His name is Kies, and he tells Samo that today is his first at this location...
Competition then for the kiosk in First Park?
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Breaking: New food cart appears on Houston and First Avenue
EV Grieve contributor Samo notes a new food cart on the northwest corner of Houston and First Avenue...
His name is Kies, and he tells Samo that today is his first at this location...
Competition then for the kiosk in First Park?
His name is Kies, and he tells Samo that today is his first at this location...
Competition then for the kiosk in First Park?
A quickie CB3/SLA recap
We were unable to attend last night's tonight's CB3/SLA meeting... Several people said that the meeting lasted eight hours ... and that an exchange involving Hitler took place...
Anyway, we posted this pic last night... Residents had "Enough is Enough" signs up while hearing about a sidewalk cafe for Percy's on Avenue A and 13th Street... The committee denied this request, and several others...
One other note... the folks looking to take over the Superdive space had to withdraw. As one meeting attendee noted, they came in "with this huge art complex idea of classes and gallery and grants for studio and a live-in artist in residence — oh, and of course a bar/restaurant that will be open until 4 in the morning."
They forgot one detail: Getting together with residents and neighborhood block associations before the meeting.
We'll have more later...
The Lo-Down and Eater have more on the Mason-Dixon portion of the meeting.
Anyway, we posted this pic last night... Residents had "Enough is Enough" signs up while hearing about a sidewalk cafe for Percy's on Avenue A and 13th Street... The committee denied this request, and several others...
One other note... the folks looking to take over the Superdive space had to withdraw. As one meeting attendee noted, they came in "with this huge art complex idea of classes and gallery and grants for studio and a live-in artist in residence — oh, and of course a bar/restaurant that will be open until 4 in the morning."
They forgot one detail: Getting together with residents and neighborhood block associations before the meeting.
We'll have more later...
The Lo-Down and Eater have more on the Mason-Dixon portion of the meeting.
'Blank' generation: Q-and-A with Céline Danhier
"Blank City," from French director Céline Danhier, had its U.S. premiere last Friday at the IFC Center on Sixth Avenue. The documentary provides an oral history of the No Wave Cinema and Cinema of Transgression movements in the Lower East Side in the late 1970s into the mid-1980s via interviews with Jim Jarmusch, Nick Zedd, John Waters, Deborah Harry, Fab 5 Freddy, Richard Kern, among many others.
Danhier, who makes her film debut with "Blank City," answered a few questions via email.
What inspired you to want to make this film?
I was living in Paris and I had worked a bit in theater and in some production companies but I have always been a very visual person and I had this feeling that I wanted to work on my own film. I went to see a lot of retrospectives and one day I happened to catch a screening of "Rome ’78," which was part of a “NO WAVE FILM” retrospective at Beaubourg.
In Paris, I was as well dj-ing with my friends and I loved playing music from that late 70s, early 80s period in New York like Lydia Lunch, Lizzy Mercier Descloux, The Bush Tetras, The Contortions and DNA. So when I saw this film, I was excited to see so many of my favorite musicians on the screen like James Chance, Lydia, John Lurie or Gordon Stevenson.
I had no idea that they had been in experimental films like this and I had never heard of any “No Wave” film movement coming out of New York so I was very intrigued. I think I really connected to the energy and the creative freedom I saw or heard in the music from that period in New York and so to find out that there were all these films that existed — it was inspiring to me. After doing a bit of initial research it seemed that these films were almost impossible to see or get copies of and I began to realize I needed to track down the filmmakers themselves.
Around that same time, I found myself moving to New York for work and very quickly I met Aviva Wishnow and Vanessa Roworth, who are the producers on "Blank City." They also shared a similar interest in that period in New York, in the music, the art, the film and they were able to tell me some things like, “you can find this Beth & Scott B film on VHS at Kim’s video” or “Yes, Richard Kern still lives in the East Village” and then I set about tracking people down. So the film really unfolded that way.
Do you think such a creative movement such as No Wave Cinema is possible again in the East Village?
Of course the East Village is a very different place now and there is a lot more money here, but still I would have to say yes. I think art movements are very cyclical and I do think that a lot of that same raw energy and creative frequency is here. It is still what brought me to New York in the first place. Perhaps now that same youthful creative explosion is happening more in Brooklyn than the East Village, but the City is always in flux. As Jim Jarmusch notes in "Blank City," New York was initially a trading post and then a city grew around it and it is always constantly changing. There are new people coming in and out of the city and the East Village daily from all over the world and I think you can’t help but find inspiration from that sort of environment. All the ingredients are there for something new to happen in the future.
