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

[@jd-um4jw]

Keep the small stores alive!!! ❤❤❤

[@KiffG]

Right on!!!🎉

[@reddog40]

Absolutely!

[@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 😊

[@spinnyjb1]

Not that I have found! But Rajiv does have quite a few videos on HGTV Handmade channel ❤

[@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

[@people_watcher]

​Jammies are the best

[@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.

[@smusz]

an old hardware store is a joy forever.

[@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.

[@helen_writer]

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 places in the city.☺

[@jd-um4jw]

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

[@G8rquest]

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

[@userrobinmp]

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

[@isita-70]

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

[@Alchemizingg]

5th generation store! so awesome!!

[@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 🤣

[@maricara3881]

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

[@Mabbi54]

Old hardware stores are the BEST 🤩

[@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.

[@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...

[@annescott2748]

I was trying to think of the name of the store my mother would take us to st Christmas when we were kids to buy presents for each other - Kresge! It was in a mall that we really only visited around Christmas time, in the 1960s. Otherwise we always went to WT Grant. Thank you for the reminder!

[@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 🥰

[@prettylady995]

my grandparents had a general store which included a hardware isle. The floors the antique cash register the candy counter the butcher shop and produce and white paper with red tape over the meats. It’s torn down now so sad I can’t go and see it. I don’t dare go look at an empty lot too painful. And further more they lived on top of store best security system ever especially during the depression. Communities have no respect for beautiful historic buildings or houses.

[@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💜🙂

[@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.

[@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 😍

[@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🙏🌹

[@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

[@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....🙏🌍🕊🕊

[@emmylou-y4b]

I'm so happy to have discovered your channel! I lived in the West Village during the late 1970s-mid-1980s. Garber was on Jane Street for many years and the outside of the building was its trademark orange. I remember going in there to buy something and I believe it was the current owner's mother or aunt who helped me get everything I needed for my new apartment. Your artwork is beautiful. Thank you for this wonderful channel. I'll keep watching and sharing.

[@donaldwarriner1640]

A wonderful homage to old New York and hardware. Heartwarming to learn of another gem in a city slowly losing its independent businesses. I too share your enthusiasm for hardware stores Rajiv. And they never leave my memory as the treasures they hold stay with me in my home and heart. Thanks again for sharing.

[@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. 💕

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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.)

[@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!!

[@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.

[@RangerP553]

Love the jute mats also. After getting bits of it all over, unfortunately have ended up years later with the exact one you hated in my mudroom! Organic means it breaks down, which is fine, but it does fall apart eventually. Maybe you're easier on your mats than I am. They are much nicer looking!

[@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.

[@letitbesaid8888]

Your watercolor paintings are phenomenal !

[@soundrasimpson7885]

Wish I had tried living in New York in my early 20s. Much older now, so I just enjoy watching the videos of how others are living in the big apple. Thanks for sharing. 🍎

[@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

[@sylviamckee3221]

Our apartment in the Morrisania area of the Bronx was at one point lit by gas lights and chandeliers. The value was beautiful because it was part of the esthetic experience and the heart was flat which could be turned with a long pole with fingers to twist the value shut. You can see it in action in “Meet me in St Louie” movie with Judy Garland. We also had the police lock and the rod fit into a brass coupling that sat on the floor. You would insert the rod into the coupling hole then latch it onto the lock on the door. Impossible to get in or kick the lock open. Fun video, thanks.

[@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 ❤️

[@reflectcw]

I don’t know if anyone else thought this but this particular video felt like an episode of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Especially the part where Rajiv is at the hardware store! Loved it!

[@everythingkaye]

OMG! I just commented that lol It does!

[@jeffandthings77]

Such a "Mr Rodgers" style episode! Love it.

[@mariamariner23]

I love these videos it's so cozy and comforting

[@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😢😅

[@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

[@SusanGeyer-l4k]

How I love a good rummage😊

[@melissadurbin8081]

Dearest Rajiv, another little masterpiece of a film! I just have to say once again how much I adore you. The light of the divine shines through you and everything you do. Thank you for taking us on this little adventure in this treasure of a neighborhood in New York. The way you feel about New York is the way I feel about Chicago. I have a favorite small hardware store I love too, it is in the close-in suburb where I live, and I've been going there for 23 years now. I love your excitement over the twine. And the rugs! I even loved hearing that horrible noise of making keys. God is in the details, even details like that. :) And finally, I loved the smile on the Chinese restaurant worker's face when he was taking your order, I bet you know each other pretty well and that he was thrilled beyond measure to be in your video! Thank you for being you and for bringing so much beauty and joy into the world. I am soooo lucky to have discovered your amazing channel which leaves me in awe everytime I watch it.

[@bonnerdebbie]

Wonderful video Rajiv! Thank you, Happy Holidays!

[@meribelgoldwin]

The Elk is a neighborhood gem.

[@ashleygarner4741]

I am so happy this video (and subsequently your channel) popped up for me today. I’ve been in NYC for 13 years and you perfectly captured what I love about living here. I hope you make more videos of your favorite people and places in the city. Your joy is infectious. Off to watch more on the chilly, winter day in the city!

