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The East Village is one of downtown Manhattan's most vibrant neighborhoods. It extends from 14th Street south to Houston Street, and east of Fifth Avenue. The neighborhood is a lively mix of students, artists, and young professionals. There is a large and varied assortment of antique shops, bookstores, record stores, specialty shops, and ethnic restaurants. The East Village is a mix of old mansions and tenements and recent new condo constructions. Many people are attracted to the neigborhood because of its relatively affordable rents compared to other downtown areas. I find it a fascinating neighborhood to visit and explore.
This beautiful Federal Style house, located at 21 Stuyvesant Street, was built in 1803 on land owned by the Stuyvesant family since the 17th century. It was built by Petrus Stuyvesant, the great-grandson of Peter Stuyvesant, who was the last director general of the city then known as New Amsterdam, until it was ceded provisionally to the English in 1664 and renamed New York. It was a wedding gift to Stuyvesant's daughter Elizabeth, and her husband, Nicholas Fish, a Revolutionary War hero and veteran of Valley Forge. Fish was also a close friend and political ally of Alexander Hamilton. Their son, Hamilton Fish, was born here in 1808 and called it home until 1838. He would go on to became a United States Representative (1843-45), New York State Governor (1848-49), United States Senator (1851-57) and United States Secretary of State (under President Grant from 1869-1977),
An informational plaque on the Landmarked house.
Veniero's has stamped copper ceilings, Italian marble floors, and stained glass windows, and has an atmosphere just like an old world style Italian cafe.
Upon entering the pastry shop, you are greeted by a wonderful 40 foot display of traditional and regional Italian confections, a vast variety of large and miniature pastries, and assortments of hand-made Italian butter cookies.
My husband and I decided to sit in the cafe section to enjoy a cappuccino and a pastry.
Instead of a menu they they use picture cards, so that you will see what you order.
So many wonderful selections! It was not easy to choose.
My husband had a plain Baba Rum, one of his favorites....
..and I chose a Torta di Mandorle as I love almond flavor, and this cake was almond lover's delight!
Along with our cappuccinos, the desserts were perfect way to re-energize for a little more of our exploration of the East Village neighborhood, which, of course, I will blog about at a future date.
I'm linking this post up with Susan's Outdoor Wednesday event at her blog, A Southern Daydreamer, and Jenny's Alphabe Thursday event on her blog Jenny Matlock. The letter this week is "V." Please visit both blogs and join in all the fun!
