“The first thing I do is stalk my [new] neighbors with vanilla and flour and sugar. You have to know your neighbors.”
“Quirky” seems too precious a word for the fabulous Amy Sedaris – actress, comedian, author and renowned cupcake purveyor. Although she’s known to enjoy burying her blond good looks under prosthetics and frumpy outfits, Sedaris is featured sans buck teeth in an upcoming issue of Vanity Fair. But Sedaris is also taking a turn for the dramatic, with a role in the new film “Snow Angels,” in which she stars alongside Kate Beckinsale. This is her New York. – SARA STEWART
1) Kim’s Video, 89 Christopher St.
I used to hate Kim’s, because they always seemed a little pompous and rude. But then they moved near me, and I’m so happy they’re in my neighborhood. They recommend good movies. I like the kids who work there a whole lot.
2) Three Lives Books, 154 W. 10th St., at Waverly Place
They have some old stuff, first editions and stuff like that. I like the people that work there a lot. I like St. Mark’s, too, but Three Lives has always been my favorite.
3) Obscura Antiques, 280 E. 10th St., between First Avenue and Avenue A
A good place to get things if you’re looking for any kind of oddity. Mike, who works there, always has really good stuff.
4) Village Apothecary, 346 Bleecker St., at West 10th Street
It’s my drugstore, a mom-and-pop kind of place. So great and cluttered, you just feel like you’ve got everything you need.
5) Aedes de Venustas, 9 Christopher St., between Greenwich Avenue and Gay Street
The minute you walk in, you don’t even know you’re in the US. They have one-of-a-kind fragrances that no other place in New York will carry. Very rare products. It’s the best place to get anything from lotions to perfumes, and it’s really gorgeous.
6) Shu Uemura, 121 Greene St., at Prince Street
I’ve gone there when I need makeup done. They’ll do it for free, but you tip. And, of course, you can go in and just buy makeup.
7) Economy Candy Market, 108 Rivington St., between Ludlow and Essex streets
I just go in and get that big 10-pound bag of candy. I love the Dubble Bubble gum. I like the way they package things.
8) Jack Spade, 56 Greene St., at Broome Street
A good place when you’re looking for something for your gay brother.
9) Sea Grape Wine & Spirits: 512 Hudson St., between W. 10th and Christopher streets
These kids who run it, they’ll tell you to pick out wine by saying things like, “Johnny Depp recommends this.” They have these funny signs all over the store. I just like the energy in there.
10) T & T Plasticland, 315 Church St., between Lipsenard and Walker streets
I go there a lot – I get these little things, you know those gumball machines where you get those little plastic things with toys in them? You can put anything in those things, anything from aspirin to a smear of lotion to earrings to pot. And I get the shelf paper I use to cover my lighters.