A revamped Perbacco reopens tonight on East 4th Street

[Image via Perbacco]

Perbacco, the 14-year-old Italian restaurant at 234 E. Fourth St., closed back in the spring "for exciting remodeling" that included a revamped design, menu and focus on wine.

Reps for the restaurant between Avenue A and Avenue B let us know that Perbacco reopens this evening.

A few highlights straight from the official announcement:

• Perbacco will carry an extensive collection of over 80 Italian wines, representing over 20 regions of Italy. There will be more than 40 wines by the glass to choose from…

• The new wine focus is immediately clear even from the décor, from the visually striking back wall of floor-to-ceiling wine bottles behind glass, to the hanging wine glasses above the pewter bar counter by the entrance.

• New Executive Chef Clelia Bendandi will rework the menu into reasonably priced and portioned small plates.

• Perbacco will have over 35 share-able dishes to choose from, covering the traditional Italian categories of aperitivi, primi (pastas), secondi (fish and meats), and dolce (desserts).

• A few signature Perbacco favorites will remain on the menu – such as the Crème brulee di Parmigiano Reggiano with aged spicy balsamic reduction or the Crocchette di Melanzane, eggplant croquettes in fresh bur rata cream.

Out and About in the East Village

In this weekly feature, East Village-based photographer James Maher provides us with a quick snapshot of someone who lives and/or works in the East Village.



By James Maher

Name: Jamie (he declined to have his photo taken)
Occupation: Check Cashing Guy
Location: 5th Street between 1st and 2nd
Date: 4:30 pm on Monday, Aug. 25

I’m from Brooklyn, East New York. I grew up in the projects. I had a great time. Projects back then were a little bit different than they are now. I thought they were great.

When we were growing up the playground consisted of monkey bars, one round cement thing and a seesaw. Concrete everywhere. There was no rubber or nothing like that. Everybody who has ever played on that would tell you that they either busted their shoulder or something like that. Everybody got hurt on one of those things.

The thing that I loved about the projects was that you had to negotiate within your building, then this building across from you might not have liked your building, so you had to negotiate with them, and not only that, but your development might not have liked the development across the street.

But the best thing was that it was a community. Everybody knew you. If you did something wrong you were in trouble before you even got home. When they said that the night has a thousand eyes, believe me, they knew. It was a good time, plus we had an imagination. We had nothing indoors, so everything was outdoors. A stick was everything in the world to us. Now if you give a stick to a kid he’s just going to hit you with it.

My grandparents opened this store in 1946, so for 67 years this place has been around. It used to be on East 2nd Street and when they closed that they moved here. My grandparents used to take me into the store when I was 8 years old. They had four stores. All the brothers and my grandfather had a store. There was another store on Broadway and Bleecker. I was always taken to that store. That was where my grandmother would take me, away from my grandfather and uncle. I was always the guy running up the bills, when everything was pen and paper. On the weekends if I didn’t run out fast enough it was, ‘You’re helping grandma today.’ That was how I got started.

Back then there were not many check cashers. Now there’s a whole flood. You had this check casher here, then you had one on Essex, Broadway and Bleecker, 14th Street, and 23rd Street. That was it. So if you’ve lived in this neighborhood, or you know anybody who was ever on the fringe, they went in, whether they paid a bill or cashed a check. We had celebrities from here to there. It’s amazing when I look at the old card file. In every walk of life there are a lot of interesting people and I won’t talk about them, but they made a lot of colorful nights that made your day go quick. It was always a warm feeling when people came in and they didn’t hate the store.

A lot of people misunderstand check cashing stores. You can’t just look at something now. You’ve got to take history into account. Back in the old days there were no banks around here. There was nothing here, and if there was a bank you needed $5,000 or $1,500 and they really didn’t want to deal with that type of population. They didn’t want the mother coming in with the two kids filling out all the forms. So check cashers arose to fill that need. We were the first ATM machines. Banks were 9 am-3 pm Monday through Friday, then say goodnight. There was no 24 hours. We filled the void that we would be open earlier and closed later. At the same time, there are a lot of people, whether they want to say it or not, living week to week with their paycheck. The majority of United States people owe a lot of money on credit. I think [all the banks around now] are a major write-off for them because you can’t have that many customers.

