While he'll certainly bring name recognition, I don't think you should assume that his letter alone will overcome any other deficiencies. I think you'll need to show your strengths in other areas of your application, given the low verbal score (especially for a qual researcher) and a GPA that, while solid, will be similar to the GPAs of many other applicants to top 10 and top 20 programs. I agree with iemons that your age shouldn't be a negative factor.
And sure, ethnography is still marginalized within the field (in many respects), but there are plenty of programs these days with strong training in qualitative methods. You've named one of them in NYU. Indiana and UPenn might be good for your substantive interests, if those interests really are as closely aligned with your recommender as you say. You'll be in decent shape if you've really sought out programs where the fit is high.