It’s around 12:30 pm in Manhattan. My cousin and I had just finished playing stoop ball in front of our grandfather’s building. Anyone who has ever lived in NYC knows how brutal summers can be. With our mouths dry and our hunger raging out of control, we went across the street to this small Bodega to pick up some chips and quarter water. We sat on the stoops munching on this meal acting as if we were kings at a feast. With drinks in our hands, nacho cheese smeared across our faces, we laughed and smiled with glee. Cost of this much needed battle meal? Fifty cents. This Bodega was the Mecca of our grandfather’s block. It was the only place we could go to at any hour of the day & night to buy snacks or any other needed items.
What is a Bodega? The word Bodega originates from the Spanish word which can mean “storeroom” or “grocery store”. These spots were opened by Latin immigrants who came to New York after World War II. These stores were also known for its colorful and culturalconversations. It’s reminiscent of barbershops when you get your haircut and discuss life and current events. It is the staple of every inner-city neighborhood.
Ever wonder why Bodegas have cats? They’re usually calm. Some come across as lazy. You may see them lounging on the shelves or just casually walking through the store as if they own the place. Well, they kind of do. If you’re a rodent you, you don’t want to have anything to do with that cat. This is how el Gato became a symbol of the Bodega.
This is true. I remember my days.