MY FAVORITE SPOTS IN THE WEST VILLAGE, NEW YORK - with Rajiv Surendra

[@jd-um4jw]

Keep the small stores alive!!! ❤❤❤

[@KiffG]

Right on!!!🎉

[@Kat-xl9cf]

I discovered this channel a few days ago (December 2024) and my life has changed! It's been so long since I felt inspired! Any other KZbinrs that have a similar feel?

[@crystalstanley4960]

Welcome to the 'We Love Rajiv' club! 😺

[@elysebuehrer5981]

Rajiv is entirely unique, but I also love @IndoorKat

[@caracarolina732]

💜

[@Kat-xl9cf]

@@elysebuehrer5981 watching her videos now! Love them, thank you 😊

[@mohenn22smith27]

The Mr Rogers for adults!! I found him about 2 years ago. He’s always fascinating.

[@andwegogentle]

I'm in this neighborhood right now. It put a smile on my face to know you're wandering around getting coffee and brass bolts and Chinese takeout lol

[@jd-um4jw]

Lucky!! 😊❤

[@Sanity_Faire]

I live in the rural south and have always wondered why Chinese food seems to always be “take out”?

[@andwegogentle]

​@Sanity_Faire yeah around here our Chinese spots rarely have tables for sitting. If we say we're 'going out' for Chinese, then it's a restaurant with tables & servers that serves Chinese cuisine. But the NYC guilty pleasure is "getting takeout", which translates to picking up or getting delivery from the local Chinese spot with no tables, then eat at home in your jammies lol

[@gailcooper5646]

Oh, how I have always loved the corner hardware stores. Being retired and never bored, you gave me the idea to take our grandchildren on another adventure. Thank you for showing the appreciation you have for treasures from my childhood and beyond.

[@helenvalencia]

Maybe it's the music, maybe it's seeing Rajiv again, but 10 seconds into this video and I am already smiling. Plus as a proud New Yorker, I love it when Rajiv shows off place in the city.☺

[@smusz]

an old hardware store is a joy forever.

[@tmgarbee]

Long time lurker, first time commenter. I discovered Garber Hardware three weeks ago so I'm delighted to see them in your video, Rajiv! I was looking for a random type of screw that I couldn't find anywhere--not even in the vastness of the internet--but Garber Hardware had them. After making the trek from my home in Harlem, I stepped into the store and was immediately in awe of what they carry and how cool their employees are. What a gem! Hope they're around for another hundred years.

[@xyzabc9213]

They have many 1-star reviews on Google Map 🤣

[@jainthorne4136]

Don't settle is what I tell my friends when they comment on my home. I don't buy something that is just "good enough". I expect to keep the things I have for years so I'm willing to wait until I find the object that is perfect for me. Finding the object is half the fun. An example is my salt shaker. I needed one but used those awful picnic shakers sold in grocery stores until I found exactly the right salt shaker. I found it in Paris in a small housewares shop and it's beautiful. It took me two years to find it. It gives me a tiny bit of joy each time I look at it. Also, I got rid of my car in 2008 and ride my bike everywhere so I completely understand about hauling things on your bike. Off the top of my head, I've hauled lumber, a full decorated birthday cake and a pitcher of frozen margaritas. Life is good!

[@Doloreskoro]

Impressive ❤

[@marieverhoeven2053]

Now I want to see your salt shaker …

[@lornam3637]

My little sister moved house with two children with her bike :)

[@jainthorne4136]

@@marieverhoeven2053 If I could post a picture in KZbin comments I would.

[@jainthorne4136]

@@lornam3637 Oh! I did that, too. Well, it was a combination of most things on my bike and a few items by skateboard...haha. Portland OR has a really strong bike culture and all my friends ride bikes, too. They helped. I was 59 years old at the time. Good times.

[@userrobinmp]

Rajiv! your gonna make this guy love his job again ❤

[@maricara3881]

Having canceled my winter vacay to NYC to care for my mother, I’m comforted by your tour!! 😊Thank you!! 😊

[@Alchemizingg]

5th generation store! so awesome!!

[@jd-um4jw]

I would love to have a friend who enjoys such things 😊

[@G8rquest]

To have one be one, then get contagious. Onward.

