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

Week in Grieview

[Photo on 4th and B via Vinny & O]

Stories posted on EVG this past week included...

RIP Anthony Pisano (Wednesday)

New-look Alphabet Scoop reopens (Friday)

CB3 to hear request of support for low-income housing at former 2nd Avenue church site (Monday)

Concern again for Merchant's House Museum as developer moves forward with hotel next door (Tuesday)

Paradiso has closed on Avenue B (Wednesday)

Construction watch: 298 E. 2nd St. (Thursday)

A call to help preserve Theatre 80 on St. Mark's Place (Friday)

Scumbags & Superstars closing this month on Clinton Street (Monday)

Beijing-based hot pot chain taking over the former Dunkin' Donuts storefront on 14th Street (Monday)

A look at the other OTHER hawk in Christo's life (Tuesday)

Soft openings on 12th and 2nd: Lumos Kitchen and Dunhuang East Village (Monday)

Karma Books now open on 3rd Street (Wednesday)

Suffolk Arms has not been open lately (Monday)

First Avenue fruit vendors return (Friday)

Team behind West Village wine bar Entwine eyeing former Golden Market space (Thursday)

A warning about off-leash dogs in Tompkins Square Park (Thursday, 28 comments)

More about Bubbleology Tea, possibly coming soon to 1st Avenue (Tuesday)

New locations for OddFellows and Morgenstern's (Wednesday)

On the David Bowery (Thursday)

... and this past week, someone placed this memorial outside the now-closed Webster Hall on 11th Street in honor of DJ Jess (aka Jess Marquis aka Jesse Immler), a house DJ and party promoter at the venue... he died on April 9, 2015. (The cause of death was not made public.)





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These are the 13 East Village restaurants on the 2018 Michelin Bib Gourmand list

[Hunan Bistro on 3rd Avenue]

Michelin yesterday released the list of Bib Gourmand restaurants in New York City.

These are restaurants where "it is possible to enjoy two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included)."

Here's more from the news release: "A Bib Gourmand designation, reserved for a select number of restaurants rated by Michelin’s team of anonymous food inspectors, denotes establishments where diners can enjoy a great meal for a good value."

Thirteen East Village restaurants made the list of 120 overall for NYC:

• Bar Primi, 325 Bowery at Second Street

• ChouChou (new to list), 215 E. Fourth St. between Avenue A and Avenue B

• Donostia, 155 Avenue B between Ninth Street and 10th Street

• 00 + Co., 65 Second Ave. between Third Street and Fourth Street

• Hunan Bistro, 96 Third Ave. between 12th Street and 13th Street

• Luzzo's (new to list), 213 First Ave. near 13th Street

• MáLà Project, 122 First Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place

• Momofuku Noodle Bar, 171 First Ave. between 10th Street and 11th Street

• Momofuku Ssäm Bar, 207 Second Ave. att 13th Street

• Prune, 54 E. First At. between First Avenue and Second Avenue

• Soba-Ya, 229 E. Ninth St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue

• Somtum Der, 85 Avenue A between Fifth Street and Sixth Street

• Supper, 156 E. Second St. between Avenue A and Avenue B

The 2018 Michelin-starred restaurants for New York City will be released on Monday.

Eastville Comedy Club looking to move to former Chase space on Avenue A

The corner space at 20 Avenue A and Second Street has sat empty since the Chase branch closed in November 2015.

And after at least five brokers showed the space, it looks there's potential new tenant. According to CB3's SLA agenda for Oct. 16, Eastville Comedy Club, currently housed on Fourth Street between Second Avenue and the Bowery, is proposing to move into some part of 20 Avenue A. (This is a pretty large space, and the various listings said that it could be divided.)

The full questionnaire for this application isn't online just yet. Will update when that is available.

This CB3-SLA meeting is scheduled for Oct. 16 at the Public Hotel, 17th Floor, Sophia Room, 215 Chrystie St. between Houston and Stanton. The drama starts at 6:30 p.m. (The SLA committee meeting agenda is split up over two nights. The second meeting is Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Perseverance House Community Room, 535 E. Fifth St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.)

