The American luxury fashion house, launched last year by Dexter Chasten, is opening a showroom at 352 Bowery between East Fourth Street and Great Jones...
Part of the space was previously home to Environment Furniture, which closed a few weeks ago.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
DexterDexterDexter opening a showroom on the Bowery
The American luxury fashion house, launched last year by Dexter Chasten, is opening a showroom at 352 Bowery between East Fourth Street and Great Jones...
Part of the space was previously home to Environment Furniture, which closed a few weeks ago.
Friday, March 18, 2016
2 sunset views on East 9th Street
EVG photo above at First Avenue looking west...
...and a topsy-turvy shot at Avenue A looking west via Grant Shaffer...
Did you lose your guinea pig?
Photo via @Katherine.Gleason
And another angle...
[Photo by Derek Berg]
Consensus around the Park is that the sign is a fake.
Highline society
Glitterbust is the new project from Kim Gordon and Alex Knost... their debut record is out today. The video here is for "The Highline."
Here's what she had to say about NYC's The High Line in an interview with Interview: "On any given weekend [it] looks like a crowded, self-conscious human freeway, surrounded by mirrored glass walls of luxury condos built up around it, casting shadows, part of the moneyed, power landscape."
Trash & Vaudeville opens tomorrow (Saturday) in their new East 7th Street home
The shop relocated from its home of 41 years at 4 St. Mark's Place to 96 E. Seventh St. between Avenue A and First Avenue. And as you can see from their Instagram account, the new storefront debuts tomorrow morning at 11:30...
Updated 10:30 p.m.
The night-time view...
Updated 3/19
And a morning view via EVG contributor Steven...
Previously on EV Grieve:
Exclusive: After 40 years, punk rock mainstay Trash and Vaudeville is leaving St. Mark's Place
'Gentrification in Progress' tape arrives at former Trash & Vaudeville and Stage Restaurant spaces
About Lucky, a new bar opening on Avenue B — 'There isn’t gonna be a theme'
Photos and text by Stacie Joy
Longtime local writer, editrix and party producer Abby Ehmann is fulfilling a dream of hers and opening a new bar at 168 Avenue B between East 10th Street and East 11th Street called Lucky. I stopped by to see the space during its renovation and to ask her a few questions.
What can you tell us about your new space?
I’m taking over the old Boxcar Lounge space [which closed for good at the end of February after 18 years in business]. It isn’t a very big bar so my plans aren’t too extravagant. I want it to be a comfortable neighborhood bar. I have all kinds of ideas but I want everything to be a surprise! But I am hoping it will be the bar for all the people who feel like there aren’t any bars left for them.
Why did you want to be a bar owner?
Judging by all the people offering me their ideas, it seems like anyone who’s ever sat at a bar has thought about owning one. Seriously, though, ever since the first time I worked behind a bar I’ve wanted to own one. It was 1992, my “summer of discontent.” I’d been laid off from the ad industry and was crying into the want ads. Tommy at The Village Idiot gave me a job as a barmaid. I’ve had about a million jobs and bartending’s my favorite. I love interacting with people.
What can we expect from your bar? I heard you had an amazing jukebox planned.
Yeah, people have asked what my “theme” is gonna be. There isn’t gonna be a theme. The vibe of the bar will be completely dependent upon the bartenders — almost all people who’ve worked in the neighborhood for years — and the music.
The jukebox will be filled with as many mix CDs as I can collect. I’m hiring DJs to make them for me. I want each one to be an homage to a defunct bar, club, party or “world” — Downtown Beirut, Mars Bar, The Idiot, Motherfucker, Green Door, Jackie 60. Even if the person putting their money in hasn’t ever heard of any of those places, the music will be great. But for those who do know what the mixes mean, I’m hoping it will make them really happy. It’s a warm, familiar nod to the past, to what came before.
What are your favorite bars — in NYC and/or elsewhere?
I’m a huge fan of dive bars, neighborhood bars, places that feel like an extension of your living room…if you have a living room.
