Art Opening at Le Cheile's Artspace

On Saturday night (12/10), Le Cheile's newly opened Artspace hosted the opening reception for Water Under The Bridge: Oil Paintings by Navahjo Stoller.

Many of the pieces are large scale and all are defined by their use of three-dimensionality.  As we were looking at some of the pieces, a young girl came over to point out details that might have been lost to a wandering eye.  For example, when the artist finishes a tube of paint, it doesn't go into the trash - it becomes part of the piece, adding texture and depth.  She also revealed that she had donated some of her jewelry collection to a 3D collage piece.  Sure enough, upon closer examination we could see the beads and a ring transformed into a foreign landscape.

Our guide turned out to be the artist's young daughter, who is also a frequent subject of his work.

Navahjo Stoller - also known as Navi - is a local resident and also owns and operates Navi Times, a real estate firm specializing in Northern Manhattan.  At the opening, many local residents and families attended.  Navi noted that this was the ideal way to open his exhibit - in the community that he lives in and works for.

The artist, Navahjo Stoller, with his daughter Sienna in front of her portrait.

The art will be on exhibit until the end of the year. Don't miss it!

Do you have other ideas for local artists who should be shown at the Artspace?  Leave your suggestions in the comments!

Le Cheile Irish Bar & Restaurant Finally Open on 181st!

After a long renovation and much bated breath on behalf of certain locals, the newest addition to the neighborhood is finally open.


La Cheile, located at 181st & Cabrini, resides in the restaurant formerly known as La Hispaniola. While Hispaniola had a good run and an impressive menu, several years ago the owner ran into trouble and eventually it closed. (For at least one year it operated as an underwhelming Mexican restaurant).

It's exciting to see it get a facelift. Its bright raspberry pink exterior had already been attracting attention since the spring. The interior is bright and friendly. We consider it a welcome addition to the neighborhood and will give it a full review once their kitchen is up and running, which we've been told will happen by the end of the week, along with the upstairs dining section (photos of that to come).

Formerly Hispaniola's cigar bar, now this is a bright, homey dining section.

Currently, they are only serving drinks. The kitchen is expected to be open by the end of the week, along with the upstairs dining section. The full bar is well-stocked with craft beer on taps. Our only minor criticism is that currently there is only one hard cider on offer - the mediocre Magners. (But they're hoping to add more ciders to the menu).

Eager patrons gather at the main bar for inaugural drinks!

The writers and contributors of Hudson Heights Gazette will be gathering tonight around 8:30PM for a celebratory "welcome" round of drinks. Maybe we'll see you there!


You can learn more about them on their website. In the meantime, welcome to the neighborhood, Le Cheile!