Previously on EV Grieve:
The retail-wine bar possibilities for the former Chase space on Avenue A and East 2nd Street

The retail space at 20 Avenue A no longer looks like a bank branch

EV Grieve Etc.: Festival of the Arts this weekend; Porchetta pop up extended

[Photo at Tompkins Square Park by Derek Berg]

The potential impact of President Trump's budget proposal on the NYCHA (Daily News)

New Chinatown-themed hotel on the Bowery apologizes for its "opium den-themed" lounge (DNAinfo)

Details on the annual Festival of the Arts this weekend at the Theater for the New City (Patch)

Stuy Town resident petitions to get rid of playground (Town & Village)

Avenue C wine bar Lois now selling its snacks retail (The Daily Meal)

About Voided, an exhibit featuring Benjamin Armas and Ori Carino, up through Saturday at Howl! Happening (Forbes)

Resident of 344 E. 13th St. and family friend of the Dawsons has been living in an RV down the block (New York Post)

Porchetta pop up extended at Porsena (The Village Voice)

Some great pics from the Dance Parade (Laura Goggin Photography)

Williamsburg Bridge HOV lane proposed for the L train shutdown (Daily News)

More about the early Saturday morning attack on Forsyth and Stanton near Sara D. Roosevelt Park (The Lo-Down)

On the market: 12th Street duplex with "outdoor sanctuary" (Curbed)

Hedda Lettuce presents "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" Thursday night (Village East Cinema)

Remembering Mary Help of Christians on 12th Street and Avenue A (Off the Grid)

In honor of Sir Roger Moore's death, the FDR chase scene from "Live and Let Die" (BoweryBoogie)

Revisiting a gruesome murder from 1903; body found in barrel on Avenue D and 11th Street (Ephemeral New York)

Standard High Line for sale; Standard East Village not on the block (The Real Deal)

... and the Midnight Movies are set for the next few months at the Sunshine Cinema on East Houston... more details here...



...and several readers asked about the work on Astor Place...



I asked William Kelley, executive director of the Village Alliance, what the workers were doing. "They are trying to fix some plaza drainage issues. Should be just a few days depending on weather," he said via an email.

Updated 2:30

And the workers have made some progress...


[Photo by Vinny & O]

L'Apicio serving its last meal on May 20

L'Apicio has announced a closing date. The upscale Italian restaurant on First Street in the Avalon Bowery Place complex will shut down after service on May 20.

Here is their announcement via Facebook:


Back in March, we reported that Chef Sujan Sarkar was applying for a new liquor license for the space for an unnamed restaurant that will serve "upscale modern Indian cuisine."

Sarkar is the chef partner at Ek Bar, "India's first Artisanal cocktail bar." He is also the chef of Rooh, a similar-sounding restaurant that recently opened in San Francisco.

L'Apicio debuted in 2012. Here's what Pete Wells at The New York Times had to say about it in a generally positive review from December 2012: "L'Apicio can deliver a very enjoyable night out if you don't ask too much of it."

This large space with outdoor seating (capacity inside/outside is 266) here between Second Avenue and the Bowery was also home for four years to the Bowery Wine Company.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Chef Sujan Sarkar bringing 'upscale modern Indian cuisine' to the Bowery

Danny Meyer's incoming pizzeria looking for CB3 approval for a 4-table sidewalk cafe

One more quick note about tonight's CB3-SLA committee meeting... as previously noted, Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group is opening Martina, a pizzeria, at 198 E. 11th St./aka 55 Third Ave.



They are on this month's docket to get approval for a four-table (eight seat!) sidewalk cafe ... here's a rendering (PDF) via the CB3 website... showing off that Mmartina lettering...



The street-level pizzeria proposes to operate the outdoor seating Sunday-Wednesday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. to midnight, and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

CB3 OK'd the beer-wine license back in November. Apparently this didn't include the sidewalk cafe. Not sure!

The CB3-SLA meeting is tonight at 6:30 in the Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. (corner of the Bowery).

