Week in Grieview

[Photo on 2nd Avenue yesterday by Derek Berg]

Stories posted on EVG this past week included...

Arrests in the Second Avenue explosion: landlord, three others charged with 2nd degree manslaughter (Thursday) Former residents talk about landlord Maria Hrynenko (Saturday)

City plans more penalties for serious construction-safety lapses; de Blasio makes announcement outside under-renovation building on East Eighth Street where undocumented worker died (Friday)

RIP John Farris (Friday)

New concept for Nevada Smiths includes record store paying homage to Thin Lizzy, plus a bar (Thursday)

Arrests made in East Ninth Street stabbing (Wednesday)

The Honey Fitz in the works for St. Mark's Place and Avenue A (Monday, 50 comments)

The Bowery Mission resource card (Saturday)

Management company sues Raphael Toledano for backing out of $130 million loan (Thursday)

Out and About with Kevin Cloutier (Wednesday)

Using graffiti to attract buyers for the million-dollar condos along Avenue A (Friday)

A list of bars-restaurants-cafes that have closed so far in 2016 (Wednesday, 49 comments)

The retail-wine bar possibilities for the former Chase space on Avenue A and East Second Street (Tuesday)

Rumors: Ethiopian to give way to high-end Japanese on East Third Street (Friday)

Lawyer for suspect in East Sixth Street slashing says his client is "a good guy" (Wednesday)

These charming East Sixth Street studios still have the bathtub in the living space (Wednesday)

Vegan pizzeria 00 + Co. is now open on Second Avenue (Friday)

A sign for Gnoccheria by Luzzo's on East Fourth Street (Monday)

The rent is due at DF Mavens (Thursday)

Annual Citi Bike membership will increase 4% in 2016 (Tuesday)

Reaching the top at 347 Bowery (Tuesday)

A for rent sign at the former Sounds space on St. Mark's Place (Monday)

Ravi DeRossi is turning his empire meat-free, starting with Mother of Pearl on Avenue A (Tuesday)

Boglioli brings its Italian tailoring to 10 Bond Street (Monday)

The former Tatyana Boutique space is for rent on the Bowery (Thursday)

...and The Mozfather in a new Supreme ad campaign along the plywood on East 14th Street outside the former Peter Stuyvesant post office...



Morrissey has already apologized and distanced himself from the ads and company.

Also, speaking of Morrissey and the Smiths... happy Valentine's Day!

Looking at what may be coming to 347 Bowery

Koi is one of the bars/restaurants going before the CB3/SLA tonight. Koi is applying for a full liquor license.

In preparation for this, some higher-profile Koi employees held a meet-and-greet at Sala Restaurant on the Bowery last Thursday to answer any questions about Koi possibly turning the former Salvation Army East Village Residence into another outpost of the upscale sushi eatery. (The other locations are in Bangkok, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and in NYC at Bryant Park).

There wasn't any planned presentation. It was rather informal. And awkward. Not many people were there, at least when I was around. (And no naked sushi models.) And the people who were there didn't strike me as the concerned-neighbor type. (The Lo-Down was there too and has additional coverage.)

A few random things from the evening:

— Everyone from Koi was really nice in that trying-too-hard way. But, still, nice.

— The patrons of the Bryant Park Koi were described as low-key, mellow, more mature (i.e., not a bunch of partygoers prone to peeing and vomiting in the streets — my words not their words).

— Someone from Koi volunteered that the former Salvation Army Residence would actually become a restaurant and not merely flipped to be converted into another condo/hotel/high rise. Hadn't even thought of that.

— Koi co-owner/CEO Nick Haque wasn't present, but he is expected tonight at the CB3 meeting.

There were pamphlets offering a few more details on the proposed restaurant. Two floors for the restaurant/bar...6,000-square-feet...230 total seats...overheard someone say the exterior design would be in keeping with the neighborhood.







To learn more about Koi, I visited their Web site and read the many press clippings available.





That write-up in Wine & Spirits on top is my favorite. In describing the LA Koi: "Its valet zone is standing-room-only with paparazzi hoping to catch a glimpse of Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan stepping out of an Escalade, and its bar is three deep with supermodels and those who like to be seen with them."

Hmm... Just think of the lux row lining up here...the Bowery Hotel and Cooper Square Hotel and DBGB and 52 East Fourth St and Keith McNally's coming-soon pizza joint and ....

