Report: Pulino's closing to make for new French restaurant on the Bowery

[EVG file photo]

Pulino's Bar and Pizzeria, which apparently tripled nearby rents and caused men to urinate in the co-ed sink, will close in January to make way for a new Keith McNally concept, Eater is reporting.

The McNally-owned Pulino's will reopen in March as a French restaurant called Cherche Midi, which was also the name of a French military prison in Paris.

Eater quotes McNally:

Through no one's fault but my own Pulino's hasn't fully worked and I've decided to change it quite radically.

Pulino's opened on the Bowery at East Houston Street in March 2010.

East Village resident looking for help with new health-insurance exchange

An EVG reader and East Village resident asked us the following yesterday...

I am wondering if there are other East Village residents struggling to sign up for health care insurance through the new federal program. If so, then I would love to hear how they are faring and get any advice or tips they might offer on how to get through the application process and which insurance is best.

I have gone onto the New York Health Exchange site several times in the last couple of weeks, failing to get through the entire application process every time because of apparent glitches in the system. Today, I got through it with some help from a phone rep, but even she couldn't figure out why I couldn't input certain key information, and she actually gave me wrong information about whether I should put in my total income for 2013 or my adjusted gross income.

I asked her if it was possible to go somewhere in my area and have someone help me in person with the application. She asked for my zip code and said there wasn't anyone here who could help me in person. It is pretty frustrating.

Is there anyone who has successfully navigated the new system who can offer any tips...?

128 Second Ave. has been sold

Back in late August, a tipster told us that 128 Second Ave. between St. Mark's Place and East Seventh Street was in contract.

Per the tipster, the building was being sold "to a group of four relatively young guys" ... who were heard outside 128 "talking about 'clearing out' the shop in the front" of the building. There are two businesses here: A tattoo/piercing parlor and the Stage restaurant.

According to public documents filed at the beginning of October, the building was sold for $7.5 million. The listed buyers are LLCs... with addresses that match up to Stellar Management ("known as a premier owner and operator of commercial real estate") and Icon Realty Management.

Ikon is familiar to the East Village, as far as gut renovations and additional stories go. Among the company's recent purchases: 326-328 E. Fourth St., 205 Avenue A and 154 Second Ave.

As for the beloved Stage, we understand that they have six years remaining on their lease.

Previously on EV Grieve:
An appreciation: Breakfast at Stage

Troubling talk about 128 Second Ave, and the long-term future of the Stage

Fencing in the future 6-story residential building on E. 9th Street

Progress check at 327 E. Ninth St., a former parking lot between First Avenue and Second Avenue. As we first reported in August 2012, a six-story, two-unit residential building will eventually rise here.

A crew was working on an upgraded fence yesterday ...



...to protect the current pit ...



The plywood includes a rendering of the future 327 E. Ninth St. ...



Previously on EV Grieve:
The big dig begins for 6-story, 2-unit condo on East 9th Street

East Ninth Street parking lot will yield to 6-floor residential building

Extra Place and Heidi looking closed on Extra Place

Several week ago, we noted that Extra Place and Heidi, the sister restaurants along Extra Place, the pedestrian walkway off East First Street, were closed for renovation, per a sign at the door.

That sign is gone, and an EVG tipster noted workers removing tables and equipment from the restaurants yesterday... The Extra Place website is no longer active.



In July, CB3 dropped the hammer on the restaurants, denying renewal of its beer and wine license. (Per CB3: "The applicant has usurped a public pedestrian plaza for its private use in violation of New York City Department of Transportation restrictions by setting up an illegal sidewalk café in said public plaza.")

Extra Place was originally on the October CB3/SLA agenda for a new liquor license. However, they were a scratch before Oct. 7's meeting.



The restaurants opened in July 2012,and received fairly positive notices for their food.

At this point, it doesn't appear the restaurants will return... or that Extra Place will ever work as a shopping-dining destination...

Previously on EV Grieve:
With new restaurant opening, will Extra Place finally become a dining destination?

