Anti-flu shot campaign extends to Avenue B

Spotted near Duane Reade on Avenue B and Second Street. Three defaced signs makes if an official trend. (See here.)

Thanks to EVG reader Noah Shannon for the photo!

Updating: Crime scene on 2nd Avenue and 7th Street

[Photo by Derek Berg]

There are multiple reader reports of a crime scene on Second Avenue at Seventh Street this evening. Several people have said that they've seen blood-soaked clothing on the sidewalk.

Will update when more information is available.

@evgrieve street is closed and there's blood everywhere. Not sure what happened. pic.twitter.com/4Svhwy1E7i

— EdenBrower (@edenbrower) November 4, 2016

Updated 7:04 p.m.

From a tipster:

"Some poor guy got stabbed in the neck."

The tipster said this happened on Second Avenue between St. Mark's Place and Seventh Street.

"Blood was everywhere. I didn't see the stabbing but walked by when he was on the stretcher Was so gross. The suspect fled wearing a green sweater."

Updated 7:31 p.m.

An officer at the scene said that the victim's wound was not life-threatening

Updated 11/7

The victim in the attack left several comments about the incident, which happened inside 129 Second Ave.:

I was stabbed twice in the neck and once in the back. My spine is fractured. All the positivity from total strangers is amazing and thank you for that. And btw I am not a crusty heroin addict. I don't do any drugs. I'm surprised it hasnt been easier to find pictures of the incident online. There were so many people hanging around taking videos/photos. The attack occured inside 129 in broad daylight and I have seen footage of the attackers. If anyone has any photos/videos during the event it would be a great help to the police and myself. There were two attackers one was on a black bike with a black jacket the other was in jeans, a green jacket, and black hat. After the attack they headed west on east 7th st. So far they are still on the streets.

And...

The police havent put out any information yet. There were two men. One was on a old black bycycle he was about 5' 9"-5'10", black ball cap, 'stocky build', african american, his face was more round, eyes slightly closer together than I would expect. I didnt notice any tattoos. Most of their bodies was covered. I hit him very hard on the left side of his face and he may have a cut or bruise near his ear or temple. The other guy was wearing a green jacket with a ball cap and jeans, he had a beard and bald head, he had darker skin than me. Could have been african american or maybe dominican, he was very large maybe 6'1"-6'3", muscular build. I have seen video of the attackers entering into the aparmtent building. Someone that lived in the apartment building actually let the men inside. I think he was trying to be friendly. That just shows if you dont know them or you havent seen them in your building dont let them threw the door.

[Updated] Reader report: Resident injured trying to rescue drone from 12th Street rooftop

Late this afternoon, the FDNY responded to a report of an injured person on the rooftop of the abandoned 535 E. 12th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.



Here's information pieced together from a resident on the block based on witness accounts...

A woman apparently created a rope made of sheets to lower herself from No. 531-33 to retrieve her drone on the rooftop below.

The sheet rope didn't hold, and she fell to the adjacent roof. One person on the scene said that she was unconscious but OK.



Another reader shared this photo ... showing a police officer holding the drone...



Updated 11/5

Gothamist has more details on the incident.

Last night, our correspondent first identified the victim as a man... an NYPD sergeant at the scene last night said the person was a woman. This morning, however, an NYPD spokesperson said that the person is a man.

The man, who is in his 50s, was taken to Bellevue Hospital.

Per Gothamist:

Due to the complexity of the fall, the FDNY and NYPD's ESU had to perform a high-angle rescue utilizing an FDNY tower ladder. The building where the victim fell, 535 East 12th, is an abandoned building and access was limited due to security measures taken to secure that building from squatters.

The drone, a Yuneec Typhoon Hexacopter, costs nearly $1,000, per Gothamist.

Updated 11/6

The Post reports today that the victim, identified as Cris Piedrahita, 55, remains in critical condition.

Report: Shaun Martin receives 20 years to life for death of East Village Farm and Grocery florist

Shaun Martin, who prosecutors said was drunk and high on PCP when he plowed his car going 90 MPH into East Village Farm and Grocery on Second Avenue on June 19, 2013, which led to the death of florist Mohammed Akkas Ali, was sentenced today to 20 years to life.

During a sentence hearing last month, Martin's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, tried to have the charges dismissed, arguing that his client was so intoxicated he couldn't be held accountable for murder by displaying a "depraved indifference to life," per the Daily News.

During the sentencing today, Martin, a 35-year-old Queens resident, "got little sympathy from Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Melissa Jackson as she sentenced him on charges including murder and aggravated vehicular homicide," as the Daily News reported.

Martin's excuses — that he was self medicating for psychiatric disorders and addicted to drugs — do not negate what he did, the judge said.

