A new age on 10th Street: Rocky’s Crystals & Minerals opens tomorrow

Tomorrow (Saturday!) marks the grand opening of Rocky's Crystals & Minerals over at 280 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and First Avenue.

This is the first NYC location for the "New Age Metaphysical Crystal & Gift Boutique," which also has outposts in Philadelphia and northern New Jersey.



Head to the Rocky's website for more on the offerings and services.

This space was previously Patisserie Florentine, the bakery that closed in February after two years in business.

On Avenue A Bin 141 is open, though Angelina Cafe is not

Bin 141, the new cafe from Imen and Rafik Bouzgarrou, opened this past Easter Sunday (April 21) on the northwest corner of Avenue A and Third Street.

The menu has a variety of staples — salads, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, entrees (grilled salmon and roast chicken, among other items) and vegan desserts. There's also a weekend brunch.



Meanwhile, the Bouzgarrou's other restaurant on Avenue A one block to the south, Angelina Cafe, is currently closed....



The space sits empty...



The Angelina website is sending potential diners to Bin 141. Here's the message:

We have temporarily moved to a new location
– Just a couple of doors from our original location –
Due to gas disruptions since February 2019 (unrelated to our business activity), we have decided to temporarily move our services just a few seconds away.

Angelina first opened in 2002 across Avenue A before relocating to this space between Second Street and Third Street in 2012.

Previously on EV Grieve:
First signs of Bin 141, a new cafe on Avenue A and 3rd Street

From noon to moon: El Sol Brillante's Garden Party benefit is tomorrow

The folks at El Sol Brillante are holding their Spring/Summer fundraiser on tomorrow (Saturday, June 8) at the community garden on 12th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Here's what to expect via the invite:

Come join us for live music, food, refreshments, tie dye or just to enjoy and support the garden. All proceeds go directly to the garden for our composting and horticulture projects and general maintenance. Admission is free and all are welcome. Noon to Moon, June 8.

We will be celebrating the debut of our new mural at this Spring's party and toasting the artist, Jeramy Turner, who has helped to bring it to life. Please join us as we celebrate her!

Thursday's parting shot

Shopping at the Salvation Army today on Fourth Avenue... photo by Derek Berg

Businesses emerge from under the sidewalk bridge at 57 2nd Ave.

Two readers alerted us to 57 Second Ave. between Third Street and Fourth Street where, after two years (longer maybe???*) workers have removed the sidewalk bridge.

You can now see the two businesses here ... Dim Sum Palace, which opened back in December, and Kona Coffee and Company, which returned to the space in February. (Celebrity vegan chef Matthew Kenney took over that space for a cafe late last year, but it didn't work out. And Kona returned.)



Icon Realty bought the 9-story building here in early 2015. The previous retail tenants, Alex Shoe Repair and Allied Hardware, were not part of the new building's plans.

* Google Street View shows the sidewalk bridge up in September 2017. DOB paperwork for the sidewalk bridge dates to January 2017.

Previously on EV Grieve:
57 Second Ave. hits the market for $30 million

Reader report: Icon Realty new owner of 57 Second Ave.

Last day for Alex Shoe Repair on 2nd Avenue

Allied Hardware makes impending closure official on 2nd Avenue

Last days for Allied Hardware on 2nd Avenue

This is what the Hells Angels building sold for

The sale of the former Hells Angels clubhouse hit public records yesterday.

According to the public documents, 77 E. Third St., the six-story building between First Avenue and Second Avenue, sold for $7.75 million (updated: other reports list the same as for $10 million)...



As first reported here in February, there was a Memorandum of Contract (the form preceding a contract of sale) dated this past Dec. 21 between Church of the Angels, Inc. (aka — The Church of Angels) and 77 East 3rd LLC. The document was signed by Bartley J. Dowling, president of the NYC Hells Angels chapter, and the purchaser, Nathan Blatter of Whitestone Realty Group. [Updated: The New York Times reported that Whitestone sold the building to Better Living Properties.]

According to the the Post in late March, the units in the building were expected to hit the market as rentals. To date, there aren't any permits on file with the Department of Buildings for any renovations at the address.

The Hells Angels had a presence in 77 E. Third St. since 1969. They eventually bought the building, which included their clubhouse and member residences (Realtor.com lists 14 units), from Birdie Ruderman in the Bronx for a reported $1,900.

In 1983, chapter president Sandy Alexander took over ownership of the building. The deed from that time states that Alexander, his wife Collette and their family could live on the premises rent free. In addition, in the event that the building was sold, she would stand to receive half of the proceeds.

