Openings: Sushi Counter on 12th Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Nearly a year after opening Sushi Counter on Christopher Street, owner Alex Marks has expanded to the East Village, opening a new location at 523 E. 12th St., between Avenue A and Avenue B.

According to Marks, EV residents who visited her West Village shop had repeatedly asked her to bring her Aussie-style handrolls to the east side. 

So here we are. 

Marks loves the neighborhood and wants to serve "high-quality food that's really, really affordable."

 

"There are a lot of students and young people in the neighborhood," she said. 

The rolls are hefty four-inch cylinders that go for $5 for one or three for $12. There are also special rolls of the month (currently the Volcano, with kani crab, spicy mayo and avocado).

Her shop is gluten-free (Marks has Celiac disease), sesame-free, nut-free, and mostly dairy-free. The miso soup ($3 for a cup) has a splash of dairy, as well as bonito flakes and tuna extract.

It's mostly a grab-and-go operation, though there are several tables for dining in ... where we spotted EVG friend Gutes Guterman.

Hours: Daily from noon to 9 p.m. If you're on Instagram, you can follow Sushi Counter here.

Book-Off will bring its discounted goods to Astor Place

Book-Off, Japan's largest chain of used bookstores, is opening an outpost on the SE corner of Broadway and Astor Place. 

The store, which also has a location on West 45th Street (as well as an anime lab in Brooklyn), is known for its discounted books, DVDs, CDs, video games, video consoles, manga, J-pop, etc. They will also buy the products above. 

The 45th Street outpost is three levels. We're not sure how much retail space they're taking here, the previous Vitamin Shoppe.

A sidewalk bridge for the fire-damaged 328 E. 9th St.

Photo by Steven 

Workers erected a sidewalk bridge yesterday outside the fire-damaged 328 E. Ninth St. 

A fire broke out on the fourth floor this past Saturday. It was a dramatic moment on a busy holiday afternoon as flames shot out of a front-facing window on the block between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

There were no reports of injuries. While the cause has been speculated, we haven't heard anything official from the FDNY. 

Several of the residential units are currently uninhabitable. At street level, the two retail shops — an.mé and Pillow-Cat Books — were largely unscathed and have since reopened.

Unfortunately, the same wasn't true for retail neighbor Jane Cookshop. The home goods store sustained major water damage and will be closed indefinitely. 

Fans of the business who want to support owner Jen Ro can shop online. Orders placed by 5 p.m. today will be delivered by Dec. 25. People can also pick up orders at East Village Postal, which Jen's parents own on First Avenue.

Tuesday's parting shot

Photo by Steven 

It was so nice of someone to dump a Pepsi merchandiser refrigerator and propane tank outside the New York City Marble Cemetery on Second Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

2 for Tuesday

'Tis the season... for tree tossing. 

As seen today on Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B, a two-fer. (Thanks, Joseph Borduin, for the photo.) 

And EV Arrow assisted with pointing out the second tree...

These are likely not leftovers from last year ... and were discarded by someone who wanted a tree this Christmas but was leaving town before the big day.

Housing lottery is underway for 21 apartments in the East Village

Photos via AAFE

Back in March, city officials announced forthcoming "affordable homeownership opportunities" in three refurbished East Village tenements at 406-8 E. 10th St., 533 E. 11th St., and 656 E. 12th St. aka 195 Avenue C. 

The lottery to buy a unit in one of these three buildings is now underway. (The application deadline is Feb. 13.) 

The minimum-maximum salary ranges from $83,016 to $211,860, depending on the unit size (21 are available). Studio, 2-bed, and 3-bed units cost approximately $260,582 to $386,372. 

