Saturday, December 28, 2013

Taking the 'WINNING' Lambo out for a spin today on Second Avenue



We've posted photos of this jalopy before … EVG contributor peter radley spotted it today in the wilds of Second Avenue…







According to Jalopnik, the car belongs to a divorce attorney who lives on Long Island. Read about him here.

Mee Noodle Shop is back



Mee Noodle Shop has its grand (re)opening tomorrow here on First Avenue just north of East 13th Street ... and they will have an open house tonight, as the flyer shows ... let us know if you go… Mee had to move away from its previous First Avenue location when the building was sold seven years ago

Photo via William Klayer…

Previously on EV Grieve:
Starbucks confirmed for 219 First Ave., former home to Allen Ginsberg's favorite Chinese restaurant

Mee Noodle Shop returning to First Avenue (28 comments)

Check out 'Mixed Blood' tonight — 'Mean Streets about to detonate!'



Thanks to EVG reader Steven Sonnenblick for sharing this with us… At 2 a.m. tonight (early tomorrow morning?), Turner Classic Movies is playing Paul Morrissey's "Mixed Blood" … the LES cultish classic from 1984.



Here is the IMDB description:

Brazilian drug dealers in the lower east side of Manhattan start a war with a rival gang of Latino drug dealers. Their soldiers are Latino kids all under 17 because, as Rita La Punta says, "They can kill and not go to jail." The war escalates to include their German heroin supplier, his sexy English girl friend, a Puerto Rican ex-cop, and the Japanese police captain. This movie is about racism, police corruption, junkies and drug dealing. There is plenty of killing and even a visit to a store dedicated to the Latino pop group "Menudo."

And the trailer!



Trivia! This was John Leguizamo's feature film debut… Morrissey, a longtime Andy Warhol associate, shared this photo from the shoot in Tompkins Square Park … (Leguizamo is on the far right…)

There is a Save Jerry's Newsstand Rally today


[Photo by Michael Paul]

There is a rally today from 4-6 at Jerry's Newsstand on Astor Place outside the downtown 6 entrance.

On Dec. 9, the Department of Consumer Affairs shut down the stand that Jerry Delakas has operated the past 26 years before he could file an appeal with the city to stay in business. (Find more background about this ongoing legal battle here.)

Last Sunday, an estimated 100 people (including Rev. Billy) gathered for a rally here…


[Photo via the Save Jerry's Facebook page]

A few other updates about the situation via the Save Jerry's Newsstand Facebook page:

This past Monday, Arthur Schwartz, Jerry's attorney, petitioned Judge Carol E Hull for a hearing on the violation of his due process ... "and we wait to hear if she will hear his grievances."

Meanwhile, as we mentioned in a previous post, a resident who lives nearby continued to rip down the signs of support from Jerry's Newsstand every night… the resident waited until Jerry left the area to remove the signs… well, one night last week, Jerry apparently stuck around and staked out the newsstand… he caught her in the act. They talked, and she agreed to stop. No word on why she continued to do this.

You can find more information at the Save Jerry's Newsstand Facebook page

Previously on EV Grieve:
City shutters Jerry's Newsstand on Astor Place for 'operating illegally'

The story about the city shutting down Jerry's Newsstand on Astor Place actually gets worse

More about saving Jerry's Newsstand

Helping Save Jerry

Noted



On the plywood at the incoming dorm on East Sixth Street and Cooper Square...



Goonsville? Perhaps it's near New Yuppie City?

Friday, December 27, 2013

Have 'Mercy'



Ultra Vivid Scene with "Mercy Seat" from 1988.

Con Ed still making repairs on East 7th Street



Residents on East Seventh Street between Avenue C and Avenue D had been understandably upset and concerned about reports of stray voltage on the block... after several days of non-action, Con Ed crews arrived to make the necessary repairs on Sunday.

Per the New York Post story on this matter:

"The yellow tape is out there to keep people away from the energized objects," Con Ed spokesman Allan Drury told The Post on Monday. Con Ed workers discovered the problem early Friday but had limited access to the area because of tightly parked cars, he said. Repairs were completed on East Seventh Street late Sunday, he said.

Although Con Ed said that repairs were completed on Sunday, crews have been working at the site every day since then. The photos on this post are from yesterday.




