The DOH temporarily closes the Ainsworth on 3rd Avenue (again)

Updated 8/29: The Ainsworth is back open.

Several EVG readers, via email and on Twitter (h/t @JCooper911), pointed out that the Ainsworth East Village on Third Avenue and 11th Street was closed over the weekend ... which coincided with a DOH inspection on Friday.

The note on the front door, which covers the DOH's yellow closure sticker, states that they are closed for maintenance to get "the place ready for football season!"



The DOH temporarily sidelined the EV Ainsworth back in February. According to public records at the time, inspectors issued 86 violation points. The top violations included: Food Protection Certificate not held by supervisor of food operations. (They need one for serving those wings dusted with 24-carat gold.)

On Friday, inspectors issued 102 violation points. The top there violations listed, per the public report:

1) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.
2) Food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal product temperature is reduced from 140º F to 70º F or less within 2 hours, and from 70º F to 41º F or less within 4 additional hours.
3) Food Protection Certificate not held by supervisor of food operations.

In February, the Ainsworth also covered up the DOH notice...


[Reader-submitted photo from February]

The Ainsworth, part of a growing chainlet of upscale sports bars, opened on Third Avenue at the end of December. Unrelated, the building — at 64 Third Ave. — was recently purchased by a Canadian investor.

Sunday's parting shot

Photo in Tompkins Square Park by @jesuscphotographynyc ...

There for the Bird

A full house park today for the 26th annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in Tompkins Square Park... featuring headliner Gary Bartz, the alto saxophonist who has recorded more than 40 solo records...





Photos by Steven

Week in Grieview

[3rd Street and Avenue B]

Stories posted on EVG this past week included...

B&H Dairy celebrates its 80th anniversary (Wednesday)

The Halloween Dog Parade in Tompkins Square Park this fall has been cancelled (Thursday)

Marshalls opening next month in Ben Shaoul's luxury condoplex on East Houston Street (Friday)

An Evening at Ray's Candy Store (Tuesday)

Funtime? 'Stooge,' which documents Iggy Pop's No. 1 fan, debuts next month at Howl! Happening (Thursday)

On 2nd Avenue, Calexico in the works with Brick Lane Curry House on the move (Monday)

Met Fresh Supermarket announces itself on Avenue D (Tuesday)

http://evgrieve.com/2018/08/on-st-marks-place-porto-rico-importing.html (Friday)

On the Bowery, an homage to the Alleged Gallery era (Friday)

This week's NY See strip (Thursday)

City strikes deal to preserve 243 Section 8 apartments in the East Village (Monday)

Veteran of hit L.A. ramen shop behind new noodle venture at 131 Avenue A (Monday)

The first condos at 253 E7 hit the market (Tuesday)

Flinders Lane closing after 5 years on Avenue A (Sunday)

Report: Michael Cohen sells stake in Avenue D building (Thursday)

An oasis of landlord problems for the Serenity Spa (Tuesday)


[Dumpster of the Week on Avenue A]

Webster Hall alum withdraw application for former Lovecraft space on Avenue B (Monday)

Spinner's bringing chicken and Texas BBQ to 14th Street (Thursday)

Rentals underway at The Niko on Avenue D (Wednesday)

Dua Kafe Wine + Beer for 520 E. 14th St. (Tuesday)

Citi Bike unveils fleet of electric bicycles (Monday)

New owners vying for the Great Jones Cafe space (Thursday)

Molecule has closed on 10th Street (Wednesday)

787 Coffee for 7th Street? (Monday)

Sign of the skewer: Gala arrives on 3rd Avenue (Monday)

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— evgrieve (@evgrieve) August 26, 2018

Prepping for the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in Tompkins Square Park

[Photo by Steven]

The stage for the 26th annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival rolled into Tompkins Square Park yesterday... (find the lineup for the free show, which is 3-7 p.m. today, right here).

And this morning...



... and later this morning (added at 11:30 a.m.)...


[Photo by Steven]

Ahead of the show, Park workers yesterday filled in the tranquil pond/mud bath/T-Rex footprint, which looked like...



... to this...



Unfortunately, the infill didn't last... a tire track appeared later in the day...


[Photo by Goggla]

NYU's residential hall Move-In Day is today

Today marks NYU's annual Residence Hall Move-In Day... so you can expect some traffic and parking restrictions in and around the NYU dorm area in the East Village — the Third North Dorm on Third Avenue between 11th Street and 12th Street, Founders Hall on 12th Street between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, and University Hall on 14th Street between Third Avenue and Irving Place.

