June 7, 2023, 3:02 p.m.

Midtown view from the East Village this afternoon. A faint outline of the Empire State Building ... no sign of the Chyrsler Building, MetLife Building, etc. 

Per Gothamist: 

The smoky haze descended on the Northeast from blazing wildfires in eastern Canada, covering swaths of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware. A stalled nor’easter in Maine is blocking the jet stream from following its normal movement, funneling the air mass south.

The result? A thick smog that makes it hard to breathe and smells like one big campfire. 

The city has issued a warning about outdoor activities...

We're in the worst of the conditions, but the Air Quality Health Advisory has been extended until 11:59 pm Thursday — which our teams have been anticipating.

Mask up and limit your outdoor activities.

See real-time air quality: https://t.co/Ok9k6nidUG pic.twitter.com/EfceKRUu6Y

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) June 7, 2023

Support for the family of Salvino Luis Ceballos

Members of the East Village Community School are mourning the loss of Salvino Luis Ceballos, a second-grader who died suddenly on Saturday at age 7. 

Community members have launched a GoFundMe to help his devastated parents and younger siblings with expenses. Here's more from the campaign: 

Salvino Luis Ceballos, our beautifully wide eyed, sweet, kind, curious, scrappy, energetic, dog loving, Pokemon collecting, bike riding, EVCS second grader and community member passed away tragically Saturday night June 3, 2023. It feels as if we are frozen. There were no warning signs and his sudden loss is completely unconscionable. 

Salvino had the most beautiful way of connecting with anyone he met. When his next-door neighbor told Salvino she didn't have any friends in the building, he knocked on her door shortly after with another adult neighbor and introduced them! His heart was giant. He made everyone laugh, included everyone in on the secret, and let anyone and everyone who crossed his path know how much fun there was to be had, and where to find it... 

Every dollar can help ease the financial burden for Salvino's grieving family, regardless of contribution size. We hope this beautiful family finds a way forward with ongoing family support, continued family therapy, and visits from close family and friends both here and from France. 

You can find the campaign link here.

Image via GoFundMe

Tramezzini NYC has closed on Houston

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

After nearly six years in business, specialty sandwich shop Tramezzini NYC, which featured imported bread from Venice, has closed at 309 E. Houston St. 

The quick-serve establishment between Clinton and Attorney specialized in Venetian-style sandwiches — billed as the home of the softest sandwiches in the world. Owner Filippo Paccagnella, a former architect, started the company in 2016 with regular sightings at Smorgasburg.

"Running a small business is a dream come true for me, I nursed it like a plant 70 hours a week, but it was a pleasure," he told me following the closure last month. "However, the unfortunate reality is that sometimes circumstances beyond our control can force us to make difficult decisions." 

He listed several factors — an expired lease dating back to 2021, "the difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic presented," and his father's health, which "all resulted in an unprecedented challenge for my sandwich shop." 

"Regrettably, after careful consideration, I have made the heart-wrenching decision to close our beloved establishment," he said. "Family comes first and money means nothing without it. I love you all!"

Paccagnella is returning to Italy to be with family.

A new era for pedestrians on the NE corner of 3rd Avenue and St. Mark's Place

Crews working on the 9-floor office building slated for the NE corner of Third Avenue and St. Mark's Place have reconfigured the pedestrian passageway on the north side of the thoroughfare.

Out! The barriers that were easily moved. In! A sidewalk bridge...

Thanks to @unitof for first alerting us to this yesterday...

A few years back, the pedestrian passageway on the north side of St. Mark's Place had been involved in an ongoing game of barrier accordion that saw the corridor shrink-expand anywhere from 18 inches to an inch. (Relive the memories here and here.)

One positive about the new sidewalk bridge — the presence of blogger portals on the plywood... where you can keep track of the progress of 1 St. Mark's Place ... still in the foundation stages...

Meanwhile, four blocks to the south, on the site of the former B-Bar & Grill, the new office building (360 Bowery) is up to the 19th of 21 floors (and they started AFTER 1 St. Mark's Place)...

Holy smokes, that sky today!

You may have noticed the orange, smoky glow in the sky today...

Per NBC New York:

The wildfires in the eastern provinces of Quebec and Nova Scotia are sending smoke pouring back into the New York City area again on Tuesday, causing smoky, hazy skies and some of the poorest air quality in the country [world!] this week.

... and a Midtown view from the EV around 6:30 p.m. ...

The state's Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality health advisory through midnight tonight.

