Tuesday, May 4th, 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 Jill Frangie, TV Producer, west 70’s.

So, what do you do all day?
My day job is producing television at the Fox Business Network, but my other passion is traveling. I just started a blog, The Savvy Suitcase, to share my travel tips, itineraries, and insider secrets.

How long have you lived on the UWS?
I’ve lived in New York for 5 1/2 years and on the UWS for 4 1/2 years. I started out my first year in Gramercy with a roommate. Once I ventured out on my own I knew I wanted to be in the west 70’s, and I’ve been here ever since!

What made you decide to move to the UWS?
I’m originally from Missouri, and I think the UWS is the closest thing you’ll find to the Midwest in New York. I love the parks, grocery stores, and families. It definitely feels like home to me.

What is your favorite thing about the neighborhood?
Our home. My husband and I have a great apartment with everything we could possibly need. Two real grocery stores (Pioneer & Fairway), Pinkberry, Lenny’s, Therapie pharmacy, Commerce Bank, a salon, a barber shop, Duane Reade, laundry, and 3 subway lines all within a 2-block radius. It’s perfect!

Riverside Park or Central Park?
Definitely Central Park.

Describe your best celebrity sighting on the UWS.
Walking past Yoko Ono (only an arm’s length away!) on Central Park West was pretty cool, but I literally ran in to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner at 77th and Broadway.

What is your favorite meal on the UWS? Favorite place for a cocktail?
Patsy’s (74th between Central Park West and Columbus) definitely wins the best pizza award. Tenzan (Columbus between 73rd and 74th) has the best sushi in all of Manhattan. Sarabeth’s (Amsterdam and 80th) (if you can handle the wait) is the best brunch. Drinks at Wine & Roses (Columbus between 73rd and 74th), but Tangled Vine (Amsterdam and 81st) is on my to-do list.

If you could change one thing about the UWS, what would it be?
An empty Tavern on the Green. My husband and I had our wedding reception there, and we always thought that of it as one of those quintessential New York places that would be there for our 15th/20th/50th wedding anniversary. It’s so sad to see it empty and lifeless.

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?
A trendy (but not too trendy) bar or club. We’ve got the Empire Hotel roof bar (63rd between Broadway and Columbus), and that’s about it. We need more nightlife! A bowling alley would be fun, too.

Horse and carriage rides in Central Park: romantic, too touristy, or cruel?
Touristy.

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?
Columbus Square! T.J. Maxx and Michael’s in the ‘hood?! Enough said.

What is your favorite thing to do in the ‘hood on a nice UWS day?
Relaxing in Sheep Meadow (Central Park).

Who is your favorite UWS resident, past or present?
John Lennon.

Filed under: Upper West Side, Upper West Side Blog
Tags: Jill Frangie, The Savvy Suitcase, Upper West Sider