Casse-Cou Chocolate bringing vegan treats to 4th Street

There's a new era for chocolate at 63 E. Fourth St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery... Sebastian Brecht's OCD Chocolate Shop has been revamped... as he teamed up with plant-based celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to launch Casse-Cou Chocolate, a vegan chocolate store and online marketplace.

Per VegNews, who first reported on this transition: 

The brand will offer a variety of artisanal confections made with free-trade chocolate, including pralines, ganaches, truffles, and chocolate bars. Kenney developed the concept in partnership with Chef Sebastian Brecht with the mission of elevating confections to the level of fine wine and cuisine without hurting animals. 

The offerings at Casse-Cou will include bars and bonbons in flavor combinations such as Pistachio, Saffron, and Caramel; Maca and Goji; Pedro Ximenez (a type of wine grape) and Salted Largueta Almond; and Black Currant and Yogurt. 

The shop is expected to open today (and in time for Valentine's Day). 

This is the latest East Village-based concept for Kenney, whose nearby vegan restaurants include Plant Food + Wine and Sestina.

[Updated] Looking at the October CB3/SLA committee agenda: Booze for Jane's Sweet Buns, Bobwhite Lunch and Supper Counter for Avenue C

First! The meeting is Monday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 pm at the JASA/Green Residence, 200 E. Fifth St. at the Bowery...

And now, some of the agenda items above Houston (a fairly slim list at 23 applicants in total — might get out by 1 a.m.!)



Applications within Resolution Areas
• U2 Café (JDY Café Inc), 6 St Marks Pl (wb)

I've honestly lost track of the comings-and-goings at the former Mondo Kim's space.

• Yankee Pizza Restaurant Inc, 181 Ave C aka 647 E 11th St (wb)

A scratch from last month. Part of the growing Yankee Deli empire.

• SRI Padmavati Corp, 115 Ave C (op)

This is the former Porch space, which we reported is moving to another part of the city. Rumor is an Indian restaurant is opening here.

• Fonda Avenue B LLC, 40 Ave B (op)

This space previously housed Octavia's Porch. Will be "contemporary Mexican." UPDATED: The Local's Daniel Maurer notes that this is from the same folks behind the Fonda of Park Slope helmed by Roberto Santibañez, formerly the culinary director for the Rosa Mexicano restaurants.

[Photo of Jane by Allen Semanco]

• Jane's Sweet Buns (DeRossi Chelsea LLC), 102 St Marks Pl (wb)

Wine and beer to pair with the dessert, right?

• Bobwhite Lunch and Supper Counter, 94 Ave C (wb)

Interesting... this is the former Singas Pizza... (and before that, Joselito's, who moved to Avenue D.) Anyway, that name sounds awfully precious.

New Liquor License Applications
• Ichibantei LLC, 401 E 13th St (wb)

This is the the eatery that serves a range of Japanese "soul food" just east off First Avenue. A scratch from August.

• Rai Rai Ken (Tokyo Mama Inc), 218 E 10th St (wb)

Looks like the former Teriyaki Boy will become part of Rai Rai Ken's expansion.

• Kotobuki (Kotobuki Manhattan Inc), 54-56 3rd Ave (wb)

Looks like we have a taker for the long-dormant space that previously housed Lan between 10th and 11th Street...

• Shoolbred's, 197 2nd Ave (op)

????????

• Golden Cadillac, 446-448 E 13th St (op)

This is the address for Mug Lounge, which has been for sale.

• To be Determined, 351 E 12th St (op)

Not much to go on. But this is the address for Resto Leon. Which was rumored to be for sale, per Grub Street.

--------------------------------------------

Key:

b=beer only | wb=wine & beer only | op=liquor, wine, & beer | alt=alterations |up=upgrades

Your chance to weigh in on CB3/SLA polices

From the EV Grieve in box...

SLA Policy Hearing

Wednesday, March 28 at 6:30 pm — Community Board 3 Office, 59 East 4th Street (btwn 2nd Ave & Bowery)

• Resolution area changes regarding hours for beer/wine applicants
• Request for SLA rule change to have licensees notify community boards when applying for changes in stipulations or other Method of Operation changes

CB3 has been working for over a year to revise its policies regarding recommendations for liquor licenses. Some of the recommendations impact “resolution areas”—those areas considered oversaturated and for which residents have requested that CB 3 not recommend new licenses. (To find areas, go here.)

