Photo by Stacie Joy
As seen last night on First Avenue near First Street... a mint green 1971 Fiat 500 Spiaggina with wicker seats ...
Friday, November 3, 2023
Coming up 'Roses'
Kurt Vile has a new record out on Nov. 17 titled Back to Moon Beach ... ahead of that, he released this track, "Another Good Year for the Roses."
The above video takes place, in part, at Otto's Shrunken Head on 14th Street near Avenue B. Vile and his side-project band of actors, Big Daddy in the Sky, featuring Michael Shannon, Kevin Corrigan and David Wike, have jammed there a few times in recent months.
A night to 'Remember' at Baker Falls with Suzy Clue
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
With the arrival of the Knitting Factory at Baker Falls back in July, we've enjoyed having another venue along Avenue A for live music, especially to see some favorite local acts like cumgirl8, Rebelmatic and Tits Dick Ass.
On Oct. 25, we had a chance to check out promising newcomer Suzy Clue, headlining her first NYC show.
The evening was a single-release party for "Remember Me," a slow burn of an alt-rock ballad that Suzy said "explores themes of heartbreak, loss, and the clash of melancholy and guttural rage of being left behind by the one you love." (You can watch the recently released video that she co-directed here.) 
She discussed her musical style and expression.
Suzy was born in Albania, and raised in NYC starting at age 8. In recent years, she crafted her musical prowess in London with artists such as Pretty Sick, whose singer-bassist Sabrina Fuentes (aka Sickysab) joined her at Baker Falls...
"I feel like it's a mixture of softness and aggression. Visually, I just want to be a hot girl," she said with a smile. "It factors into my performance because I feel that it's unexpected when it comes to the kind of music I make. I like being out there, campy, sexy, and performative as opposed to staring at my shoes and being all serious."
Suzy and her band unleashed a brief, high-octane performance to a grateful crowd.
"I think the show went great. I was really happy to see all my friends in New York come to support me and singing along to the songs," she said. "I love performing in the East Village because it makes me feel like I'm a part of a community — I like being surrounded by other great artists in the area."
As for other artists, joining her on the bill this night: Taraneh (below) ... Comet... and a DJ set via Sickysab...
Baker Falls (the former Pyramid Club) is at 101 Avenue A between Sixth Street and Seventh Street. Find the upcoming slate of bands here.
For more live music on Avenue A:
• Berlin, 25 Avenue A
• Drom, 85 Avenue A
• Heaven Can Wait, 169 Avenue A
• Niagara (hosts the occasional live show), 112 Avenue A
Workers prepping to remove the remains of the fire-damaged façade at Middle Collegiate Church
Photos by Stacie Joy
In the days ahead, workers will begin to remove the remains of Middle Collegiate Church's fire-damaged façade at 112 Second Ave. between Sixth Street and Seventh Street.
On Tuesday, workers erected a sidewalk bridge on Seventh Street... along the north side of the church structure that was destroyed during a six-alarm fire early morning on Dec. 5, 2020.
The fire reportedly started inside 48 E. Seventh St., the five-story residential building that once stood on this corner. FDNY officials blamed faulty wiring at the under-renovation building and said the fire had been deemed "non-suspicious."
"Now everything is, 'on your mark, get set, go,'" said Lewis, who noted they want to get the work underway before any disruptive winter weather starts.
There are two permits awaiting approval, and then workers will start — likely in the next week for what is expected to be a two-to-three-month job. Lewis also explained that it's a combination demolition-salvage operation. Workers will sift through the remains of the building, initially completed in 1892, to save any of the limestone and ironwork for use in the new sanctuary that will eventually rise on the property.
In January, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) signed off on a certificate of appropriateness for the demolition. So why the 11-month wait?
"Then we had negotiations with [the LPC] about what we wanted and what they wanted, which was, 'How much could we preserve? How much could we leave up safely? How would we take down what we take down safely?' That has been a several-month process," Lewis said. "We went back and forth with different plans, with our engineers, their engineers, our architect and their evaluators."
