Sometime in the past three decades, the corner grocer changed from a warm inviting shop to a sterile, perfunctory establishment and we were glad to see some effort on aesthetics at the new store at 78 West 131st Street and Lenox Avenue. The lower photo shows what the shop used to look like and everyone is probably familiar with this style of New York bodega. More recently, the newer stores have all that brushed stainless steel on the exterior, industrial looking logo signage and large blinking electronic window signs. These shops that are now popping up all over uptown often look more like hardware stores than a place to buy food. The new Paradoos gets some marks for most improved since its got some wood paneling on the front and has a slightly warmer feel than the majority of the small corner shops out there. Its not perfect but we definitely prefer it over the older model. Current photo by Ulysses
Sometime in the past three decades, the corner grocer changed from a warm inviting shop to a sterile, perfunctory establishment and we were glad to see some effort on aesthetics at the new store at 78 West 131st Street and Lenox Avenue. The lower photo shows what the shop used to look like and everyone is probably familiar with this style of New York bodega. More recently, the newer stores have all that brushed stainless steel on the exterior, industrial looking logo signage and large blinking electronic window signs. These shops that are now popping up all over uptown often look more like hardware stores than a place to buy food. The new Paradoos gets some marks for most improved since its got some wood paneling on the front and has a slightly warmer feel than the majority of the small corner shops out there. Its not perfect but we definitely prefer it over the older model. Current photo by Ulysses
No mention of a corner bodega is complete without noting the iconic red-and-yellow signs that used to be everywhere.
ReplyDeletei've noticed a big improvement to the corner stores along Broadway in Hamilton Heights too. Much nicer.
ReplyDeleteSome Lenox delis have improved also
ReplyDeleteWasn't "Paradoos" a word used as part of a spell in a movie?
ReplyDeleteI also don't like when bodegas cover their windows with lots of signs. Paradoos looks more welcoming.
ReplyDelete