The menu, which heretofore focused on al pastor style tacos, has been expanded, and the bar and taqueria areas have been physically divided. "We have two guest profiles," Stupak tells Eater. "You have the grab and go, food only types and then you have people looking for a proper bar."
The issue, as the chef saw it, was that while the kitchen was brightly illuminated. Stupak notes: "That light shining into a bar is psychologically problematic....I want people to drink. To descend into civil depravity. I want them to tag the space, make out, abuse it!"
So Stupak erected a wall to divide the spaces. The taqueria opens at noon now, while the bar opens at 4 p.m.
Empellón al Pastor opened in October 2014 in the space that previously housed the Sushi Lounge.
Previously on EV Grieve:
[Updated] Chef Alex Stupak vying for former Sushi Lounge space on Avenue A and St. Mark's Place
As the for rent signs turn on Avenue A
Here are a few scant details about chef Alex Stupak's new venture on St. Mark's Place
CB3 OKs liquor license for Alex Stupak's new restaurant on St. Mark's Place
More about Empellón al Pastor, opening this fall on Avenue A and St. Mark's Place
They tell me you can buy fresh tortillas at Empellón al Pastor. I haven't tried them yet but I'm willing to pay $2 for six of them just to see how good they are because the ones I'm buying now just fall apart. I'm from LA, and it's been nearly 40 years but I still miss fresh tortillas!
ReplyDeleteHot Bread Kitchen @ Union Square Green Market! Great tortillas and breads and supporting a good cause: training immigrant women to build their own small businesses.
DeleteI've tried the tacos twice. With all due respect, they weren't that good. Perhaps they need to change their food model also. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteIsn't he supposed to appear in front of CB3 and the SLA with any changes to the physical location and changes of operation?
ReplyDeleteTrixie try Sabor A Mexico on first Avenue. I love their fresh corn tortillas. I really like the enchiladas, fajitas and tomatillo salsa. I usually order in, but it's a fun little place to sit with great drinks and chips.
ReplyDelete@9:23 yes he is required to apply to CB3 for a change in method of operation.
ReplyDeleteSo, how do we report this to CB3?
ReplyDeleteI believe this place descended into civil depravity a long time ago. Maybe they should open a porn shop instead.
ReplyDeleteRECENTLY RAISED ALMOST ALL PRICES ON SEAMLESS!!!! EVERYTHING WAS $4 WHEN THEY OPENED, INCL. $4 GUACAMOLE -- WAS A REALLY GOOD DEAL! NOW GUAC IS $8!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI believe the best way to let the CB3 office know is via the complaint form on their web site -- http://www.nyc.gov/html/mancb3/html/forms/service_complaint.shtml
ReplyDeleteMuch better to complain officially rather than just on a blog, however beloved the blog is.
And the bait and switch comes full circle.
ReplyDeleteThis guy is another real piece of work. He tells residents who met with him that he wanted just tequila to go with his food, he would sell fresh tortillas to the community, he would be a restaurant. Then he goes to CB 3 charms a few of the folks on the committee who love these celebrity chef types and walks out with full liquor and longer hours. Then his bad concept doesn't work so he says f**k you to the residents and the CB and does what he wants. Why doesn't he just stand in front and give us all the finger and then show us his ass. This is how these types treat the hood, well he isn't going to get away with it and you can take that to the bank. I will keep you updated. File complaints with CB 3 about this and call 311 if you have noise complaints.
ReplyDelete@ 5:55: Does the Community Board have any enforcement authority? Shouldn't people be complaining to the State Liquor Authority?
ReplyDeleteBoth. Cb 3 does have a say in their license renewal, which after a stunt like this could be at risk.
DeleteAt 11:11, Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteSo, how do we report this to CB3?
The tagging? The "civil depravity"? I think we're doomed; remember, this was once Alcatraz.
People should complain to both. Cb 3 will have a say in their license renewal or not.
ReplyDelete