This agreement was later the basis for a legal tussle in 2013 between the clubhouse and Alexander's family. (Sandy Alexander, who spent six years in prison for selling cocaine, died in 2007.) That deed was eventually reversed in April 2018, per public documents.



No word on where the Angels may have moved. A member named Tony told the Post in March that: "We're being harassed by the yuppies down here [who are] sitting on our bikes and pissing on the sidewalk ... [We want to] go somewhere we can live comfortably."

The last of the members moved out of No. 77 at the end of March.

Previously on EV Grieve:
After 50 years on the block, the Hells Angels appear to be selling their 3rd Street clubhouse

The Hells Angels have left the East Village

[Updated] Tai Thai is closed for now

EVG reader Gacjon shares this tip — Tai Thai, the refreshingly low-key spot at 78 E. First St. between First Avenue and Avenue A, is currently closed.

There's a sign noting a closure for renovations with an abrupt "until further notice!"



We called the restaurant and didn't get any response. Tai Thai also doesn't appear to have any social media accounts that might have news about a closure.

Hopefully this is an actual closed for renovations and not the "closed for renovations" in which the restaurant never reopens.

Updated 6/11

Tai Thai is back open!

New equipment for the former Moishe's Bake Shop

EVG contributor Derek Berg spotted workers yesterday moving in new equipment at the former Moishe's Bake Shop at 115 Second Ave.

Last month, owner Moishe Perl told Derek that several bakers are taking over the shop, where they will serve a variety of baked goods as well as coffee. (He said that they may call the new venture Formerly Moishe's.)

Workers at the shop yesterday between Sixth Street and Seventh Street said that it might be another two months for the new venture to open.

Moishe's closed on March 5 after 40-plus years in business. The links below have more background on what has transpired here in the past few months.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Claim: After 40-plus years, Moishe's Bake Shop has closed on 2nd Avenue

The mystery of Moishe's

An update on the former Moishe's Bake Shop

Just For Fen folds on 1st Avenue

[Photo via @jcastro_nyc]

That's all for Just For Fen on First Avenue between 13th Street and 14th Street.

A for-rent sign now hangs in the window of the former quick-serve restaurant, which opened in September 2017 and served a variety of Guizhou-style fen bowls.

No word on why they closed. One day they were gone. Of course, there's no shortage of places serving rice noodles in the area, including the acclaimed Little Tong two blocks to the south.

Before Just For Fen, three quick-serve restaurants quickly came and went at this location in three years — Bago ... Hibachi Dumpling Express ... and 2 Bros.

According to the listing for the 650-square-foot space, the asking rent is $11,995.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Just For Fen opens on 1st Avenue

Another look at that two-wing building growing in Brooklyn

Yesterday morning, we noted the new building on the eastern horizon as seen from East Houston Street (above!).

We can now share what One South First at the Domino Sugar Refinery site in Brooklyn will actually look like once completed... @LESNYC shared this via Twitter...



Probably shouldn't give any architects any ideas...

That roadwork on Avenue A this afternoon

There was quite a construction production this afternoon on Avenue A between 11th Street and 12th Street.

EVG regular Gojira passed along these shots of the work taking place for:

a) A new entrance for the L train
b) A moat for Steiner East Village
c) An SBS ticketing machine

The correct answer is C, though, given the amount of activity, A and B didn't seem implausible.

The MTA started installing SBS ticketing machines along the M14A/D routes back in April. That SBS service — with all-door boarding and pre-boarding payment — is expected to start this month.









Earlier in May, the MTA announced that it was axing several stops along the 14A and 14D to speed up service, especially during the current L-train slowdown.

Per Curbed:

The route, which is set to roll out in June, will nix 16 stops and add one instead of slashing the originally planned 22 stops. After fierce advocacy from riders, the M14 will retain five stops that were originally on the chopping block, including two M14A stops on Grand Street and a stop at Columbia and Rivington streets on the M14D, the MTA said.

