Monday, July 12th, 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 Jeremy Smith, Senior Engineer, Online Video Advertising, west 70’s.

How long have you lived on the UWS?
I relocated from Hell’s Kitchen to the Upper West Side in March of this year, so I’m new to the neighborhood.  I’ve lived in Manhattan for three years.

What made you decide to move to the UWS?
I realized how much time my boyfriend and I were spending on the UWS, so it just made sense.   We have a two-year-old Golden Retriever who needs a lot of exercise, so being close to the parks was a big reason we moved.

What is your favorite thing about the neighborhood?
The people.  For the first time since moving from the Midwest it feels like I’m living in a real neighborhood.  Everyone is really friendly, there are tons of dogs, and it’s just got a more relaxed vibe.  The parks, restaurants, and grocery stores are great too.

Riverside Park or Central Park?
Definitely Riverside Park.  I spend a lot of time at the dog run on 72nd street.  Riverside is mostly tourist-free and just as pretty.

Describe your best celebrity sighting on the UWS.
None yet.  I know there are plenty that live in the area, I guess I just don’t pay attention.

What is your favorite meal on the UWS? Favorite place for a cocktail?
It’s hard to choose.  Land Thai (Amsterdam at 82nd), City Grill (Columbus at 73rd), Big Nick’s (Broadway at 77th), and Sarabeth’s (Amsterdam at 80th). I’m almost always at one of those places (I despise cooking… haha).  For a cocktail?  The Empire Hotel Rooftop (63rd between Broadway and Columbus), hands down.  For a beer?  Amsterdam Ale House (76th and Amsterdam).   The Pier I Café (Riverside Park at 70th) is a great place for drinking in the summer, too.

If you could change one thing about the UWS, what would it be?
More nightlife.   There are tons of bars in the 80′s on Amsterdam, but they’re all the same college frat bars.  I’d love to see some more upscale places open up in the area.

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?
More coffee shops with outdoor seating.  I spend a lot of time on the weekends at the Muffin Shop on Columbus and 70th, but it’s the only coffee shop I’ve found in the area with a good vibe.

Horse and carriage rides in Central Park: romantic, too touristy, or cruel?
The horses aren’t taken care of well, so it’s pretty cruel.   I’ve never done it either.

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?
Trader Joe’s for sure.  Fairway is great, but the more options, the better.   Lincoln Center is mostly completed now and it’s gorgeous, but I don’t spend a lot of time there.

What is your favorite thing to do in the ‘hood on a nice UWS day?
I spend a lot of time outside – walking the dog around the neighborhood, laying out in Sheep’s Meadow (Central Park), and just enjoying the weather.

Who is your favorite UWS resident, past or present?
Conan O’Brien! Too bad he moved.

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Tags: Interviews, Jeremy Smith