Personally being a New Yorker I don't mess with street people. Takes enough just to deal with everyday usual encounters. Unless a paid professional there's no reason to go in depth, just apply broad based rule patterns of what's cool and what's avoided. Cost of big city life is it does reduce one to flash reactions, quick summations. You know, X many stories in the Naked City.
I know exactly what you mean, in the context of NYC. Had a loft for nearly 20 years on the west side of Hoboken under the palisades- no man's land, before gentrification. Walking to the PATH was often an experience. Agree, the rules of the city are much more cut and dry. Down here in the 6th borough, it's a resort, comparatively.
Thanks for sharing the many recipes! I and many here will be experimenting and enjoying!