Over on East 10th Street and Avenue B, renovations are complete at the former Life Cafe space. The partners, East Village residents Nialls Fallon and Gareth Maccubbin, showed the space off Sunday afternoon to friends and family as a way to celebrate the end of the construction. (
Gammablog was there, and has photos of the interior.)
The cafe is called Maiden Lane. Per
Eater, they plan to serve a regionally sourced food menu. (CB3 OK'd a beer-wine license for them in October.)
We asked Fallon for an update.
"We are waiting on inspections and hope to open by the end of the week for daytime cafe service. Wine and beer license to arrive soon and then we will open for evening service."
The two partners have ample restaurant experience at two popular Mulberry Street eateries. Fallon was the general manager at Torrisi while Maccubbin held the same position at Torrisi spinoff Parm next door.
This is what Fallon told us about leasing this space
last fall:
"We decided on the space for two reasons, the first being we didn't want to see the 7-Eleven-Starbucks scenario you mentioned happen there. Second, we wanted to be in an iconic space that carried on some form of community identity and East Village-ness. I am excited to create something new and make sure that the corner remains owned and operated by locals."
Previously on EV Grieve:
Maiden Lane coming to East 10th Street and Avenue B
Here's what's coming to the former Life Cafe space
After 30 years, Life Cafe closes — 'until further notice' — in the East Village
[Photos Sunday by Bobby Williams]