Then came the paperwork with the Department of Buildings and the Department of Transportation (workers will need to use a lane of Second Avenue during the demolition phase). They also needed to negotiate a controlled access zone agreement with neighbors on either side of the church.
As previously reported, church leaders had said they must remove what remains on the property within the East Village/Lower East Side Historic District. According to a report commissioned by the church, the culmination of an 18-month review, there was too much damage to the existing structure to integrate it into Middle Collegiate's new home, that it wouldn't withstand a full-scale rebuild on the property.
Lewis previously told us they spent $4 million to reinforce, stabilize and weatherproof the façade. (Preservation groups, including Village Preservation, had urged the LPC not to grant permission for demolition until further studies could occur.)
The demolition and salvage operation is just one of the projects underway. The church also owns 50 E. Seventh St., just east of Second Avenue, which is currently vacated after suffering collateral damage during the fire.
A two-story structure with a glass dome behind No. 50 connects the building to Middle Collegiate's former sanctuary. Lewis said they have plans to create a new worshiping space for up to 225 people in the two-story structure (which they called their social hall). No. 50 will house different church social programs as well as space for the community to use for meetings or other purposes.
Lewis said they hope to have this ready by December 2024.
A lot is happening now with the church, which has been holding services from their temporary home — East End Temple, 245 E. 17th St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.
"My first job is being a pastor. My second job is raising money, and my third is raising a building," Lewis said. "It has been really hard. But we've had so much love from the community and love from the city. We're still here!"
Openings: Lollo Ristorante Pizzeria & Bar on Avenue B
Photos by Stacie Joy
As we first reported in April, a group of partners originally from Northern Italy are behind the new establishment, serving a variety of salads, pasta dishes and pizzas.
You can find a copy of the menu and hours of operation here. (If you're on Instagram, they have an account here.)
Alcohol is on the way, as CB3 approved a full liquor license for the space in July. According to the meeting minutes (link), several people spoke out against the application as Lollo sits in a heavy weekend-day-drinking corridor.
The space was previously home to Solo Pizza, which closed following a rent hike in September 2022 after 15 years in business. (And, because someone will mention it, Solo just had a restaurant wine license.)
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Not an e-waste of time! Unload your old electronics Sunday on Avenue A
There's an e-waste recycling event at Tompkins Square Park this Sunday (Nov. 5!) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Avenue A between Ninth Street and 10th Street.
This event is in partnership with our local elected officials and the LES Ecology Center.
H/T Steven
A bench for Dennis Edge in Tompkins Square Park
Photo by Goggla
Updated: Since receiving this, the campaign has already met its financial goal. We'll leave the information here for anyone interested in purchasing one of his books
Dennis Edge, an East Village resident since 1970, passed away on Sept. 1. He was 85.
For years, he documented the birds of Tompkins Square Park, where he was a regular and welcome presence. And now friends are raising money to have a bench dedicated in his memory.
Here's more via the campaign:
His passing left a hole in the hearts of our community and an empty bench in Tompkins Square Park. You could see him sitting on a bench photographing the Red-tailed Hawk pair or migratory species. He was always happy to share his knowledge about birds in a joyful and non-judgmental way. He helped inspire others to become birders and to care for nature.Please help us raise the funds for a bench for Dennis. This will memorialize his contribution to the community of the Lower East Side and Tompkins Square Park. This will be a place friends, loved ones, and birders can meet for remembrance, reflection, and birding, for generations to come.
Also, Dennis had self-published a book, "Tompkins Square Park Birds and Other New York City Bird Stories." Below is the information on how to order a copy...
Openings: Kolachi on 1st Avenue
Photos by Steven
Kolachi debuts today (Nov. 2!) at 130 First Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.
The quick-serve spot with a handful of seats for to-stay dining features paratha rolls (and fries). Find the menu here.
As Eater previously reported: "Owner Saif Qazi formerly worked in finance; this is his first restaurant and a means to bring food from his home in Pakistan to a greater audience in New York."
Weekday hours are 4 p.m. to midnight, with an 11 a.m. start on Saturday and Sunday.
And if you're on Instagram, you can follow them here...
Updated: Kotobuki has closed on 3rd Avenue; new East Village location in the works
Multiple readers shared the news, and an employee confirmed it.
