A VISIT TO CAFFE REGGIO I was in NYC for a class trip (education class, visiting a school) and was hanging out in the village with other members of the class. I spotted Bleecker Bob's, and entered immediately. As I scanned the aisles of vinyl, the other members of the group told me they were going around the corner to a little coffeshop. "Yeah, okay, whatever," I replied, and continued searching. After about 15 minutes, I decided on the Toy Dolls' "Twenty Two Tunes Live From Tokyo" CD, purchased it (later realized I got ripped off $5 in change--always look at change you get before shoving it in your pocket) and left the store. As I rounded the corner, I saw the sign: MacDougal Street. Remembering Shaft, ("Caffe Reggio, on MacDougal St. in the village. You know it?", "I'll find it") I dashed around and saw the glorious green awning welcoming me in. Two of the group members were waiting for me outside, and I excitedly explained to them the significance of this place. Having never seen the film, no one in the group was about to share my excitement, but they did allow me to choose to sit alone at Shaft's table, in Shaft's seat, and mimic the conversation ("I'm lookin' for a nigger named John Shaft," "You found him, wop") Shaft had with the gangster. After we left, I posed for a picture outside the Caffe, though I've yet to actually see said picture. Anyway, they've got good service at okay prices, but it's really dark and amazingly hot. I felt lightheaded the whole time, though that could just be due to the spirit of Richard Roundtree.

--Seamus McGee