Details (all caps are theirs!): 

These Cooperatives have a 40-year Real Estate Tax Exemption and are available for First-Time Home Buyers. This is a Limited-Equity Cooperative and includes Resale Restrictions based on Income. Occupancy is anticipated in Summer-Fall of 2025. DO NOT miss this opportunity to own your home in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. These gut-renovated, energy-efficient walk-up buildings have available apartments on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors. EACH BUYER MUST OCCUPY THE COOPERATIVE AS THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE. ANY PROSPECTIVE APPLICANT WHO CURRENTLY OWNS OR PREVIOUSLY HAS PURCHASED A RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IS NOT ELIGIBLE. Eligible buyers should have 3% of the purchase price available for a down payment. Please note that the quoted sales prices, maximum household income, asset limit, etc., are estimated and are subject to change. Eligible applicants must qualify for NYSAHC and secure a mortgage from one of the pre-qualified lenders. 

Asian Americans for Equality developed the project with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development. It was financed through HPD's Affordable Neighborhood Cooperative Program. 

For info on applying, visit this link. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• City unveils 3 refurbished East Village buildings with affording housing opportunities

'The Big Gay Jamboree' packs it in early

Photos by Steven 

That's all for "The Big Gay Jamboree" at the classic Orpheum Theatre on Second Avenue. 

The production, described as "a new comedy trapped inside of a musical," started previews on Sept. 14 ... with an announced run through Jan. 19. 

However, the Off-Broadway show ended after Sunday's performance. (There were 15 previews and 88 performances in total.) The crew removed the "Jamboree" equipment yesterday.

We heard good things about the musical, which features a book, music and lyrics by the lead, Marla Mindelle. The show was produced by Margot Robbie's LuckyChap, which also presented Greta Gerwig's blockbuster "Barbie." 

The post-"Stomp" life of the Orpheum has included shows by Rachel Bloom and Eddie Izzard, which saw the theater return to its roots in the 1980s and early 1990s when it hosted Off-Broadway productions like Sandra Bernhard's "Without You I'm Nothing," Eric Bogosian's "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll" and John Leguizamo's "Mambo Mouth." 

In 2023, the burlesque "Star Wars" parody "The Empire Strips Back" also closed a month early.

Cookie Puss alert! The Cinnabon/Carvel carb-heaven combo coming to 14th Street

Photo and text by Stacie Joy

Hello, man, you got Cookypuss' number? 

ICYMI: The Cinnabon/Carvel combos signage is up at 430 E. 14th St. between Avenue A and First Avenue.  

This Dessert Dream Team also has combo outposts in Flatbush and Hollis. Not sure where else! 

The shop is currently hiring its "sweet team." So you have time to get your eatin' pants ready. 

Of the 347 Carvel outposts in the United States, 200 are in New York State. 

Tom Carvel started the business from an ice cream truck in 1929 ... and he famously narrated the brand's commercials in the 1970s and 1980s...

 

The retail space — the former Sidewalk Cafe — at 94-96 Avenue A is for lease

Photo by Stacie Joy 

A for-rent side now hangs above the retail space at 94-96 Avenue A at Sixth Street. 

The Newmark listing notes that this storefront is "prominently located in the East Village dining/nightlife scene." 

The monthly rent for the 6,500 square feet of space over two levels is available upon request. 

The corner spot has been home to Offside Tavern since spring 2023. This is a new iteration of Offside, which had a three-year run at 137 W. 14th St. until the pandemic-related PAUSE of March 2020. During the NHL season, OT is a hockey bar — specifically for fans of the New York Islanders. They will apparently move on once a new tenant is secured. 

August Laura had a brief run at the address, opening in October 2019 ... then a haphazard schedule during the pandemic before finally shutting down in December 2021. 

They took over the space from what some people considered an East Village institution — Sidewalk, the restaurant bar and live music venue (home of the Antifolk Festival) that closed in February 2019 after 34 years.

Pini Milstein, who retired, was the principal owner of the building and the operator of Sidewalk. According to public records, Penn South Capital paid $9.6 million for the property in March 2019. The building's new owners added a one-floor extension here in 2020. 