This was an expected closure, as six buildings on the west side of Third Avenue between 10th Street and 11th Street are slated for demolition in the weeks/months ahead.
A residential complex is expected to rise along this lot. (See the rendering here.)
As previously reported, Kinsmen Property Group — a joint venture between State Building Group and another Toronto company, Madison Group — has been buying the walk-up buildings over the past two years, paying more than $60 million for the parcel.
Only one building will remain on the block after the demolition — 48 Third Ave., the 4-story property owned by Isfahany Realty Corp. on the northwest corner at 10th Street with Healthy Greens Gourmet in the retail space.
Kotobuki, which has three outposts on Long Island, had two stints at this address, 2012-2014 ... with a return in 2016.
The last business left in these buildings is TLK by Tigerlily Kitchen at No. 58. No word about a closing date here.
After news of the closure, Kotobuki said they will be moving to a new undisclosed location... for now, they say they will continue to offer delivery service...
And details...
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Scooter LaForge's T-shirt extravaganza
Image via @scooterlaforge
A collection of T-shirts created by East Village-based artist Scooter LaForge is the subject of a new exhibit at Howl! Happening.
The opening reception of "Tee Hee Hee" is tomorrow (Thursday!) evening at 6. The show is up through Dec. 17 at the gallery, 6 E. First St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.
And the T-shirts will be for sale. Per Howl!: "On the spot block printing and painting will replenish the stock throughout the 'Tee Hee Hee' exhibition."
Howl! Happening is open Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cover Cube
Jorge Colombo is the cover artist... you can read a short Q&A with him here.
His first Cube-related prokect came about in 1999...
East Village cultural landmark Nuyorican Poets Café now closed for a 3-year renovation
Photos by Stacie Joy
After celebrating its 50th anniversary this past month, the Nuyorican Poets Café has closed for a long-awaited $24 million, three-year renovation project.
This so-called "Nuyoricanstruction" phase will usher the organization into into the next 50 years, leadership says.
Here's more about the extensive renovation at the iconic space on Third Street between Avenue B and Avenue C, as reported by The City:
There will be new elevators, a new first-floor performance space, a green room and changing area in the basement, and more offices and performance spaces on the second, third, and fourth floors, according to a spokesperson for the city's Department of Cultural Affairs, which is partially funding the renovation along with the City Council and borough president's office. The electrical and mechanical systems will also be completely overhauled.
And...
The space at 236 East 3rd Street was an abandoned tenement building, built more than 100 years ago, when it was purchased in 1971 by the La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. The Poets Café founders bought it in 1981 after starting off in an East Village living room eight years earlier.The Café owns the building, but has had a restrictive covenant on its deed since 2013, which is a requirement for all city-funded capital projects on private property.
Through the years, the Café has been a venue for for underrepresented artists through weekly Latin jazz, slam poetry, theatrical performances and open mic events.
The staff is planning on staging pop-ups and collaborating with other New York institutions during the three-year renovation. You can check Instagram or the Café website for updates.
Puerto Rican writer and poet Miguel Algarín founded Nuyorican in 1973 as a living room salon on Sixth Street along with Lucky CienFuegos, Bimbo Rivas, Pedro Pietri and Miguel Piñero. Algarín died in December 2020 at age 79.
East Village photographer's fascination with empty bars at dawn is the subject of a new book
Photo at McSorley's by Daniel Root
An East Village photographer's "bars at dawn" series has seen the light of day!
While out on early morning walks in recent years (dating to 2016), Daniel Root began taking pictures through the windows or doors of empty neighborhood bars at daybreak. The shots became part of an ongoing #nybarsatdawn project on Instagram. In the end, he shot 974 bars and walked some 1,500 miles.
Now that project in the subject of a new book, "New York Bars at Dawn," which debuted yesterday via Abbeville Press. The book includes 200 of his most compelling bar portraits, many of them in the East Village.
