Wednesday's parting shot

Beatlemania on First Avenue via Derek Berg...

Noted

As seen along Sixth Street ... via Dave on 7th...

A moment of joy outside Mount Sinai Beth Israel

Text and photos by Daniel Efram

My apartment is across from one of the loading docks for the Mount Sinai Beth Israel complex on First Avenue.

Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the sounds around here have been limited to sirens as well as nurses, doctors and health-care workers arriving for their shifts — not to mention the constant presence of hearses, which seem to come and go at all hours.

Yesterday, in one of my rare grocery outings, I heard a huge round of applause as I crossed First Avenue. Several dozen health-care workers had gathered outside of the hospital exit clapping and cheering as a patient who had successfully battled the virus was being released.



It was an unusually beautiful moment. It was tough to focus. I was crying.

Sharing was also deeply emotional. The first place I thought of posting my photos was with the Survivor Corps Facebook Group, which is dedicated to connecting and mobilizing survivors of COVID-19 as well as helping those who have lost loved ones. It's a very humbling place. I was pleased to share a moment of joy.

Checking in on C&B

Text and photos by Stacie Joy

You might have read about C&B Cafe chef-owner Ali Sahin’s fundraising efforts to buy a new oven for his cafe at 178 E. Seventh St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Ali is currently baking about 30 to 40 sourdough boule loaves each day that the restaurant is open. When the new oven arrives (it’s being transported here currently from Ohio) he’ll be able to make many more loaves daily, plus different varieties.







Work has already started to transform the back room into a bread-baking station, with workers updating the electrical panels when I arrive. Ali’s sold the tables and chairs that used to occupy the space to make room for the oven, a workbench and maybe a stand mixer. (Ali’s not sure about that yet well as the limited space.)



He looks crestfallen when he tells me that he might have to remove his much-loved turntable and record collection to create additional storage. Rumor has it he’s already gifted out some albums.



The yeasty, crusty yet airy breads are sold out each day, and they are available by preorder only. If you want the sourdough (and trust me, you want the bread) send Ali a direct message on Instagram or stop by to place an order.

He’s also baking in-house loaves for his to-go sandwiches, with a modified menu that includes his breakfast sammies (available with pork belly when in stock, chorizo or beef sausage when not, plus optional sliced avocado) and a grilled cheese.

Veselka announces Friday reopening

[Photo by Steven]

As we first noted on Monday, Veselka had plans to reopen soon at Ninth Street and Second Avenue. Soon now means Friday — signage is up announcing their reopening with takeout and delivery.

The circa-1954 Ukrainian diner will serve a limited number of Veselka "all-time favorites." Might be difficult to narrow that list down.

They'll open at noon on Friday. Moving forward, they'll be open from noon to 8 p.m. on weekdays, with a 10 a.m. start on weekends.

Veniero's, another longtime neighborhood favorite, also reopens Friday.

Ralph's Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream makes it official on Avenue A

[Photos by Steven]

The coming soon signage for Ralph's Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream has arrived at 145 Avenue A and Ninth Street...



As we noted on March 3, the expanding company has several new outposts planned this year, including in the East Village.

This business dates to 1928 when Ralph Silvestro started selling Italian ice (or water ice) from his truck around Staten Island. The first retail store opened in 1949 on Port Richmond Avenue in Staten Island. In recent years the company has franchised out, expanding to other parts of NYC as well as Long Island, New Jersey and Westchester County.

Ralph's takes over for Gelarto, which closed early last summer after a rocky two years selling gelato on the corner.

Tuesday's parting shot

Terms of service at Elsewhere Espresso:

No shirt
No shoes
No mask
No service

The coffee shop here on Sixth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue reopened on Saturday. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thanks to EVG reader Danielle for the photo!

Hello

A moment with Christo, the male red-tailed hawk of Tompkins Square Park, late this afternoon. Thanks to Steven for the photo...

Flying by

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds conducted a flyover today in recognition of front-line personnel during the COVID-19 crisis.

EVG reader Jeanne Krier took these top two photos...



And Vinny & O shared these shots...





... and Linda Fitzgerald shared this video clip... showing the jets flying south ...



Updated 7:30 p.m.

The Post reported on how people in the metropolitan area ignored social distancing to catch a glimpse of the airshow.

RIP Miguel Grande, the Pasta King at Supper

Miguel Grande, known as the Pasta King at Supper on Second Street, died from COVID-19-related complications this past Friday at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens.

According to the @supper156 account: "He was like a FATHER @suppernyc. He taught everyone how to make pasta. He was always smiling. He was a great person. He was a hard working man and absolutely GREAT FATHER ..."

Grande, who was born in 1968, is survived by his wife, Maribel Luna, and four daughters — Guadalupe, Erika, Yulisa and Emely.

The Supper family, which includes Lil' Frankie's and Frank, has established a fund for Grande's wife and children. You can find that link here.

Per the GoFundMe campaign:

For those of us who have had the pleasure of working with him, no words can encompass how much we will miss him and his smile. Rarely will you meet a man with such dedication and skill and strong work ethics and kindness.

For those of you who have eaten our handmade fresh pastas for the last 19 years, most likely Miguel made them and you had a dish made with love and honesty.

Veniero's reopens Friday

Veniero's Pasticceria & Caffe is reopening on Friday here on 11th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

The owners of the 126-year-old Italian bakery made the announcement via Instagram yesterday:

We are all in need of support right now. Moms for Mother’s Day, our workers out on the frontline, family’s and friends celebrating birthdays and more. This is why we have decided to reopen our doors May 1.

They will be selling items for takeout, delivery and curbside pickup. (You can order ahead via their website.)

Veniero's closed after service on March 28 amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

If you're feeling the need for speed: Thunderbirds, Blue Angels will be flying over NYC today

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be doing a flyover today in NYC in recognition of front-line personnel during the COVID-19 crisis.

The 12-plane formation features six USAF F-16 Fighting Falcons of the Thunderbirds and six U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets, per the news release.

This first in a series of flyovers for the northeast, which includes Philadelphia and Trenton, will start at noon here, and last some 40 minutes. (The above map shows you the route, which looks like East Village residents will have a few opportunities to see — or hear — this.)

Also from the release: "Residents along the flight path can expect a few seconds of jet noise as the aircraft pass overhead, along with the sight of 12 high-performance aircraft flying close in precise formation."

You can prep for today by watching this 1986 Van Hagar chestnut...



Headline helper.

Reader appreciation: Feast

Via the EVG inbox...

Feast has been open throughout the crisis to provide the neighborhood with amazing cocktails and take-out items. The husband and wife team are so friendly and welcoming at the window. The restaurant is also working hard providing meals to hospital staff and frontline workers.

Feast is at 102 Third Ave. between 12th Street and 13th Street. They are open Tuesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Want to share an appreciation of an essential East Village business that remains open during the COVID-19 crisis? Send us an email here. (Thank you for the suggestions!)

Previously on EV Grieve:
• Reader appreciation: Le Fournil Bakery

• Reader appreciation: Abraço

• Reader appreciation: Post

• Reader appreciation: Zaragoza Mexican Deli & Grocery

• Reader appreciation: Barnyard Cheese Shop

• Reader appreciation: Good Beer

• Reader appreciation: Mamoum's Falafel

Petal power

A flower shower this afternoon here at the Seventh Street entrance to Tompkins Park between Avenue A and Avenue B...





... courtesy of the Kwanzan Cherry tree ...