My father was killed during a holdup, working in his own store. That was 1972. So life changed at that point. I was 13. I don’t think my father wanted me to go into his line of work. He wanted me to be my own person. He used to say to me, ‘Jamie, I want to be known as Jamie’s father, versus you being known as Sidney’s son.‘ That was his biggest wish. School was very important. To get into a city school back then you needed an 85 average. There was no deviation from it. So I made sure I was in the 90s. It wasn’t a suggestion; it was a fact of life. You’re going to college.

Who knows, life would have been a little bit different. My mother suffered very badly from asthma and we were going to be going to Arizona at the time. That’s where the doctors recommended to go. We were ready to pick up and go. She was the one that stopped us. So that was it, we stayed around. Then my uncle passed away in 1988 and he offered the store to everybody else and nobody wanted it so I bought it from the rest of the family. I’ve been running it ever since then. The major thing is that when I walk in there it’s not a job. When I walk in there I see my grandmother, I see my grandfather. Cleaning out things, I come across handwriting. It’s a whole life in there and when I walk out and look at the neighborhood, it’s completely changed.

A job is one thing, but this is history. I cannot tell you how many people come in and say, ‘I was here when I was this big.’ They leave the neighborhood and come back and say, ‘You’re still here?’ I joke and say that they never gave me the key to get out. You see, there’s happiness. There’s a conversation. I know everybody, I know your name, I know your kids, I know if you’ve had an operation. There were a lot of colorful people, people that only wanted the money from their left hand. I couldn’t give it to you with my right hand.

We always charged less than other check cashers. I made a living, my kids were taken of and my wife was taken care of. I knew that there was a lot of hardship and if I could have helped, if I could put a dollar, or two or three or four in your pocket… so we always charged less. That was my way of giving back to the neighborhood. Unless you had been to another place, you didn’t know. So what happened was when I was closed for that one week people would come back and say, ‘Oh my God, I’m so glad you’re back!’ They would be shocked.

There’s a lot of hurt; you see it. When you work the window it’s worse. You hear the pain; you hear things; you see the aging. You’ve got kids just starting off and parents with two kids… if I can give you a happy meal. My accountant hates my guts. A lot of check cashers hate my guts because I make them look bad. They wouldn’t give me certain services unless I raise my rates. I tried to explain to people that they’re not charging you more, they’re not stealing from you, they’re charging you the legit rate that I could charge you, but I’m not. It put a smile on me.

So far nothing has been happening [getting back into the store]. I’m trying to get in. That’s the most important thing. I’m trying not to make waves, just trying to get inside. I just don’t understand why it’s taking so long. What happened was there was some construction being done [in the building] and a person put their foot through the ceiling. The person below them had enough and finally called the fire department and police department. Because of the condition of the place, the fire department looked, didn’t like what they saw, didn’t see any permits, and they went around the whole building. By the end of the day, it was everybody out — full vacate.

There’s hope because we know that there are people in the building [on the 4th floor]. So I don’t understand why they don’t let us back there. We were hoping for a resolution a little bit faster than it has. It was supposed to be a lot faster. It was a, ‘Ra ra, we’re going to get you guys in.’ I thought it was going to be one or two days, but then I saw that wasn’t happening. But I’m learning a little history. This is one building but it used to be two buildings. In the 1950s these were two separate buildings and they combined the two. So that’s why the other side is back in. They’re in a different structure.

A lot of people don’t see me now [in an armored truck across from the store]. I had to rent the truck. This was supposed to be a stopgap and next thing you know it’s becoming a way of life.

What’s upsetting is that no matter what happened, we were always open. If there was a blackout, we were open. During Hurricane Sandy and the blackout, we were open. People knew. They would come around the corner. People would come from the Bronx and Brooklyn. They had check cashers right underneath them, but they’d say, ‘You know what, you treated me like a person. I walked in, I was just going on recovery or something like that, you didn’t talk down to me, I’m your customer for life.’ They knew no matter what happened, there’s a light on. That’s what’s hurting me the most is that I’m not in there.