PSA: The Tacos Cholula cart is still on 2nd Street

After the arrival of the sidewalk bridge last week on the NW corner of Second Street and Avenue A, we heard from several people asking about the whereabouts of the Tacos Cholula cart at this location. 

Well, the cart is still there... just about 30 yards to the west on Second Street ... let EV Arrow show you the way ...

... and there's now with a bonus table for dining on the great outdoors of Second Street...

The cart has been a regular here for years... except for when it mysteriously disappeared early last year.

Pinks moves on from 10th Street

Top photo by Lola Sáenz; 2nd pic by Steven 

After nearly 10 years at 242 E. 10th St. west of First Avenue, Pinks has shut down following service this past Saturday night. (You can read their statement via Instagram below.)

Yesterday, workers were cleaning out the space... and in a classy touch, the owners of Pinks also removed their curbside dining structure before moving on ...

Pinks made headlines in the fall of 2018 after the city started parking garbage trucks right in front of their establishment. They responded by hosting a "Trash Bash" party. (Relive the memories here.)

Meanwhile, Pinks Cantina will continue at 203 Chrystie St. ... as well as their catering business. Ownership also has plans for a new LES outpost next year...

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PINKS CANTINA (@pinkscantinanyc)

The Astor Place Greenmarket returns TODAY

The Astor Place Greenmarket is back in action starting today (June 6). 

Vendors expected include: 

• Francesca's Bakery Breads and baked goods from Passaic County, N.J.

• Halal Pastures Farm Vegetables, eggs and honey from Orange County, N.Y.

• Kernan Farms Vegetables, a variety of produce from Cumberland County, N.J. 

• Tucker Farms Cut Flowers from Burlington & Monmouth County, N.J.

The market is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Nov. 21. 

H/T Terry Howell!

This prime corner storefront remains tenant-free

Photo by Steven

In recent weeks workers have cleaned out the long-vacant (four years!) storefront on the SW corner of Second Avenue and 10th Street... prompting some speculation of a new retail tenant.

Turns out the landlord was sprucing up the space for a new suitor, as "for lease by owner" signs are now up in the windows. 

Capital One was the last tenant, closing this branch in May 2019. 

P.S.

Bring back Rectangles!

Monday's parting shot (aka June 5)

EVG reader roflo shared this photo today from Fourth Street between Avenue C and Avenue D... where there was a stash of Christmas trees discarded on the sidewalk. 

Per Roflo: "Maybe 10 in all, some still with stands. No idea what kind of Christmas time capsule this was… but it smells fantastic, like Christmas in June."

A call for volunteers and donations for asylum seekers this week

Text and photo by Stacie Joy 

Photo from yesterday as EVLovesNYC provided meals

to asylum seekers at the former St. Brigid School 

Thank you to all the EVG readers and community members who have offered to help with the distributions for asylum seekers at the former St. Brigid School this week. 

We're posting a volunteer call here. We're looking for people from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, June 6, and from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday. People can arrive at 107 Avenue B (near the corner of Seventh Street) any time in that range to assist for however long they can. 

We especially need folks who can arrive early to sort and fold clothing and personal items and people who have translation skills in Spanish and French (or Arabic, Mandarin, or Russian) who may be comfortable at the tables distributing goods. (No heavy lifting!) 

In-demand donations include backpacks, book bags, shoes (especially sneakers and chancletas), laundry detergent, jeans, sweats, T-shirts, shorts, underwear, jackets and sweaters. Also welcome: Blankets and bedding, washcloths and towels, and personal care kits. All for adults; there are no children or infants at this location. 

The only assistance the asylum seekers are receiving is from community members. The city continues to obstruct and object to the flow of goods, food, and services, yet the Mayor's office continues to request community support. It's confusing and frustrating, though watching the neighborhood turn out repeatedly to assist has been uplifting and heartening.

Previously on EV Grieve:

• Inside the East Village 'respite center' for asylum seekers

• Missed meal deliveries and a need for basics: the developing situation at the East Village respite center for asylum seekers

• At the former St. Brigid School, a generous outpouring of community support for asylum seekers

Decades-spanning ghost signage disappears from this East Village building

The neighborhood's most prominent ghost ad has vanished.  

In recent days, workers removed the scaffolding and construction netting at 108 Avenue B, the 5-story building on the SW corner of Seventh Street. (Thanks to Dave on 7th for the initial tip!)

According to work permits on file with the Department of Buildings, the landlord had approved plans to remove the "deteriorated metal cornice" and "build up and maintain existing brick parapet." 