Move-in times are staggered throughout the day between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Something to keep in mind in case you were planning a trip to Whole Foods Market Union Square, Trader Joe's or Bed, Bath & Beyond, etc.



P.S.

Frogurt machine dorm outside the Third North Dorm...

Facelift underway at Porto Rico Importing Co. on St. Mark's Place

As noted here, Porto Rico Importing Co. on St. Mark's Place near Second Avenue is temporarily closing starting today for what the owners, the Longo family, describe as a "much-needed facelift."

According to a sign on the front window for patrons: "We will be reshelfing, fixing the floor, moving the ice machine, and adding a better drip brewer."

Workers wasted no time getting started, as these photos by EVG regular Lola Sáenz show...



The coffee-and-tea shop will be back open the day after Labor Day — Sept. 4.

The story behind JR's eye on the Bowery

By now you've likely seen the eye on the Bowery at Great Jones (first noted here on Aug. 1) ...



The work is by JR. This past week, the French artist-photographer explained the story behind this work via his Instagram account...

New piece up in NY! (Corner of great jones and Bowery), here is Maria story: “Growing up, I never told anyone I was undocumented. I lived in current fear of sharing my status with anyone - what would they think of me? Would law enforcement find me and then deport me? It wasn’t until l met other undocumented youth that empowered me to come out of the shadows and proudly state, “I am undocumented and unafraid”. Current political times have created a lot of uncertainty for the undocumented community, but I have committed myself to empower others to speak their truth, and to live their life to the fullest, regardless of their status.” Maria Praeli, de Peru, vivo en Washington, D.C. 25 años Si, @mariapraeli Thanks @luigerman @maybetakao @luanasaltiel @marc @jkscatena @joshuabgeyer @fergusonag

A post shared by JR (@jr) on Aug 19, 2018 at 10:27am PDT

JR's show at Galerie Perrotin on Orchard Street wrapped up on Aug. 17.

Noted

A quick recap to yesterday's finds on Second Avenue between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place...


[Photo by @EdenBrower]

... and...


[Photo by New York Shitty]

These items were salvaged and currently part of the encampment on Second Avenue and Seventh Street this morning... the passed-out panda now has an X spraypainted on top of its head...





There were actually two of these paintings (inscribed to "sexy mother fucker" ... and why anyone would just want to own one) discarded on the corner. Not sure where the other one is, and where it might turn up...

Friday's parting shot

Thanks to @EdenBrower for sharing this photo... spotted on Second Avenue and Stomp.

A Friend in need

Here's the English Beat with "Best Friend" ... which sounds as good today as it did upon its release in 1980.

Noted

Thanks to our friend Miss Heather, who shared this find from Second Avenue and St. Mark's Place...



Sexy motherfucker!

La Plaza Cultural Block Party

[Photo by Steven]

There's a block party tomorrow (Saturday!) on Ninth Street between Avenue B and Avenue C via the folks at the La Plaza Cultural community garden.

From 1-8 p.m. you'll find free BBQ, dancing, face painting, games for children ... and live music via Willlie Cole and Bobby Garcia.

Marshalls opening next month in Ben Shaoul's luxury condoplex on East Houston Street

The neighborhood is getting another big-box retailer with the arrival of Marshalls next month.

The off-price sellers will open on the East Houston Street side of Ben Shaoul's Katz's-adjacent condoplex between Ludlow and Orchard streets.

According to the Marshalls website (H/T EVG regular IzF!), this location — the seventh in Manhattan — opens on Sept. 27...



Back in May, BoweryBoogie reported on the rumor that a T.J. Maxx was slated for Shaoul's luxury building, constructed in part with hand-laid, gilded-bronze brick imported from Cadaqués. TJX, the parent company of both Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, apparently changed up brands for this space.

The 11-story, 94-unit building, officially 196 Orchard St., has units ranging in price from $1.075 million to $5.995 million. A three-level Equinox Fitness center is the other retail tenant here. (The Equinox branding recently arrived...)



This property on East Houston previously housed a single row of storefronts, including Ray's Pizza, Bereket and Lobster Joint.

Marshalls will join the recently opened Target location on 14th Street and Grand Street.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Making way for Ben Shaoul's new retail-residential complex on East Houston

Katz's is now the last business on East Houston between Ludlow and Orchard

The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is Sunday in Tompkins Square Park

Time again for the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival ... the 26th edition includes a date in Tompkins Square Park on Sunday from 3-7 p.m.