[@susanrombak7959]

Five & dimes, hardware stores, and the old timey Kresge’s with a diner in the store were treasures! I too have an affinity for special gloves for certain tasks…they will save your hands indeed! Thanks Rajiv for keeping nostalgia alive and inspiring a renaissance. So amazing you carted marble on your bike. You are a fit specimen ✌🏽

[@Metro-cx3rj]

I remember those places as a child...

[@Mabbi54]

Old hardware stores are the BEST 🤩

[@Julie-bq6iz]

My Uncle Al owned a hardware store in a rural Midwestern town. It was wonderful! I think it was origionally built in the late 1800s. It had ancient squeaky wooden floods, old wood and glass display counters, and big pull-out metal bins of all kinds of seeds. It had what we now call a 'dark academia' vibe, due to all of the wood and old lighting way up by the tin ceiling. I adored it, and could wander through it for what seemed like hours, marveling at objects known and unknown. It had a unique pleasant smell, due to the old wood and the variety of objects. The store is still there today and remains a hardware store, though, sadly, my dear uncle has passed. I have not been inside it since my childhood. It has probably been 'modernized', and I would find it completely different from my memories.

[@daCubanaqt]

You should visit it! I’m sure as well it has been modernized, but maybe in a way that kept the antique elements. Wouldn’t that be awesome 🥰

[@Bella-zh1me]

We still have a hardware store on main street, it is a trip back including the creeky hardwood floors. They need to be patronized to keep them alive. Rajiv you are the best! Loved Scott 😍

[@Happyharold666]

Im a West Villager stuck in Nashville so this is a tonic Rajiv! That ‘gas valve’ thingy is called a ‘bleeding key’ in England. Lovely and ornate, it is (still!) one of the most important things in an English home in order to prep for winter. ‘Bleeding the valves’/releasing any built up air to prepare for heat flow.. no doubt done the same in NYC .. charming

[@isita-70]

I love your life’s philosophy and your enthusiasm. You are a true Renaissance Man.

[@absolutelyfab]

My favorite part of this video is when Rajiv says “look it! look it!” in reference to the pile of natural mats. His excitement is palpable.

[@millieolson]

When i worked as a handyman in the west village i became very familiar with garbers. Great place and people. Also happy to see Elk is still around!!! Meow!!!

[@ancientwisdom108]

As a native New Yorker, now living in FL, there's so much about this that I love. Most of all I love Rajiv who reawakens, for me, the charm of life. Blessings....🙏🌍🕊🕊

[@shangrila73eldorado]

Rajiv, I really appreciate you keeping alive the elegant style of the 1940's and 50's. The music, the dress, the locales. Was that you in the White Horse Tavern reading aloud Dylan Thomas poems? You put the spotlight on perfect vintage stuff but your brand feels very current. In the best of ways, you remind me of my dad Henry. He also appreciated quality materials and craftsmanship. As for him, he didn't trust the mass consumer corporate crap of today. He thought it was all cheaply and dangerously made. (Your personal dress style is unique and moderne.)

[@highlandmichigan2011]

I live in Michigan and all of my adult life, I’m 77, I have always seeked out the old hardware stores in the small towns as I travel around the state, I love the smell and the old wooden floors and products that you would never find in the big box stores. Wherever I travel in any state, I look for both their hardware stores and their libraries. Thanks for sharing. I call you my male Martha Stewart💜🙂

[@marilyns6043]

I LOVE small neighborhood hardware stores. My grandfather owned one in a small town for decades - through the depression, WW2 , and for decades afterwards. When I travel , particularly to other countries, I prefer hardware stores to tourist stores. I can bring back little pieces of local everyday life. Brass goat bells, antique door knockers, linen tea towel, old coat hooks, cabinet pulls, clay pitchers, etc. 💕

[@shinenshimmer]

The rents here must be crazy! I always dreamed of spending at least 3 months in this city! Thank you for showing us around ❤️

[@loretta7851]

I want to go back in time. I remember the local drugstore had a screen door. This is in the Bronx. The little corner grocery store had a screen door in the summer. This was prior to any big giant supermarkets or Home Depot and the drugstore had apothecary jars and creaking wooden floors. Oh it was great in the Bronx in the 60s.

[@meribelgoldwin]

The Elk is a neighborhood gem.

[@pineapplebetty4323]

I love the way love live your life. You are such a charming gentleman and gifted artist. Hope to bump into you next time we're in the West Village, love that part of town. You are the cutest, little, sweet pea ever! Total gush bug 🥰 Your show makes me Happy 😊 Thank you

[@br6480]

I loved the old stopcocks( lamp switches) I miss the pride that people put into their work just to make it beautiful for others. We have an old hardware store in Matthews,NC ( Renfrow’s Hardware & General store ). Its 120 yrs old and its my favourite place to go.

