled coffee on Thatcher’s face. Respect, people! (DNAinfo)
The Central Park Boathouse has offered to recognize the union that has been attempting to organize its workers. It could be the end of what has been a very nasty battle. (Crain’s)
Chef Jesus Nunez of the Spanish restaurant Gastroarte at 141 West 69th Street draws his dishes before he puts them together, including a particularly attractive beet salad. He used to be a graffiti artist. (Eater)
Blu Realty Group is partnering with a company called Tavalon Tea to open a new coffee & real estate business at 120 Riverside Boulevard near 66th Street. Blu Cafe by Tavalon Tea is reportedly the first of its kind in the city. Clearly, this is what’s going to save the housing market. (The Real Deal)
Jennifer Lopez and Bradley Cooper were spotted together at Per Se in the Time Warner Center, looking “romantic.” That’s a relationship that will certainly last forever. (NY Daily News)
Photo via Hani Shihada.