James Maher is a fine art and studio photographer based in the East Village. Find his website here.

NYPD searching for this East 6th Street robbery suspect

The NYPD has released a video of the suspect in connection with the robbery early Monday morning outside 405 East Sixth St. between Avenue A and First Avenue. (The Post originally reported the robbery taking place on Avenue A and East Ninth Street.)

The suspect reportedly used a knife to hold up a 35-year-old woman and take her purse and wallet with $300 in cash as well as her iPhone.

The video via CBS is a little on "The X-Files" side… and we'll try to get a version in which you don't have to watch a Papa John's commercial beforehand … Video updated via the NYPD...



Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online.

The last gas station in the East Village has closed

[Photo by @BennyPack]

The Mobil station on Avenue C and East Houston disappeared yesterday. This is a bit of a surprise because it had been previously reported that the station had a lease until some time next year ... when the property would yield to a new building.

Back in March, Hakimian Property filed plans (still waiting for approval) to erect a 9-story mixed-use building on the site. Plans call for 45 residential units and 4,550 square feet of commercial space.

The Times reported in October 2013 that construction would begin when Mobil's lease expires in two years — roughly toward the end of 2015.

The State briefly closed the station in June for nonpayment of taxes.

The BP station on Second Avenue and East First Street closed in early July.

Previously on EV Grieve:
How much longer will the East Village have gas stations?

The East Village will soon be down to 1 gas station

The Mobil on Avenue C is still going strong — for now

You have a little longer to get gas on Avenue C

Plans filed for new 9-story building at site of Mobil station on East Houston and Avenue C

RUMOR: Gas station going, boutique hotel coming on Second Avenue? (31 comments)

BP station on 2nd Avenue closes this month

State seizes Mobil station on Avenue C and Houston for nonpayment of taxes

Man new to area looking for a friend via flyers

‏@CuriousJLuis spotted this flyer yesterday on East Sixth Street near Avenue A.

Say hello to Charles.

According to the flyer:

"I'm sick and tired of this. I just want a friend.

No, not even that. Just someone who can tolerate me for 10 minutes."

I just moved into the area on 6th and A.

I'll be around the neighborhood, but I work a really demanding job as a consultant, so I won't always be available. Weekends work best if you put it on my calendar.

If you see me, please, just say hi."

We don't know if this is a gag of some kind … or a legitimate attempt to make some friends. (There isn't any contact info here.) Someone who looked like Charles was spotted hanging the flyer.

Brazilia Café now serving 'all things gourmet' on Broadway and Great Jones

Reps from Brazilia Café sent us some info on the new upscale food courty place from the folks who designed Eataly. From the EVG inbox...

Located at 684 Broadway (at the corner of Great Jones), Brazilia Café is a one-stop destination offering all things gourmet, from perfectly roasted coffees (sourced from their own coffee farm), to freshly squeezed juices and a smoothie bar for all of your beverage needs. They even offer beer, wine and champagne for those looking to take the edge off after a long day at work. Stop by the soups, salad and sandwich station, or satisfy your sweet tooth with one of the many flavors of Brazilia gelato or pastries.

Also!

Malcolm Stogo (CEO of Fal Foods USA — a subsidiary of Fal Holdings) and his very experienced management team carefully considered every element of the menu to make sure Brazilia delivers that “WOW” factor.

Stogo is behind the DF Mavens opening on St. Mark's Place and Second Avenue.

Gothamist had more details about Brazilia Café yesterday.

A moment with Youngman Kim outside the recently shuttered Kim's Video & Music

Tonight around 7, Bill the Libertarian Anarchist spotted Youngman Kim outside the recently shuttered Kim's Video & Music. The store's founder was there to drop off the keys to the broker.