[@rajivsurendra]

Yay! Thank you!

[@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.

[@dimerciflour5902]

I am in SoCal - almost retired. and have been enjoying your videos so much. You are gracious Piotr beautiful talented I could go on. My faves are your kitchen and the hardware store hahaha. I’m a fan 🙏 ❤

[@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!

[@gracerajah8972]

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

[@jillsomething1995]

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

[@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!

[@barbaracarbone4658]

This was such a nice and special NYC video. I also love the old time hardware stores. The one near me on Long Island closed during the pandemic.😢. Thanks much for this awesome video. 🎉

[@michaelcharley8384]

Regarding gloves, going to a NYC bodega and getting a pair of gardening gloves for $2 it the quickest and cheapest way of replacing a forgotten/lost pair of gloves for everyday use.

[@vidyapremkumar5478]

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

[@abdrema7272]

I used to live in this neighborhood. I loved Garber! Your enthusiasm is infectious!

[@gkr7019]

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

[@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.

[@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 🌲🥳

[@roseandrade2114]

My sister snd I always browse hardware stores out on long Island east end. They have so many different and great things . We enjoy the it so much.

[@jd-um4jw]

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

[@kittykatrealm01]

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

[@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! ❤

[@sherrygaley4675]

Rajiv AND the west village? Clicked so fast!

[@januarymilk9347]

this was like spending the best day with a good friend

[@susanlawlor7201]

I LOVE hardware stores too! As you made your way back to the mats, I think I saw paper doilies on an end cap😄

[@lisawyer7524]

I just love hardware stores too!

[@TennehSillah]

Omg this felt like a late night PBS programming. I felt like a kid again learning about random things at 11PM at night when I had no cable. Love you❤

[@FunnyMemo]

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

[@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.

[@ruthnoronha8206]

I really enjoyed this video. I was in NY for 3 days and there was so much to see. We have 2 teens so we have to balance interests. I would likely never get to browse in shops like these so it filled a certain want in my heart. So thank you.

[@brightgreenleaves]

Where did you learn how to watercolor? So beautiful!

[@adriana1sunshine]

Rajiv you are a true Gemini 😂 Every time I need to decide between different kinds of things I have to lay it out in the shop and need at least an hour to make sure I take the one I really like!! 😊 thank you for taking us with you❤

[@coloredmyhandsgold]

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

[@kasaeto]

Hi Rajiv, You have to go visit the Old Forge Hardware Store in the Adirondacks. It's a beautiful old general store. It is massive, I think you would enjoy visiting.

[@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.

[@PindieD]

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

[@Sanity_Faire]

Thank you, Rajiv. May I put in a request? Pre-Covid, I discovered Elizabeth st. and was so smitten. Then I saw Joanna Gaines mention it in her magazine. I’d love a video showing how it is now 🙏🏼

[@judelangdon6640]

Just showed someone today your chalk work art - love seeing things through your eyes - unbelievable talent that inspires. Thank you for sharing your life and look.

[@SharonWilsonJauquetta]

About 20 years ago, we had a small hardware store such as this one in our town. I worked in the office. It was an organized chaos. The guys knew where everything was and what it was for. I loved browsing through the aisles. Taking inventory. It was great. Unfortunately, the big guys moved in the area and the hardware store closed. It is sad. Local is always better!!

[@vivianzuniga8814]

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

[@leannarosep]

Watching Rajiv poke around his favorite shops or hunting for treasures at the Brimfield Antique Market reminds me of the show Man Shops Globe. I could watch Rajiv perusing and explaining what he loves about things for HOURS.

[@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! 🗽🍎🚖🏙️💙💕💙

[@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!

[@rhondaandrews613]

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

[@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!

[@janedoe1790]

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

[@anneredmoon]

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

[@deboraheb1]

I love seeing your watercolors !

[@humminahummina]

I forget if you’ve mentioned anything about selling your art - what’s the scoop on that? Thanks for all you do!!! Your channel is a consistent happy place and favorite spot for me ♥️

[@mirrojas]

He usually posts on his Instagram when he’s doing a sale!

[@humminahummina]

@ oh awesome - thank you so much!! I would have never thought to check there. I try to keep my social media rabbit holes to a minimum, but I’ll be more than happy to add this to my feed :)

[@txspacemom765]

Another person that gets excited over natural mats. I'm in!

[@jennifergraham3752]

I LOVE a great little hardware store!!! We used to have the best one near us. They had everything that you could need in a fairly small place and the owner was very knowledgeable and helpful. I miss it.

[@denisemcgovern2485]

I will never look at a hardware store the same again. ❤

[@lisikchichik]

Just came around your channel. You're so creative, and you make everything look incredibly esthetically pleasing. Keep doing a great job. Good luck 👍

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

Rajiv! Treat yourself to a great reusable cup!!

[@ClosetGothic]

I thought this too!

[@alexisquinn2784]

Hardware stores are the best. Thanks for the informative tour. The owner is delightful as well.

[@samanthachung4844]

You are so knowledgeable and full of great information. Please take this as a compliment when I say you are like the modern day version of Martha Stewart. Thank you for sharing and walking us through a hardware store. Greetings from Canada.