Back when I lived on 10th Street between First and Avenue A, I practically lived at Downtown Beirut. I could go there alone and as soon as I walked in the door, Carolyn would hold up a pitcher and point and I’d nod. My beer would be on the bar before I even sat down. That bar was my favorite bar in the whole world. I still miss it. And that jukebox, heaven!
I usually go to Double Down [on Avenue A]. I love the punk rock and PBR. I’ve been going to 2A for 30 years. It was the first bar I went to in this neighborhood. I’m not too sure about their recent upgrades, but the vibe and general feng sui of that place…I love it. Exposed brick and those big windows, it’s the quintessential bar. Sophie’s, 11th Street Bar, International Bar, Manitoba’s, Coal Yard, Doc Holliday’s (when it isn’t full of college kids). Places that feel like they’ve been there forever. And places that don’t have a TV. Not a big fan of the twee cocktail establishments or “speakeasies,” where someone else decides whether you get in or not. I wouldn’t subject myself to that bullshit. I don’t like to wait in line for anything. I mean, even if they were handing out gold bars, I wouldn’t wait in line.
What do you think makes a good neighborhood bar?
Locals and regulars, a bartender who knows your name, or at least pretends to! Knows what you drink. Nothing pretentious or fake. A place you can go when you’re having a really crappy day and you’ll walk out feeling better.
What are your thoughts on the East Village in general? And what are your thoughts on the East Village nightlife in particular?
It’s easy to complain about the East Village and all the changes it’s gone through. I’ve lived here since 1989 and I’ve watched a lot of those changes. It’s heartbreaking when places that have been around for decades close down.
And I hate the new buildings. I have this ridiculous, irrational, somewhat romantic love for old buildings: Old architectural detail, the tenement apartments, walls with history. So whenever something gets torn down, I mourn.
The East Village may not be as “cool” as it used to be. It certainly isn’t as affordable…so many of my friends have moved away, but it’s still better than anywhere else. It still feels like a neighborhood. I can walk down the street and see people I know. Go into a bar or restaurant or Key Food and bump into people. What’s the alternative? I mean, have you been to LA? Hell-fucking-no. New York City is the best place to live. I get choked up, still, when Frank Sinatra sings about it… I swear. I’m a sap. What can I say? It’s the fervor of someone who has chosen this city as home.
I really enjoyed Ada Calhoun’s "St. Marks Is Dead." It applies to the neighborhood and to the city in general: if it’s dead to you, yes, it’s dead. If all you have is old memories and you aren’t creating any new ones, yes, it’s dead.
A lot of the grumblers, including me, simply aren’t raging drunk through the streets anymore. It might’ve been why — or maybe when — we moved here but many have moved on, if not geographically, otherwise. I can’t begrudge younger people their right to rage drunk through the streets. I’m sure there were bartenders who found me and my friends obnoxious. I can bemoan my lost youth and hate on the youngsters, and often do, but complaining about noise in the biggest city in America seems a little…sad.
I’m not a fan of too-high heels and girls who all wear the same dresses when they go out or man buns and overly fussy facial hair or whatever the latest trend is. I’ve never been into trends. So sure, I lock myself into my apartment on the weekends. I guess the bottom line is: noisy bars have always been and should always remain noisy bars. Deal with it. Create your own nightlife. Yes, I’m opening a bar but over the past decade I’ve hosted (much smaller) parties in my living room to avoid the people I find distasteful. Just cope with it however you can.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I feel fortunate to have this opportunity. My landlady isn’t one of those greedy folks who are quadrupling the rent, which appears to be VERY rare, bless her. I have a crystal-clear vision of what I want my bar to be, but I can only control so much. I can create an ambience and curate the music and pick the beer and booze. Once I open the doors, though, who knows? I would like it to be a refuge, or as my friend Joe Vincent said, “an oasis in a desert of douches,” a place that all the people who feel displaced can call home. Or as I’ve said, “a respite from the stumbling insanity.” That’s my vision, anyway. That and a room full of people singing along to "Bohemian Rhapsody."
