A virtual neighborhood gathering space.
Think of it as a place tattooed with political and rock band stickers in the style of New York’s East Village circa the day after yesterday, current but worn-in.
If it were a real place, there’d be a television behind the bar where the regulars seated there in the afternoon would watch a football game and sometimes sneer at the day’s “Breaking News” clip on CNN or a recap of last night’s “American Idol” water cooler moment. The jukebox would have the same mix of music passersby can hear emanating from the neighborhood’s clubs and restaurants; equal measures of Patti Smith, Muse and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club with a few Drag Queen favorites thrown in for color.
Its also the kind of neighborhood joint where we can all kick back, relax and discuss the things you’re never suppose to bring up on a first date or at a dinner party. Things like: Politics, Religion and Fox News. There’s no judgment in here (well maybe a little), no wrong answers or points of view…so say what you think. We’ll all leave as friends after last call.
Why the name?
In 1914 my grandfather Antonio Rosta landed on Ellis Island from Sicily and found his way to Zanesville, Ohio where he joined family already living there. Eventually, on the corner of Shinnick and Underwood streets, he opened the original Rosta’s Café. My grandmother Antonia made the meatball sandwiches and, once they were old enough, his two sons, Angelo and Joe (my father) slung the Buds and Rolling Rocks from behind the bar. They owned and operated the place for many years after my grandfather died.
I spent many days in the kitchen with my grandmother or on a bar stool out in front and remember it as a colorful, fun, eclectic place where the patrons would engage in lively conversation and react to it’s proprietor’s point-of-view.
I hope that my third-generation Rosta’s Cafe will become just such a place. A place for wry social commentary and conversation on the topics that bubble up each day and sometimes linger: a space for the passionate self-expression of my friends who hang here with me.
I’ve organized the site into three main sections.
“Not So Much” is the stuff that I find, lets say, “issues” with. This is probably where Ann Coulter and Michigan football will find a home. After all, losers do belong together.
The “Ok By Me” section is where you’re likely to find comments and clips about things I like. Maybe a story or a clip about a politician making a difference like Newark’s Mayor Cory Booker or a young activist who’s challenging the way we think. Ohio State football will almost surely find its way into “OK By Me”.
And finally the gallery is going to be a place where I can post photos or video clips I’ve taken, made or just like.
Since I’ve spent the last few decades working in television, marketing/advertising and the music business, comments related those topics are sure to surface. And those of you that know me, know that I’ve been involved with AIDS causes for many years. That, and the complex issues surrounding it, will be topics that catch my attention. So if you see cool ads, case related marketing stuff, great TV moments or some amazing acts of courageous activism bring it here, to Rosta’s Cafe .
Connected to a larger community, yes, but this café is emotionally wired to the Lower East Side.
Tim Rosta
This a watercolor of the original Rosta's Cafe recently sent to me by my Uncle Angelo
*Any questions or comments feel free to contact me rostascafe@yahoo.com