Extra Place now officially a Dead End

Meanwhile, Extra Place continues to maintain its proud heritage

Extra Place and Heidi currently 'closed for renovation' in Extra Place

Lui's Thai food coming soon to East 4th Street

Matt Rosen passes along word that a new Thai restaurant called Lui's is opening on East Fourth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue... in the space that last housed Pinisi Cafe & Bakery. Don't know anything else about Lui's just at the moment.

Hitchcocktober continues at Village East Cinema

Hitchcocktober continues for the next three Thursday evenings at the Village East Cinema on Second Avenue and East 12th Street... Tonight at 8: "Vertigo."



Details here.

For scary Halloween-time movies of a different sort, the CBGB biopic is also playing at the Village East Cinema.

Honk if you love brass bands and parades

[This evening via Bobby Williams]

As you may have heard, the 2nd Annual East Village Cavalcade of Pomp is underway now in the neighborhood... part of the HONK NYC! Festival.

Per the HONK NYC Facebook page:

East Village Cavalcade of Pomp Parade Starting Locations & Schedule — all parades end in Tompkins Square Park, where bands will perform a set.

5pm - Perhaps Contraption in Tompkins Square Park

5:30pm - Os Siderais begins a parade through the neighborhood from De Colores Community Yard Garden on 8th Street between Avenues B & C

5:30pm - Environmental Encroachment steps off from Two Boots Pizzeria, Avenue A and 3rd Street corner

6pm - Minor Mishap Marching Band leaves from The Bean, 1st Avenue at 9th Street corner

6:45pm - Hungry March Band departs from the Lower East Side Girls Club, 8 Street between Avenues C & D

Expect a mass of honking and marching then in Tompkins Square Park... then at 8, there's a HONK NYC! Radical Marching Band Symposium at the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space at 155 Avenue C ... then an after-party at 10 at Drom on Avenue A...

Distinguished men in hats were in McSorley's earlier today

Ale! #gogodididonyc @TwoPlaysInRep pic.twitter.com/qghQ1frQLc

— Patrick Stewart (@SirPatStew) October 16, 2013

Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, appearing soon together on Broadway, were in McSorley's earlier for a photo shoot ... per a Facebook post by Minnie McSorley: "McSorley's Old Ale House: Now wheelchair accessible, and mutant friendly."

H/T @fnytv

'Mayor of Avenue D' busted for running large-scale drug operation

The Manhattan DA's office has indicted 11 members of an LES-based narcotics trafficking organization that possessed and sold street-level crack cocaine, according to a news release from Cyrus R. Vance Jr. yesterday.

From that release:

According to the indictment, since approximately January 2012, the defendants obtained, transported, processed, packaged, and sold large quantities of crack cocaine to customers in and around the Jacob Riis Houses, a New York City Public Housing Authority development between East 8th and East 13th Streets, from Avenue D to the F.D.R. Drive, as well as at other locations.

The leader of this organization – DWAYNE MITCHELL, a/k/a “Dubbs,” 35 – obtained wholesale quantities of crack cocaine from supplier SABED RAHMAN, 29. MITCHELL and RAHMAN are accused of meeting regularly over a long period to exchange wholesale quantities of drugs and cash, including at a Starbucks location in Midtown Manhattan.

Prosecutors told the Daily News that Mitchell acted like the "Mayor of Avenue D" while "charming the neighborhood by hosting barbecues and field trips to Six Flags for kids."

And more from the DA's release:

According to the indictment, the defendants used cell phones to communicate and conduct their business. They also attempted to conceal the conspiracy and alleged illegal transactions by conducting them in a covert manner and using coded language, including the terms “chicken,” “donuts,” and “food,” to refer to cocaine and sums of money.

Mitchell reportedly faces up to 20 years on the most serious charge.

Out and About in the East Village

In this weekly feature, East Village-based photographer James Maher provides us with a quick snapshot of someone who lives and/or works in the East Village. James is traveling this week. East Village photographer Stacie Joy compiled today's post.