Previously on EV Grieve:
Beware of 'stray voltage' here on Avenue A and East 2nd Street

Resident shocked about Con Ed's nonchalance over stray voltage

Noted



Signage tomfoolery on East Seventh Street via Derek Berg

Holiday greetings from Kita the Wonder Dog of East 10th Street



An almost year-end message from the proud parents of Kita the Wonder Dog of East 10th Street

Kita the Wonder Dog of East 10th Street has been thoroughly enjoying her second holiday season in the neighborhood this year. Times are lean around these parts so less of Holiday Tree wonder but an intense focus on tennis balls and she LOVES, LOVES, LOVES the snow.

As much as the snow it seems she has intently focused on tennis balls. She is less into the Tompkins Square Park dog run these days (though she remains a frequent visitor there to do her business) but has developed a taste for the East River Park. She was recently busted there for being “off leash” but she remains a devoted fan. Mostly because she has developed an important collection of stray tennis balls she collects there voraciously.

She (and we) send all of her neighbors the warmest of holiday wishes. Xo



On the next episode: Kita is curious why only Grain-Free Chicken Meal Formula Dry Dog Food is available at this New Year's Eve buffet.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Meet Kita

The further adventures of Kita the Wonder Dog of East 10th Street

The further (often truly) amazing adventures of Kita the Wonder Dog of East 10th Street

Happy holidays from Kita the Wonder Dog of East 10th Street

Kita the Wonder Dog of East 10th Street has her first ever annual checkup

Angry residents don't want this food cart on Avenue A and East 2nd Street



Some residents who live on Avenue A and East Second Street are unhappy about the recent arrival of a Halal cart. And there is a movement afoot to get the cart booted from the southeast corner of Avenue A and East Second Street.

Here's a flyer hanging in a nearby apartment building:



According to one resident: "Aside from blocking bike racks, garbage cans (upon seeing me photograph, the cook moved the garbage can further into the crosswalk (ILLEGAL), he has deposited grit and ashes from his grill on the sidewalk."




The resident also talked with the Halal employee about all this. "He simply stated that he knows the residents aren't happy but simply — talk to his boss."

Another couple took up the argument with the employee as well. "All the vendor said was, 'Tony likes our food. Do you know Tony?' Well, we don't know Tony and the block doesn't like your food truck blocking our sidewalks."

Oscar bait at Luke's Lobster



Spotted this week outside Luke's Lobster on East Seventh Street…



-----

Previously!



Meanwhile at Bloom 62...



So how are things settling in over at Bloom 62, Ben Shaoul's luxury conversion of the former nursing home on Avenue B and East Fifth Street? Everyone getting along?

Spotted on the currently vacant retail space...



Previously on EV Grieve:
Claim: Ben Shaoul is the new owner of Cabrini nursing home, will convert to condos

Report: Local politicians reach out to Ben Shaoul as re-sale of the Cabrini Nursing Center seems likely

More details on Cabrini's closing announcement

Q-and-A with Patricia Krasnausky, president and CEO of Cabrini Eldercare

East Village apartment building details







Somewhere in the East Village...

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Please show some love for Zoltar too



Outside Gem Spa … via EVG contributor Derek Berg

How long did it take before someone tagged the 'Girls' mural on East 12th Street?



12 days, give or take a day. We spotted the artists starting the mural on the weekend of Dec. 13… Could have been worse…



And we still have a few more weeks before the show's new season on HBO…

The latest issue of The Shadow is now available



Look for NYC's only underground newspaper at the following locations:

Gem Spa (St. Mark's + Second Avenue)
St. Mark's Books (31 Third Ave., at East 9th Street)
East Village Books (99 St. Mark's, between First Avenue + Avenue A)
INK (Avenue A, between East 4th + 5th Streets)
Blue Stockings Books (172 Allen St.)
MoRUS (Avenue C, between East 9th + 10th Streets)
Spoonbill Books (218 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn)
Revolution Books (146 W. 26 St. )
Unoppressive Non-Imperialist Bargain Books (34 Carmine St.)

Happy Boxing Day!



East Sixth Street this morning via Dave on 7th...

Con Ed reviewing what was done about stray voltage warnings on East Village streets


[Avenue A on Sunday]

Several media outlets picked up our post about resident reports of stray voltage on East Seventh Street and East Second Street … (The reports were at the PostFox 5 and CBS New York …)

New York News

The stray voltage reportedly shocked several dogs… and some residents are upset that Con Ed took too long to respond to the issue… as well as did a lousy job of communicating, what, exactly, all the tape and cones were for on the scene.

As one resident told us on East Seventh Street: "This area has had current running through the detailed area for days, with none of the residents receiving any information on the danger. The area has NO SIGNAGE warning of the danger of electrical shock."