A description:
Nearly every day, Daniel Root sets out before sunrise to wander the streets of Manhattan with his camera. In those comparatively quiet hours, the entire city wears a different face, but Root is particularly fascinated by the scenes to be glimpsed through the windows of its bars. Empty of patrons and illuminated by an odd mix of artificial lights — neon beer ads, red EXIT signs, a single bulb above the cash register — they present a more hushed and mysterious aspect than in the busy evening hours. Nonetheless, each one — whether a dive bar, a sports bar, or a restaurant bar — still conveys an individual character, a distinct personality.
We interviewed Root about the project in 2019. Revisit that Q&A here.
There is a book signing at 7B/Horseshoe Bar/Vazac's — which graces the book cover — on Seventh Street and Avenue B Friday evening from 6-8.
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
6 posts from October
• A round-up of the old-school Chinese restaurants in the East Village (Oct. 25)
• The milling of the multipurpose courts in Tompkins Square Park is underway (Oct. 17)
• A last look inside Wegmans before its grand opening on Astor Place (Oct. 16)
• This nearly block-long parcel on 2nd Avenue is now for sale (Oct. 16)
• Posse officially in Effect now with the Beastie Boys on 14th Street and Avenue A (Oct. 5)
• Why the benches were removed from across the street from the 9th Precinct (Oct. 2)
Downtown Burritos Cocina Mexicana — the former Downtown Bakery — returns to service this Friday
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
After being closed for nearly eight months, Downtown Burritos Cocina Mexicana (FKA Downtown Bakery) will open this Friday morning at 69 First Ave. between Fourth Street and Fifth Street.
Daily hours moving forward: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Co-owners and brothers Ivan (left) and Mario Marín passed the Health Department inspection yesterday... and they previously got the OK from Con Ed for the gas service ...
As we first reported, Ivan and Mario, the longtime managers (20 years) of Downtown Bakery, bought the longtime business (established 1990) earlier this spring when the owner retired.
This came on the heels of a DOH-mandated closure in February for Downtown Bakery operating with an expired health permit. The new owners then decided to take the opportunity to update the interior.
In renaming the business, the brothers mentioned the confusion regarding the inclusion of "Bakery" — people would call and ask about baked goods.
Signage alert: Instant Noodle Factory on 7th Street
Photos by Stacie Joy
Signage is up now for Instant Noodle Factory, opening next month at 130 E. Seventh St. just west of Avenue A...
This fast-casual DIY concept offers up instant noodles — more than 150 types.
The first outpost opened this past summer in Long Island City... Eater's Robert Sietsema gave it a whirl (and liked it!):
When you enter, you are advised to study the ramen matrix ... mainly from Japan, China, and Korea, though a few originate in Thailand, Singapore, and other locations.Yet, this is a factory and you are the worker responsible for preparing your own meal. I was entirely bewildered when I first walked in, wondering how to approach the place. But this bewilderment was delightful — because perplexed is not a bad way to feel at the start of a meal. My advice is to select one of the preset noodle combinations, eight in number, which include type of ramen; added objects like sausages, herbs, fish balls, and boiled eggs; and condiments. If you don't pick a preset combo, you could spend hours considering your million or so options.
No. 130's former tenant, Avant Garden, moved around the corner to Avenue A and Sixth Street in July.
Openings: The Avenue Cafe on St. Mark's Place
The independent/minority-owned shop offers a variety of coffee drinks and housemade pastries. (There's an avocado croissant waffle available only on Saturdays and Sundays.) The shop is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This marks the first storefront for the owners after two-plus years inside the Jamaica Market food hall in Queens.
If you're on Instagram, you can follow The Avenue Cafe here.
All the Kings Horses Café announces year-end closing date
Owner Robbie Lecchino made the announcement about his Australian café in an Instagram post on Sunday:
We will be closing our doors December 31st this year. We have spent 3 of the best years nestled here in the East Village and have made so many friends and relationships continue building each day that we will cherish for many years to come.Thank you for the continued support during one of the toughest times in our lives during and beyond Covid-19.Please continue to support us as we will be operating right through until December 31st. Thank you welcoming us with open arms we will miss y'all...
Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, with an 8 a.m. open on Sundays.
ATKH opened in October 2020.
Image via Instagram
Monday, October 30, 2023
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