Previously on EV Grieve:
Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group planning Martina for 55 3rd Ave.

Ciala bringing 'Georgian and European cuisine' to 2nd Avenue

A new restaurant-cafe called Ciala is in the works for 77 Second Ave. between Fourth Street and Fifth Street.

According to the application on file (PDF) at the CB3 website ahead of Monday's SLA committee meeting, Ciala will serve "Georgian and European cuisine." (Ciala is seeking a beer-wine license.)

The layout shows 17 tables with a total of 49 seats ... and a five-seat service bar. The applicant, listed as David Kurtanidze, is proposing hours of 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, including for the outdoor seating.



The previous tenant here, Ballaro, which served Italian coffee and pastries during the day, and beer, wine and small plates in the evening hours, closed after seven years in February 2016. (Ballaro made headlines after drunken Taylor Swift fans apparently terrorized the staff by demanding they play more of the pop star's music on the house stereo in August 2015.)

The CB3-SLA meeting is Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. (corner of the Bowery).

Thanks to Steven for the photos!

Chef Sujan Sarkar bringing 'upscale modern Indian cuisine' to the Bowery

A noted chef is looking to serve "upscale modern Indian cuisine" at the current L'Apicio space on First Street in the Avalon Bowery Place complex between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

According to documents (PDF!) on file at the CB3 website for the March SLA meeting, chef Sujan Sarkar is applying for a new liquor license for the venture, which is currently unnamed.

The proposed hours are noon-midnight from Monday-Wednesday; noon to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday; and 11 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.

The bio that accompanies the questionnaire at the CB3 website notes that Sarkar is the chef partner at Ek Bar, "India's first Artisanal cocktail bar." He is also the chef of Rooh, a similar-sounding restaurant that just opened in San Francisco.

The questionnaire includes Rooh's menu, and states that this First Street restaurant will be similar. If that's the case, then here's more about Rooh via Eater San Francisco:

The culinary team includes a mix of professionally trained U.S. and Indian cooks, preparing dishes like foie gras pate with masala, pickled shallot, and taftan (a flatbread). Refreshingly, the menu is a healthy mix of both meat and vegetable-focused dishes, like a tandoori portobello mushroom served with polenta, morel crumble, and truffle.

The interior is a polished mix of rich blues and gold, giving off a serious lounge vibe — the group also owns nightclubs in India. The dining room can be split into more intimate semi-private areas with gold mesh curtains that hang from the high ceilings, while a long marble bar gives ample space for snacking and drinking.

As for L'Apicio, there isn't any word of a closing date just yet for the Italian restaurant via chef Gabe Thompson. Sarkar's questionnaire at the CB3 website notes that this is a "sale of assets." Notice about the CB3-SLA meeting on March 13 is posted outside L'Apico ...



L'Apicio opened in 2012. Here's what Pete Wells at The New York Times had to say about it in a generally positive review from December 2012: "L'Apicio can deliver a very enjoyable night out if you don't ask too much of it."

This large space with outdoor seating (capacity inside/outside is 266) was previously home for four years to the Bowery Wine Company.

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

Week in Grieview

[Photo Friday in Tompkins Square Park by Derek Berg]

Stories posted on EVG this past week included...

Ost Cafe is closing on A and 12th (Wednesday)

Love Shine is closing shop on 6th Street and moving online (Tuesday)

Behold Civic Hall, the high-tech future of Union Square — and NYC (Monday)

Mob scene on 10th Street as 'Gotti' crew and John Travolta hold forth (Wednesday)

Community meeting set to discuss lowering the playground fences in Tompkins Square Park (Friday)

Gutting the former M2M on 3rd Avenue (Tuesday)

Out and About with Delphine Blue (Wednesday)

6th Street synagogue ready to hold first services since condofication (Friday)

VeryThai coming to Avenue B (Tuesday)

Foreclosure notice arrives on Raphael Toledano-owned building on 12th Street (Tuesday)

The Immigrant adds cocktails to its menu on 9th Street (Monday)