A few of the No Wave films are, to be honest, difficult to watch. Do you think there's a tendency to over-romanticize some of this work?
There was a great spirit and energy behind the making of these films that I think comes across strongly on the screen. The filmmakers shot with a very raw freedom and had this empty run-down city as their playground so to speak.
There also was a lot of collaboration in the filmmaking process with other visual artists, writers, musicians, and all the great characters Downtown. I think as a viewer, that is what you take away from watching these films the most and so I don’t know that it is an over-romanticization. I think the filmmakers and the viewers share a knowledge that some of the films may be naïve or a spontaneous experiment between friends, but I think that is the magic of them. There is a kind of a “pure” creative spirit that is captured that is really unique and inspirational.
What would you like people to take away from "Blank City"?
I think you can find a lot of inspiration in the way these films were created and in that whole creative community in the New York of that period. There were no boundaries and nobody telling you that you couldn’t do something. You had an idea – you found a way to make it happen. I hope that in the end, "Blank City" can inspire other people to get out there and make their own form of creative expression and not to be afraid to just go out and do it.
In making the film, we very much kept the same spirit of these filmmakers in that we had no formal training, no money, no equipment. Just a lot of determination — and somehow now it came together!
[All images, except the top one, via the "Blank City" website. Used with permission.]
3 things we hope to learn today about 35 Cooper Square's future
Today, developer Arun Bhatia will meet with concerned members of the community about the fate of 35 Cooper Square. Per the developer's wishes, the meeting is not open to the public... and no press. Sources said the meeting will last an hour. Speakers will include Kent Barwick, president emeritus of the Municipal Arts Society, Kerri Culhane, architectural historian, Andrew Berman, executive director of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, Simeon Bankoff, the executive director of the Historic Districts Council, and Victor Papa, president of the Two Bridges Neighborhood Council, among others including some local politicians. David Mulkins, chair of the Bowery Alliance of Neighbors (BAN), will also be there. BAN was instrumental in getting this sit-down in the first place.
Perhaps after today, we will have a better idea of the following:
• What the plans are for this space.
• If the plans may include a portion of the original 35 Cooper Square structure
• What the developer thinks of the community support for preserving the building.
It's likely that the developer will just be there to listen, but we can hope for more...
Previously on EV Grieve:
Something 28,998 square feet or so coming to Cooper Square (and goodbye Cooper 35 Asian Pub?)
Doom and doomer: More of Cooper Square primed for development
Cooper 35 Asian Pub part of development deal on Cooper Square
World's largest Brick Lane Curry House slated for 99 Second Avenue
Sea Salt, the upscale fish eatery on Second Avenue near Sixth Street, opened in July 2007... and, despite a big buzzy introduction to the neighborhood, the place closed seven months later...
... as we have pointed out, the table settings remain inside...
In the Post today, Steve Cuozzo reports that reps for Brick Lane Curry House have signed a lease here — a 7,000-square-feet, three-level outpost.
This just seems unnecessarily enormous... and we're not sure what will become of the Brick Lane space then around the corner on East Sixth Street...
... as we have pointed out, the table settings remain inside...
In the Post today, Steve Cuozzo reports that reps for Brick Lane Curry House have signed a lease here — a 7,000-square-feet, three-level outpost.
This just seems unnecessarily enormous... and we're not sure what will become of the Brick Lane space then around the corner on East Sixth Street...
The Marshal takes Mini Burger
The owners of Marco Polo Café (home of the Moo Goo Gai Panini!) reopened as Mini Burger last October on St. Mark's Place last October...
Yesterday, the marshal took possession of the space here between First Avenue and Avenue A...
Previously on EV Grieve:
Tory Burch-endorsed Marco Polo Café cedes to mini burgers on St. Mark's Place
Yesterday, the marshal took possession of the space here between First Avenue and Avenue A...
Previously on EV Grieve:
Tory Burch-endorsed Marco Polo Café cedes to mini burgers on St. Mark's Place
Stairway to Tea Heaven?
As The Local East Village reported in February, the owners of Physical Graffiti decided to shutter their 16-year-old vintage thrift shop on St. Mark's Place...