[Lucky under renovation]
You can keep tabs on the Lucky bar project by checking out Abby’s IndieGogo campaign
Press conference announced for 1st anniversary of deadly 2nd Avenue gas explosion
City Councilmember Rosie Mendez will be holding a press conference next Saturday, March 26, at 1 p.m. to reflect on the families impacted by the deadly gas explosion one year ago, and share legislative measures introduced to prevent future disasters.
We'll have more updates on this next week.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Updated: 2nd Ave. explosion — landlord, 3 others charged with 2nd degree manslaughter; showed 'a blatant and callous disregard for human life'
Former residents talk about landlord Maria Hrynenko: 'it was clear she wanted to get rid of anyone with a rent-regulated apartment'
Report: 123 2nd Ave. is for sale
Selling 123 Second Ave.
We'll have more updates on this next week.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Updated: 2nd Ave. explosion — landlord, 3 others charged with 2nd degree manslaughter; showed 'a blatant and callous disregard for human life'
Former residents talk about landlord Maria Hrynenko: 'it was clear she wanted to get rid of anyone with a rent-regulated apartment'
Report: 123 2nd Ave. is for sale
Selling 123 Second Ave.
Here's 21E12, the condoplex coming to the former Bowlmor Lanes space
[EVG photo from January]
As you probably know, the west side of University Place between East 12th Street and East 13th Street — former home of Bowlmor Lanes and other businesses — is now an empty lot waiting for 23 stories of condos.
And yesterday, Curbed got the first look at the Annabelle Selldorf-designed building via developer Billy Macklowe...
[A penthouse...]
And there is a teaser site for the 50-unit building, dubbed 21E12.
As for pricing, here's Curbed:
[T]hey're about as expensive as you might expect: one-bedrooms will start at $2.35 million; two-bedrooms will start at $3.95 million; three-bedrooms will go from $5.45 million; four-bedrooms, from $8.25 million; and a selection of townhouses and penthouses will range from $10.5 million to more than $15 million.
Bowlmor Lanes closed in July 2014 after 76 years in business.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Building that houses Bowlmor Lanes will convert to condos, like everywhere else around here
76-year-old Bowlmor Lanes closes for good today
Bowlmor says goodbye
Bowlmor Lanes replacement: 23-floor residential building
Major changes coming to University Place and East 13th Street
How about some more condos for University Place
Here's what's left of the block of University Place that once housed Bowlmor Lanes
Teavana closes ahead of conversion into a Starbucks on Broadway
[Reader-submitted photo]
As expected, the Starbucks-owned Teavana has closed on Broadway and East Ninth Street.
Back in January, Starbucks announced that it will convert the three Teavana tea bar locations in New York into Starbucks stores by the end of April.
While the Teavana tea bars are closing, Starbucks will continue on with the nearly 350 Teavana retail outlets across the country
The Broadway-and-East-Ninth-Street space previously housed Silver Spurs, the diner that closed in December 2013 after 34 years in business.
Previously on EV Grieve:
After 34 years, Silver Spurs is closing on Broadway
Teary letters to landlord show that local children are devastated over closure of Silver Spurs
Starbucks-owned Teavana coming to the former Silver Spurs space on Broadway
Thursday, March 17, 2016
There's nothing green in this photo of tonight's sunset
Hope that you enjoyed/are enjoying St. Patrick's Day.
Photo by Bobby Williams
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
A reader spotted this today on Avenue C and East Second Street... While it seems a little cruel and careless to toss a tree like this, it also gives us a good idea for our next tree stand...
Noted, and noted
Behold the newish Wild Cherry Slurpee® donut at the 7-Eleven on Avenue A at East 11th Street.
EVG reader Riian Kant-McCormick noted earlier that there was not even a line for these. (Given how people wait in line for pastries and stuff around here.)
Not that they weren't selling. For reasons that we didn't inquire about, Riian returned (for the sake of the blog?) to the scene...
"We bought one of the remaining two. My friend described it as the worst donut that he ever had. It was pink and speckled red to the core. The cashier told us that if you buy a Slurpee® to dunk it in the donut would be free."