Full views of the zinc-clad 347 Bowery (Tuesday)

1st sign of Sister Jane East Side Tavern on 13th Street (Friday)

The campaign to save the TV series 'Uncle Buck' is underway on Avenue C (Thursday)

Chi Ken, the Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Store, coming to St. Mark's Place (Wednesday)

Former Dahlia's Tapas Wine Bar space for lease on 9th Street (Tuesday)

14th St. Lotto & Magazine has closed (Friday)

Ikinari, the no-seat Japanese steakhouse, opens (Thursday)

Speaking of Ikinari, local musician-artist-folk hero Paul Kostabi presented the management there with a sprkl bib...


[Photo by Panda Cat]

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Progress at Little Tong Noodle Shop, coming soon to 1st Avenue

[Photos by Steven]

A worker has been painting the exterior of the former Schnitz space this past week on First Avenue at 11th Street...



As we first noted in late December, a self-described "fast causal" restaurant called Little Tong Noodle Shop is set to take over the corner spot.

The applicants were OK'd for a beer-wine license last month. (This item was not heard during the committee meeting on Jan. 9.) According to the questionnaire (PDF!) on file at the CB3 website, the restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m to midnight. The owners also plan on operating a four-table sidewalk cafe with 12 seats from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Simone Tong, who worked for Wylie Dufresne’s now-closed wd~50 on Clinton Street, is the chef. While work continues on the First Avenue space, Tong is hosting several preview dinners this month at Jimmy's No. 43 on Seventh Street, as Bedford + Bowery reported.

Meanwhile, here's a look at how the interior is shaping up via the restaurant's Instagram account...

Day 14. Aka- let's hide the WC. #noodles #chineserestaurant #chinesefood #yunnan #ricenoodles #eastvillage #nycfoodie #nycfood #nycrestaurants #eeeeeats #newyork #newyorkcity

A photo posted by Little Tong Noodle Shop (@littletongnyc) on Feb 1, 2017 at 2:04pm PST

No word yet on an opening date.

Schnitz, which served old-fashioned schnitzel sandwiches with unconventional toppings, was in operation from March 2014 to August 2016. Something Sweet, the family-owned bakery, was here until July 2012.

Previously on EVG:
Little Tong Noodle Shop taking the former Schnitz space on 1st Avenue

Mr. White bringing 'new Southern cuisine' to St. Mark's Place

As previously noted, February's CB3-SLA agenda includes an applicant vying for a beer-wine license at 121 St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue.

Here's more about the space via public documents (PDF) at the CB3 website. For starters, Mr. White will serve "New Southern cuisine." (The online application did not include a sample menu.)

The proposed hours are noon to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday. (The application notes that alcohol service will end at 2 a.m., with the restaurant closing one hour later "to allow the customer to finish his meal.") The configuration shows 10 tables seating 28 patrons, and two bars seating 19 people.

The documents also note that the principals have experience at the Grand National (now the Big Whiskey) and the Whiskey Brooklyn in Williamsburg.

No. 121 was last home to the Belgian Room, which the state seized for nonpayment of taxes in April 2015. (The reconfigured space includes the former Ton-Up Cafe next door.)

The February SLA committee meeting is Monday at 6:30 p.m. Location: The Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. at the Bowery.

CB3's SLA docket for February includes applicant for the former Belgian Room on St. Mark's

Community Board 3 released its slate of meetings for February. (Find the calendar here.)

The SLA committee docket has a manageable number of applicants ... and not too many north of Houston. One item of interest: There is an applicant for the long-vacant bar space at 121 St. Mark's Place ... last home to the Belgian Room, which the state seized for nonpayment of taxes in April 2015.

The calendar simply shows an LLC going by Mr. White applying for a beer-wine license for the location. CB3 hasn't uploaded the questionnaires just yet. We'll pass along more info about this venture when it becomes available.

It's not clear whether Mr. White will also take the former Ton-Up Cafe space next door. Workers removed the wall between the businesses in 2015. (Probably yes.)