Here is the result of that work...

Now gone: the faded ad for the Peter Jarema Funeral Home on the next block of Seventh Street with the allure of "Air Conditioned Chapels" and a smaller sign for "Vazac Hall Catering" (and "Fine Food")  a nod to the business before the current and longstanding tenant Vazac's/the Horseshoe Bar/7B... (photo below by Stacie Joy from 2019)...

So how old was this signage? As we understand it, the corner bar dates to the mid-1930s. The funeral home was established in 1906, per its website. 

Via the NYC Municipal Archives, we found this street view from the early 1940s...

As best as we can tell, the ad is for Treadway Shoes (at 67 Avenue B?). A 1980s photo from the Municipal Archives shows the funeral home ad in place, though it's obviously older than that given the presence of the OR 4-2568 telephone exchange.

There was also some thought — without much evidence — that the ad was created (or augmented) for filming 1974's "The Godfather Part II" (one of many movies and TV shows filmed at the bar). 

Here's the scene (RIP Frank Pentangelli!) shot inside and outside the bar. However, we don't see any ads on the building ...

   

Anyway, we'll continue to do some sleuthing ... maybe even from the bar, which has retained its timeless look ...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 7bhorseshoebar (@7bhorseshoebar)

Reports: Woman in custody after menacing rampage in and around Tompkins Square Park

Screengrab via Freedom News TV 

Updated: Per multiple residents and readers, the woman was released and spotted back in the neighborhood. (See the comments.)

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Police arrested a woman yesterday afternoon after a reported "hair-pulling rampage" in Tompkins Square Park. 

According to ABC 7, "A woman was seen walking up to people and violently tugging on their hair." Witnesses said she approached between five and seven people in Tompkins. One report said she also attempted to grab a 7-month-old baby. 

After she left the Park, the woman was seen knocking over several tables and chairs outside restaurants on St. Park's Place and Avenue A. 

Police took her into custody on Ninth Street just west of Avenue A. ABC 7 reports that EMTs took her to Bellevue Hospital for an evaluation. 

Freedom News TV posted a 3-minute video of the incidents on YouTube.

According to the Post, the woman is only know to the NYPD as Pop Star.

Almost-opening report: Caffe Corretto on 12th Street

Caffe Corretto is getting closer to debuting at 511 E. 12th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

Per the sidewalk sandwich board: "Hi neighbors! We are not open yet... but we are training our team." 

You can sign up for updates via the cafe's website ... or follow them on Instagram. 

Two East Village residents are behind this all-day Italian cafe with morning coffee service and dinner/drinks in the evening. 

This space was most recently Raclette.

Little Uluh announces itself on 14th Street

Signage is now up for Little Uluh at 218 E. 14th St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. (Thanks for the photo, Pinch!)

This is a sibling to Uluh, the Chinese restaurant and tea shop at 152 Second Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street that opened in late 2018. 

Not sure what will distinguish Little Uluh from its sibling, which gets high marks... from Eater's "32 Glorious Chinese Restaurants to Try in NYC" post from March: 

With a tea service that treats the beverage like a sacrament, and a 100-item menu that offers seemingly endless permutations of familiar dishes, Uluh is every inch a modern Chinese restaurant. It caters to a crowd that's very sophisticated about its Chinese food. A large proportion of the menu highlights Sichuan, but there's also a good proportion of northern Chinese, along with dim sum and other Cantonese flourishes. 

This retail space at No. 218, a recently renovated building, has been vacant since First Lamb Shabu went dark in 2020 after a short stint.

City set once again to remove the curbside structure outside Pinky's Space on 1st Street

The Department of Transportation has issued a Termination notice for the "abandoned" curbside structure outside the now-closed Pinky's Space, 70 E. First St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue. 

The flyer, dated May 31, states that the owners have 24 hours to remove the abandoned structure, or the city will do it and charge the business ... 

... which never reopened after the city tore down its previous outdoor space last October. The removal of that 30-foot-long structure, which had morphed into an assemblage of paintings, furniture and plants, plus a chandelier and disco ball, exacerbated the cafe-art gallery's financial challenges. (More background here.) 

Pinky's closed after the incident to regroup with plans to reopen in early 2023. They also created a less-intricate outdoor space, which has mostly been dismantled in recent months.

In January, owners Mimi Blitz and Wesley Wobles sued the city for $615,000 for the removal "without any warning whatsoever" and "without cause, legal authority or due process," per the lawsuit. (The story was well-covered, including at the Post, 1010 WINS and PIX11.) The city told a different story, as Gothamist reported. 