Previously

EVG Etc.: 'Mom-and-Pop Storefronts' in focus; LGBTQ icons in Stuy Town; Jim Jarmusch at Metrograph

[Photo on St. Mark's Place by Derek Berg]

• Study: The number of affordable apartments spurred by a partial rezoning of the East Village and Lower East Side in 2008 fell short of the city’s projections, creating only 55 percent of the below-market-rate apartments estimated (Curbed)

• Democratic lawmakers are racing to renew the state’s rent laws before they expire on June 15 (City & State)

• A feature on the latest project from EV residents James and Karla Murray — “Capturing the Faces and Voices of Mom-and-Pop Storefronts” (amNY)

• Preview of the Lower East Side Film Festival (B+B)

• Neighbors are coming together to help pay for emergency oral surgery on Oreo, the cat who hangs out in the 6th & B Community Garden (Official site)

• East Village merchants among those interviewed in a piece on how small businesses are surviving today (WWD)

• "Wig," the documentary on the rise of Wigstock, which started in the East Village, premieres on HBO on June 18 (Official site)

• The recently opened Black Emperor on 2nd Avenue near 12th Street has good bar food (Gothamist... previously on EVG)

• Portraits of LGBTQ icons arrive in Stuy Town (Town & Village)

Jim Jarmusch retrospect underway down on Ludlow Street (Metrograph)

• The White Horse Tavern's transformation into a "first-class gastro pub" (Jeremiah's Vanishing New York)

• The U.S.'s first poster museum opens this month in Chelsea (Hyperallergic)

• Catching up with CJ Ramone (LA Weekly)

And last night, an EVG reader who lives on Third Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue found an abandoned Sirrus men’s bicycle. Here are details via a Craigslist ad:

Found this bike laying on street next to a parked car on 3rd Street...

Unlocked but with a u-lock hanging on handle bar. There are some rather distinctive features that probably only the owner would be aware of, so shoot me a message to identify. I’m not looking for a reward — just want to get it to its rightful owner and it seems fancy (I’m bike ignorant).

So, if you’re missing a bike and can tell me a couple things that would narrow it to being yours (or you have a pic of it!), I’m more than happy to give it to you as my apartment is tiny and it’s now taking up my entire living room!!

You may contact the bike good samaritan via the Craigslist ad.

Kick out the jams: The 'Community of Dreams' piano arrives on Astor Place

One of the 50-plus pianos that Sing for Hope is placing around the city this month has arrived on Astor Place... on the north plaza near the uptown 6...



The piano, titled "Community of Dreams," was created by Joan Dilieto in collaboration with Hetrick-Martin Institute and SVA.



The piano is expected to be here through June 23... then it's off to find a new home in an NYC city school.

Thanks to Steven for the photos!

Miscelanea NY announces June 16 closing date

[Photo by Stacie Joy from January]

Guillaume Guevara (pictured above) announced yesterday that he's closing up Miscelanea NY, his quick-serve Mexican cafe and shop at 63 E. Fourth St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

He broke the news via Instagram... he didn't offer a specific reason for the closure, just that it was time to end "our project called Miscelanea NY."



Miscelanea NY opened in the summer of 2015, and drew praise for its tortas.

In an interview with EVG contributor Stacie Joy in January, Guevara had this to say about the East Village and his shop:

For many years I lived in the East Village. I [later] moved to Brooklyn, so opening my business in the East Village was a great way to remain connected with a neighborhood that I love. To me the East Village is the best neighborhood in Manhattan — it has everything one needs and a sense of friendship and community.

To me, Miscelanea is not just a Mexican store, it's an all-inclusive trip to Mexico. You can learn about the culture through our books, about the fashion through our clothes, and about the cuisine through our food. Everything we serve is 100 percent Mexican and homemade whenever possible. Even our coffee comes from Chiapas, Mexico.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A visit to Miscelanea NY on 4th Street

Gelarto packs it up on Avenue A

Workers were spotted packing up Gelarto late yesterday afternoon on the northwest corner of Avenue A and Ninth Street (thanks to Steven for the photos)...



The desert shop's management announced via Facebook on May 15 that they'd be closing up in the weeks ahead. Here's part of the message:

It has been a great time for all of us at GELARTO NYC for the past 2 years, but all good things come to an end and that includes our time in the East Village.

We have made many friends and have many lovely and loyal customers on Avenue A, but have reluctantly decided to relocate. We will of course let everyone know as soon as we have our new address, but until then please note you can continue to purchase our gelato at Kings’ and Balducci’s stores (among others) in NY and NJ.

Gelarto, the first U.S. outpost of this Italian brand, opened in June 2017 with Vespa-inspired stools and a painting of the Mona Lisa holding an ice cream cone.

Landlord Icon Realty has had this listing (145 Avenue A) online for weeks now. Per the listing, the asking rent for the 600 square feet is $13,500.

