23rd St Between 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave

This area of 23rd St was home to me for several years as I attended the School of Visual Arts. Since graduating, I haven't had much opportunity to re-vist, so it was interesting to see how little (relative to surrounding areas) has changed. Recently the school took over the old Pearl Paint and replaced it with their CAVA computer store (which was previously relegated to an obscure room in their 2nd Ave building) – which if I were still a student there would piss me off.  Pearl Paint (at last the one on 23rd) was never the best-stocked, nor the cheapest, but it was by far the most convenient for quick supplies.  Now the students in the main building and adjacent dorm need to go many blocks further for anything.  It was nice to see the basic renovations done to the facade of the storefront and Registrar's office - both were sorely needed (the Registrar's office used to look like an emergency exit, not a place to register for classes).

Of course since this block is within a 1 mile radius of it, one has no problem seeing the new, massive building going up at 23rd and Madison. Despite the collapsing economy and plenty of surrounding vacancy, it's progress continues on, unabated.

To the east of SVA is a School for the Deaf which takes up the majority of the block on the north side. In between, however, is a small cluster of apartment buildings which house several restaurants on their ground floors and I feel I must mention one: Jess Bakery. Now, it may be laughable, but the only thing I've ever bought there has been their Turkey Sandwich. And while they really don't seem to use any spectacular ingredients, it is by far my favorite turkey sandwich. Something about the care taken both in it's preparation and delivery (the crust is cut off very carefully, it's wrapped very tightly, and they typically grab it with gloved hands using tongs) just makes it that much better.  I've heard great things about their desserts and other food, but I will always stick with my sandwich.

The only other change that struck me, which I had previously read on Eater was the death of Push Cafe and it's subsequent replacement by the Pizza Pub.  They seemed to finally be open (Offering a free slice with any shot – though it being about 11am, was too early to partake) I'm sure it will do well with the surrounding schools.

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