[@PindieD]

my absolute most treasured hardware store....the kindest family and team. they have helped me so many times dealing with my plethora of nyc apartment woes. love that you took us here and highlighted one of the best parts of wv

[@nilbog972]

The guy in the hardware store asking if you’re filming a documentary is so sweet. I can’t explain why it charmed me so much.

[@blueskies23]

my days of working on W10th were so magical - a walk in the neighborhood always leads you to a corner of New York that's so special. love this video and these spots!!

[@jefflawrentz1624]

This brought back memories. My paternal grandparents house still had gas lighting left long after electricity had been installed. Neighborhood hardware stores are the best! Thanks for taking us along.

[@AllyBamberg]

Me giggling into an empty room, "Rajiv, you've done it again!" EVERY video ... watching your content is my absolute favorite way to spend my quiet "me" time each week. 🤗

[@piegirlie]

I lived on Jane St 1970's-80's...and I remember a beautiful window exhaust fan I bought at Garber's...Summer in the city😢😅

[@gracerajah8972]

Rajiv, thank you for sharing your gift of seeing with your creative eyes ! You are a gem ! 😊😊

[@coloredmyhandsgold]

Awww Rajiv, I smile each time I watch one of your videos!

[@januarymilk9347]

this was like spending the best day with a good friend

[@mirrojas]

I LOVE Scotts watch! 😍 My local hardware store closed down. The family had it open to generations. So sad. I enjoy these videos Rajiv!

[@charmingSaint]

I feel the same about fabric stores .

[@stevezytveld6585]

Now that I'm a sewist (thankyou Covid??!) I'm waiting for the chance to travel to Montreal and wander around their garment district. I'm hoping a few old stores survived. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@Lexer584]

Spontex gloves we have in German grocery shops. Spontex gloves in yellow I use to wash those dishes which do not go into the dishwasher or which are too sensitive to go into the dishwasher. Love from Germany.

[@bonnerdebbie]

Wonderful video Rajiv! Thank you, Happy Holidays!

[@Echolyris212]

😮 35 seconds in and already excited to see this!! I trust your opinion so these spots are definitely going to be saved when I go to NY again. Thank you!! I love your coat! ❤

[@anastasiajuneau9921]

Love it! Don’t settle for ugly. A man who speaks my language😊I just wanted to hug you after you said this☺️

[@crow7843]

A true kindred spirit! You got more delighted laughter out of me with this video than any previous. I was only surprised you didn't sniff all the mats as well, as part of the decision making process. I could easily imagine how lovely all those natural fiber mats smelled, especially when compared to the horrid rubber ones! Fucking love you Rajiv, keep being your full freak, it's beautiful.

[@Metro-cx3rj]

Rajiv's GIANTness always emerges...

[@PindieD]

the mats truly are a metaphor for life/love...don't settle!

[@Englishroserebecca]

I thought a hardware store was the most boring shop on earth until I went in one with Rajiv 😂😂😂. Love the painting and the buildings and the snow. Magical. ❤❤❤

[@janetstear8906]

I love your boyish excitement in the most basic things…you really do not take living your life for granted. Well done my friend!😊

[@gkr7019]

Love Rajiv. Simple living and appreciative of what life has to offer. Life is beautiful with Rajiv.❤❤

[@adriannademadriguera4859]

Thank you for showcasing our amazing city! It's not perfect, but it's ours and we are always proud to share her! Please visit out of towners! We'll show you lots of love. Happy holidays everyone! 🗽🍎🚖🏙️💙💕💙

[@SusanGeyer-l4k]

How I love a good rummage😊

[@jd-um4jw]

Wow, your paintings are lovely. Love them!! You could definitely sell them. ❤ thank you for sharing them with us!

[@anneredmoon]

It's such a pleasure watching and listening to you, Rajiv.

[@claudiamann7111]

Thanks so much for the wonderful tour. I believe the gas valve with the heart was on a light called a gasolier. This is how lighting worked before electricity.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you for watching!

[@jillsomething1995]

Rajiv teaches us to slow down and look at the beauty in simple things.

