Charisse makes a wonderful host - clear communications, quick responses and a warm greeting when we met. She was at work when I arrived, but I had no problems getting in or finding her apartment. After being on a hot, crammed subway train her place was an oasis of cool and calm - with a great rooftop patio. Everything is just as pictured, and the room is quiet (so good in NYC!). Charisse was fine about me cooking and working in the lounge area too. There's not much in the way of cafes or restaurants in the neighbourhood, so you'll want to cook or order in. There's a good supermarket down the street from the subway - Associate market - and a Walgreens across the street. All up the neighbourhood is friendly and much like Brixton (for those folks from the UK). I had a great time here and could not recommend Charisse's place enough.