Most New York visitors have some story they can tell about being “taken” but a street vendor — at least they do if they actually go out and wander the streets of Manhattan. Mine is actually pretty tame, but it is instructional nonetheless. About two decades ago we visited with our kids and (if I remember correctly) on the first day we wandered out towards Madison Square Gardens and its transportation hub. I decided that I wanted bagels (or was it pretzels?) for everyone, so I walked up and said something like, “I’ll take five.” I was handed five and then informed that they would be something like $5 each. Twenty years ago. Lesson learned: sort out the price first! (I can tell a similar story about fresh apricots in Heidelberg…)
That aside, there is something attractive about these stands — in the same way the county fair food booths are attractive if you are in the right frame of mind. I find them even more interesting at twilight or after dark, when their flamboyant lighting casts a right of light outwards onto the sidewalk. (One son who lives in Manhattan tells me, “You know dad, that might not be the best Philly cheesesteak you’ll even have.”)
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G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email
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