Gary Bartz — "hailed as one of the greatest alto saxophonists since Cannonball Adderley" — is the headliner.

Also on the bill, via SummerStage:

Audiences attending the show are in for a treat, as they’ll also hear longtime gospel, blues, and jazz pianist, Amina Claudine Myers, the boundary-breaking trio The Bad Plus, and UNHEARD, a piece honoring Charlie Parker featuring musicians Immanuel Wilkins, Joel Ross, and Adam O’Farrill commissioned in association with The Joyce and George Wein Foundation under the artistic supervision of The Jazz Gallery.

The Jazz Festival will also have dates up in Marcus Garvey Park today and tomorrow.

Parker, who died in 1955 at age 34, lived at 151 Avenue B from 1950-54.

On St. Mark's Place, Porto Rico Importing Co. temporarily closing for a facelift

Porto Rico Importing Co. on St. Mark's Place near Second Avenue is temporarily closing tomorrow for what the owners, the Longo family, describe as a "much-needed facelift."

EVG regular Lola Sáenz shared these photos, including this shot of the sign for customers...



Per the sign: "We will be reshelfing, fixing the floor, moving the ice machine, and adding a better drip brewer."

The coffee-and-tea purveyors will return on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

The Longo family has owned the business, with four locations now, since 1958. Peter Longo took over the business in 1976 after the death of his father, Angelo.

Here are the weekend hours for Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen

As a reminder... Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen, the basement cafe that serves as a fundraising arm of the St George Ukrainian Catholic Church, will be open today through Sunday... returning a little bit early from their customary summer break. Look for full-time hours in September.

Meanwhile, Streecha is open today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday for all your borscht, pierogi and stuffed-cabbage needs.

They are located at 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square.

On the Bowery, an homage to the Alleged Gallery era

Over on the Bowery, the exterior of the Hole has been transformed, complete with the original signage from Aaron Rose's Alleged Gallery, which had a 10-year run from 1992-2002 on Ludlow Street.

The transformation is part of a gallery exhibit that opens tonight here at 312 Bowery near Bleecker titled "Now & Then: A Decade of Beautiful Losers."

Per the Hole website:

The “NOW & THEN: A DECADE OF BEAUTIFUL LOSERS” exhibition venerates the 10-year anniversary of the ‘Beautiful Losers’ documentary that made its US premiere on August 8, 2008 at the IFC center in New York. "Beautiful Losers," directed by Aaron Rose and Joshua Leonard, captured the characteristic spirit of a community of artists affiliated with the Alleged Gallery [at 172 Ludlow St.]. ‘Beautiful Losers’ depicted a community of artists including Barry McGee, Ed Templeton, Mike Mills, Thomas Campbell, Jo Jackson, Shepard Fairey, Chris Johanson, and Margaret Kilgallen during the Alleged Gallery era.

The exhibit is up through Sept. 1.

Thursday's parting sidewalk bridge shot

Workers were erecting a sidewalk bridge late this afternoon at 101 St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue... home to Cafe Mogador, whose sidewalk cafe now gets some extra, and maybe unwanted shade.

Permits for the sidewalk bridge don't appear to be on file with the city just yet.

New owners vying for the Great Jones Cafe space

[EVG file photo]

It appears new proprietors are preparing to take over the Great Jones Cafe, the 35-year-old restaurant near the Bowery that has not open since the untimely death of owner Jim Moffett on July 10.

EVG reader JS shared this item from Community Board 2's September meeting agenda (which is not yet online):

Applications to the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) for Corporate Change Application to existing Restaurant Wine (RW), Tavern Wine (TW) or Full Liquor On-Premise (OP) Licenses: J.F. Jones, Inc., d/b/a Great Jones Café, 54 Great Jones St. 10012 (100% Corp Change) (OP – Restaurant)

That's not much to go on for the moment. A tipster has told us that the Cajun-themed Great Jones Cafe would be returning — in some form. The tipster's exact words: "They're trying to keep it the same."

Will update when more details are available about the applicants.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A request not to leave any more bread at the Great Jones Cafe

RIP Jim Moffett, owner of the Great Jones Cafe

Grant Shaffer's NY See

[Click on image for more detail]

Here's this week's NY See, East Village-based illustrator Grant Shaffer's comic series — an observational sketch diary of things that he sees and hears around the neighborhood.

