Every week, we highlight one of our 300+ Untapped Cities contributors worldwide. This week, we’re featuring Catherine Ku, an editorial intern who spent the summer working out of the Untapped Cities HQ in New York City.
What’s your “day job”?
This fall, I’ll be a senior at Princeton University. Beyond that, I hope I’ll have a day job when I graduate!
What’s your favorite Untapped spot in your city?
I live in Jersey, but can I consider NYC “my city?” I love Myers of Keswick, a speciality British grocery store in the West Village. You can get authentic English scones and clotted cream, and they even gave out free tea and Digestives when the royal baby was born!
Favorite piece you’ve written for Untapped:
It’s a tie between my preview of Harlem’s Flea Marqueta and a story on Wafels & Dinges’ transition from trucks to cafe.
What’s the most memorable thing that happened while interning at Untapped Cities?
I got to go on a nighttime ghost tour of lower Manhattan, and we ran into a shoot for an Asian music video near Wall Street.
What’s the most surprising and/or valuable thing you learned during your internship?
Even in the most well-trod places, there’s always something that’s still untapped.
What’s your favorite Untapped place you’ve visited while traveling? Where do you want to visit next?
Last fall, I went to Hay-on-Wye, a little village in Wales. It’s got beautiful views of the countryside, friendly people and is jam packed with used bookstores. Basically, everything I need in life. As far as where I want to go next, my travel bucket list is a mile long. I’ve always wanted to hike Machu Picchu (properly, and not take a tour bus up).
What’s your favorite obscure fact about your city?
The sidewalks on 9th Ave are narrower than on other avenues because of the addition of another lane to accommodate Lincoln Tunnel traffic.
Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Skinny dipped in the North Sea at midnight. It was summer, but it was absolutely freezing!
Best Celebrity Sighting:
I spent a semester abroad in London last fall hoping to run into (and become best friends with) Kate Middleton, but that dream still needs to be realized. I met Brooke Shields at Princeton Reunions last year.
What are some of your favorite websites?
Other than Untapped, I love Serious Eats, the New York Times, NY Mag, Let’s Run, and the Onion.
Get in touch with Catherine @catku.