The Ricky's on 1st Avenue has apparently closed
The Ricky's on First Avenue near East Seventh Street looks to be closed... Aside from the sign on the front door saying "store closed" ...
...there are boxes in the front window and throughout the store...
And it seems like an odd time for, say, taking inventory right before a big sales time like St. Patrick's Day...
Party your #shamrocks off with our #partykit. 🍀🍻 #rickysnyc pic.twitter.com/7RpMDkqlWC
— Ricky's NYC (@Rickys_NYC) March 15, 2016
The salon that was attached to the location moved away last year...
The accessories, cosmetics and novelties store, founded in 1989, has nearly 30 locations around NYC (and now in Miami).
The location opened here in October 2011.
H/T EVG reader Chloe!
Previously on EV Grieve:
Former Miracle Grill garden not-so-suddenly looks like a condo
Former Miracle Grill space on the market
One restaurant, two buildings
Miracle (Grills): A Ricky's and not an eatery opening on First Avenue
A St. Patrick's Day morning look at the line at McSorley's
On this St. Patrick's Day, the line for McSorley's on East Seventh Street "isn't too crazy" EVG line correspondent Steven noted... this was the back of the line right at 8 a.m., when the bar was opening for the (St. Patrick's) day...
Not even to Cooper Square. Yet!
Report: New owners of building that housed Lucky Cheng's looking to attract restaurant group
[Photo from last evening]
Plans are reportedly underway to convert the former Lucky Cheng's on First Avenue and its adjacent space on East Second Street.
Real Estate Weekly has the story:
Carmar Development, LLC, is in the throes of converting the former club and restaurant into which occupied two contiguous mixed-use properties totaling 14,000 s/f at 24 First Avenue and 99-101 East Second Street.
Uri Marrache, a principal at Carmar Development said, "As it stands, it seems like we’ll be dividing the East 2nd street property and the 1st Avenue property so I think ultimately we’ll see two retail tenants."
Noting that talks were "very, very far along," Marrache said, "The 1st avenue side is going to be a restaurant."
Marrache declined to name the tenant, noting only that it "will be the newest location of what is already an established restaurant group." He also said that the L-shaped property has 12,000 square feet of air rights.
Hayne Suthon, who owned and and operated Lucky Cheng's also lived in the building. She died of cancer at age 57 in June 2014.
She had been in a legal fight with the operators behind Pride and Joy BBQ, who were renting the space to open a 220-seat honky tonk featuring three bars and about 20 TV screen. (You can read more about this lawsuit here and here.)
The East Second Street space has been home to an array of short-lived concepts in recents years, including Bento Burger ... Marfa... and Waikiki Wally's...
[Photo from last evening]
Workers had gutted the space in late 2012-early 2013 to make way for BBQ chef Myron Mixon's restaurant/saloon. He later had a falling out with his partners, who decided to push forward with a BBQ restaurant here without Mixon. And the space was strangely gutted again.
Suthon had owned the property since 1986, paying $800,000, city documents show. According to public records, the address changed hands to Carmar Development in February 2015 for a little more than $9.6 million.
There are complaints on file with the DOB for work being done at 24 First Ave. and 99 E. Second St. without a permit. There is also an open violation from the city for work without a permit, per public records. The DOB doesn't currently list any active work permits for the properties.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Myron Mixon's Pride & Joy BBQ now in the works for the former Lucky Cheng's space
Fire reported at incoming Pride and Joy BBQ on East Second Street
Myron Mixon lawsuit puts opening of Pride and Joy BBQ in question at former Lucky Cheng's space
More alterations for the Pride and Joy space
Report: Pride and Joy BBQ partners suing landlord Hayne Suthon for $22 million
Pride and Joy's unpaid electric bill
Report: East Village to be home to a Tim Burton-themed bar
[Via Wikipedia Commons]
The Wall Street Journal (subscription needed) explores the apparent trend of bars opening that are "themed around famous, or semifamous, people." Like Le Boudoir in Brooklyn Heights, which was made to look like Marie Antoinette’s sitting room.