We are specifically looking at whether applications for beer/wine licenses should be exempted from resolution area policy if the business is primarily a daytime business that will close by a yet-undefined early hour. Since Community Board 3 created the original policy with community input, it is essential that we hear from you regarding any changes. This meeting will also provide an opportunity to explain some criteria the SLA uses in making decisions regarding full liquor and beer/wine licenses and how other criteria, such as zoning, impacts the decisions.

Please attend this meeting March 28 at the Community Board office (59 East 4th Street) to share your thoughts and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Photo by Shawn Chittle

Some future new bars to maybe not like

I haven't even written about all the action from the last CB3/SLA meeting... and the CB3/SLA released the docket for the July meeting... and this one has a few summer blockbusters... (Eater and Fork in the Road noted a few of these last Friday afternoon...)

The big one: The historic Amato Opera on the Bowery is destined to become a bar.



Of course! I recently noted the new for rent sign on the building, which said that food was OK here... So, the owners of V Bar, a West Village beer-and-wine cafe, are taking the challenge... which might be why someone removed the commemorative plaque that was placed above the Amato Opera doorway last June.

[Update: Thanks to EV Grieve Mimi reader for pointing out there's a V Bar on First Avenue and St. Mark's Place too, at the former Tribe space. Same owners at the West Village location.]

Also! There are takers for the Butcher Bar space on East Fifth Street and Lilly Coogan's on First Avenue...

A few more highlights....

Sidewalk Cafe Applications
-- The Penny Farthing, 103 3rd Ave
-- The 13th Step, 149 2nd Ave

Alterations/Transfers/Upgrades
-- Mama Bar LLC, 34 Ave B (alt/op/expand to basement space)

New Liquor License Applications
-- Justified LLC, 102 1st Ave (op) (Lilly Coogan's)
-- Teany (Teany Cafe LLC), 90 Rivington St (rw)
-- Tin Lizard LLC, 511 E 5th St (rw) (Butcher Bay)
-- La Isla (MJDD Enterprises Inc), 542 E 14th St (rw)
-- Vbar Amato (Vbar2 LLC), 319 Bowery (op)

The meeting is July 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the JASA/Green Residence - 200 E. Fifth St. at the Bowery. Bring a date!

Friday afternoon video salute

As we prepare to start the weekend, we pause for a quick salute to the lone Republican who was brave enough to come out in support of the Republicans last Friday at the Bowery Wine Co. protest. Here's to you, good sir.

Looking at the slim August CB3/SLA agenda: Heathers up for renewal; Plump Dumpling wants beer and wine

The CB3/SLA docket is now live... and it's pretty lean — 16 items in all.

And, for people curious about a new place from Mars Bar owner Hank Penza, there's nothing on this agenda that fits that description ...

The meeting is next Monday at 6:30 pm — JASA/Green Residence - 200 East 5th Street at Bowery

And now a few of the items of interest:

Renewals with complaints
• Heathers, (Ariel, Inc) 506 E 13 st (op)

Heathers went before the CB3/SLA committee in September 2009 ... and there was a lengthy discussion. The Times checked in with a lengthy article in January 2007 about the ongoing noise issues between the bar and neighbors.

Owner Heather Millstone opened Veronica People's Club in Greenpoint last summer.

Applications within Resolution Areas
• St. Marks Red House, TDD & G LLC, 126 St Marks Pl (wb)

The former Why? Curry space ... now Lychee... soon to be called The East Village Red House. We'll have more on this one later.

Alterations/Upgrades
• Preserve 24 (Aegis Holding Houston LLC), 175-177 E. Houston St (alt/op)

• BOP (Peels) Radley Realty Corp, 325 Bowery (alt,reorg)

New Liquor License Applications
• Plump Dumpling (Big Dumpling Corp), 174 2nd Ave (op)

The Plumpsters, who brought in Yummy House, are looking to serve alcohol ...

• Basketball City, Ark Basketball City Corp, Pier 36 at 299 South St (op)

Wow. This one will whip up some drama. This is the former Office of Emergency Management ... The Lo-Down has background on this controversial rec center...