By Stacie Joy

Name: Seth Tobocman
Occupation: Comic book artist
Location: ABC No Rio, 156 Rivington Street
Date: Oct. 7, 2:53 pm

I grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. I was born in Texas but really only lived there until I was 2 and have very little memory of it. My family are basically Clevelanders. Several generations back they migrated there, Jews from Poland. My grandfather did not want to live in Brooklyn because he would be forced to be Orthodox. He said “I did not come to America to live in Poland.” So he went to Cleveland where he had no family and no one could tell him what to do.

I moved to NYC in 1976, year of the bicentennial. I was initially a student at NYU and stayed in the dorms. I had an apartment in Greenwich Village for a short period of time, got thrown out of there and moved to the East Village in 1979. I moved to my East 3rd Street (near Avenue A) apartment, which was $150 a month in rent. I dropped out of college, had no money. I knew I wanted to be an artist but I wasn’t sure what kind. I was interested in underground filmmakers like Kenneth Anger but not interested in mainstream comics. I was uncertain what I wanted to do and it was cheap to live here.

Someone got stabbed in front of the building the day I moved in. We had a slumlord who put a cheap lock on the front door. A lock that neighborhood 12 year olds could break. There were many drug addicts. They would wait next to the mailboxes and when elderly people would get their checks, they would rob them.

Once I was jumped — someone held a wire around my neck but a neighbor came to my aid. Said he was a cop and had a gun and badge in his pocket, which was a lie. He scared off the guy trying to rob me.

We were in court for several years as the landlord tried to raise the rent. We went on rent strikes, and had a great tenants' union. The outcome of the time spent in court was that we became rent stabilized, which was terrific. A lot of the tenants were older folks who had been part of the antiwar movement and they were happy to have meetings again. We would meet in the hallway of the building. We all wanted an affordable place to live.

Back then it was a place to buy drugs. There were visible lines of people waiting to buy heroin. Kids were getting shot. There were abandoned buildings and a sense of neglect. People came here for their vices. To buy drugs, prostitutes. The stereotypical Alphabet City.

There were also places like CHARAS, the Nuyorican Poets Café and the community gardens — where people were working to change the neighborhood. There were ethnic restaurants, different languages being spoken ... and no chain stores.

I am proud to be part of a group that has stood for community ideals since 1980 — the magazine World War 3 Illustrated. We were comic book artists who wanted to make a difference. It started in 1979 as a response to the Iran-hostage crisis. The magazine is an all-volunteer, self-published collective, a sweat-equity co-op that still runs today. We were the first to support the squatters movement, we covered events like the MOVE bombing in Philadelphia and the Mumia Abu-Jamal trial. Issues that we were involved in, and local issues. You can buy the magazine at MoRUS, Bluestockings, Revolution Books and St. Mark’s Bookshop.

Favorite moments in the neighborhood? The time the squatters retook the East 13th Street squats. It was on July 4, 1995, and squatters reentered the buildings and hung huge banners from the fire escapes. Lots of people were returning to the area from watching the fireworks — all viewing the events unfold. The police totally overacted and stormed the buildings, but all the squatters had escaped already and the police found only an empty buildings. Classic.

I love that the demolition of the Umbrella House [on Avenue C] was stopped. Oh, and the fact that ABC No Rio is still standing. It’s a real accomplishment. And, I also had great sex in the middle of the night once with a British ballet dancer by the East River!

East Village resident creates Puppydog Poop Mitts

East Village resident and EVG reader Pablo Galarza shared this information...

Over the past 15 years, I’ve used nearly every bag made to pick up after my beloved Brittany, Mack. I have tried The New York Times delivery sleeve, plastic bags from Walgreens, rectangular dog bags sold in rolls at pet stores and dozens of other random bags.

I recently founded Puppydog Products to create a mitten-shaped bag for cleaning up dog waste. The PuppyDog Poop Mitt is degradable and by far smartest and easiest way to clean up after your dog. No more fumbling to find the opening for the bag, no nasty scent to remind you of your chore, large enough to wear over a glove on cold days, and the unique mitten shape really makes pick up a breeze.