With Gelarto's departure, four of the five businesses that opened in Icon Realty's renovated retail spaces along 441-445 E. Ninth St. (aka 145 Avenue A) have now closed in recent months.

Cafe Pick Me Up moved out away from the corner in May 2015 after 20 years in business. They were housed at 145 and 147 Avenue A, and had two different landlords — Icon on the left, Steve Croman on the right. Café manager Rossella Palazzo told DNAinfo in March 2015 that a rent hike from No. 145 landlord Icon Realty was the reason for the closure.

Updated 8:30 a.m.

Vinny & O shared this interior shot from this morning...



Previously on EV Grieve:
Rent hike forcing Cafe Pick Me Up into its smaller space next door on Avenue A

A two-wing building grows in Brooklyn

As you've likely noticed in recently months on East Houston (or Second Street or Third Street...) looking toward the east... something growing on the skyline...



The photos here from East Houston and Attorney show One South First at 260 Kent Ave., now Williamsburg's tallest building, which recently topped out at 42 floors at the Domino Sugar Refinery site.

And one day it will look like this ...


[Rendering via Cookfox]

The façade by Cookfox is supposed to be reminiscent of a stack of sugar crystals.

Tuesday's parting shots

From Tompkins Square Park today, riachung00 shares these photos... including of a (the?) blond-tailed squirrel...

A multi-vehicle collision with injuries reported on 2nd Avenue at 14th Street

Photojournalist Jefferson Siegel shared this photo from this evening around 7 at Second Avenue and 14th Street ... where there was a multiple-car collision. A cyclist was also struck.

A Lyft driver appeared to be unconscious and was trapped in his car for several minutes until firefighters were able to free him. He was removed to the hospital. The bicyclist appeared shaken. The condition of the other two drivers was unknown. Police stopped southbound traffic on 2nd Avenue at 15th Street.

The above photo shows firefighters working to remove the Lyft driver after placing a neck brace on him.

No word at the moment about the cause of the collision.

A 30th anniversary tribute to the Tiananmen Square protests on the LES

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests.

On this occasion, artist-photographer Adrian Wilson created a tribute on the marquee at the Cheese Grille on Allen Street between Stanton and East Houston...

View this post on Instagram

Just finished this tribute to those who were massacred in Tiananmen Square 30 years ago today. I remember seeing the guy stood in front of the tank and it perfectly symbolized the resolve of the ordinary citizen against his mighty oppressor. This spot is where tourist buses stop and near Chinatown and already so many Chinese have thanked me. The text says "Remember". #tiananmensquare #tianananmen

A post shared by Adrian Wilson's art page (@plannedalism) on Jun 4, 2019 at 2:11pm PDT

Tompkins Square Library branch hosts the NYPL's Summer Reading kickoff event

The Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B has the honor of kicking off the NYPL's Summer Reading event on Thursday.

"[This] is a huge deal for us, and it's the first time we've ever had it here," branch manager Corinne Neary told me.

The festivities (mostly) take place in Tompkins Square Park from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (In case of rain, the activities will happen inside the Tompkins Square Library branch.)

Here's more via the EVG inbox... (and find all the activities at this link):

We will have giveaways (including tickets from the New York Yankees,) face painting, tie dye, henna tattoos, photo booths, crafts, games, tech gadgets and more! There will also be visits from Sesame Street, the North Shore Animal League, and a slew of neighborhood organizations.

Sesame Street's Grover will make appearances at 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m: DJ Dance Party! Get the day started with DJ Carol C, music, bubbles and beach balls!

11 a.m.: Opening Ceremony

11:30 a.m.: Drag Queen Story Hour and author Jessica Love — Join "Julián is a Mermaid" author Jessica Love and Drag Queen Story Hour's Rev. Yolanda for a fabulous literary experience that celebrates diversity, builds empathy and teaches tolerance. For children of all ages.

12pm: MAPS (Music Art Puppet Sound) artists Rachel Sherk and Aaron Rourk will be leading a fun-filled, art-making project for children of any age.

12-1 p.m.: The North Shore Animal League will have some adorable and adoptable animals inside the branch. Stop by the second floor children's room to meet them.

12:30 p.m: Musical Performance: Third Street Music School — Featuring music and dance performances by students from the school.

1:15 p.m.: Dance Performance: LEGACY, a professional Hip-Hop based dance company founded by head director/choreographer Lacey Thomas.

2 p.m.: NYPL Sings — Join us for a fun sing-along with some fantastic librarians!

3 p.m.: Music Performance: RPM, an acoustic improvisational group.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A visit to the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street