The Manhattan Times

It was right around this time last year when I first set foot in the offices of the Manhattan Times. It was my first week at work in a neighborhood that from Day One felt like it welcomed me with open arms.

My first assignment? Finding some avena, the unique milky creamy oatmeal drink that is served as breakfast in many Latino households. Delving into a Dominican bakery to try this version of the comforting drink was only the beginning of my absorption of the neighborhood culture that today I continue to learn about.

A year ago, my knowledge about the neighborhood was limited.

I read as much as I could in preparation, did my research and asked questions. It took some time but I familiarized with a neighborhood exuberant with pride, no matter which side of Broadway you stood on.

As much as we might like to argue that there is no difference, to me it’s loud and clear. Commerce flows through the arteries east of Broadway keeping our local economy thriving, from fruit vendors to El Mundo, from the high-end boutiques, and the many barbershops and beauty salons. There’s pride there.

And pride also on the western end too, where residential life thrives, Art Deco buildings hide along Bennett Avenue, and the parks provide endless yard space for apartment dwellers.

My grandmother can finally rest her worries about me being properly fed. El Alto hasn’t let me go hungry, and the food runs the gamut: from Russian goodies on 181st Street and Ft. Washington, an endless supply of frío frío in the summer, the perfectly milk froth-topped morning coffees, my tostada, 4 am breakfasts at Floridita, rice and beans, matzo ball soup, sopa de pollo, and plantains, lots of mangu.

Upon arrival a year ago, I soon began familiarizing with the weekly routine of our newsroom. Production Mondays, editorial meetings, last minute assignments, and meetings, lots of meetings. All of which have helped to have a better understanding of how our neighborhood works, how some things come about, and why they happen.

Then came the creation of this weekly column. Living El Alto, a weekly write-up about all things and people in Northern Manhattan. A look at the quirky and unique details that make our neighborhood stand out. Our food, music, and art scene, the customs, celebrations, and parades. 

I thank El Alto for welcoming me. For letting me turn its streets into my notepad, for the neighbors sharing their stories, experiences, concerns and expertise and allowing me to retell them. For setting up what, without a doubt, was an unforgettable summer, full of challenges, some tears, and lots of laughter. 

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Mike Fitelson, our former associate publisher and editor who gave me my first assignment at the end of the phone call that offered me the job, and played an instrumental role in creating this column. On my first day in the office, as I attempted to take over a desk, he said, “No two days will ever be the same here.” He wasn’t kidding.

The Manhattan Times might not have a 24-hour news cycle, but the stories of our neighborhood are ever unfolding, and I’m thrilled to be part of the audience.

We live and walk on historic streets. We have access to some untouched geography, and a motley crew of cultures, faces, colors, and tastes. Best of all, we can look at the immensity, wonder, and beauty of our City from the top, from El Alto.