• TBD, Asian Chef Express Inc, 96 3rd Ave (wb)

• TBD, Ichibantei LLC, 401 E 13th St (wb)

This is the the eatery that serves a range of Japanese "soul food" just east off First Avenue ...

• Hot Kitchen (Hot Kitchen Inc ), 104 2nd Ave (wb)

This is the former Matsukado ... that closed six months after taking over the old Baluchi's space ... Hot Kitchen? Perhaps this will be the "modern Australian" place from Morgan McGlone, the former private chef and caterer on the Upper East Side?

• Quality Meats Downtown (Mozzarella Sticks LLC), 199 Bowery (op)

BoweryBoogie has the scoop on what's in the works for this place.

Bowery Wine Company will be closed on Sundays during April

What the sign says here on East First Street anyway...

September's CB3/SLA docket is amazingly small

Wow, just nine items (nine items!) on the September CB3/SLA committee agenda. That just might be a record-low.

Anyway! First of all, the meeting is Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. — Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. Fourth St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

And now!

Applications within Saturated Areas
• To be Determined, 98 Ave C (wb)

This is the vacant storefront between Alphabet City Beer Co. and Alphabet City Wine Co. Don't have info on this applicant just yet.

• Taqueria Lower East Side (Barraza Foods Inc), 121 Orchard St (op)

• Nadico Hotel LLC, 163 Orchard St (op)

• Epicure Kitchen LLC, 45 Ave B (wb)

Oh, one of those long-empty spaces where LeSouk enjoyed its reign of terror.

Sidewalk Cafe Application
• Berkli Parc Cafe (HH Hospitality LLC), 61 Delancey St (small unenclosed)

New Liquor License Applications
• Taqueria Saint Marks (Barraza Foods Inc), 79 St Marks Pl (op)

• Sliders (Aleppo Slider LLC), 647 E 11th St (upgrade to op)

Haven't met anyone who has been to this place.

• To be Determined, 171 E B'way (op)

• Huertas (Molinero LLC), 107 1st Ave (upgrade to op)

Huertas, a restaurant featuring "the cuisine of Northern Spain," opened back in April.

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b=beer only | wb=wine & beer only | op=liquor, wine, & beer | alt=alterations

So this guy walks into the Mars Bar in a green shirt with a pink sweater around his shoulders...

When he walked in, I thought he was lost. I expected him to say, "Excuse me, where's the Bowery Wine Company?"

But he didn't. He ordered a drink.

Did he lose a bet? People don't usually walk into the Mars Bar wearing yellow sneakers, green shirts, and pink sweaters draped over their shoulders.

A few people stared.



Trying to get my head around it, I've told this story to several people this past week. Their first reaction has usually been, "Seriously?" Someone asked me if the guy got his ass kicked. No. We're not in high school, though I often think I'm living in one on weekends. The thing is, we're so used to seeing entitled young professionals in the neighborhood, we hardly give it a second thought. It has been happening for years. Usually it's much more intrusive than someone simply having one drink and leaving. Somewhere last Friday, Bloomberg was likely smiling. It's still the city of his dreams, built in his likeness.



Everything is so watered down that even someone dressed like a dish of sherbet can walk into the Mars Bar. Nothing is sacred. Bloomy and the gold-mining developers have beaten the city into submission. They're vampires and they've drained the remaining drops of lifeblood from what was once the most vibrant, potent city anywhere.

But is it too late?

[Bloomy photo via]

Reminders: Tompkins Square Iron Chef is Sunday

[Bobby Williams]

Previously posted on Aug. 23...

Greenmarket proudly presents Tompkins Square Greenmarket Iron Chef: Veselka Bowery versus Hearth Restaurant/Terroir Wine Bar.

Come see two culinary cornerstones of the East Village in the hot seat as Veselka Bowery and Hearth Restaurant/Terroir Wine Bar face off to claim the title of Tompkins Square Iron Chef.

Each chef has just an hour to transform a "mystery basket" of market ingredients into a delicious dish. Traven Rice of The Lo-Down and our esteemed panel of judges will crown a winner, and limited samples will be available to the public.

Sunday, Sept 9
1-4pm
Tompkins Square Greenmarket
7th St by Avenue A

November CB3/SLA highlights: The return of Lucky Cheng's

CB3 released its November calendar of meetings yesterday ... including the two nights of fun for the SLA licensing committee. Lots of items on the agenda this month, including a new home for Lucky Cheng's on Ludlow Street.

