Monday, April 5th, 2010

Periodically, My Upper West interviews an Upper West Side resident who helps make our neighborhood the diverse and interesting place we love.  Today, we talk to Amy Ferguson, Art Director, west 80’s.

So, what do you do all day?
I am an Art Director working in advertising.  Check out my professional site at amyferg.com.  Also, come visit me at my blog, Old Sweet Song, anytime!  I’m always interested in hearing from other creative folks about what they do or possible collaborations.

How long have you lived on the UWS?
I have been in the city for almost six years but have only been an Upper West Sider for about a year.

What made you decide to move to the UWS?
My boyfriend Anthony and I had been living in the Village for a few years and decided we really wanted a change of pace.  The Upper West Side has such a great neighborhood feel and it’s so relaxed. Plus it’s one of those quintessential New York neighborhoods and there’s something so awesome about all of the history and the charm.  Oh, and we have a backyard!

What is your favorite thing about the neighborhood?
I love the low key vibe of the neighborhood.  It’s so nice to come home to.  And the proximity to the park, of course.

Riverside Park or Central Park?
Central Park!

Describe your best celebrity sighting on the UWS.
A tie: Kristen Wiig at Pinkberry, and Jessica Walter (aka Lucille Bluth of Arrested Development) at the 86th Street subway station getting on the same train as me.

What is your favorite meal on the UWS? Favorite place for a cocktail?
I love Sarabeth’s (Amsterdam at 80th) and Fred’s (Amsterdam at 83rd) for comfort food, Good Enough to Eat (Amsterdam at 83rd) for brunch (but it always too crowded) Dean’s (85th between Broadway and Amsterdam) for pizza, Eighty-One (81st between Central Park West and Columbus) for a burger (sadly it’s closing), Pinch & S’mac (Columbus at 83rd) for delicious Italian mac and cheese (mmmm, cheese), and EJ’s (Amsterdam at 81st) for diner food.   I was sad when Pudding Stones (Amsterdam at 91st) closed because it was a great place to get a glass of wine.   I also like getting drinks at the bar in the Excelsior Hotel (it’s actually part of Eighty-One so maybe it’s closing too. Boo!).  I loved Recipe (Amsterdam at 82nd) and I need to go back soon to try it again.  I also really want to try Ed’s Chowder House (63rd between Broadway and Columbus)… it’s on my list.

If you could change one thing about the UWS, what would it be?
I think we need some more hipness up here.  More interesting, off-beat, up-and-coming shops, restaurants and bars.  Come on, we’re cool too!

What would you like to see filling the empty storefronts in the UWS, or what would you like to see more of in the UWS?
My head would explode if an Anthropologie opened up here (the new Urban Outfitters that’s coming is a decent consolation prize, though). I’d also die to get a Grey Dog, a Westville and an Oren’s.

Horse and carriage rides in Central Park: romantic, too touristy, or cruel?
I haven’t done it since I’ve lived here and even though it is a bit touristy I wouldn’t mind doing it just once.  Seems like a (totally cheesy) movie moment and I can be dorky and get into those.

What are you looking forward to most: completion of Lincoln Center’s renovations, Trader Joe’s on 72nd and Broadway, the shops at Columbus Square, or completion of the 96th Street subway station?
I love the shops at Columbus Square (now open)!  So happy to have a Whole Foods and a Michael’s there.

What is your favorite thing to do in the ‘hood on a nice UWS day?
Take a walk around the reservoir, head to the greenmarket on Columbus or chill out my backyard.  Perhaps with a mojito or two.

Who is your favorite UWS resident, past or present?
Conan O’Brien!  He’s one of my favorite (former) residents of not only the Upper West Side, but of the entirety of Planet Earth.  Besides Conan, I think my boyfriend is a pretty awesome Upper West Sider.

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