This is a DIY company so far, and my plan is to market them by word-of-mouth by giving away free samples to dog walkers/owners. Just send an email here with your address, and we'll send you a free pack of 30 Poop Mitts.

Tonight: the 2nd Annual East Village Cavalcade of Pomp

As part of the HONK NYC! Festival ... the 2nd Annual East Village Cavalcade of Pomp takes place today... starting at 5 in Tompkins Square Park (brass bands and parade revelers, etc.) ... then at 8, there's a HONK NYC! Radical Marching Band Symposium at the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space at 155 Avenue C ... then an after-party at 10 at Drom on Avenue A... Check the Honk NYC website for exact times, more details and march madness...

Construction watch: 185-193 Avenue B

Here's a spot check on 185-193 Avenue B... where a 7-story mixed-used residential building is in the works for the corner here at East 12th Street. The building will include the new home of the Elim Pentecostal Church.



Nearby residents had to endure months of relentless pile driving and other building-rattling noise late last fall and into the winter months...



Some residents said that they are concerned for the adjacent building... the one with all the supports ... which may explain the Stop Work Order that the city issued last Friday. There's now just a Partial Stop Work Order...



The address was a movie theater for many years, first the Bijou in 1926, then the Charles. (The theater closed in 1975, and a church took over the space.) A fire broke out in the building in October 2006.

Photos by Bobby Williams.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Inside the Charles

Former landmark countercultural theater now for rent on Avenue B

7-story building in the works to replace former countercultural theater/church on Avenue B

Construction site at 185 Avenue B remains shut down for now

[Updated] The 'insane' noise and pounding are back at 185 Avenue B

It was photogenic outside today

Right? Here's a photo via EVG reader Avrin looking east toward Second Avenue from East Sixth Street...

A First Avenue Bansky branch?

EVG reader Thom spotted this on First Avenue and East Fourth Street last evening ... The sign reads "Laugh Now But One Day I’ll Be So Rich That I Can Do Graffiti Wherever I Want." And sponsored by Banksy of America. And the Banksy jab comes courtesy of TrustoCorp ... there's another sign in Williamsburg that reads "Bad Artists Imitate Great Artists Get Really Really Rich."

Animal NY has the scoop about all this here.

A 'Day of the Dirt' recap from La Plaza Cultural

This past weekend, La Plaza Cultural Community Garden and the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space came together to help restore the Sandy-wrecked gardens at La Plaza Cultural on Avenue C and East Ninth Street. (Read the background here.)

The folks from La Plaza provided some photos and a recap from Saturday's volunteer gathering.

Several dozen people showed up to move the 50 tons of soil around La Plaza and do a whole lot more. We cleared out the perimeter planting areas and covered them with clean soil, resoiled and reseeded the lawn area, filled in the newly reconstructed community plots, filled in individual plot holders' raised beds, cleared out 15 bags full of weeds and old plants, planted several new trees (with more to come), rebuilt the picnic table benches, and managed to eat 10 pizzas! And we used all of the soil..all 50 tons.

We had members, volunteers and friends from the neighborhood turn out to participate, and with a little cooperation from Mother Nature who provided a gorgeous day, I think that we all had a good time too.

We're very appreciative of everyone who came out and worked so hard! People started arriving at 7:30 am and we finally wrapped up at about 5 pm

St. Mark's in the morning

EVG Facebook friend Sam Teichman shared these photos along St Mark's Place — between First Avenue and Third Avenue — from a quiet Columbus Day morning...



















Find more of Sam's photos at Flickr.

Memories of Di Bella Bros. on First Avenue

Back in April, we posted the ghost signage that EVG regular evilnyc spotted over at the Hamptons Market on First Avenue and East 13th Street ... it was the name of the former longtime tenant — Di Bella Bros., the beloved specialty foods market that opened here in 1925... A New York magazine article from August 1984 noted that Carmine and John Di Bella retired in the early 1980s ... and that they sold the business to Sue and Jason Shim, "who have mastered most of their recipes."