Here's a look at some of the applicants over the two nights. We'll pass along more info once it becomes available.

Monday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 pm
Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. Fourth St. (between Second Avenue and The Bowery)

Renewal with Complaint

• Percy's Tavern, 210 Ave A (op)

Applications within Saturated Areas

• Vintage B Inc, 56-58 Ave B (aka 235-237 E 4th St) (wb)

This is the former Vella Market (and Kate's Joint) space at East Fourth Street.

• To be Determined, 137 Ave C (op)

This is the new bar/restaurant going into the Sunburnt Cow quarters. The building is currently getting a head-to-toe renovation.

• To be Determined, 206 Ave A (op)

• To be Determined, 137 Ave A (op)

We went through this last month. It was a mistake then.

• Table 12 (188 Ave A Take Out Food Corp), 188 Ave A (upgrade to op)

Alterations

• Cornerstone Cafe (AO Cafe & Restaurant LLC), 17 Ave B (aka 241 E 2nd St) (alt/op/convert service counter to patron bar with 5 seats)

New Liquor License Applications

• Parmys Kabob and Grill Inc, 124-127 1st Ave (upgrade to op)

We noted this change a few weeks back.

• 41 1st Avenue Rest Corp, 41 1st Ave (op)

This is the address of d.b.a. Dennis Zentek, who opened d.b.a. in 1994 with friend Ray Deter, died on March 23 from injuries he suffered in a fall. Deter died in July 2011 from the injuries he suffered in a bicycling accident.

• To be Determined, 188 2nd Ave (wb)

Looks like there's a taker for the former Shima space at East 12th Street. We noticed that the for rent signs were down the other day.

Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 pm
University Settlement at Houston Street Center, 273 Bowery

Applications within Saturated Areas

• Lucky Cheng's (Red Room Hospitality LLC), 154 Ludlow St (op)

Lucky Cheng's, which closed its Midtown location last summer after the death of owner Hayne Suthon, looks to be making the move back downtown permanent. (They had been operating out of the DL on Delancey Street.)

The Living Room was the most recent tenant at 154 Ludlow St.

New Liquor License Applications

• Lucille (Little Rebel Inc), 134 1st Ave (op)

Hmm, this is the address of Simone Martini Bar.

Items not heard at Committee (meaning neighbors don't have any say in these items)

• The Bean (147 First Ave Bean LLC), 147 1st Ave (wb)

• G & Nishi Inc, 54-56 Third Avenue (wb)

• 4T USA Inc, 127 4th Ave (wb)

• Zund New York Inc, 84 E 10th St (wb)

b=beer only | wb=wine & beer only | op=liquor, wine, & beer | alt=alterations

Week in Grieview

Posts this past week included (with a photo by Derek Berg) ... 

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

• A liquidation sale at La Sirena on 3rd Street (Thursday) 

• A 'retail opportunity' at the former Whitehouse Hotel on the Bowery (Monday) 

• Delicore: The line to see Diplo at Katz's After Dark Sunday night (Monday) 

• Here's the first look at the new residential building coming to 2nd Avenue and 2nd Street (Monday)

• Keyapalooza! Key Food is hosting a 6-day 'RE-GRAND Opening' next month (Friday) 

• Asbestos abatement to begin at the former East River Park amphitheater — 9 months after it was demolished (Monday) 

• The Li'l Park Drag Show takes the stage at La Plaza Cultural (Tuesday) 

• A retail wine and spirits store is in the works for the former Black & White space on 10th Street (Wednesday) 

• City removes several abandoned curbside dining structures in the East Village (Tuesday) 

• Reports: Dan Goldman is the Democratic nominee for the 10th Congressional District (Wednesday)

• Lucky No. 77: Victory Tattoo NYC opens in the former Hells Angels HQ on 3rd Street (Thursday) 

• Here's more about Rabbit and the Fragile Flour, opening next month on 7th Street (Wednesday)

• Wegmans is hiring on Astor Place (Monday) 

• The ever-changing East Village skyline's newest addition is a 32-foot-tall Link5G tower (Friday) 

• Dunkin' to make triumphant return to 250 E. Houston St. (Monday) 

• Signage alert: Pizza Loves Sauce coming to East Houston (Thursday)