A listing for the space at 124 First Ave. between East Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place had noted the following: "Ideal for Bank, 711, Starbucks, Cafe, Deli, Bakery ASKING $16,500 month Security 4 months Lease term 5 to 10 years." (That listing is no longer active.)

Meanwhile, Kim said tonight that he wants to start a new venture in the East Village. He opened his first video store on Avenue A in 1987. (Read more history of Kim's here.)

Previously on EV Grieve:
[Updated] A really bad sign outside Kim's Video & Music on First Avenue (31 comments)

More about the closure of Kim's: 'We are NOT closing because record stores are dying'

Listing for Kim's Video says space is 'ideal for Bank, 711, Starbucks'

Deeper discounts at Kim's as closing countdown continues

On the end of Kim's

Move Out Weekend casualties include 'The Albino Bowler,' big kinda weird couch

EVG contributor Derek Berg spotted some fine items on the curb today, such as "The Albino Bowler" painting on East Fifth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue...





Also on East Fifth Street between Second Avenue and Cooper Square...



Looks comfortable enough. But how did that fit through the door?

The Whitehouse Hostel on the Bowery is 'temporarily closing down'

[EVG file photo from June]

It looks like the end might finally be here for The Whitehouse Hotel, the hostel/flophouse combo on the Bowery, which has been on Deathwatch for years now.

A sign on the front door at 338-340 Bowery between Great Jones and Bond points out that the hotel is no longer accepting reservations after tomorrow... and that they are "'temporarily closing down" …



There's nothing on the hotel website indicating a closure (other than that when you go to book a room, there aren't any availabilities through next September).

A little recent history. The Commercial Observer reported in early May that hotelier Sam Chang had the property (officially called Bowery's Whitehouse Hotel and Hostel of New York) in contract to an unknown buyer for $12 million. (The owner's name hasn't hit public documents just yet.)

At that time, we noted that DOB records indicate new plans for a 9-floor hotel with a proposed 68 rooms. (Total cost of the project is listed at $5 million.) Michael Lisowski of Otte Architecture is the architect of record.

It's not clear if the Whitehouse would be demolished for the new hotel, or if new floors would be dropped on top of the existing structure.

According to the DOB, the city disapproved the hotel plans on June 10.

In 2011, the hostel spruced itself up to appeal to the backpacking set. (For $45, guests can stay in a tiny room where the walls don't go up to the ceiling.)

The days of the SRO on the Bowery are winding down, of course. The owner of the Sunshine Hotel recently announced plans to downsize and convert the second and third floors of the SRO at 241 Bowery into commercial lofts. Meanwhile, the Ace Hotel is taking over the former Salvation Army-owned building at 225 Bowery.

Previously on EV Grieve:
More tenant meetings for White House residents; plus the bed bugs will be exterminated

Another round of plans to convert the Whitehouse Hostel on the Bowery into a 9-floor hotel

Here is your new Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin-Robbins combo on East 14th Street

Hey, that new Dunkin' Donuts is now open at 542 E. 14th St. just west of Avenue B … and it is one of those combo operations with a Baskin-Robbins. (For those times when you feel like doughnuts and ice cream!)

Meanwhile, the Dunkin' Donuts a few storefronts away at 520 E. 14th St. has closed, as expected.



Be curious to see what awesome new business lands in the old DD space at No. 520. (Gino the tailor was rent hiked out of one of the three storefronts here back in the spring.) This will be prime real estate now that No. 520 is all that stands between the two incoming retail-residential buildings.

No. 542 was the former home of La Isla Restaurant, which closed in July 2012.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Dunkin' Donuts moving on East 14th Street

Here is your East 14th Street Dunkin' Donuts plywood

Brick by brick, Phebe's getting a new look on the Bowery

A crew spent the entire holiday weekend working on the renovations at Phebe's Tavern & Grill on the Bowery at East Fourth Street.

As we reported last week, Phebe's closed after business on Aug. 24 for — as they described it — "a little facelift."

That facelift includes a new brick look.