[@katmoore1909]

Now that's NYC. Or one of these precious NYC corners that the odd, touristy guy would not pollute. Thanx Rajiv. Happy holiday! 🎁💯✨🙏

[@rebeccaopgrand7279]

I have those gas knobs in my house. When I restored the house I left them in place as they are so unique. My house is 103 years old 💕

[@kmom452]

How good that take out food on your Blue Willow plates looks! 😊

[@mariannegoins3610]

I love this video. It's so true hardware stores are the best. Especially the ones that have been here for ever.

[@angelahagood3639]

I never knew there would be hardware stores in NYC! Learn something new everyday! (I’m from a small town in western NC) My favorite hardware store was called Cline Bradley’s. The floors creaked, it smelled like tools mixed with old wood with a dash of seed aroma. I once needed a knife sharpener and they were out. The owner sold me the one they used in the store!!! It’s been closed for years now, I sure miss it. You can’t get that from a big box store. What a fun outing! One day can you just show us your watercolor book? The paintings are stunning! BTW, I’m a glove hoarder too! Thank you for taking us along!

[@Katara1216]

Hi, Rajiv🤗 I would love a Vlog-style video of what you get up to on a typical day, a morning or an evening routine. Please bless us with this🙏🌹

[@ANinjasEerierEnemy]

Hardware Stores, Craft Stores and Office Supply (Stationery) Stores: just aisles and aisles of Possibility--getting those creative juices flowing! That dense coir mat you grabbed will last you forever. Great choice! Now I'm off to watch your gift wrapping video so I can get ideas for this Secret Santa present I finished making. Happy Holidays!!

[@KimJD68]

I love hardware stores! I thought I was the only one with a glove fetish. I have different gloves for everything, they absolutely make a difference when you are working.

[@humminahummina]

@@KimJD68 ha - I thought the same, but then again, it just makes sense to us kindred peeps 😊

[@terribleq]

There was a hardware store where I used to live that had a section where meat was sold. The butchers were so helpful and knowledgeable. Locally owned hardware stores are the best! I really enjoyed this video. Merry Christmas to you, Rajiv🎄

[@WayfaringDay]

This is my kind of hardware store! Unfortunately, the last old time store in my area closed about 15 years ago. I always stop in these stores if I come across them when traveling. Loved this episode!

[@denisejones5422]

Rajiv I love the hardware store there were items that you and the store owner showed that I actually touched as a little girl the police lock and the piece of hardware for a mop. I was very surprised and happy to see them again. I also love things like that. Thank you Raijv😊❤

[@FunnyMemo]

I have always loved old hardware stores. My mother and my grandmother also loved looking in them. So many beautiful and useful things.

[@daisylee298]

100% agree with you - a lot of Mom and Pop stores are pushed out for bigger stores. I miss them 😞 I’m not a shopper, Rajiv, you made shopping in the hardware store exciting. Thank you- happy holidays 🎉

[@Dino_Buk]

I find brass bolts and nuts in an old appliances and collect them, and sometimes there are even copper bolts and nuts. Put them for 1 minute in HCL and then in baking soda, if you want to clean them, and then use a soft wire brush to polish them.

[@rhondaandrews613]

Neat trip back thru time,love the gas laight " switch" .I do so enjoy ur videos they're soothing & informational. Thx.😊

[@nostraa6125]

Re Edits: Love the music from the '20s, '30s, '40s, reminiscent of the Golden Age of Film's depiction of "New York" scenes. Fits well with the buildings and stores.

[@Muffy.from-Oz]

Less and Less am I able to find a variety of twines etc. Every thing is becoming standardised in hardware stores in Australia and all of it from China. When we first arrived in the local town of Murwillumbah, an old lady used to run "Hill's Hardware store" where you could buy literally everything! I mean from cake decorative nozzel, bees wax, ropes, twines, laquers, cooking utensil, tools, nuts and bolts to bullets....etc. You would ask for wanted and Mrs. Hill would take you on an adventure of aisles and cardboard boxes in the Alladins Cave of a store to find exactly what you needed. Oh Rajiv how I long for the old shops full of Haberdashery, tools and fittings etc, I grew up with. You do me soul a lot of good. Thank you yet again. Merry Christmas from OZ.

[@taylorstover3931]

Thanks Rajiv, enjoyed our shopping trip at Garber! 💖

[@yoli5779]

I love nice spontaneous surprises like these, I love that you pointed out the twine, I love niche things. For example, growing up I noticed the locks on NYC household doors, I love those locks. I swear you are me or I am you.

