Monday, December 13th, 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 Angellika Morton, professional plus-size model and fashion stylist, west 70’s.

So, what do you do all day?
I model, doing print, shows, showrooms, and television. For more information, you can contact my agent, J.T., at Abrams Artist Talent Agency (646.486.4600).

How long have you lived on the UWS?
I have lived on the UWS for 12 years now.

What made you decide to move to the UWS?
I rented a sublet apartment on 56th between 9th and 10th. My mother visited me for Mother’s day and hated the area. She told me to find another apartment. On a rainy Mother’s Day 12 years ago, I found a great apartment on West 76th and I love it! Now I’m on Riverside… need I say more!

What is your favorite thing about the neighborhood?
My favorite thing about the neighborhood is the people who live in it.

Riverside Park or Central Park?
Riverside park, of course. I love the bike path, walking path, outdoor cafes, water sports, and the view!

Describe your best celebrity sighting on the UWS.
The best celebrity sighting was seeing Robert DeNiro with his older son (Raphael) and his twin boys on 75th and Central Park West strolling with not a care in the world… love him!

What is your favorite meal on the UWS? Favorite place for a cocktail?
My favorite meal on the UWS is a dive! But I love Big Nick’s (Broadway and 77th), as it has the best gyro, along with all of his controlling signs for what not to do while dining. Ha! My favorite place for cocktails is Stone Rose Lounge in the Time Warner Building (Columbus Circle). It’s so chic, yet relaxing, and it has an amazing view of Columbus Circle.

If you could change one thing about the UWS, what would it be?
One thing I would change on the UWS is to bring in more ethnic eateries, spots that serve up Caribbean, Soul Food, Lebanese, etc. There are currently way too many sushi, American and Italian spots.

What would you like to see filling the empty storefronts on the UWS, or what would you like to see more of on the UWS?
Any family/mom & pop stores… it could be a bakery, fish market, anything… we are losing too many places that have that personal touch, that moment when you walk in and they know your name.

Horse and carriage rides in Central Park: romantic, too touristy, or cruel?
Horse and carriage rides in Central Park are touristy, but yet it’s a novelty of our city. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t… ugh.

What is your fav UWS grocery store?
My favorite grocery store is Fairway (Broadway at 74th). The guys at the deli counter are quite friendly and they always give you a taste of what you’re buying. The cafe upstairs is really good too, with the best chicken salad sandwich ever.

What would you prefer for the building at Broadway and 66th: Century 21 or Barnes and Noble?
I would prefer the Barnes and Noble. The neighborhood is becoming the boring Upper East Side… yawn. Many are starting to think that we’re about become the first neighborhood strip mall… help!

What is your favorite thing to do in the ‘hood on a nice UWS day?
On a nice day on the UWS, I like going to H&H Bagels (Broadway at 80th), picking up a hot bagel and coffee, walking through the flea market on 76th and Columbus, strolling around for a couple hours, and then doing lunch at Lanksy’s (Columbus at 71st). Yum!

It’s date night. Catch an opera at Lincoln Center, a concert at the Beacon Theatre, hit up the American Museum of Natural History, or grab a meal at Dovetail?
A concert at the Beacon Theatre. Love listening and watching a concert there. My all-time favorite concert was Seal! It was such a cozy and intimate place to see him.

Filed under: Upper West Side, Upper West Side Blog No Comments »
Tags: Angellika Morton, Fashion Stylist, Interviews, Model, Plus-Size Model, Upper West Sider