It looks as if their new venture, Physical GraffiTea, a loose-leaf tea shop, is nearing an opening date...
Previously.
It looks as if their new venture, Physical GraffiTea, a loose-leaf tea shop, is nearing an opening date...
Previously.
Special K
EV Grieve reader Pedro notes that the above display window at the Kmart on Astor Place has been empty for some time. However, they left up the "I Love K" window graphic. After more than a week, it's still there. Says Pedro: "Perhaps Kmart has moved into the Ketamine business for all the NYUers in the neighborhood? I bet it would dramatically improve their earnings and margins!"
Rapid Realty opening on Avenue B
Rapid Realty — described as "New York's No-Fee Apartment Leader" on the RR website — is ready to open an office in this formerly empty storefront just off 13th Street...
Anyone ever use them to find an apartment...?
Anyone ever use them to find an apartment...?
14th Street getting Cemusa-d
A new Cemusa stand is going in on 14th Street just east of Second Avenue...
Monday, April 11, 2011
Voices
Tonight on East 11th Street between Avenue A and First Avenue ... via EV Grieve reader juan TRED... we don't really know the narrative... but we like people yelling and singing...
Right now at the CB3/SLA meeting
We can't be there... but a reader sends along a shot from tonight's CB3/SLA meeting... Residents have "Enough is Enough" signs up while hearing about a sidewalk cafe for Percy's on Avenue A and 13th Street...
Today at the Tompkins Square Park Dog Run
Earlier this afternoon, EV Grieve contributor Bobby Williams arrived in the Park to find the following scene... According to witnesses, an unattended dog inside the dog run allegedly bit a woman ... EMTs treated her on the scene....
April 11
OK, this one may be difficult to beat... EV Grieve read Tom spotted this on 14th Street just east of Second Avenue yesterday ... and with the requisite newspaper for verification...
Meanwhile, we hear that the president and COO of the International Coalition of Tree Tossing in the Spring (ICTTS) will be giving a speech this week at Cooper Union, which will give us the chance to pepper him with questions...
The Doctor is in...
Last night, "Doctor Who" fans started camping out outside the East Village Cinemas on Second Avenue and 12th Street... The premiere of the BBC series "Doctor Who" takes place tonight here ...
EV Grieve reader Han Shan passed along these photos of the line... which goes west on 12th Street and around Third Avenue...
The Local East Village interview some of thenerds people in line.
EV Grieve reader Han Shan passed along these photos of the line... which goes west on 12th Street and around Third Avenue...
The Local East Village interview some of the
Life in a building undergoing a gut renovation
In February, we noted the sale of a residential building on Suffolk street...
Per a commenter:
"There are 7 apartments left here as of April 2011 and we are suffering through months of demolition and construction."
One of those remaining residents (we think!) sent along a video of what life is like here in the building during the months of construction...
Silverstone Property Group ... is pleased to announce the acquisition of 157 Suffolk Street ... The 6 story, 22,398 square foot residential apartment building consists of 33 apartments and 2 retail stores. Silverstone purchased the building for $8.8M, or approximately $392 per square foot, in an all-cash, off-market transaction with the private seller. Silverstone will be renovating the building to create a high-end boutique residential rental property, as well as leasing the retail space which has been vacant for many years.
Per a commenter:
"There are 7 apartments left here as of April 2011 and we are suffering through months of demolition and construction."
One of those remaining residents (we think!) sent along a video of what life is like here in the building during the months of construction...
On 2nd and B, retail space and and exposed brick walls that give a 'sense of prewar elegance'
So Discovery Wines will be moving into 16 Avenue B at Second Street sometime in the early summer...
Meanwhile, across the street ... at 209 E. Second St. ... which seemingly has been under renovation for like 10 years....
... "store for lease" signs have gone up in the corner space ...
Didn't spot a listing for this just yet at the NYCRS website ...
However, as for the rest of the building. Here's a description via Streeteasy:
And of those six units, one is left for $1.75 million. Here's the listing from Corcoran:
No mention in the marketing materials of this corner's infamous past. As Andrew Roth pointed out in "Infamous Manhattan," the intersection of East Second Street and Avenue B "probably saw more heroin retailing than any other spot on Earth." Until Operation Pressure Point.
Meanwhile, across the street ... at 209 E. Second St. ... which seemingly has been under renovation for like 10 years....
... "store for lease" signs have gone up in the corner space ...