Community Board 3 has been in contact with Con Ed officials about the situation. Here's what a Con Ed official had to say about the matter on Tuesday afternoon, via CB3 officials:

We have made all repairs on 2nd and 7th Streets to eliminate any stray voltage. We understand the concern that you and others have raised. We have a comprehensive program in which we frequently inspect for stray voltage and secure an area if any stray voltage is found until the repairs can be made. The program has been very effective and we have been able to promptly find and correct stray voltage, whether it’s from Con Edison equipment, equipment belonging to property owners, or the City.

I understand that there are particular concerns about the setup of cones and warning tape on 7th Street. We are reviewing what was done there and will also take a close look at how we are securing locations in general. Our goal is to keep the area safe. We are happy to discuss the matter with you and the Community Board.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Beware of 'stray voltage' here on Avenue A and East 2nd Street

Resident shocked about Con Ed's nonchalance over stray voltage

In Memoriam: Roger M. Lane

Report: 'Jodie Lane Place' sign is gone; City says it will be replaced

Soft opening for Mee Noodle Shop this weekend?

That's the word we're hearing anyway from the folks at Mee Noodle Shop … returning to the East Village after a seven-year absence… the Mee crew has been busy here at 223 First Ave. between East 13th Street and East 14th Street testing the new equipment…

Stairs Bar taking over the former Il Bagatto space on East 2nd Street



We were a little surprised last weekend to pass by 192 E. Second St. and find the above sign… this space was home the past 18 years to Il Bagatto, which announced its closure in early December.



The new venture is a gay bar called Stairs … and they have been open for happy hour … ahead of an official opening on Saturday… We don't know much else about the place at the moment…



As for Il Bagatto, their menu is still available next door at its sister restaurant, Il Posto Accanto.

[Thanks to EVG Facebook friend Elise Podell for the photos]

What it takes to work at the Standard East Village's 'highly anticipated' new restaurant


[EVG file photo of Café Standard]

The Standard East Village is hiring… there's another open call tomorrow… so in case you might be looking for a job at the hotel's new, still-unnamed restaurant (reportedly opening next month, per Eater) … or just curious about what they're looking for in employees … here's the notice via Craigslist

THE STANDARD, EAST VILLAGE - highly skilled F&B staff *OPEN CALL* (East Village)
The newly redesigned Standard, East Village is currently seeking highly-driven / ambitious Managers, Sommeliers, Bartenders, Servers, Hostesses, Runners, Bussers, Barbacks and Baristas for our highly anticipated restaurant.
*OPEN CALL* FRIDAY, December 27 from 3pm-6pm.

DO YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING DIRECT EXPERIENCE:
• Handling a New York based fashion & media clientele.
• Working in a fast-paced, downtown environment.
• Cooperating with a large, creative, and diverse team
• Extensive and in-depth previous food and beverage training required!

YOU'RE WELCOME TO APPLY IF THIS IS SPECIFICALLY YOUR BACKGROUND!

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE IS:
• Skilled with deep casual fine to fine-dining, exemplary and intuitive service and all facets of hospitality.
• Charismatic and possesses natural ability to engage and serve diverse guests and high-profile clientele
• Confident and proactive without being overbearing.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• A clear thinker in high pressure situations.
• A background with a 'farm-to-table', product driven menu.
• Interested in growing with an innovative and fast growing company.
Conveys a personal sense of style and sophistication.
• Comfortable interacting with high-profile guests in fashionable & socially dynamic environments.

We offer a ton of great perks as well as an opportunity to grow!

Thanks, we look forward to hearing from you!

To be considered: You're invited to come by The Standard, East Village (25 Cooper Square) *OPEN CALL* *OPEN CALL* FRIDAY, December 27 from 3pm-6pm. Bring your resume along - you'll be able to fill out an application and meet some of the team.

See you there!

Previously on EV Grieve:
Big changes in the works for the Standard East Village lobby, outdoor space; Café on the Bowery anyone?

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

The Abominable Snow Monster of East 7th Street



Bumble photo by Bobby Williams

Christmas Day Party at La Plaza Cultural


[EVG La Plaza photo from the fall]

From the EVG inbox… if you are around tomorrow…

Longtime East Ninth Street resident Jimmy is having a Christmas Day Party at La Plaza Cultural Community Garden, noon till nite for everyone who's still in town ...La Plaza Cultural Garden is on East Ninth Street and Avenue C. There will be food and a bonfire. Bring your musical instruments.

The Facebook invite page is here.

Merry Christmas Eve afternoon!



Discarded today on St. Mark's Place at Second Avenue… plenty of life left in this one in case you need a tree or a second one…

Photo via Robert Miner