Some readers/residents had been hopeful that the post-Sidewalk life of the space would be something more interesting than a charmless, overpriced bistro or another sports bar. Perhaps the third time may be a winner.

A few thoughts on SantaCon 2024

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Phew. Another SantaCon is in the books. 

Saturday's edition of the annual pub crawl/alleged charity fundraiser seemed more subdued around the neighborhood — at least during the early and late afternoon, suggesting the raucous tradition might be gradually improving. (One can hope.) Some people blamed the colder weather for the perceived calm outdoors.

NYPD checkpoints and patrols were strategically stationed throughout the East Village. Officers were spotted at key locations, including Ninth Street and Second Avenue, and Avenue A near Fifth Street. Additional officers stood watch outside crowded bars like Solas on Ninth Street, which always serves as an official "Huge Venue," and Downtown Social, arguably the most congested of them all, yet not an official SantaCon destination. 

Several venues listed on the official SantaCon map remained sparsely attended. During the peak afternoon hours, Phoenix, located on 13th Street near Avenue A, had just a few patrons. 10 Degrees was similarly quiet. 

One NYPD officer commented on the department's vigilance: "We write hundreds of summonses for this event, all for open containers. We receive complaints every year about this event. We're hoping things go smoothly and there are no incidents." 

An alert on the Citizen app at about 9:30 p.m. on Stanton and Orchard had the headline, "Man Slashed by Person Wearing Santa Costume." We haven't heard anything further about this incident. 

There also appeared to be more "no Santa" signs up on the doors of local establishments (including a neon "Fuck Off" Santa at Joyface on Avenue C and Seventh Street) that want no part of this SantaShow ...

Though not incident-free, the 2024 edition of SantaCon showed signs of being more manageable than in previous years. For some, that may be a holiday miracle in itself.

RIP Steven Englander

Updated: 12/19: ABC No Rio announced this memorial fundraiser in Englander's memory.

-----

Sad news to share from ABC No Rio, the collectively run arts organization on the Lower East Side. (Info and photo via Facebook): 

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our visionary director, Steven Englander. 

As many of you knew, Steven was diagnosed with a rare form of lung disease over a decade ago. Despite a successful lung transplant 6 years ago, Steven passed away on Thursday, Dec. 12, comfortable, pain-free, and surrounded by the two things he lived for — his family and the ABC No Rio community. 

Those who knew Steven were touched by his commitment to the New York City DIY arts community. He helped mold ABC No Rio into a sanctuary for New York activists, artists, and musicians through the simple act of believing that what you had to say was relevant, powerful, and, if given a platform, transformative. Steven dedicated his life to inclusive, community-run art spaces that give voice to oppositional culture, and we will be forever grateful for his work. 

Not only did Steven's philosophy shape what ABC No Rio became, but he also shaped what it will become. A true visionary for what was possible, Steven began planning and fighting for the creation of a brand-new arts center over 20 years ago. And as a testament to his 'by hook or by crook' mentality and his belief in collective power, it's happening. His dream's realization is underway, with ongoing construction work following July's groundbreaking ceremony. 

When the new ABC No Rio building opens its doors, Steven's philosophy will once again have a home to flourish and inspire the next generation of DIY art culture. 

He was 63.

ABC No Rio's new building is under construction at the site of its previous home on Rivington Street between Suffolk and Clinton on the Lower East Side. There's an expected 2027 reopening date.

Among the tributes...

 

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Englander's passing comes two months after the death of another longtime resident who was intrumental in creating spaces for artists and performers — Cowboy Ray Kelly, sculptor, leader of the Rivington School, and co-founder of the performance space NoSeNo. He died Oct. 12 at age 79.

Openings: Pasta Rullo on 9th Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Pasta Rullo is set to debut at 441 E. Ninth St. at Avenue A. 

Owners (from left below) Burak Gündübay and Ogün Doğan are first-time restaurateurs who wanted to create a "restaurant-quality pasta as fast-food" option in the neighborhood. (And they say they love pasta.)