She said his family “did everything they could to help you every single time but you continued to use drugs."

Aidala said he'll file an appeal on Martin's behalf.

"It's a tragic day for many families," the lawyer said outside the courtroom. "Two lives were lost here — Mr. Ali and Mr. Martin."

Previously on EV Grieve:
[Updated] Car smashes into East Village Farm & Grocery on Second Avenue; 6 reported injured

Crowdsourcing campaign for injured East Village Farm and Grocery worker raises nearly $19,000

Report: Injured East Village Farm and Grocery florist has lost his memory, use of his voice

[Updated] RIP Akkas Ali

At Sugar Sketch, a new bakery on 2nd Street

Photos and interview by Stacie Joy

Sugar Sketch opened earlier this fall at 172 E. Second St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. I recently stopped by the bakery to speak with Martina Nardo, owner and cake designer.


[Owner Martina Nardo]

Where did the name Sugar Sketch come from?

Sugar Sketch started as a cake design shop. I launched the company in 2013, and I was only taking orders online. I would rent kitchens around the city to bake and assemble my cakes. Before it became Sugar Sketch, the name was Cakely Ever After, but it was never finalized with an LLC, so it never became an official name. Also, clients were having a lot of trouble spelling it, and I would miss many emails because of this.

I came up with the name Sugar Sketch with the help of one of my best friends, writer Richard Lopez. When thinking of a name, we focused on the process involved in making a decorated cake: after discussing a theme with my clients, I usually make two or three sketches, each with a different technique, to give my clients several options in pricing. Once the client approves a sketch, I make it into a cake. “Sugar Sketch” came from this concept.

You’ve been in business since 2013. What made you decide to open a storefront business in the East Village now?

Two years ago I started working at Pip’s Place as a cake decorator. Pip’s was a great gluten-free bakery on the Upper East Side with truly delicious gluten-free treats. After a few months working there, Denise [the owner of Pip’s Place] and I decided to join forces and offer fondant-decorated gluten-free cakes.

I moved my tools into her second location in Murray Hill and together we launched this new idea. Pip’s Place baked gluten-free cake layers, and Sugar Sketch decorated them. At the new studio, I would decorate by the window, which attracted a lot of attention from people walking by. Within six months, orders had increased drastically, and I realized the importance of having a store front.

In July 2015, Denise decided to leave the food industry behind to take on new adventures, and I decided to open a storefront on my own. Gluten-free baking is very different from regular baking, and I didn’t feel comfortable offering a product I hadn’t had a lot of experience with, and that’s why I switched back to my own recipes, which are not gluten free. However, we are now working on a few gf flavors to expand our menu, and we hope to be able to include them by next year. Of course, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who has Celiac disease, because Sugar Sketch is no longer certified gluten free.


[Counterperson and barista Bria Staley]

How has the process of opening a local small business been for you?

The past year has been incredible. It is without a doubt the hardest and most exciting project I have ever taken on, and although some days present challenges that seem too big to face, I am very proud of how I’m handling it all, and very excited about the future of Sugar Sketch.

This year has taught me a lot about myself; I believe it has been one of the most informative years of my life and I am looking forward to transforming and growing along with this business. Manhattan is definitely challenging — expenses are high, and New Yorkers are quite skeptical, but I am determined to make my way into their hearts! I truly believe that with consistency, determination, and very hard work anything can be accomplished.

This entire year wouldn’t have been possible without a strong team; I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them. And of course, none of this would be possible without the endless support of my mom — she’s been my biggest fan from day one, witnessing and supporting my various breakdowns as well as all the happy moments, and I am so very grateful to have her by my side.

Sugar Sketch is the result of eight long years of endless hours in the kitchen, various chefs screaming and throwing silverware around, and many, many burnt croissants and deflated macaroons. I think the most important thing is to keep moving forward, learning from my mistakes and, most important, being open to changing, adjusting, and aiming to be better than the day before. I try to do this not only with my product, but also with the business itself. Biggest lesson I learned is to never take things personally and never become too attached to any given structure. Things will change for the better, and it’s important to keep an open mind.

What has been the reaction so far from the neighborhood?

The East Village is the best neighborhood! I really couldn’t have found a better location. The entire block has been incredibly warm and friendly and welcoming me to the neighborhood with flowers, cards, messages, and balloons. It is the first time since I moved to the States 12 years ago that I feel like I am truly a part of a community, and it is magical. I feel safe here, and at home.

You were born and raised in Italy. How is NYC different than Rome when it comes to pastries? How is it similar?