And then there is Stay Classy, the Will Ferrell-themed bar that opened last October on Rivington Street.
According to the article, there are plans to open Stay Classy locations in other cities.
Plus!
The personality-driven bar appears to be catching on. Stay Classy’s owners are planning on a similar spot themed around the filmmaker Tim Burton (“Beetlejuice,” “ Edward Scissorhands”), set to open in the East Village in May.
There isn't any mention of where this might be in the neighborhood. To be continued.
Until then. Here's more from the Journal about why bar owners are turning to gimmicks to open a new place.
Bar-industry experts say increasing competition is what is pushing bar owners to find their niche. A generation ago, it was enough for an establishment to simply market itself as a sports bar.
Now, even a craft-cocktail bar isn’t much of a distinction. “You’re going find one of those every two or three blocks in New York,” said Art Sutley, publisher of Bar Business Magazine, a trade journal.
[Updated] Support for Donald Trump at the Starbucks on 1st Avenue
To date, we've only seen more negative posters regarding Donald Trump's presidential campaign around the neighborhood... (like this one... or this one).
Now, a resident passes along these photos... showing Trump 2016 flyers in the windows of the Starbucks on First Avenue at East Third Street...
...it's not known who placed these in the windows — a Starbucks employee or a random Trump supporter/Starbucks patron...
Coincidentally or not, the building here is reportedly owned by Jared Kushner, who is married to Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka.
According to a recent feature in The Forward, Kushner has historically "given almost exclusively to Democrats, including Hillary Clinton."
Updated 6:20 p.m.
The signs have ben removed, DNAinfo reports. A spokesperson told DNAinfo that they were placed without permission.
Now, a resident passes along these photos... showing Trump 2016 flyers in the windows of the Starbucks on First Avenue at East Third Street...
...it's not known who placed these in the windows — a Starbucks employee or a random Trump supporter/Starbucks patron...
Coincidentally or not, the building here is reportedly owned by Jared Kushner, who is married to Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka.
According to a recent feature in The Forward, Kushner has historically "given almost exclusively to Democrats, including Hillary Clinton."
Updated 6:20 p.m.
The signs have ben removed, DNAinfo reports. A spokesperson told DNAinfo that they were placed without permission.
At Moishe's Bake Shop
[Photo from October by Derek Berg]
The New York Times checks in with a feature on Moishe Perl and Moishe's Bake Shop on Second Avenue ... as part of the paper's "Neighborhood Joint" series.
To an excerpt!
What hasn’t changed at all is the bakery itself, with its stopped-in-time storefront that is almost entirely free of adornment — unless you count the shelves of challah and rye, trays of cookies, ruggeleh and babka, some hand-lettered signs (“Cash Only”) and a worn-looking certificate commemorating a “Best of the Borough” award of uncertain vintage for “Best Smell Ever.”
It does smell pretty good in there, and it probably always has. Mr. Perl swears he opened in autumn 1974, though the website says 1978. He won’t divulge his own age but if you had to guess, you might say around 70, and he hasn’t changed his menu or his recipes one iota in 42 years — everything kosher, no dairy except for the cheese Danish and strudel. His bread slicer, which was there when he bought the place, a former bakery that had been closed for a while, is 80 years old, Mr. Perl said. It rattles like a gas-powered lawn mower.
Moishe's is at 115 Second Ave. between East Sixth Street and East Seventh Street.
Previously
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Get your stamp on this St. Patrick's Day
[Image via Facebook]
Proprietor John Casey is hosting his annual St. Patrick's Day Party tomorrow night starting at 8...
... over at the one and only Casey Rubber Stamps, 322 E. 11th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
Important advice for motorists during Cooper Square reconstruction
Workers yesterday started replacing the roadway on Cooper Square starting at East Fourth Street (part of the ongoing Astor Place-Cooper Square reconstruction) ... cutting down the traffic to two lanes through Seventh Street...
And keep an eye out of this helpful sign for motorists...
Work is expected to be completed by Friday.
Ha. Kidding!
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