Friday
May 1, 2026
Since 2002
New York Minute
From Douglas Martin in the Times:
On Saturday mornings, Tom’s restaurant in Brooklyn is so popular that people line up outside just to be served old-fashioned diner cuisine like chocolate egg creams and all manner of pancakes. It’s been that way for years, and until the owner, Gus Vlahavas, died this month at 76, the patrons’ patience was rewarded with the free coffee, cookies, sausage bits and orange slices he handed out while they waited.
Mr. Vlahavas started working at Tom’s, which opened as an ice-cream parlor under a different name in 1936, when he was 9 years old. He stayed for more than 60 years, lovingly molding it into a homey Brooklyn family institution before retiring in 2009.
He died of respiratory complications on Nov. 4 at Columbia University Medical Center in Manhattan, his daughter, Beth Vlahavas, said.
Changelessness was the stock in trade at Tom’s, right down to the décor, including a half-dozen American flags and bright plastic flowers on the tables. It has had only one address since it was opened by Mr. Vlahavas’s paternal grandfather: 782 Washington Avenue.
[Photo Via: City.se]
All They Do is Give Out Awards
And, talk of the biggest contract ever.
Plus, a rumor about a guy I’ve always liked: Howie Kendrick.
[Photo Credit: Jeff Curry/AP]
New York Minute
Sal and Carmine’s on the upper west side. A representative New York slice. Thin crust and on the salty side but that suits me just fine.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Sure did enjoy Francisco Cervelli’s time in pinstripes. He was The Wife’s favorite. Loved that smile. He was a mascot and more–had a little passion, could hit a little, piss off the opposition a little. He’ll be missed.
And if he’s got to go somewhere, hell, why not Pittsburgh? It’ll be easy to keep rooting for him. He’ll join another former Yankee, Chris Stewart.
Slowhand Forever, Man
Few months ago I met a guy on the bus in the Bronx and we started chatting about photography. Turns out the guy–Gene Shaw–is a photographer and a mighty accomplished one at that (check out some of the movies he’s work on). He’s also a charming, approachable and engaging dude.
Shaw’s been taking Eric Clapton’s picture for more than 30 years and now has a book documenting that relationship–Journeyman: Eric Clapton–A Photographic Narrative.
Worth thinking about for your holiday shopping list.
Ya heard?
All They Do is Give Out Awards…
Baseball’s awards season has begun.
And…Chris Young. Try to remain calm…
[Photo Credit: The Baltimore Sun]
But Beautiful
Illustrator and designer, Gary Cieradkowski runs a beautiful site, Infinite Baseball Card Set.
Top of that, he’s got a book out, The League of Outsider Baseball.
Put it on your holiday shopping list. Looks like a keeper.
"This ain't football. We do this every day."
--Earl Weaver
--Earl Weaver