Friday, January 3, 2020

2020 development watch: 75 1st Ave.



If all goes as planned, then the condoplex at 75 First Ave. should be complete this summer. (The completion date on the plywood rendering is listed at summer 2020.)

Work appears to be up to the seventh floor of what will be an 8-story, 22-unit residential building next to the Rite Aid between Fourth Street and Fifth Street.



... and here are two bonus bendy thing pics from Dec. 26 via Goggla...





The ground breaking was way back in September 2016.

Previously on EV Grieve:
2020 vision: New completion set for Rite Aid-adjacent condoplex on 1st Avenue

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Police looking for this suspect from 2nd Street break-in



The NYPD is seeking help in identifying the above suspect in connection to a burglary in the 9th Precinct.

Here's the info via the NYPD release:

On Saturday, Dec. 28 at approximately 1 a.m. the suspect entered an apartment building on East 2nd Street through the apartment's front door. Once inside, the individual removed the victim's wallet, which contained $200 in cash and multiple credit cards. The individual is described as the following: Male, mid 20s to late 30s.

Police say the suspect forced his way inside the apartment. The victim was reportedly a 24-year-old woman. It was unknown if she was home at the time of the incident, police said.

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.

Today in free plants



Someone is giving away free plants this morning in Tompkins Square Park... on the ping-pong table for now...



Photos by Derek Berg...

Leslie Feinberg on why Prohibition Bakery closed after 8 years on the Lower East Side



Text and photos by Stacie Joy

Prohibition Bakery, best-known for its variety of boozy mini cupcakes and desserts, shut down its operations on Christmas Day.

Leslie Feinberg, owner of the the bakery at 188 Suffolk St. just south of Houston Street, says she wrestled with the decision to close for about six months before deciding it was finally time.

The eight-year-old bakery business was most recently housed in the basement of Subject bar, which Feinberg co-owns. Feinberg talked with me about the history of the bakery, the challenges facing a small-business owner in NYC and her plans for the future.

Can you speak a bit about the history of Prohibition Bakery?

Prohibition Bakery was born during the recession, out of a combination of boredom, career frustration and wine. My former partner (a chef) and I met on a birthright trip. After realizing that we shared similarly wonky schedules — I was bartending and book editing at the time — we started spending a lot of time together, working through our 20-something angst, and exploring the growing dessert scene in New York.

We really were in the right place at the right time, as the city was just at the peak of the bell curve of the cupcake craze, and no one had really explored the idea of boozy baking beyond bourbon pecan pies and rum cakes.

We started out at the Hester Street Fair, and then quickly moved to a shop on Clinton Street, where the bakery resided for five years. The bakery’s lease ran out around the same time that my friend Matt Rush, the original owner of Subject, passed away from cancer.

His mom approached my partner in the bar, Brian Grummert, and I about buying the place. She really wanted Subject to go to someone who would respect Matt’s vision and legacy, which has been very important to us.

By this point I was running the bakery alone, and felt like it was time for a change. So rather than re-up my lease on Clinton Street, I decided to move everything over to the basement kitchen of Subject, and focus on catering and delivery.

It was, frankly, chaotic as hell. For the first few months, the bakery was still on Clinton Street, so I spent my days literally running back and forth between the two. But when all was said and done, it worked.



Why did you decide to close the business?

The decision to close the business wasn’t an easy one, but it was the right one. By most measures, we were wildly successful: eight years thriving in the difficult culinary climate of NYC, a cookbook, and awards and recognition from prestigious organizations.

Ultimately it had become an enormous drain of time and energy, and frankly had stopped bringing me any real happiness. I started the business because I wanted to do weird, creative stuff, bring people joy, and expand my culinary skills, but by the end it felt like the fun and weird stuff was falling on deaf ears, and that the dessert scene was moving in a direction that I wasn’t interested in.

I never wanted to be a trend-watcher, but that was what I felt was starting to happen, and that’s when I began considering closing our doors.

There was the great cupcake frenzy a few years back. Was there any backlash to that cupcake-crazed time?

