When HG was a New York journalist (1950-1955), a favorite restaurant of HG and HG’s newspaper and wire service pals was Patsy’s. It was located in an edgy neighborhood of Spanish Harlem, 2287 First Avenue (west side of the Avenue between 117th and 118th Streets). Many junkies and drug pushers in the neighboring streets. Since junkies needed money for their next fix, muggings were frequent. The restaurant was a neighborhood fixture and its pizzas (made in an ancient coal fired oven) were remarkable. It was very affordable. HG’s meal of crudo di vongole (clams on the half shell) and linguine aglio e olio (olive oil, garlic, parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper) cost less than two dollars. Sometime in the early 80’s HG took a group of friends there after a Gerard Schwartz concert at the 92nd Street Y. Restaurant was a bit run down and the neighborhood made much of the group nervous. Gerry Schwartz enjoyed the odd place and all agreed the food was terrific. At some juncture in the 1980s, Woody Allen stopped by Patsy’s with associates and raved about the food. Voila!! Patsy’ became a hangout for cool New Yorkers. (Rao’s, the super exclusive red sauce restaurant, is close to Patsy’s at 114th Street and Pleasant Avenue). Patsy’s is still in business. Prices are modest (by Manhattan standards). The clams are now $8.50 and the linguine is $9.95. The neighborhood is much improved if not totally gentrified.
Leave a Reply