Storm clouds on First Avenue

...and at the future home of Starbucks at East Third Street...

Photos by Bobby Williams.

We're running with the Subway signs of the night

In the rain and darkness of night, workers installed the Subway sign that arrived earlier this afternoon here at 108 First Ave.

[h/t Pat Benatar]

Empellon Cocina now hiring for 'highly anticipated opening'

During the weekend, we saw workers puttering around with a new awning at Empellon Cocina (the former home of Counter), the First Avenue outpost of chef Alex Stupak's West Village Mexican eatery....

...we took a closer look and spotted a hiring sign of sorts...

"This is going to be one of the most highly anticipated openings of 2012 and we have set high standards for ourselves."

Now you know.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Restaurant (turnover) row on First Avenue

[EV Grieve repost] A cab ride up First Avenue in 1971

First posted this last Feb. 27 ... given yesterday's item on the First Avenue of 1997... thought it might be nice to repost this now...

A sidewalk shed for the First Avenue Starbucks

Going up right now at East Third Street, reports @robbyohara

Perhaps there will be space then for more of these?

Previously.

Envisioning a new-look First Avenue nightlife scene

For better or worse, changes are likely for three nightlife establishments on the east side of First Avenue between First Street and Second Street. Let's take a look.

On the corner, there's the long-dormant Cafe Rama space...

In the fall, The Bean announced that it would take over this space. Since then, however, The Bean decided to focus on their new locations on Second Avenue at Third Street and First Avenue at Ninth Street instead. The space is now for rent.

Meanwhile, people have been buzzing about the anticipated departure of Lucky Cheng's (and Bento Burger around the bend on Second Street).

[JVNY]

As Grub Street first reported, owner Hayne Suthon is planning to relocate to Midtown. And her First Avenue empire is on the blocks. (By the way, if you haven't already, then you should really read Jeremiah Moss's post on the recent history of this address at Vanishing New York.)

And then there is Sutra, the lounge-club owned by Community Board 3 member Ariel Palitz.

As we first reported on Nov. 7, Palitz decided to put the space on the market "to explore its value and interest."

So that's three of seven businesses on one short block where we may see some changes.

The possibilities are probably endless. Which isn't always a good thing.

[Updated] FDNY blocks off part of First Avenue

[Photo via @MaryJSums]

Per a reader: "Lots of fire dept action on First Ave between First and Second Streets for the last half hour. Lots of firemen going in and out of [Lil' Frankie's] and the block closed off."

Bobby Williams was on the scene and took these photos... Lil Frankie's passes along word that they are open tonight... the FDNY extinguished a small blaze this afternoon, according to several EVG readers on the scene ... (DNAinfo has a report here.)

Sao Mai now open on First Avenue

Quantum Leap closed on Nov. 17. Workers at the vegetarian restaurant on First Avenue near 12th Street had told regulars that their landlord hiked the rent.

And now, the restaurant that took over the space is open ... several readers noted that the Vietnamese eatery called Sao Mai opened Saturday...

[Via Gamelan]

...and Saturday night...

[via EV Grieve reader Marina Matatova]

We'll definitely try it soon... let us know if you eat here in the meantime...

Also on First Avenue: BaoBQ opens this week

On First Avenue between 13th Street and 14th Street... the latest from Michael "Bao" Huynh, which we pointed out in October...

As the sign shows, they're opening this week — as soon as they hire a few people...

Santa, baby

Outside the Rite Aid on First Avenue. Photo by Bobby Williams.

That was fast: New tenant already in place for the former Quantum Leap space

Jeez, Quantum Leap closed on Nov. 17. Workers at the vegetarian restaurant on First Avenue near 12th Street had told regulars that their landlord hiked the rent.

This morning, EV Grieve reader Gamelan notes that there's a new sign up for a Vietnamese eatery called Sao Mai. We don't even recall a "for rent" sign here.

And on First Avenue earlier in the day...

Photo by Bobby Williams...

City unveils new mattress and TV lanes on First Avenue

Of course, some jerk walking his mattress the wrong way nearly knocked me down.

Photo yesterday by blue glass.

Last day for Quantum Leap on First Avenue

On Tuesday, we first reported that Quantum Leap on First Avenue was facing closure after being hit with a hefty rent increase.

Last night, the staff at the vegetarian restaurant confirmed to EV Grieve reader dwg that they were closing after today.

[Photo by Stu_Jo via Flickr]

Will rent hike KO Quantum Leap on First Avenue?

Per EV Grieve reader dwg:

Found out from the staff at Quantum Leap on First Avenue that due to a large rent increase they could be closed as soon as this Sunday. I think this is a great veggie restaurant for the neighborhood and would hate to see it go.

Indeed. No word on the status of the original Thompson Street location.

[Photo by Stu_Jo via Flickr]

The sandwiches of JoeDough, opening tomorrow

The husband-and-wife team behind JoeDoe on East First Street are opening their gourmet sandwich shop at 135 First Avenue tomorrow, according to write ups today at Thrillist and Daily Candy.

Among their sandwiches:

The After-School Special: White bread topped with mustard, fried bologna and chips
The Conflicted Jew: Chicken liver and onions with bacon on challah bread.

Daily Candy notes that they will sell eight sandwiches and one daily special ... each sandwich goes for $10. They will also be making six-foot party subs.

How goes JoeDough?

As Grub Street reported last month, the husband-and-wife team behind JoeDoe on East First Street are opening a gourmet sandwich shop at 135 First Avenue called — haha — JoeDough.

Anyway, kind of forgot about that... until we walked by last night and saw the progress at the space near St. Mark's Place ...

Previously.

Peek A Bao

We haven't looked at the latest offering from Michael "Bao" Huynh in a month or so here on First Avenue near 14th Street ... (most recently home to the short-lived Select Burger...)

Here's a peek (and yes — that headline is awful) ...

Breaking: Starbucks plywood going up on First Avenue

EVFlip sends along photos of workers putting up the plywood on First Avenue at Third Street, home of the former Bean...

As you know, the Bean left to make way for the Starbucks, the Times first reported on Sept. 14.

Per EVFLip: "I'm guessing that it's just for construction, but seeing as Ben Shaoul is involved with this space, it may be a retractable balcony!"

JoeDoe opening JoeDough on First Avenue

In November 2009, Habib's Place on Avenue A near Sixth Street closed rather suddenly... Then came the news that Habib relocated to the former Question Mark Cafe space at 135 First Avenue between St. Mark's and Ninth Street. And that venture seemed to close just as suddenly and quietly.



Anyway, Grub Street reports that the husband-and-wife team behind JoeDoe on East First Street are opening a gourmet sandwich shop at 135 First Avenue called — seriously — JoeDough. It will open sometime this fall, per Grub Street.

Personally, I wouldn't mind having another normal, nongourmet sandwich place like Sunny & Annie's on Avenue B at Sixth Street.

And does anyone know what happened to Habib?