Bevy Smith, a native New Yorker, openly declares her genuine love for Times Square, a place most locals actively avoid. "I'm the only native New Yorker I know who genuinely enjoys the area," she told Curbed. This unexpected admission sets the stage for her 2026 'NYQ' series, which aims to define "authentic New Yorker" credentials. Yet, Smith herself, embracing both local gems and tourist hotspots, challenges those very definitions. The series will undoubtedly spark debate, suggesting "being New York" is less about rigid preferences and more about a personal connection to the city's diverse fabric.
Bevy Smith's Deep Roots in Harlem
Smith's Harlem recommendations are impeccable, solidifying her insider status. She champions cultural institutions like the Studio Museum, the National Black Theatre, the Apollo Theater, and the Schomburg Center. Her culinary picks — Sylvia's, Melba's, Red Rooster, and Charles Pan-Fried Chicken — are equally discerning. These choices prove her deep roots, making her Times Square affection all the more provocative. She's not just a native; she's a connoisseur who defies easy categorization.
The 'NYQ' Series: Redefining 'New Yorkness'
The 2026 'NYQ' series intends to measure the "New Yorkness" of city residents. Smith's own preferences, however, redefine the very concept. A "true New Yorker," she implies, isn't defined by a narrow list of approved spots. It's about embracing the city's full, often contradictory, spectrum. This isn't just a show; it's a cultural litmus test.
The Enduring Quest for 'Authentic' NYC
Many "true New Yorkers" pride themselves on avoiding tourist traps like Times Square. Smith's unapologetic enjoyment of the area exposes this as a performative act, a status signal rather than genuine preference. The 'NYQ' series, then, doesn't just measure identity; it dissects the very performance of "New Yorkness."
Implications for Urban Identity
Smith's 'NYQ' series, by championing both Harlem's cultural institutions and Times Square's commercial spectacle, rewrites the script for urban belonging. It challenges rigid, often elitist, notions of "authentic" New Yorker status. The series pushes for a more nuanced, personal understanding of what it means to truly inhabit this city.
If 'NYQ' truly embraces such contradictions, it will likely redefine urban identity for a new generation of New Yorkers.