A for-rent sign arrived on the storefront earlier in the spring. At the time, Wobles said in an email that the landlord would let them return if they made good on the back rent that dates to October.  

Sunday's parting shot

Photo by Derek Berg 

Cruising by the 7-Eleven... on Avenue A and 11th Street...

Week in Grieview

Posts this past week included (with a new mural via Fumeroism at Avalon Chemists on Second Avenue)...

• Inside the East Village 'respite center' for asylum seekers (Tuesday) ... Missed meal deliveries and a need for basics: the developing situation at the East Village respite center for asylum seekers (Wednesday) ... At the former St. Brigid School, a generous outpouring of community support for asylum seekers (Friday) 

• Openings: Star Team on 9th Street (Friday) 

• La Plaza Cultural's new solar pavilion is enjoying its moment in the sun (Monday)

• Why 787 Coffee decided to close its 14th Street outpost (Friday) 

• Concern about the future of the 188 Allen Street Gallery (Thursday) 

• A few scenes from the annual Loisaida Festival (Monday) 

• Rebelmatic in Tompkins Square Park (Sunday) 

• On Avenue A, a golf-related shop fore people who might like golf (Thursday) 

• Avenue A deli news in review (Wednesday) 

• Bagel Market out of commission for now (Wednesday)

• Sprucing up the damaged American Elm in Tompkins Square Park (Tuesday) 

• Glizzy's bringing hot dogs to this block of St. Mark's Place (Tuesday) 

• Your Funzi's Pizzeria signage on St. Mark's Place (Friday) 

• Storefront can't decide if it wants to be Deli Convenience or Dispensary (Tuesday) 

• Coming soon to this block of 5th Street: Duo Cafe and For You Laundry (Thursday) 

• 2+ months after opening, 99¢ Pizza raises price of $1 slice to $1.50 (Friday)

• Kuppi Coffee Company setting up shop on 1st Avenue and St. Mark's Place this summer (Thursday)

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Follow EVG on Instagram or Twitter for more frequent updates and pics.

You have 3 chances to see the 'Kim's Video' doc at the Tribeca Festival this month

Here's your chance to see the new documentary on former East Village staple Kim's Video.

Award-winning filmmakers David Redmon and Ashley Sabin let us know about the three dates that "Kim's Video" will be playing locally during the Tribeca Film Festival:

• Tuesday, June 13 — 8:30 PM 

Village East by Angelika

• Wednesday, June 14 — 6:15 PM 

Village East by Angelika

• Friday, June 16 — 5:30 PM 

AMC 19th Street 

You can buy tickets at this link.

And the film's description via the Tribeca program:

If you were a New Yorker with a taste for unconventional movies, you likely perused the aisles of Kim's Video and Music. Its owner, Yongman Kim, became as much of a legend as the films he collected over the years. When the store meets an unexpected end, he strikes a deal with an Italian city's government to preserve his vast film collection. However, that is far from the end of the story for Kim's Video, as directors David Redmon and Ashley Sabin find out. 

This genre-bending documentary often feels too strange to be real, but it is (if you can believe it). From first-person confrontations with those in charge of preserving the collection to interviews with notable former employees, like director Alex Ross Perry, you'll become engrossed in this fascinating story whether you’re nostalgic for or new to the world of Kim's Video. If you’re looking for a true ode to the power of filmmaking, look no further: Redmon, Sabin, and Kim have what you need. — Jarod Neece

Coming out of Sundance, Deadline called it "a playful and intelligent film" ... while Variety said it's "a flaked-out, one-of-a-kind story of film obsession." On the other hand, RogerEbert.com opined: "One can appreciate the dedication that went into this saga, but being obsessed with movies does not make a great visual storyteller alone" and IndieWire graded it a C+.

The directors are seeking a distribution deal for a theatrical release ... as well as a fictional film based on the making of this movie, per Variety.

The Kim's empire had a modest start in Kim's dry-cleaning business at 99 Avenue A in 1986 ... the last Kim's Video & Music closed in 2014.   

And [SPOILER]... the massive collection of DVDs and videos from Kim's is now available to rent from the Alamo Drafthouse Lower Manhattan. (Background on all this here.)

Saturday's parting shot

Photo by Derek Berg 

Saturday's parting shot AKA... today in wedding parties at Crif Dogs... 

P.S.

Congratulations!