[@Jdclifissms]

You’re too cute! Thank you, for being you. Loved the quietness of the video. Keep them coming!

[@Cheekycupcake-d5j]

140 years, wow i love it!!!! Good for them🎉❤❤❤

[@Esther-ps3vx]

It is always a joy watching you. Rajiv, I do not mind following you for a day or two. Just let me know when, and I will be on the next flight. The mob wringer will be a good addition to your collection. I think it will look nice on a wall. Thank you for all your videos. Happy Holidays, Rajiv, and everyone who loves this channel.

[@brightgreenleaves]

Where did you learn how to watercolor? So beautiful!

[@jackieparsons6902]

❤❤❤ You are such a kindred spirit. I love hardware stores - so much to see. Twine would catch my eye too. 😊 I had to smile while you were taking a moment to decide which mat you preferred. Sometimes I find too many choices overwhelming. But I do the same thing. Compare and process of elimination. I think when you love quality in craftsmanship and appreciate design, these are the details that you must process.

[@klmjtr]

@<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1520">25:20</a> the trees across the street are crazy beautiful! 🍁🌿🍁🌿🍁

[@CanadaFree-ce9jn]

Thanks for showing up your area. I too love to stop in to non-chain stores when I am in other cities. I found some nice cut resistant gloves at a dollar store, and was happy to have then early this week as I had pry off old stuck on mirror panels from a bathroom and kitchen. Safety first.

[@pristinabread]

you had me LOLOLOL the way you took the mats and joyfully scooted down the isle with them like a 1950's burgler

[@jgog59]

Your watercolors are beautiful. I love the elk I live on 15th and eighth Avenue and I walk over there on a nice day or maybe not a nice day. It’s just lovely.

[@beeimaginative]

OK, I’m a nerd. I had to look up the etymology for hardware. The word was used in the 16th century for tools and weapons. I know I shop at hardware stores to get the weapons I need to tackle things in my house. I can wander around for considerable lengths of time to find just the right item!

[@h.ernest5728]

Rajiv, This video made me smile; sometimes there is no higher act than that. Have a blessed holiday.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks!

[@almamater7860]

😊I love hardware stores too and I can relate very often to your comments and opinions. I guess, now I feel less weird😂. There are more humans like me.

[@janedoe1790]

Thank you. Thoroughly enjoyable to watch. ✨🎄✨ 🎄have a wonderful Christmas. 🌻🐝✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

[@tdhawk167]

I just love hardwear stores. The older the better... So many treasures

[@vidyapremkumar5478]

Rajiv please do one video of your water colors. WOW, just those few that you shared were sooo good.

[@stefaniebushell7205]

I think older things are made more beautiful for a number of reasons, People didn't have social media, tv, etc It was a good way of advertising. We were definitely less materialistic so detail mattered and we took care of things. 😊 A very Merry Christmas to you 🌲🥳

[@vaughnmccoy651]

One is handsome when one takes time to pause and recognize quality and beauty of design.

[@Doloreskoro]

I also appreciate older solidly made things and I appreciate you❤

[@vivianzuniga8814]

I’d go nuts in a store like that. The older the better, I love it!!!

[@flobee222]

Indigo dyed twine seems like a useful thing to have on hand. ;)

[@nilnil7325]

Whenever I watch one of your videos I always have a big smile on my face, your love and appreciation for life and art is really inspiring ❤

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks so much!

[@madebylora]

I also have a thing about twine. My most recent is a purple and white woollen twine that I bought in the gift shop at Highgrove (the King’s house in the uk).

[@heatherwhite2788]

Sounds beautiful!

[@lzmash3]

I worked in a old ace hardware and it was definitely a great place to snoop around and find all the goodies!

[@bhanani5480]

Not the Chinese takeout containers just like in the movies!!! I love that! Another great share (and brag) video and 10/10 as always. In New Zealand they have banned single use plastic bags (so you either buy a fabric ecobag or a paperbag) and I was going to comment on your plastic bag Rajiv, but I figure that it's a good way to advertise the hardware store and I'm with you, support your local businesses and support small stores in your neighbourhood.

[@rajivsurendra]

It wasn’t a plastic bag, it’s made of biodegradable fiber!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

Rajiv! Treat yourself to a great reusable cup!!

[@ClosetGothic]

I thought this too!