Thursday, January 3, 2013

In Winter




















Perhaps it was the cold weather. Perhaps it was my first day back at work. Perhaps it was the WPA guide. Whatever the reason, as I sat on the train midday, heading back home, I had luncheonette cravings, & hopping off the train at 63rd, made my way up to the Lexington Candy Shop. I hadn't been there in years. At the height of lunchtime, the place was crammed, and I got squeezed in at a pink table near the back, intimate neighbor to an elderly man tackling strawberry pancakes topped with mounds of whipped cream. Next to him, a young woman (granddaughter?) & his wife, tucked into a space hidden from view. The women laughed together and the man ate, silently. Around me, regulars, blondes of a certain age, sequestered in booths. Single male diners at the counter.  My dumpling of a Polish waitress, a comfort to her customers, somehow mistook my warped English accent for a Polish one, which was unlikely, disconcerting, & flattering, all at the same time. Throughout the room, unfailing politeness.

On Lexington in January, women had taken to their furs, and a couple of poodles and a sprightly fox-terrier were as well-groomed as their owners.  The avenue in winter.  Tailored, sedate, pleasingly predictable. Cast with a thin pale sunlight, dotted with as high a concentration of florists, cleaners and decorator stores as anywhere in the city.    All life's small necessities at hand.

5 comments:

Marty Wombacher said...

Sounds like a great lunch. I love that sign, great photo!

Jeff said...

Hitting up the George Bellow's exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art this Sunday - then following up with egg creams at the Lexington Candy Shop.

Thanks for the additional inspiration!!

- J.

onemorefoldedsunset said...

Hope you had a good time today, Jeff!

Laura Goggin Photography said...

I love that first photo.

I've never been to the Lexington Candy Shop, so you've given me something to seek out.

onemorefoldedsunset said...

It's a great place to visit. Not that cheap, but it is the Upper East Side, after all. The interior is lovely & it's a really friendly place. Yes, tourists, etc., but also serious regulars & good people watching. I think you'd like it, Goggla.