Question:
What do you get when you put vivacious NYU students, artists
of every kind, chess players, parents with their children,
runners, tourists, a few outspoken religious activists and
…well, a few homeless people.
Answer: Washington Square Park.
The park,
which is practically Babbo’s backyard, has seen some
change over the years. What used to be a haven for drug dealers
has grown into a diverse and beautiful park Mario, an active
member on the Washington Square Park Council,
attends meetings and caters an annual benefit – all
ensuring that as time goes on, the park will only get safer
and lovelier!
A little bit of history:
Designed
by Stanford White and dedicated in 1895, the arch was an expression
of the City Beautiful movement, which sought to create structures
and public spaces in America whose beauty and stature would
rival those of the European capitals. Designed also by Stanford
White, it commemorated the centennial of George Washington's
inauguration in New York City.
To learn
more about the Washington Square Park Council, please contact
Friends@WashingtonSquareParkCouncil.org
GelOTTO
Cart
We’re not just saying it because we have to. This cart
is the best addition to the park since the arch. Located on
the northwest corner of the park, just a few feet away from
Babbo, Otto pastry chef Meredith Kurtzman’s gelato is
out of this world! The flavors change daily and the cart stays
out there rain or shine.
Dosa
Cart
On the other side of park sits a savory street vendor –
the Dosa cart. Whether you’re craving chicken skewers
with cayenne pepper, a vegetarian crepe, or curried potatoes,
Thiru Kumar will whip it up for you. Cheap, healthy and fast
– it can’t get much better than that!
Chess
area
Located in the southwest area of the park, this shaded square
is hard to miss. Try not to be too intimidated by the seasoned
players that assemble here daily. They’ll probably beat
you but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. If
you should win, buy yourself some gelato!
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