The biggest difference I have found between NYC and Rome is the amount of sugar used in desserts. I don’t love really sweet desserts, and my goal when I first launched Sugar Sketch was to offer a product that wasn’t too sweet. I have been adjusting my recipes for years, and I am always moving forward and thinking of new ways to improve my desserts. I have received a lot of feedback the past few weeks on this, and I am very happy to hear people are noticing this difference and enjoying it.







The Sugar Sketch hours are:
Monday - Closed
Tuesday-Thurssday — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday — 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday — 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday — noon to 8 p.m.

Find Sugar Sketch on Instagram here

Video: An in-progress look at Tompkins Square Bagels, opening this month on 2nd Avenue

The Second Avenue location of Tompkins Square Bagels is inching toward completion... there have been a few delays at 184 Second Ave. between 11th Street and 12th Street (for instance, there was an electrical problem with the main line to the building).

In this video filmed the third week of October, owner Christopher Pugliese discusses what patrons can expect from this location and offers some details about the space.



As for the opening, he's looking at Nov. 14.

Video filmed by Shawn Chittle

Previously on EV Grieve:
A 2nd Tompkins Square Bagels confirmed for former Open Pantry space on 2nd Avenue

Tompkins Square Bagels makes it official on 2nd Avenue

The new Tompkins Square Bagels will arrive before the 2nd Avenue subway

'Merica dream fades as Zerza returns to 6th Street

After less than three weeks in business, 'Merica, described as "the most American bar and restaurant in the world," has apparently closed here on Sixth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue. (Thanks to EVG regular Creature for the tip.)

The red, white and blue awning now advertises Moroccan Mediterranean food... and the menu for the previous tenant, Zerza, has returned... (now La Zerza)...



It was a whirlwind month or so here. The well-liked Zerza closed in late September. Then came the Facebook page for 'Merica, co-founded by Radoune Eljaouhari, who ran Zerza, and Zach Neil, an owner of the Tim Burton-themed Beetle House a few doors away on Sixth Street as well as Stay Classy, the bar for Will Ferrell fans on Rivington Street.

As Patch reported:

Neil said he, a Christian, and Eljaouhari, a Muslim, bonded over making fun of "all things America." Especially during this election season, they find Americana to be exceptionally funny, Neil said.

"I mean it's just crazy that Donald Trump is running for president," he said.

Crazy, sure, but not really funny.


[Photo from last Friday]

The décor included rifles, NASCAR memorabilia ... as well as TVs showing episodes of the Chuck Norris vehicle "Walker, Texas Ranger." It was supposed to be a humorous, tongue-in-cheek homage to the "real America" ... there were advertised debate nights, where diners could discuss a variety of topics, humorous or otherwise, during this divisive election season. (There was a "House of Cards" trivia and dinner scheduled on Election Night.)

The menu, full of comfort foods with names like the Walmart, the Hog Beast and the Boo Boo Burger, included topical items such as the The T-Rump Mexican Burger and the Hillary Burger, "a 100-calorie lie" — a triple bacon cheeseburger topped with mac and cheese.

Despite some opening publicity (including a segment on "Good Day New York"), the dining room sat empty. (One direct neighbor claims that he never spotted one person inside, other than employees.)

Around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, an EVG reader says that she saw a worker taking the "Taste the Liberty" words off of the awning "using some kind hair drying or torch." Sounds pretty American.

Previously

Noted

An EVG reader shared a photo of this sign spotted on Avenue A and Second Street. It reads:

Beware!!!

There is a couple in the LES with and grey and white pit bull they're sicking on random victims.

The woman is about 5 feet tall with brown hair and the man is about 6'2" with a cloudy eye. These people are predators!!!

Be careful and call the police!!

A change in food vendors on 1st Avenue and 6th Street

Just noting the arrival this past weekend of a gyro-falafel cart on First Avenue at Sixth Street... this prompted several readers to ask what happened to the fruit-vegetable vendor who's usually here. I last saw him on Saturday afternoon...


[Photo not from Saturday afternoon]

Jimmy McMillan's ad for a German car-rental brand is suitably strange

Last time that we heard from East Village resident Jimmy McMillan, he was announcing his retirement from politics, specifically the Rent Is Too Damn High Party, under which he ran for mayor, governor and, for a moment, president.

Now, as Adweek reports, McMillan has sold his trademark to Sixt, a German car-rental giant for its first ad campaign in the United States.

Per Adweek: "It seems the two have the same budget-conscious message, and at least one of them is in on the joke."

Here's the ad, which includes roles for journalist Cenk Uygur of the Young Turks and Josh "The Fat Jew" Ostrovsky.



And I'm not sure about what came of the ongoing eviction battle over his rent-stabilized apartment of nearly 40 years on St. Mark's Place. I haven't seen him on that block since the summer. Perhaps he has been busy filming commercials.