The Halloween Dog Parade in Tompkins Square Park this fall has been cancelled

[Photo from 2017 by Stacie Joy]

There will not be a 28th Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade — at least not this year.

Organizers announced on Facebook yesterday that this year's event has been cancelled:

It’s with a very heavy heart that I have to announce that the annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade will be CANCELLED this year.

Although the parade has grown over the past 28 years, it has always been the creation of a small group of volunteers from the dog park. The Parks Dept is asking for a large insurance & liability policy in order to hold the event this year — and we simply don’t have the funds or sponsor willing to provide it.

Having a means to fundraise (or a park conservancy which Tompkins Square does not) was a pre-requisite to renovating our dog park. Over the years the parade has raised more than $200,000 for the park — and secured twice that amount in matching funds. We are also leaving the dog park with an endowment at City Parks Foundation for it’s maintenance and upkeep for the next 10 years.

We wish to thank all our sponsors as well as everyone who has donated time, money, effort or stayed up to the wee hours getting that super hero cape to fit just perfectly on their dog.

We’re hopeful that the annual dog parade will return in some form in the future.

Some residents (and commenters) have complained that the Dog Parade has just gotten too big for Tompkins Square Park. Attendees from past Dog Parades said last year's crowds were the biggest ever. ABC News put the number at 10,000.


[Photo last year from 9th and A by Steven]

The parade moved from the actual dog run to the ballfields/field hockey arena in 2016.


[Photo last year by Stacie Joy]

A fan of the Dog Parade has launched a GoFund Me campaign to "save the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade! Not only will your contribution go towards keeping this annual fundraiser alive, it will help maintain the Tompkins Square Dog Run year round."

Funtime? 'Stooge,' which documents Iggy Pop's No. 1 fan, debuts next month at Howl! Happening

"Stooge," a feature-length documentary film about Iggy Pop's No. 1 fan, will make its NYC premier next month at Howl! Happening.

Here are details via Howl!

Nominated in 2017 for “Best UK Feature” at London’s Raindance Film Festival, director Madeleine Farley’s epic odyssey has been described as "Spinal Tap" meets "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest." A discussion with director Farley and co-producers Stephen Smith and Martin Kloiber follows the screening.

The film narrates the story of Robert Pargiter, a magnetic, childlike superfan of Iggy and The Stooges, who goes on a fanatical quest to keep rock alive. Like a fly on the wall, we follow him on a trek to London, San Francisco, L.A., and Miami, as the film becomes an intimate introspection into his journey — and more broadly — a study of one man’s personal obsession.

Comedy and tragedy intermingle with the pathos of his personal demons, and ultimately the serious business of dealing with his life offers him a way back to his joie de vivre.

Take a look...



The film screens Sept. 13 from 7-9 p.m. Howl! Happening is at 6 E. First St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

[Updated] Spinner's bringing chicken and Texas BBQ to 14th Street

Spinner's, billed as a chicken boutique, is opening today here at 536 E. 14th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

EVG reader Michael Paul shared these photos of the storefront (a former psychic, as you can tell from the old awning) ...



The menu shows a variety of chicken dishes ... as well as subs, salads and sides...



And signage points to a noon opening today see update below ...



Don't know too much else about the operators here... the space seemingly came together pretty quickly...



Updated noon:

Michael shared an update from Spinner's — opening day is now tomorrow!

Report: Michael Cohen sells stake in Avenue D building

[133 Avenue D via Streeteasy]

Michael Cohen, President Trump’s former personal attorney and fixer who pleaded guilty to eight criminal counts in federal court on Tuesday, has reportedly sold stakes in two buildings, including one on Avenue D.

According to The Real Deal, Cohen sold four stakes to Vintage Group, his joint venture partner in the ownership of 133 Avenue D, for $4 million.

Back in April, Bloomberg reported that 133 Avenue D, which is between Ninth Street and 10th Street, had at least $5 million of equity not tapped by a mortgage.

Cohen and Vintage Group bought No. 133 — which has 20 apartments as well as two retail spaces — for $10.5 million in 2015. Per TRD: "It’s not clear what percentage of it Cohen owned and how much the value has changed overtime."

Streeteasy lists one unit available for rent in the building — a recently renovated three-bedroom apartment with an ask of $3,195 per month.

On Tuesday, Cohen pleaded guilty to eight counts related to tax fraud, excessive campaign contributions, making false statements to a financial institution and unlawful corporate contributions.