You can create your own dishes for dining inside or to go. 

The menu starts with four main sauces: bolognese, lemon-ricotta, walnut pesto, and a house-special roasted tomato sauce with herbs and spices. Pasta options are fettuccine and fresh-made gnocchi. Then, add whatever toppings you'd like, such as caramelized onions, truffle oil, sauteed mixed vegetables, etc. 

For desserts, there's chocolate fettuccine and tiramisu. You can find the menu here.

The hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 

If you're on Instagram, they have an account here.

50-64 3rd Ave. is going, going...

Not much remains of the six buildings at 50-64 along the west side of Third Avenue between 10th Street and 11th Street. 

Here's the latest demolition watch, the view from 11th Street...

Kinsmen Property Group — a joint venture between State Building Group and another Toronto company, Madison Group — bought the walk-up buildings over several years, paying more than $60 million for the parcel. Residences are planned for the space — the site allows for 160,000 square feet of new construction. However, there is no sign of new building work permits just yet.

About Night Club 101, taking over the former Baker Falls and Pyramid space on Avenue A

Photo Saturday by Stacie Joy 

On Friday, the news became official about the next tenant for the storied venue at 101 Avenue A.

The owners of Brooklyn performance space Baby's All Right are teaming up with the Knitting Factory to debut Night Club 101 in 2025. The bi-level space between Sixth Street and Seventh Street will host live music, DJs, themed dance nights, art shows and "community-building events." 

As we first reported in October, Baker Falls moved on from here after a year in the space. East Village resident Nick Bodor has set up shop at 192 Allen St. between Houston and Stanton — the former Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 — where he's creating his "decrepit-manor in the woods fever-dream alt-rock concept." 

Baker Falls, which featured a bar, cafe, and live performances, anchored the Knitting Factory's latest iteration at the longtime former home of the Pyramid Club. The venue closed in late July for extra soundproofing. 

As we noted in October, a known operator was taking over and rebranding the 101 space, hoping for a legacy name. Reliable sources tell us that the Baby's All Right team (who also ran indie-rock venue Elvis Guesthouse down the block) wanted to use the Pyramid name in the new venture but was rebuffed by the former owners, who are also the landlord of the building. 

So, the team landed on Night Club 101. 

Per the announcement, the space will feature: 

• An Eclectic Music Lineup: A curated blend of live performances and DJ sets spanning genres — indie to jazz, electronic to experimental and beyond. 

• Immersive Events: Art shows, themed dance nights, and multi-disciplinary performances that push creative boundaries. 

• Community Focus: Partnerships with local artists and organizations to ensure the venue remains deeply connected to the East Village's artistic roots. 

• Playful Energy: The name Night Club 101 isn't just a cheeky nod to nightlife culture—it's an invitation for all to join, learn, explore, and participate in defining something ever-changing. 

You can check out the venue for yourself on Thursday with a Pitchfork Club Night (tickets here).

Night Club 101 is expected to make an early 2025 debut. There's a placeholder Instagram account here. 

The Pyramid closed in October 2022 after 40-plus years in business between Sixth Street and Seventh Street. The club ushered in an era of socially conscious drag performances featuring Lady Bunny, Lypsinka, and RuPaul, among many other trailblazers. As a music venue, the Pyramid hosted Nirvana's first NYC show in 1989. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• The next iteration of the Knitting Factory coming to the East Village 

• At the last night of the Pyramid Club on Avenue A

Signage alert: Compton's Sandwich Shop on 1st Avenue

Photo by Steven 

Coming soon signage has arrived for Compton's Sandwich Shop at 123 First Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. 

This will mark the sixth shop for the quick-serve business that offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches, wraps, burgers, etc. (Find the menu here. See below for some pics.) 