• At the Nuyorican Poets Café's annual block party (Sunday)

• Signs of dinner life at Prune (Tuesday) 

• First sign of the new gallery opening in September at 313 Bowery (Monday)

• People keep stealing catalytic converters (Friday) 

• Thoughts on a new tenant for a former laundromat (Tuesday) 

• Report: Trader Joe's closed the Union Square wine shop after learning of plans to unionize (Monday) 

• Senses working overtime: The former Taj Mahal is now home to a psychic on 6th Street (Thursday)

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On CB3's SLA docket for March: The return of Mono + Mono and Poco's sidewalk cafe

[EVG file photo of Mono + Mono]

CB3 has released its rundown of meetings for March... including for the SLA & DCA Licensing Committee.

Here's a quick look at a few of the items on the docket. (The questionnaires with more information about the applicants and their intentions haven't been posted online just yet.)

But first! The meeting is Monday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. (corner of the Bowery).

And now...

Sidewalk Cafe Applications

• Poco (Becaf LLC), 33 Ave B

CB3 voted to deny the renewal of a sidewalk cafe permit for Poco, who advertises having a "legendary boozy brunch," in December 2015. Neighbors have described Poco as being a "horror show," particularly during the brunch hours.

The restaurant's website notes: "Poco was built for one purpose — to be home away from home for the local residents of NYC's most unique, authentic neighborhood — Alphabet City."

• Mamak (Love Mamak Corp), 174 2nd Ave.

The Thai restaurant at the corner of 11th Street is vying for a sidewalk cafe.

New Liquor License Applications

• Monomono Inc, 116 E 4th St (wb)-EXPEDITED APPLICATION

Nearly four years have passed since a two-alarm fire swept through the single-level building that housed Mono + Mono, which specialized in Korean fried chicken.

The owners have said that they would reopen. For now, a flower shop is holding forth in the space between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

• Fresh Press Cafe LLC, 77 2nd Ave (op)

Something in the works for the former Ballaro space, the cafe that closed between Fourth Street and Fifth Street last February.

• To be Determined, 140 1st Ave (op)

The owners of Big Lee's (aka the Hard Swallow Saloon), which has been closed of late, are applying for a new liquor license.

• RSVP Hospitality LLC, 11 E 1st St (op)

Not sure about this one... the address for Bowery Meat Co. is 9 E. First St. ... and L'Apicio is 13 E. First St.

• Novo Partners, 57 2nd Ave (op)

This is one of the empty retail spaces of an Icon Realty-owned building.

• Mandolino Inc, 137 E 13th St (op)

The pizzeria opened last month between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue.

• Hi Collar (Sobaya Restaurant Inc), 214 E 10th St (upgrade to op)

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b=beer & cider | wb=wine, beer & cider | op=liquor, wine, beer & cider | alt=alterations

Coming Sept. 9: Tompkins Square Iron Chef

From the EV Grieve inbox...

For immediate release - Thursday, August 23, 2012
Greenmarket proudly presents Tompkins Square Greenmarket Iron Chef: Veselka Bowery versus Hearth Restaurant/Terroir Wine Bar.

Come see two culinary cornerstones of the East Village in the hot seat as Veselka Bowery and Hearth Restaurant/Terroir Wine Bar face off to claim the title of Tompkins Square Iron Chef.

Each chef has just an hour to transform a "mystery basket" of market ingredients into a delicious dish. Traven Rice of The Lo-Down and our esteemed panel of judges will crown a winner, and limited samples will be available to the public.

Sunday, Sept 9
1-4pm
Tompkins Square Greenmarket
7th St by Avenue A

Oh, and that's not an official logo for the event — just something I whipped up in 4 seconds...

Week in Grieview

Posts from this past week included (with a photo from Union Square by Derek Berg) ...

