KV Geo-Memories

Maybe these images can put this recent burst of geo-memories into perspective. Above is an aerial view of Catherine Street, between Madison and Monroe. Below is the eastern side of Catherine Street where Bessie's Fruit Market and Ref's Luncheonette.
The memories (apologies for a rerun of some):
Marty (Militante) was the counter man "short order cook" at the Ref luncheonette on Catherine Street next to Rocco's Meat Market which was next to Bessie's fruit store. Getting back to Marty Missouri, he worked as a short order cook for many years at the Luncheonette we called the Ref's. Marty's last name was Urban. He lived in my bldg. 54 Catherine St. The Ref. was a famous place to have lunch because the lunches at school were pretty bad. The special was Tuna on toast, french fries and a coke for 50 cents.
Pat

The Jewish deli was owned by Stewie Brokowsky's uncle--one of his daughters was named Lynn. I ate lunch there about once a week--a frank, knish and Dr. Brown's soda cost 48 cents! A couple of responses to Pat--Marty Missouri had a son, Michael Urban, who was a pretty good athlete, lean, fast, and crazy as I recall. He may have become a police officer, or went to jail. One or the other.
Bob

The pizza place downstairs on Madison was called Nunzio's and it was fabulous. None better. There was a woman there but Nunzio was probably five feet even, stout, muscular and spoke little English, thick Italian accent. he made the pies. Does anybody remember the booths in Nunzio's? You had to literally crawl up into them, almost like bunk beds. Also, anybody remember the fish market on Madison, near to Nunzio's? Lots of cracked ice and a strong smell of fish of course. Italian owners I believe. I also got those 48 cent lunches at the deli that later became the LMRC - the actual Lower Manhattan Republican Club.
Marty