Some background:

In 2018, Alex Compton opened his first shop in Queens with the goal of serving food that tastes as good as it looks. With a menu that stayed true to his New York roots and had a little something for everyone, Compton's quickly became a go-to neighborhood spot. 

In addition to the original in Long Island City, there are outposts in Astoria, Greenpoint, and Cliffside Park, New Jersey. 

Memphis Seoul closed here after 11 months back in July amid an ongoing gas-service issue with the landlord.

 

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Sunday's parting shot

Photo by Stacie Joy 

As seen on Avenue A at Sixth Street. (Background.)

Weekend parting shots

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Congratulations to Daniel Weiss on the release of his first photo book, "Pay Phone" (Smog Press). 

Shot between 2008-2020, the book chronicles the last days of the public telephone in NYC. 

On Friday evening, Sixth Street Specials hosted a book signing party...

A note from Benny, the full-size bed frame

As spotted yesterday on Third Street between Avenue C and Avenue D (thanks to Ayo Harrington for the photos). 

The heart-tugging note reads: 

Please .... help me! 

My mom said I'm old enough to leave home so here I am looking at you but I'm only 3 years old! She said she's tired of making my bed and bided me farewell today, Dec 14, 2024. I know she still loves me because she even put mittens on me. Listen, I still have a lot to offer. I'm sturdy, dependable, and free. But, I'm so cold now and really don't want to go to a shelter. Please take me home with you. I love you! 

Benny, the full-size bed frame! 

We hope that Benny found a new home!

Week in Grieview

Posts this past week included (with a photo by Derek Berg of the mural for "A Complete Unknown" on Ludlow and Delancey)... 

• Report of a fire at 328 E. 9th St. (Saturday) 

• City launches community engagement campaign for '100% affordable housing' on 9th Precinct parking lot (Thursday) 

• St. Marks Veterinary Hospital is closing this month (Wednesday) 

• Scrooged: 14th Street Trader Joe's employees say their hours are being cut this holiday season (Thursday) 

• Strand employees reach tentative agreement, return to work pending ratification vote (Wednesday) ... Strand Books employees go on strike in bid to increase minimum-wage salaries (Monday)

• At Day 1 of the Cookie Walk (Sunday) 

• At the 33rd annual Tompkins Square Park Holiday tree lighting (Monday) 

• The curbside dining structure is coming down at Il Posto Accanto (Tuesday) 

• Openings: Noona's Ice Cream & Bakeshop (Wednesday) 

• Lower East Side cafe puts a Pause on laptops and iPads (Tuesday) • 9 Bleecker St. is for sale — and rent (Wednesday) 

• The former Rockwood Music Hall is for rent on the Lower East Side (Monday)

• Checking in on the former 7-Eleven on Avenue A (Monday) 

• This place on 1st Avenue is going to be Bananas (Tuesday)

• Signage alert: Tipsy Shanghai on 2nd Avenue (Thursday) ... Tiki Tiki on 1st Avenue (Monday) 

 ... and a few days later — Blowin' in the Wind...

At Day 1 of the Cookie Walk

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

The 2024 edition of the Cookie Walk is underway this weekend at St. Nicholas of Myra Orthodox Church on Avenue A and 10th Street. 

Yesterday kicked off the event, offering one spot in the East Village where lines and Santas were anything but annoying. (And don't be turned off by the line: It moves quickly.)

We saw Rev. Father William (Bennett) and longtime event organizer Kim Busel at the event...

This year's theme is "international cookies," with over 80 varieties. (The church's 100th anniversary is next year, and they hope to have 100 cookie types available.) 

In addition to cookies, the event features a holiday gift market, a craft station for kids, a photo station with Santa and his elves, a cocoa bar with an array of toppings, and a gift wrap section for packaging your cookie boxes. 

Here's a look around...

The Cookie Walk is back in action today, with posted hours of noon to 3 p.m. (you may want to get there closer to the start time). 

You can follow the Cookie Walk on Instagram here.