• A 21-story office building planned for the former B Bar & Grill on the Bowery (Friday) 

 • Cafe Himalaya reopens, thanks community for support after family member dies from COVID-19 (Wednesday) 

• RIP Hanshi Wilfredo Roldan (Thursday)

• Concern again for the historic Merchant's House Museum on 4th Street (Wednesday) 

• A new era for Via Della Pace on 4th Street (Monday) 

•  The gas is back on at Tompkins Square Bagels on Avenue A (Monday) 

• This week's NY See panel (Wedensday) 

• Gallery Watch goes to the Home Alone Group Show at ATM Gallery (Wednesday) 

• [plant-baked] debuts on 7th Street (Friday) 

• A bar called Spike's is coming to 218 Avenue A (Wedensday) 

• 5 Napkin Burger Express gives way to Tamam Falafel on 14th Street (Friday) 

• Hope for Little Poland in 2021? (Tuesday) 

• Citing "restrictions, bans and curfews for the restaurant industry," the Dumpling Shop closes (Monday)

• Bibi Wine Bar takes a winter break (Tuesday)

• Gino Sorbillo now closed for renovations on the Bowery (Wednesday) 

•  2021 development watch: 124 E. 14th St. (Tuesday) 

• Van Leeuwen reopens post-fire on 7th Street (Tuesday) 

• Tio Pio debuts on 14th Street with quick-serve Latin cuisine (Tuesday)

• Local artists give kids something to smile about at new dental outpost on Avenue A (Tuesday) 

• The Boilery has closed on 3rd Avenue (Monday) 

• Sammy's Roumanian Steakhouse has closed for now on the Lower East Side (Sunday)

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

Peels closed for good yesterday on the Bowery; casual Italian next?

Apparently those rumors about Peels closing were true. In a statement to Grub Street yesterday, owners William Tigertt and Taavo Somer said: "We've had a great run and thank all of our staff, the neighborhood and customers for the years of support and memories."

The restaurant on the Bowery at East Second Street closed yesterday morning after breakfast service.

We'd like to thank our staff and our customers for the years of support and memories. We’ll miss everyone, but we have to say goodbye.

— Peels Restaurant (@PeelsNYC) January 22, 2014

The rumors surfaced when the address also showed up on this month's CB3/SLA committee docket. (The item was scratched from the agenda ahead of the meeting.)

In a comment on Jan. 13, an EVG reader said that Serge Becker and Josh Picard, who are taking over the 7A space, will be the new operators "for ... casual Italian. Just like Gemma a block away." Eater hears that it's Picard and Andrew Carmellini planning the restaurant in the space.

The building was sold last summer for more than $9 million.

Peels opened to much fanfare in August 2010. Their early drink menu included The Joey Ramone … made with apple brandy, lime juice and concord grape juice (or concord grape wine??)


Perhaps this inclusion made some sense as the restaurant did share a corner with Joey Ramone Place.

More change coming soon to the Bowery?

East Village Podcasts brings the news that the Salvation Army’s East Village Residence at 1 E. Third St. at the Bowery is closed. EVP reports: "We can confirm that we have absolutely no confirmation of a destructive demise for the residence, but we did try to call the number on the door’s sign for more info and received the Army’s voicemail replete with lilting British Isles accent."

Meanwhile, I have taken a solemn oath not to end posts with sarcastic asides such as, "Expect a [Duane Reade, Bank of America branch, PinkBerry, dessert bar, Dunkin' Donuts, 24 Hour Fitness with Derek Jeter, etc., etc.] soon. So I'll let EVP do the work for me with their headline on the post: "Salvation Army Leaves, Wine Bar Next?"

EV Grieve Eatery Etc: Plants for 325 Bowery; cherries for Cherry Tavern; Latin for Italian place

Bello's, the Italian place on St. Mark's near Avenue A...



...is ready to debut a new menu.... (and their entire menu of soon-to-be-leftover Italian fare is now 30 percent off...)



The new diner coming to Bowery and Second Street shows off its new plants....




East Village Thai on Seventh Street near Cooper Union is closed for renovations...



...and, based on the sign, it doesn't seem to be reopening anytime soon...



On Sixth Street near Avenue A... the always-reliable Cherry Tavern...


[Photo by Konstantin Sergeyev via New York]

...now has some cherries outside... (and, uh, I can't say for sure when this happened....)




The Film Academy Cafe on Astor Place East wants you to eat wine...



The new restaurant coming to Second Avenue and Second Street has some fancy lights embedded in the sidewalk...



And if you're a fan of Il Bagatto on Second Street near Avenue B, they're closed per usual this time of year until after Labor Day....



The former dry cleaners here on 11th Street near Second Avenue...



...has moved into the former Plump Dumpling space next door... Plump Dumpling moved to the corner at Second Avenue in December, of course...


[Thanks to Blue Glass for this tip]