This is what Fourth Avenue and 10th Street looked like on Jan. 16, 2012

This year, we'll post photos like this of various buildings, streetscenes, etc., to capture them as they looked at this time and place... The photos may not be the most telling now, but they likely will be one day...

7-Eleven on the Bowery unveils its Valentine's Day section

What a lovely way of saying "our relationship is pretty much dead" how much you love me.

h/t Paul Anka.

Today's sign of the apocalypse: IHOP Groupons

More than 1,000 sold. Or bought.

h/t to @chalegaindia & @rkudyba

Verso closes to re-design dining room

Dave on 7th passes this tidbit along... spotted at Verso, the Italian bistro that opened on Eighth Street and Avenue C this past May 16 ... They closed yesterday for the renovations...

Have you eaten here? Just curious what people think of the place...

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]

Under my umbrella

Second Street near Second Avenue today. Photo by Bobby Williams.

Noted

Spotted outside Identity on East Sixth Street a little while ago.

Report: Waverly Inn executive chef part of team taking over Belcourt

[Photo via Guest of a Guest]

On Jan. 3, we reported that some folks involved with Prune would be taking over Belcourt on Second Avenue at Fourth Street. The new place will be called Calliope.

This afternoon, Diner's Journal provided more details on what's happening with the new restaurant... Among other things, Eric Korsh, the executive chef at the Waverly Inn, the hyped, kinda exclusive West Village place that Graydon Carter owns or something, will be opening the space with his wife, Ginevra Iverson, Prune's one-time sous chef. (Korsh's name was not on the original CB3 documents. The CB3/SLA committee OK'd this transfer earlier this month.)

According to Diner's Journal, Calliope should open in April, with Belcourt bowing out in March.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Prune people taking over Belcourt space

Breaking: Subway awning arrives at 108 First Ave.

This just in from EV Grieve reader Joe. Here at 108 First Ave., home of the former Intervideo Electronics between Sixth Street and Seventh Street.

In this instance, it's OK to weep in public.

Previously.

'The last great free piece from Billy's'

On Friday, Billy Leroy put this solid walnut breakfront cabinet out for anyone to take. As of early this afternoon, it was still there, surprisingly well-preserved after a weekend of weather.

"It's the last great free piece from Billy's," he told us.

Billy's is now closed here on Houston near the Bowery for the next year or so to make way for a new two-story structure.

Celebrating Ray's 79th birthday with Justine Joli

Last night, a few friends and neighbors gathered at Ray's Candy Store on the eve of the proprietor's 79th birthday (it's officially on Wednesday).

As always, someone provided entertainment for Ray's birthday.

But first — the cake.

As for the entertainment, say hello to Justine Joli.

Anyway, the annual birthday cheer is always a boost to Ray's spirits, a brief break from the 24/7 grind of the store and reminder how much people appreciate him...

Thanks to Shawn Chittle for the photos.

And here are photos by Bob Arihood of previous Ray birthday celebrations... 2010 ... and 2009...

7-Eleven continues to feast on the East Village; next up, St. Mark's Place

Last week, we told you that a 7-Eleven was taking over a storefront on East 14th Street.

And now, we regret to inform you that a 7-Eleven will soon be opening on St. Mark's Place at Second Avenue, in the former J.A.S. Mart. (The official address is 133 Second Ave.)

Permits on file with the DOB confirm the arrival.

So, from here on out, it's probably safe to assume that any empty storefront with DOB work permits will either be a 7-Eleven or Subway.

Polonia's liquidation sale is Thursday

[evg file photo]

As we first reported, Polonia closed up on First Avenue this past Dec. 24 ... A tipster let us know that Polonia's liquidation sale is happening on Thursday... (details here)

MICHAEL AMODEO & CO., INC.
Sell THURSDAY JANUARY 26 at 2:00 Pm
At 110 FIRST AVENUE, MANHATTAN, NYC, NEAR 7th ST.
RESTAURANT - CAFE - RESTAURANT
Garland 6 Burner Stove with Salamander, Countertop Fryer, Globe S.S. Meat Slicer, Hobart 20Qt Mixer, 400 Lb Ice Machine, Keating 4Ft Flat Grill, Bain Marie, 8x8 Aluminum Walk-In Cooler, 6 & 8Ft S.S. Hoods, Pots, Pans, Utensils, China Dinnerware, Glassware, 2 Like New Slimline 3 Ton A/C Units with Ductless Blowers. Inspection: Day Of Sale 1 PM To Sale Time.
Terms: Cash Or Bank Cashiers Checks. 15% Buyers Premium.
Auctioneers Phone: 212-473-6830 or 917-776-1080.

Sidewalk shed arrives at 86 E. Fourth St.

Usually not a newsy item to note. A sidewalk shed. Which workers put up on Friday. However, as we've reported, several current tenants have said that they are wary of the future after RURU & Associates bought the building here at Second Avenue.

Several current and former tenants have said that the new management is declining to offer new leases as current leases expire. (Read more on this here ... and here ... and here)

Nothing sinister via the DOB about the sidewalk shed, which the city OK'd on Thursday:

ALTERATION TYPE 3 - CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT - SIDEWALK-SHED
PROPOSED INSTALLATION OF HEAVY DUTY SIDEWALK SHED FILED FOR REMEDIAL REPAIRS AS
PER PLANS. NO CHANGE IN USE OCCUPANCY OR EGRESS UNDER THIS APPLICATION.

...and the sidewalk shed quickly offered some shelter...

Have other tips or photos about the situation here? Please send them our way via the EV Grieve email

Thanks to our friend Matt Rosen for the tip about the sidewalk shed.