Didn't spot a listing for this just yet at the NYCRS website ...
However, as for the rest of the building. Here's a description via Streeteasy:
A new standard has been set for East village loft living. 209 East 2nd Street is an intimate and elegant building that will be available for Spring-Summer Occupancy.
A total of six private full floor lofts make up the entire building. Step into each distinctive home by keyed elevator and you will see what sets us apart from all the rest.
Offering wood burning fireplaces in each unit and exposed brick walls give that sense of prewar elegance, while the remaining finishes are sleek and modern.
And of those six units, one is left for $1.75 million. Here's the listing from Corcoran:
Rare East Village boutique condo loft. Recently converted with utmost attention to detail and tasteful finishes. Private key lock full floor two bedroom two bath. Enter off the elevator into a separate foyer opening onto a comfortable living space and open cook's kitchen. Living room features a suspended wood burning fireplace, exposed bricks, Venetian plaster museum finished walls, original pine floors refurbished and stained walnut plus lots of wonderful light from 12 windows. A smartly designed open kitchen includes a GE professional cook's dream stove, Stainless Sub Zero Fridge, GE Monogram dish washer, custom ash cabinetry granite countertops and custom reclaimed wood beam open shelving. A separate laundry area is found off of the kitchen with stacked Bosch washer dryer units. Master bedroom is flooded with light from floor to ceiling corner windows. Study area in master suite has beautiful built ins made of wood beam shelving. The en suite bath boasts a Zuma dual air jacuzzi soaking tub as well as a rain head shower stall and ceramic and limestone tile. There is abundant closet space throughout the apartment, central air and a state of the art heating system. Located two blocks away from subway and in the heart shopping, wonderful restaurants and nightlife of the vibrant East Village and Lower East side. Application for J-51 tax abatement has been submitted which will reduce RETaxes to $290 in July of 2011
No mention in the marketing materials of this corner's infamous past. As Andrew Roth pointed out in "Infamous Manhattan," the intersection of East Second Street and Avenue B "probably saw more heroin retailing than any other spot on Earth." Until Operation Pressure Point.
A note for the Prune brunch crowds
We've previously noted the weekend brunch lines outside Prune on East First Street...
...something that Prune's next-door neighbors — the Lower Eastside Girls Club — are now politely noting ...
Of course, not everyone is paying attention just yet...
...something that Prune's next-door neighbors — the Lower Eastside Girls Club — are now politely noting ...
Of course, not everyone is paying attention just yet...
Cleaning up Caffe Buon Gusto
The empty shell of the longtime-coming Caffe Buon Gusto on Avenue B at Fifth Street has been a favorite photo op of EV Grieve's through the years...
However! Tonight, the CBGers are on the CB3/SLA docket (again) ... which is likely why workers have been busy cleaning up the exterior of late...
And a photo from @scottlava ...
CBG went before the CB3/SLA last May, a performance that gave some audience members a chuckle ... from our recap via RyanAvenueA:
However! Tonight, the CBGers are on the CB3/SLA docket (again) ... which is likely why workers have been busy cleaning up the exterior of late...
And a photo from @scottlava ...
CBG went before the CB3/SLA last May, a performance that gave some audience members a chuckle ... from our recap via RyanAvenueA:
[T]he guys applying for the sidewalk cafe for a non-existent business were hilarious. Having a business license and applying for a liquor license under different names, NOT actually having a business, and then being surprised when they wouldn't give them a sidewalk license. Hilarious. Best was when the "personal representative" of Buon Gusto's owner (hey nice ascot by the way!) said he missed his son's chorus concert to be there, so he was rightfully indignant that CB3 wouldn't hear him out.
Here comes Fat Sal's
On March 30, we noted that the fourth Manhattan location of Fat Sal's was taking over the ApizzA space on Avenue A... now the signage has gone up...
Meanwhile, a reader who lives near Fat Sal's noted that they built a ventilation duct up the back of that building ... and they're going to install a ventilation blower on the roof next to the vent. Given the tentative hours (noon to 4 a.m.), "This is going to suck (or blow) big time," the reader noted.
Meanwhile, a reader who lives near Fat Sal's noted that they built a ventilation duct up the back of that building ... and they're going to install a ventilation blower on the roof next to the vent. Given the tentative hours (noon to 4 a.m.), "This is going to suck (or blow) big time," the reader noted.
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