The February SLA committee meeting is Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Location: The Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. at the Bowery.

Desolate Belgian Room photo from 2015

Week in Grieview

[Photo outside Westside Market by Christine Champagne]

Stories posted on EVG this past week included...

At the 25th annual Tompkins Square Park tree lighting (Sunday)

Sidewalk bridge arrives just in time for La Sirena's busiest time of the year (Friday)

McSorley's back on the A list (Thursday)

Out and About with the owners of Love Gang (Wednesday)

Report: SantaConners "plunder" One and One, causing $5,000 in damages, owner says (Tuesday)

Baci e Vendetta opens at 131 Avenue A (Friday)

That time this restaurant closed after less than 2 weeks on St. Mark's Place (Friday)

Aftermath of a shooting outside the Hells Angels clubhouse (Tuesday ... previously)

New at Ray's for the holidays — apple fritters (Tuesday)

SantaCon 2016 in photos (Sunday)

Odd Eye brings vintage and design collectibles to Fifth Street (Thursday)

PokéVillage opens on 14th Street (Monday)

The latest issue of The Shadow is now available (Tuesday)

Lucky 7s: Extell's 7-story developments look to be topping out on 14th Street (Tuesday)

The Redhead closing sooner than expected (Monday)

Convive Wine & Spirits now open on Avenue A (Tuesday)

Checking in on the future home of Viking Waffles on Avenue C (Wednesday)

Jared Kushner apparently didn't pay the ConEd bill on Ninth Street (Monday)

Pastry chef Sebastian Brecht bringing chocolate to East Fourth Street (Friday)

October surprise on the Bowery as Drake opens shop (Thursday)

#notourpresident storefront not coming to Second Avenue (Monday)

And lastly, a few photos from yesterday's pretty-for-awhile snowfall...




[Halloween 2017 potentially in danger?]


[Never build on sloped garbage storage bins]



EVG reader John shared this photo (find more here) from Second Avenue...

Week in Grieview

[1st Avenue love seats via Derek Berg]

Stories posted on EVG this past week included...

A Raphael Toledano-style turkey dinner on 12th Street for residents without cooking gas (Wednesday)

The Sock Man opens in new location on St. Mark's Place (Friday)

Mayor de Blasio calls for unity during anti-hate rally at Cooper Union (Monday)

The Second Avenue Tompkins Square Bagels makes its debut (Tuesday)

Barnyard Cheese and Brix Wine Shop moving from Avenue C to Avenue B (Monday)

Thanksgiving Week at the Bowery Mission (Wednesday)

Out and About Part 2 with Eric Paulin (Wednesday)

Report: Mike Pence supporter arrested for alleged racist tirade, pepper-spray attack at 14th Street diner (Tuesday)

Healthfully has closed on Fourth Street (Monday)

Former East Village Tavern space for rent (Friday)

American Deli & Grocery closes after a few months on First Avenue (Friday)

Holiday trees (and stands) arrive (Wednesday)

Shu Han Ju II takes over for Mulan East on Third Avenue (Monday)

Storefronts at 110 E. Seventh St. for rent (Tuesday)

Honeybrains opens on Lafayette (Wednesday)

Village Grannies bringing water pipes and smoking accessories to Ninth Street (Tuesday)

Hot Pot Central sets up shop on Second Avenue and 12th Street (Monday)

Former Grand Sichuan space for rent on St. Mark's Place (Monday)

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Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group planning Martina for 55 3rd Ave.

Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, whose well-regarded establishments include Gramercy Tavern, the Modern and Union Square Cafe, have plans for a new restaurant on Third Avenue and 11th Street.

The group is applying for a new beer-wine license for 55 Third Ave., and are on this month's CB3 SLA committee docket.

According to the questionnaire (PDF!) on file at the CB3 website, the new venture is called Martina. There isn't any mention of the style of food that will be served.

The application shows that the space will hold 13 tables with a proposed sidewalk cafe with four tables. (The overall capacity is listed at 75 or below with nine employees.) The proposed hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; until 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Here's a look at the layout via the questionnaire...



