Counter Culture: New York City’s Greatest Diners and Luncheonettes is a new book by husband-and-wife duo James T. and Karla L. Murray. The talented architectural and interior photographers have adeptly curated a collection of images which showcase 30 of Manhattan’s favourite eateries.
Their 224-page hardcover book consists of 200 colour photographs and features fascinating profiles from food and culture journalist Emma Orlow who uncovers the stories from each location with valuable insights from the owners.
For the past three decades the couple have been documenting New York’s famous Mom & Pop diners and luncheonettes which are small, mostly independently family-owned businesses. These form the very core of the city and what it represents, a vintage and timeless aesthetic which offer a brief escape from the city that never sleeps.
Not only have the Murray’s been shining light onto these unique establishments, but they have also admirably been using their photography as a tool to support them. For over the past 25 years many have reluctantly been forced to close due to economic pressures. More than half of the city’s 1000 diners are now out of business which reveals the alarming scale of this issue. As of this year, Cozy Soup & Burger shut its doors after a 54-year run on June 21st, while Star on 18 closed on May 31st after nearly 25 years.
For over a century New York’s distinctive eateries have provided for its local residents and communities. Serving an array of affordable comfort foods like syrup-covered pancakes and the old faithful burger and fries throughout the day and long into the night. Local landmarks such as the Lexington Candy Shop and La Bonbonniere still buoyantly stand and thrive today. Businesses like these are the very heart and soul which help keep the city’s traditions alive for both the current and future generations to experience.
One of the most famous is Tom’s Restaurant, which was brought to pop culture fame after appearing as an exterior backdrop in the popular sitcom Seinfeld. It was also the inspiration to singer Suzanne Vega’s folk song coincidentally titled Tom’s Diner which became a renowned club classic.
The Murray’s, who are based in Manhattan’s East Village, have an already impressive back catalogue of books such as: Store Front NYC, Great Bars of New York City, and Vinyl NYC which demonstrate their continued backing for independents. Their previous work are examples of the pairs’ immaculate architectural vision too. This eye for detail is no more evident than in Counter Culture, even the front cover shot shows the duo’s compositional prowess. What also garnered my attention on the cover was their clever decision to use a vintage font, as this flawlessly captures the traditional plastic style lettering of the menu board that can be seen within the photo.
Counter Culture will touch the nostalgic cord of many local New Yorkers as it includes institutions such as: Barney Greengrass, EJ’s Luncheonette, Waverly Diner, and Veselka. Plus, new additions like the Thai Diner, Revelie Luncheonette, and Golden Diner.
The images that you will find in the book are everything you would want and more. Prepare to marvel at the gorgeous and inviting interiors and exteriors of a selection of Manhattan’s favourite diners and luncheonettes. The inside of Lexington Candy Shop’s ageless décor, which features traditional metallic and leather seated bar stools accompanying the countertop, could quite easily trick you into believing you have just stepped onto the set of a famous American tv show or film. Oh, and did I mention that the shop makes Coca-Cola the old-fashioned way by hand-pumping syrup with fizzy water? Upon request you can even top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make a much sought after ‘Coke float’ concoction!
As I’ve mentioned previously, it’s the award-winning photographer’s composition which is by far their greatest photographic asset. Interior shots of Tom’s Restaurant, the Metro Diner, and Coppelia, are all intricately executed, perfectly capturing the furniture, flooring, and character of each one. The decision to not include any customers is a smart one, because as the viewer you get to sit back and appreciate each establishments’ own uniqueness and quirks. The empty seating also allows you to picture yourself within that environment, like it’s prepared and awaiting your immediate arrival.
The lighting in each image is finely controlled, not overexposed or underexposed, just the perfect balance without any glares or distractions. If I had to pick a favourite it would be the eye-catching exterior of the Brooklyn Diner taken at night. The angle, light, and close proximity of the shot work beautifully together. This position leaves you to freely view both the front and side of the diner with the corner of the building positioned expertly in the centre of the frame. The end result is a mesmeric one, the inclusion of the steps will make you want to follow the fluorescent red and yellow lights all the way into the retro diner.
Counter Culture: New York City’s Greatest Diners and Luncheonettes is available to buy now. As an avid admirer of architecture, and vintage aesthetics, this will certainly be at the top of my wish list!
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