They are expected to reopen Friday at 5.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Phebe's closed 'for a little facelift' on the Bowery

Last night's moon

Photo by Grant Shaffer

Dancing in the street and inside Exile Professional Gym on 2nd Avenue

Just noting the new exterior at 27 Second Ave. (it was still behind plywood last time we looked) … the new home of Exile Professional Gym (EXPG for short) — billed as "the first and the only dance studio for Street Dance."

Per the EXPG website, they offer vocal and dance classes encompassing a wide variety of styles (hip hop, house, lock, among others).

EXPG officially opened yesterday. And here's a look inside via the EXPG website…



Previously on EV Grieve:
Second on Second sets farewell party

Claim: Second on Second closing this month on Second Avenue

'The first and the only dance studio for Street Dance' coming to 2nd Avenue

Coming and going on 3rd Avenue

OK, let's see … as noted back in July, a GNC is taking over the former East Hardware space at 79 Third Ave. The GNC sign arrived a few weeks ago. More recently, the signage went up next door at East 11th Street for Heavenly Market & Deli.

And in other NYU dorm storefront news … Citi Habitats moved out of 37 Third Ave. maybe at the end of June (don't think we ever noted it…) … the space remains on the market for an undisclosed sum. (The listing notes no bars or businesses to compete with its neighbors, like Subway and Saint's Alp Teahouse.) And next door at East Ninth Street, the brown paper now covers the gutted Birdbath Neighborhood Green Bakery space.

Moving Day aftermath

East Seventh Street at Avenue A last night via Dave on 7th.

Seemed as if people were moving in or out of practically every building around this past weekend…

Things we did last summer

[Photo in Tompkins Square Park by Edward Arrocha]

June

We said goodbye then welcomed back Gino the tailor ...


[Photo by Michael Paul]

We saw some rainbows...


[Photo by Rob and Mike]

We said goodbye to a new old friend...



We took far too many photos of clouds...



We took in some of the World Cup...


[Photo by Dave on 7th]

We saw the baby hawks grow right up before our eyes...


[Photo by Francois Portmann]

We watched a baby hawk rescue...


[Photo by Bobby Williams]

We watched the annual NYC Drag March...


[Photo by editrrix]

We just liked this photo...


[Photo Derek Berg]

July

We saw the July 4 fireworks again...


[Photo by James and Karla Murray]

We got to know a little about the life of Michael Brody...



We got new sidewalk decorations...



We had a cookout, with special guests the FDNY...


[Photo by Paul Kostabi]

We watched the baby hawks prepare their own meals in Tompkins Square Park...


[Photo by Derek Berg]

We celebrated 25 years of Paul's Da Burger Joint...


[Photo by Stacie Joy]

We braved the masses for Mahnattanhenge...


[Photo by James and Karla Murray]

We kept up with friends...



We were hot a few times...


[Photo by Bobby Williams]

August

We watched concerts in Tompkins Square Park...


[The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black by Stacie Joy]


We remembered Robin Williams...


[Photo by Michael Paul]

We sat in the Park for some movies...



We had a supermoon...


[Photo by Bobby Williams]

We took part in a rally/march for Michael Brown...


[Photo by jdx]

We shopped at Kim's one last time...



... and we'll be back at the usual spot next summer...

[Updated] Report: Early morning knifepoint robbery on Avenue A

A 35-year-old woman walking home from her shift at the Mini Thai Cafe was reportedly held up at knifepoint early this morning on Avenue A and East Ninth Street.

According to the Post:

The man whipped out a small knife and threatened her, cops said.

“Give me everything, or I’ll kill you!,” he said, according to police sources.

The woman struggled with the thief and got a cut on her arm in the scuffle, cops said.

The thief managed to swipe the victim’s Marc Jacobs purse with her Donna Karan wallet, $300 in cash and her iPhone, cops said.

There's not much of a description of the suspect via the Post, just — "6-feet-tall and in his 30s, fled on foot in a pair of blue jeans."

Updated 9-2
DNAinfo reports that the robbery took place outside 405 E. Sixth St., near First Avenue, about 5 a.m.