I wouldn’t say there was a backlash from the cupcake craze; if anything, I credit finding a unique twist on a trendy product with our ability to grow and find success so quickly — we went from conception to storefront in a year. There was definitely some condescension from people in the food world, “Oh, cupcakes, how...cute,” but that was kind of to be expected, and never really bothered me.

What are some of the challenges of running a small business in NYC?

Running a business in NYC is, honestly, almost nothing but challenges. That can be extremely fun and exciting, but also be frustrating. Between all the regulations and licensing, which are far from transparent and seem almost designed to screw you up, rising rents, a complete lack of protections for small-business owners, and the insane level of competition, it can be exhausting.

Combine that with being in one of the culinary centers of the world, though there are many who would argue that title is fading, and you can really start to feel like an ant under a magnifying glass.

What was your favorite part of running the bakery?

One of my favorite parts of running the bakery was falling in love with the East Village and Lower East Side, and getting to really feel like a part of it. One of my former bakers, whom I still consider a friend, used to call me the People’s Monarch of the LES. I don’t think I’ve remotely earned the title, but am honored by it, nonetheless.

What are your plans now and what’s next for you?

Now my plan is to focus on the bar, and trying to spend more time enjoying my life and the people in it. I plan to keep baking professionally, but more custom and bespoke projects, which are my favorite, and will allow me more time to have a life. I’m getting married in May, so I guess I should probably start planning that!

'Since 2020' — Gorin Ramen debuts on 14th Street



Gorin Ramen opens today (Jan. 2!) over at 351 E. 14th St. at First Avenue... the rather cheeky signage notes "Since 2020" ...



No sign of a menu yet online ... the restaurant has an account on Instagram and Facebook, though they have yet to post anything.

This space previously housed Kambi Ramen House, which closed in July 2018 after 10 years in service. The Kambi family also operates the popular Minca Ramen Factory on Fifth Street near Avenue B.

H/T Pinch!

Where are they now? Hells Angels edition


[Photo of 77 E. 3rd St. from Tuesday]

The Hells Angels, who left the East Village after nearly 50 years last March, have a new home in the Bronx.

According to NY1, the club resurfaced in Throggs Neck, a neighborhood in the southeastern portion of the Bronx.

Per NY1:

“Besides the noise that we’re going to receive now, how about property value? It has to go down. It’s a gang. Who would want to buy around here knowing that you’re going to move right next to a motorcycle gang,” said Alejandro Caban.

But some are giving them the benefit of the doubt.

“At first I was a little worried about it, but then I felt good that we’ll have a presence. Maybe it will keep some of the bad people away. Recently, we had people try to get into cars. Maybe these guys will make them think twice,” said Tony Rugnetta. He lives just a few doors down from the new clubhouse.

Meanwhile, back in the East Village, renovations continue at 77 E. Third St., their former clubhouse here between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

As previously reported, workers are converting No. 77 into 22 one- and two-bedroom units with an expected price point of $3,500 a month following a $2 million renovation. There was also a report that the ground floor will house two retail spaces.

The 6-story building is now owned by Better Living Properties.

The last of the members moved out last March. The Hells Angels had No. 77 in their possession since 1969.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Photo exclusive: Take a look inside the former Hells Angels clubhouse on 3rd Street

After 50 years on the block, the Hells Angels appear to be selling their 3rd Street clubhouse

The Hells Angels have left the East Village

RIP Kitty at the former Grassroots Tavern


[Photo by Steven]

Kitty, a regular of the former Grassroots Tavern at 20 St. Mark’s Place, recently died. Someone created a memorial in his honor outside the space ... which still sits empty after the Grassroots closed after service on New Year’s Eve 2017...


[NYE 2017 photo by Peter Brownscombe]

As noted many times before, No. 20, known as the Daniel LeRoy House, was built in 1832 here between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. (It received landmark status in 1971, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.)