This past weekend, we heard from John C. Di Bella Jr., who had just come across the post. He said he was happy to see the positive comments about his family's market... he also shared some memories and history...

I worked for my dad and uncle Carmine during my teen years. I, too, have so many great memories. I learned how to speak Sicilian. I learned how to bone a prosciutto, make the famous stuffed peppers, stuffed artichokes, stuffed mushrooms and all the other recipes that I still know to this day.

I remember the room in the back of the store, which was filled with shelves with cheeses. We also had our own Olive Oil DiBella Bros brand, which was packed in the basement. I vividly recall the way they dressed with a tie and deli jacket. There was a warm and family feeling especially around the holidays.

The original Di Bella Food store was located at 273 Bleeker St. and was run and operated by the eldest brother Ben and youngest brother Mike while John and Carmine served in the U.S. Military. When they returned, John and Benny and Mike moved to 215 First Avenue and 13th Street. Carmine purchased his own deli in Corona, Queens, which was owned and operated by the former Gov. Mario Cuomo's parents. He later joined John on 13th Street.

The most important thing I learned from my dad and uncles were the strong work ethic which enabled me to go forward and become a successful businessman myself.

I am attaching a picture that I have of the store, which was taken sometime in the 1940s. You can see the old Di Bella sign and the Palermo Bakery, which made the best Italian bread in the world.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Di Bella Bros. ghost signage uncovered on East 13th Street

Someone has bought the former Olivier Sarkozy, Mary-Kate Olsen 'love nest' on East 10th St.

Built in 1854, 123 E. 10th St. is one of the finer houses in the neighborhood... Of late, the James Renwick-inspired home was known, perhaps dubiously, as the so-called "love nest" (per the Post, natch) for Olivier Sarkozy and girlfriend Mary-Kate Olsen.

But! As we noted back in July, the home was back on the market for just less than $7 million. Property records show that Sarkozy paid $6.25 million for the space. We have no idea if the half-brother of the former French president and Olsen ever actually lived here.

The for sale sign out front was recently removed... and Streeteasy shows that the single-family Anglo-Italianate townhouse was in contract as of early September.



No. 123 was on the market for nearly four years before Sarkozy bought it.

The lone tenant at 338 E. Sixth St.

Rory Denis has lived in a rent-stabilized apartment at 338 E. Sixth St. since 1979. And Denis is now the last remaining tenant in the building between First Avenue and Second Avenue that is going through a top-to-bottom gut renovation.

As Serena Solomon at DNAinfo reports, his landlord "has gutted all of the surrounding units, cut off water and electricity, and flooded the area with construction workers who make a terrible racket."

"It is a nightmare," said Denis, who can only get to his fourth-floor apartment by stepping around an active work zone. "I really feel like Chicken Little with the sky falling in."

He successfully took landlord Nurjahan Ahmed to housing court earlier this year to restore his electricity and water. Ahmed told DNAinfo that she had no choice but to temporarily turn off the services because the circa 1900-building needed repairs.

1010 WINS had a report on this last night as well.

Construction watch: 154 Second Avenue

Just a spot check on the progress at 154 Second Ave., the former Sigmund Schwartz Gramercy Park Chapel that will house luxury rentals and ground-floor retail between East Ninth Street and East 10th Street.

EVG reader Terry Howell provides another update from the building's backside.

"The back view looks pretty much like the front view. Can't see thru the netting for clearer idea of what's inside. Progress is slow but steady."





Still no word on what the concrete deck will be. (Can you technically have a rooftop rager on a party patio?)



Previously on EV Grieve:
Former funeral home looks to double in size with help from 'the controversial penthouse king of the East Village'

Redeveloped funeral home looking for a few live retail tenants

The walls come tumbling down at 154 Second Avenue

Tonight's sunset

Photo by Bobby Williams