That Patrick Parrish has a terrific eye is evident in the vintage modernist design in his Duane Street gallery, Mondo Cane. But it’s also one of the charms of his wider-ranging blog, Mondo Blogo—which I love reading even though I don’t always know what he’s talking about. And now he has an equally fascinating Tumblr, iveseenthat, which is devoted to images of anything and everything (some NSFW). If you’ve never been inside Mondo Cane—perhaps because your taste runs to Biedermeier—check it out if only for the extraordinary view up Staple Street, framed perfectly by the gallery’s picture window.

How long have you lived (or worked) in the area?
I’ve been working in Tribeca for over seven years now. I live straight up Hudson at Eighth Avenue and 25th Street, but I spend as much time—or maybe even more—down here.

Terroir Tribeca

Which restaurants do you frequent most often?
I love love love The Harrison, although lately I have been hanging out at Terroir a lot. Love it there, especially when it’s a bit slow, because it can get packed (which can be fun, too). But when the bartenders have a bit of time to chat, I am always amazed at their knowledge, not only of wine and beer but of anything, really!

Which restaurants do you tend to go to for special occasions?
I always take out-of-towners to The Odeon, and I always seem to end up there after we have an opening or an event. It is truly a NYC classic. I also like Blaue Gans.

Where do you order in (or get take-out) from? Are there dishes you always order?
I used to order from Columbine, but when they wouldn’t deliver to me when I was solo at the gallery because I was 50¢ off of the minimum order amount, I stopped. Years and years of weekly ordering and then that? No thanks! Since then I try to go sit down and have a civilized lunch when I can. Le Pain Quotidien would be my go-to for that.

Which shops do you find it hard to resist popping into when you pass by?
Oh gosh, I hate to say this but I am usually so busy that I am just rushing by…. I need to change that. It’s a bad habit.

What’s the area’s best-kept secret?
Well, food-and drink-wise it was Puffy’s before the re-do, then Smith & Mills, and now Terroir although that secret is out too. What’s next? I’m not tellin’!

The Odeon

Where do you always take out-of-towners?
As I said earlier, the Odeon, and if they like sushi definitely Takahachi.

Which neighborhood building do you wish you lived in and/or owned?
Any of them! Are you kidding? I wouldn’t be picky. I love the architecture down here.

What’s your favorite part of the area (street, park, whatever)?
The wide streets, the light, and Duane Park, which I look out on every day. Oh yeah, and Staple Street!

Your most memorable celebrity sighting?
Geeze, that’s almost a daily occurrence. Justin Timberlake was just on the block, Mike D from the Beastie Boys is always around, the Coens are regulars, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Aniston, I could go on and on….

If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?
Let’s see…. Wider sidewalks? Free beer on Fridays? It’s hard to complain about the neighborhood—I really love it.

What’s your best Tribeca story?
My obnoxious neighbor (who will remain nameless) had a huge birthday party. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any louder or crazier, a pedicab pulls up with lights, boomboxes, and a platform with a stripper pole. The music starts, lights begin to flash, and two strippers get up and start doing their thing. The crowd from the party spills out to watch and blocks Duane Street, cabs get backed up, and there’s crazy honking, cheering from the crowd and stripper-music blaring. Next thing you know, the fire department and the cops are here. Party over, right? Nope, the pedicab just starts peddling and the strippers keep dancing all the way down Duane—with a police escort!

Recent TCQ&As:
• Michelle and Daniel Lehmann: “We Could Buy the Whole Steven Alan Store”
• Carol Adams: “Tribeca Is Like Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood”
• Tory Weil: “The Cookies at Goodie Girl Café Are Crazy Good”
• Deborah Lupard: “When I Moved to Tribeca, the Odeon Was an Automat”
• Alycea Ungaro: “I Want Bouley Bakery Back”