Monday, May 10th, 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 Robin Campbell, actress/singer/dancer, west 70’s.

So, what do you do all day?
I am an actress/singer/dancer and have done lots of theatre in New York City and all over the country.  More recently, I’ve done comedic roles on TV and film, and in my current state, I have been moonlighting as a maternity model.  You can find the pregnant me at Expecting Models, and you can read more about my latest shenanigans at robin-campbell.com.

How long have you lived on the UWS?
I came to NYC when I was 18 to go to Barnard College and fell in love with the UWS.  I got to know the area by walking from my dorm at 116th and Broadway down to Steps at 74th and Broadway to take dance classes several times a week.  After college I hopped around to many apartments all over the city, but I have always gravitated back to the UWS.   I have lived in my building in the mid-70’s for the past five years.  I love our block.  Very neighborhood-y and relaxing.

What made you decide to move to the UWS?
I work and audition in some of the most touristy and dirty areas of the city, so coming home to the clean and zen UWS always makes me happy.  The sidewalks feel wider, the brownstone blocks are quaint and quiet, and there are babies and dogs everywhere.  It almost feels like an escape from the city while still being in the city.  As long as we are still in NYC, my husband and I will live on the UWS.

What is your favorite thing about the neighborhood?
The peaceful calm shopping of Fairway late at night.  Early morning walks down Columbus with my husband.  Being able to walk to Lincoln Center and see some of the highest caliber performers in the world.

Riverside Park or Central Park?
Central Park during the week, especially in the mornings.  I used to go to Riverside Park all the time when I was at Barnard, so I have happy memories of being young and new to NYC, feeling so lucky that I lived here.

Describe your best celebrity sighting on the UWS.
Billy Bob Thornton on Columbus outside of Reebok Sports Club.  He was talking to some woman and had serious game.  Carried himself like a rock star.

What is your favorite meal on the UWS? Favorite place for a cocktail?
Josie’s (Amsterdam at 74th).  Healthy and delicious.  Everything on the menu is amazing.  Plus my cool older sister would take me there when I would visit her on the UWS when I was in high school in Boston.  A lot of important events in my life have happened at Josie’s, including telling my parents we were expecting a baby.  Fave place for a cocktail… Calle Ocho (Columbus at 82nd).  My husband took me there on our first date.  Six hours later, I knew I had met the man I was going to marry.   Good times.

If you could change one thing about the UWS, what would it be?
More buses.  Especially during the 3:00 pm after-school rush hour.  A law at Fairway banning iPod use during busy shopping times.  It slows down the necessary weaving in and out of people.

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 decent sporting goods store.  It seems ridiculous to have to trek to Union Square (and to have to transfer on the subway) to Paragon.  Or even worse… 34th Street.

Horse and carriage rides in Central Park: romantic, too touristy, or cruel?
Touristy and cruel.  I hate seeing those poor horses schlepping people around in the freezing cold or the sweltering heat.  All of the interesting things to do in NYC… I’m not sure why anyone would choose to do a carriage ride.

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?
Tie between Lincoln Center and Trader Joe’s.  My husband and I love to go to Lincoln Center and see shows, operas, and concerts there all the time.   We have also both performed there many times, so we have a special connection to it.  And Trader Joe’s is the best. Although I am sure it is going to be even crazier than Fairway, so my husband and I are already plotting late night grocery runs in order to avoid the daytime madness.

What is your favorite thing to do in the ‘hood on a nice UWS day?
Take an early morning walk in Central Park (before the meat market/tourists emerge), get coffee and stroll down Columbus with my husband (and in a few weeks, our new baby!), sit outside Arte Cafe (73rd and Columbus) and people watch, get some pomegranate Pinkberry, go to Josie’s for dinner, see a concert at Lincoln Center, get a glass of wine and sit outside at Wine and Roses (73rd and Columbus).

Who is your favorite UWS resident, past or present?
My husband, hands down.

Filed under: Upper West Side, Upper West Side Blog
Tags: Expecting Models, Robin Campbell