I lived in that neighborhood from 1976-1985, with visits in the years following my leaving NYC. Gentrification has wiped out the vast majority of Ukrainian businesses. Gone are all the gift shops with the embroidery, Easter eggs, etc. There's only a fraction of the restaurants and bars left. High rents have pushed many out of the neighborhood. I'm going to bet that many of remaining Ukrainians are in rent controlled and stabilized apartments grandfathered down through the generations. I do appreciate this video that shows a little bit of Ukrainian culture still lives there. I used to frequent the Blue and Gold, and all you'd hear was Ukrainian when you walked in. When she said you that you don't hear the language spoken speaks volumes about what's happened to the East Village.
You were in my old neighborhood - I lived in one of the seven high rise co-ops like the one seen in the reflection in Arka's window (6:40). I still try to get to Veselka's when I'm in town. BTW, I wonder if they still sell blue and gold cookies there (like the traditional NYC "black & whites".
Excellent work Megan! Thank you. I lived in the East Village on & off for 15 years. I've eaten at Veselska on the regular for almost 40 years. I also used to work at another Ukrainian restaurant on Ave. A & E. 7th St called Leshko.
I remember the first time I found little Ukraine shortly after I moved to NYC. I was looking for an audition, and there was some sort of festival going on. I remember thinking that I should check it out after the audition. I never did find my way back there that day... Or to the audition for that matter. I got lost a lot back then.
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Another thing example of how diverse NYC is. Thank you for showcasing the Ukrainian spirit in Nyc.
I lived in that neighborhood from 1976-1985, with visits in the years following my leaving NYC. Gentrification has wiped out the vast majority of Ukrainian businesses. Gone are all the gift shops with the embroidery, Easter eggs, etc. There's only a fraction of the restaurants and bars left. High rents have pushed many out of the neighborhood. I'm going to bet that many of remaining Ukrainians are in rent controlled and stabilized apartments grandfathered down through the generations. I do appreciate this video that shows a little bit of Ukrainian culture still lives there. I used to frequent the Blue and Gold, and all you'd hear was Ukrainian when you walked in. When she said you that you don't hear the language spoken speaks volumes about what's happened to the East Village.
Thank you Megan and David another wonderful NYC video
You were in my old neighborhood - I lived in one of the seven high rise co-ops like the one seen in the reflection in Arka's window (6:40). I still try to get to Veselka's when I'm in town. BTW, I wonder if they still sell blue and gold cookies there (like the traditional NYC "black & whites".
Great video! Im gonna visit this neighborhood very soon coming from Washington DC :)
Very informative your of a spot in nyc most people may have never been to!
Excellent work Megan! Thank you. I lived in the East Village on & off for 15 years. I've eaten at Veselska on the regular for almost 40 years. I also used to work at another Ukrainian restaurant on Ave. A & E. 7th St called Leshko.
I remember Leshko's! Same block as St. Stanislaus, and across from the park. Great place!
I remember the first time I found little Ukraine shortly after I moved to NYC. I was looking for an audition, and there was some sort of festival going on. I remember thinking that I should check it out after the audition. I never did find my way back there that day... Or to the audition for that matter. I got lost a lot back then.
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