Obscura Antiques and Oddities, Academy Records and El Quijote. A Sunday Trifecta!

A while back, TWM in house artist, “Boris” mentioned a show he had seen on the Discovery channel called, “Oddities,” which is a show based upon a local business here in New York called Obscura Antiques and Oddities. EV Grieve recently reported that they’ve opened up at a new location in the East Village, so I thought it’s the perfect time to take a look at this unique shop and maybe even purchase a slice of an obscurian oddity.

Here's the front window of the shop. I was hoping the owners who appear on the show would be inside and I could talk to them and get some photos. When I went in, I didn't see them, but the place is filled with cool and unusual items. I asked a fellow who was working the floor if I could take photos and he said you can't take photos in the shop. He was nice and thanked me for asking, but it was a let-down. I'm not going to give up on this, and I hope to get some photos in the future. Maybe if I call and can talk to one of the owners. But now I have to think of something else to do for today's post. Time to improvise!

About once a year I go through my cd'sa and DVD's and pick out ones I don't listen to or DVD's I don't watch and I sell them at a nearby record store. So I thought we could do that and then take the proceeds and buy a Sunday dinner later tonight.

And here's the stack of cd's, DVD's and the Beatles anthology on VHS tapes. My VHS tape player broke over a year ago, so I thought I'd try to unload this while I can.

And we're all bagged up and ready to go.

And here we are at Academy Records on 18th Street, just two blocks from where I live. The sell all used records and have been on the block for decades. Spin magazine's offices used to be right next door.

And speaking of Spin, check out what's in the window, "Spin and Marty." Too funny! Okay, let's go in and sell out.

The staff is really friendly in here, Richard told me to feel free to take photos while he checked out my bag of discs.

Collectible albums hang on the wall near the front window.

The store is long and narrow and there's a good crowd in here today, which is nice to see.

There's lots of vinyl in here, let's take a look at what's here.

They have a wide range of music in here, everything from the Germs...

To a rare early Johnny Cash album.

There's even albums on the floor to flip through.

There's also a huge selection of CD's available and they're really inexpensive. Here's the Velvet Underground Live at Max's for $3.99!

I remember staring at this Roxy Music cover as a kid! Okay, let's go see if they've tallied up what my bag of used music and DVD's is worth.

And here's Scott with the petty cash receipt. I didn't get a king's ransom, but it was enough for a nice Sunday dinner. They didn't want the Beatles Anthology though. Looks like I'll have to sell that on eBay!

And through the magic of the internet, it's Sunday night and several beers later and here we are at the El Quijote restaurant on 23rd Street. The El Quijote has been here next to the Chelsea Hotel since 1930 and it's a classic Chelsea spot.

Let's go through the doors and let Sunday dinner begin!

I like to sit at the front bar and eat and there's plenty of spots to sit at tonight.

And here's Santiago, the bartender pouring the first beer of the evening. Well, I had a few at home, but this is the first in the El Quijote. Cheers!

The back of the bar is lit up with bottles and a light blue, El Quijote glass etching.

Vintage lamps hang over the bar and illuminate it.

There's a dining room opposite the bar with booths and tables to dine at.

And here's the dining area in the back of the restaurant. Love the black and white checkered floor.

And when I return to the bar the table is set! Sunday dinner is about to happen!

For an appetizer I got the filet tips and peppers. I can't believe this is an appetizer, it's big enough to be the main course! Really spicy and delicious!

Since I had a meaty appetizer, I got a vegetarian dish for the main course, pasta primavera. It was very tasty and this too was a huge portion, I ate half of it and got the rest to go. Tonight's Sunday dinner is tomorrow's lunch!

And it's back into the night we go, and yes I'm still obsessing over getting photos at Obscura Antiques and Oddities! One of these days, I promise!

Obscura Antiques and Oddities
207 Ave A (Near 13th St.)
212-505-9251

Academy Records
12 W. 18th St. (Near Fifth Ave.)
212-242-3000

El Quixote
226 W. 23rd St. (Near Seventh Ave.)
212-929-1855

Further Reading: WNYC, New York Magazine and NY Post.

Lazy Sunday afternoon,
I've got no mind to worry.

Surprise link, click on it...I dare you!

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Bonus Photo From Al!

TWM commenter, Al sent in a photo of his basement bar in Miami. Here's what he has to say about it: "Behind the bar is my matchbook collections and the bottles on a tier,  below are all the glassware.  A small version of a New York bar circa 1962,  though with the blinds closed it really looks dark,  like a real dive."

Looks great, Al! It's my ambition to have a few drinks with you there one day! Thanks for sending in the photo!

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Bonus Website and Book Linkage!I recently met Kevin Walsh who does a really cool website called, Forgotten New York. Kevin started it way back in 1999 and it's a site devoted to, "calling attention to the artifacts of a long-gone New York." Check it out by clicking right here: Forgotten New York. And for those of you who still enjoy printed matter, Kevin has a Forgotten New York book, that's really great for anyone interested in New York's architecture and history, here's a link to the book: Forgotten New York, the book.