So what space is this restaurant taking? 55 Third Ave., aka Eleventh and Third, is the 12-floor building that recently went through a top-to-bottom luxury renovation. No 55, which is between 10th Street and 11th Street, is currently home to two retail tenants: M2M, the Asian grocery chain, and The Smith. M2M is apparently moving away to make room for Wagamama. The Smith isn't going anywhere.

So where does this leave Martina? There is the building's former lobby on the 11th Street side (across the street from NYU's Third Avenue North dorm).







This month's SLA committee meeting is Monday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. CB3 will hold the meeting in the Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. at the Bowery.

Sushi part of plan for former Iron Sushi on 10th Street

Iron Sushi closed back in June on 10th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

An applicant is on this month's CB3 SLA committee docket to take over the space...the applicant is seeking a new beer-wine license...


[Photo by Steven]

According to the questionnaire (PDF!) on file at the CB3 website, the new venture is called Big Ben Restaurant.

The application shows that the space will hold 21 tables (=72 seats) with the proposed hours of Noon to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

There isn't any indication of the type of food here, though there's a mention of a sushi bar.

This month's SLA committee meeting is Monday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. CB3 will hold the meeting in the Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. at the Bowery.

Soothsayer has been closed lately; owners seeking an upgrade to full liquor

[Photo Sunday by Steven]

Several readers passed along word that brown paper appeared in the windows of Soothsayer, the Vietnamese restaurant at 171 Avenue A, early last week. There wasn't any accompanying note on the door/windows or on social media about a temporary closure. (Soothsayer was closed last week and through the weekend.)

However, someone posted paperwork on the front door about CB3's SLA committee meeting this month, where reps for Soothsayer will appear to upgrade to a full liquor license as well as a license for the rear garden. (You can find their paperwork for the October meeting at the CB3 website.)

The restaurant between 10th Street and 11th Street, run by siblings Stephan and Kimxuan Brezinsky who grew up in Stuy Town, opened back in January.

In July 2015, Soothsayer upset a few neighbors after asking for support for a full liquor license and use of the back patio. Soothsayer reportedly withdrew its application at the July 2015 CB3/SLA meeting.

In September 2015, CB3 OK'd a beer-wine license without use of the outdoor space. The proprietors also agreed to hours of 5:30 p.m. to midnight during the week, with opening hours of noon on Saturday and Sunday.

The October SLA committee meeting is Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Location: The Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. at the Bowery.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Incoming restaurant on Avenue A asking residents to rally for their liquor license and back patio (42 comments)

A few more details about the Kati Roll Company coming to 2nd Avenue

[Photo from Saturday]

As you may recall, the owners of the Kati Roll Company are opening their fourth Manhattan location at 128 Second Ave., former home of the Stage.

The Kati crew is on the CB3 SLA committee docket this month for a beer-wine license at the space between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. (Kati withdrew from the July meeting.)

According to the questionnaire (PDF!) on file at the CB3 website ahead of tonight's meeting, Kati plans to be open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, until 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. (The questionnaire states that they will stop serving beer-wine at 4 a.m.)

In addition, the small space will have six tables seating 14 people.

And here's more about the restaurant via their website:

The signature dish of The Kati Roll Company, Kati Rolls, are made by wrapping warm paratha, a type of Indian flat bread, around a variety of meats, vegetables and cheese. Each ingredient is marinated in a proprietary blend of Indian spices, creating a distinctive taste available nowhere else. Rolls can also be wrapped with a whole wheat roti for a healthier option.

Diners may choose from a select few fillings like beef, chicken, lamb, egg, shrimp, mixed veggie patty, chana masala, paneer cheese or potatoes. The finished Kati Roll is wrapped in either a paratha or a whole wheat roti and served hot, making it a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed virtually anywhere.

Tonight's CB3-SLA meeting is at 6:30 in the Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. at the Bowery.

The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed on March 30, 2015. Stage owner Roman Diakun had been involved in an ongoing legal/eviction battle with landlord Icon Realty. (You can read that background here.)