Past lives of this subterranean space — via Daytonian in Manhattan — include a theater-saloon called Paul Falk's Tivoli Garden in the 1870s... in the 1930s, the Hungarian Cafe and Restaurant resided here before becoming a temperance saloon called the Growler.

Who's next? We don't know. For nearly 18 months Bob Precious had tried to open a bar-pub here, but those plans never materialized.

Applicants for Ichibantei have been on the CB3-SLA agenda dating to November 2018 for a liquor license for a new restaurant in the former Sounds storefront upstairs. There was speculation that they were also taking the GR space. Ichibantei was once again on the January CB3-SLA agenda, but scratched.

In any event, this is a retail space to watch in the New Year.

Previously on EV Grieve:
New owner lined up for the Grassroots Tavern on St. Mark's Place

20 St. Mark's Place, home of the Grassroots Tavern, has been sold

Last call at the Grassroots Tavern

Behold these murals uncovered behind the bar at the former Grassroots Tavern on St. Mark's Place

Mi Tea currently closed for renovations on St. Mark's Place



The Mi Tea location on 19-23 St. Mark's Place has been dark in recent days.

Someone told us the sign basically says "closed for renovations" ...



Mi Tea opened here between Second Avenue and Third Avenue in October 2018. This was the fifth U.S. branch (there's one in Flushing) for the Hangzhou, China-based chain with 1,000 locations worldwide. Their speciality: Himalayan pink salted cheese tea drinks.

No word on when or if they will reopen. There's a lot of bubble tea competition in the area.

The space is also adjacent to St. Mark's Market, which closed back in the fall. These businesses have been under the doom and gloom of a sidewalk bridge for two to three years now.

Thanks to EVG Bubble Tea District Correspondent Steven for the photos!

Previously on EV Grieve:
More bubble tea for the Bubble Tea District (aka St. Mark's Place)

A 2020 look at 24 2nd Ave., now with a high-end Mathieu Lehanneur showroom



From the posts-we-never-got-around-to-posting-in-2019 department, here's, perhaps, a last look at 24 Second Ave. (aka 32 E. First St.), the 10-story condoplex with ground-floor retail on site of a former BP gas station.

We've been documenting the building's progress these past four-plus years. As previously reported, the building features 30 condos. The building's website — "meticulous meets magnificence" — lists five units available for purchase, with prices ranging from $1.375 million to $3.625 million.

The marketing materials note that the residences were "inspired by a modern interpretation of Italian rationalist design, the living spaces are designed with sleek detailing and rich character with each corner and angle offering up a visual experience."

Also, that ballerina mural via French artist JR that went up on an adjacent building in December 2015 remains in view for the building's outdoor space. (Some units also have ballerina views.)


[Photo from December 2015]



Meanwhile, signage for the Mathieu Lehanneur showroom arrived in early November ... it took multiple requests to several sources at the address to learn whether this was a full-time endeavor or merely a pop-up shop for the designer. (Apparently full time, though the showroom is by appointment only.)

These photos are from early November...





... and a view of the building from First Street from the same time...



The BP station closed in July 2014. This was the second-to-last gas station in the East Village, joined later by the Mobil station on Avenue C and East Houston in September 2014.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The 2nd Avenue BP station has closed

Permits filed to demolish former 2nd Avenue BP station

More about the 10-story building taking the place of the former BP station at 24 2nd Ave.

Check out the new 10-story building for the former 2nd Avenue BP station

A ballerina for 2nd Avenue

2nd Avenue residential complex now complete with renderings on the plywood

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

gathering days



gathering days

as i pass by the kitchen
my eyes take me to the numbers
on the calendar hanging upon the wall
where all can see clearly each day
a number each month a name
expressed in silence

yes with my pretty picture
here i am make the best of me
i never speed i never slow
never telling where to go
each year another slowly arrives
to hang upon your wall survive

when young one day barely moves
so eager to push time aside
as days gather unexpectedly
days now pass of their own accord
soon months pass like weeks then
didn’t i replace this calendar a month ago

what's that a new decade
what happened to the last one

peter radley