2-plus minutes of Pandemic

Pandemic is one of the local bands on the regular circuit in Tompkins Square Park in recent months... EVG contributor Stacie Joy shared this clip from yesterday of the band, whose members are Luis Ayala, Papote Jimenez, Carlos Acevedo and Zoilapianista. 

The band plays every Tuesday and Sunday at 5 p.m. in Tompkins.

'Project Stun' at the F stop on 2nd Avenue

In case you haven't been by the Second Avenue F stop at Houston... FL00D and Stänzi have collaborated to create "Project Stun," described as "a hybrid street art and animated experience," on view (and digitally here) through September.

Via the EVG inbox:

Paying homage to local culture and creativity from decades past, "Project Stun" emits hope upon the streets of New York City. These words hold power — letter by letter, chaotic expression seeps through in philosophies of NYHC, iconic musical influences (Bad Brains, CBGB) and signature motifs from the creators' archives.

Native Bean wraps up 20 years on Avenue A

Text and photos by Stacie Joy

I sat down with Ali Aljerari, partner in the Native Bean at 36 Avenue A (previously located at 50 Avenue A) to talk about why, after more than 20 years, his cafe has closed as of this past weekend.

"The problem," Ali says, "is I cannot pay rent. The landlord is asking for rent and the city is charging the landlord real-estate taxes, which go up every year. I need to pay rent, of course, and we are receiving no help from the city or state. No one is getting assistance from the government. We cannot survive the elements and adversities now — it's too overwhelming. Too big. We navigated 9/11, we navigated storms and disasters. We are waiting…but there is no help. The government should give landlords tax breaks — that would help.

"There is hostility from the city to us, the small businesses," he continues. "We are just a source of revenue to them and we are subject to harsh treatment. Every time an investigator comes it's a couple thousand dollars. Agencies just write tickets and charges. Small businesses are the heart of the city but we have no voice. I wish the city were kinder." 

[Aljerjari with manager Mahammad Fofana]

I asked him how, if at all, the neighborhood — he’s also a long-term resident here — could help.

"The most beautiful people in the world are in the East Village. This neighborhood has the sweetness and beauty, it surpasses anything I had in my mind," he says. "People here are a treasure. I grew up in the neighborhood, and it made me who I am today. It is I who owes this neighborhood; they don’t owe me anything."

Ali doesn't rule out opening another business in the future, when COVID-19 subsides.

La Mia Pizza debuts on 4th Avenue

La Mia Pizza is now open here on Fourth Avenue between 12th Street and 13th Street for takeout, delivery and limited sidewalk seating ... as previously noted, this is an outpost of La Mia Pizza on First Avenue in Yorkville.

Check out their menu, which includes calzones, salads and wings, right here.

Pie by the Pound closed here in July 2019 after 17 years in business. A regular told us at the time that the lease was up, and the owner wanted to pursue other opportunities.

The Dolar Shop bringing hot pot to 3rd Avenue and 11th Street

The Dolar Shop, a global hot pot chain with 50-plus locations, is opening an outpost on the southeast coast of Third Avenue and 11th Street... this will be the second NYC location for the Dolar Shop, joining the one out in Flushing.

This space was previously Wagamama, the London-based chain serving Japanese-inspired cuisine. Wagamama lasted 18 months before fizzling out in April 2019.

Thanks to Vinny & O for the photo and tip!

Closings: Brazen Fox, the Nugget Spot, Hu Kitchen, Mancora and Apna Masala

• Brazen Fox, 106 Third Ave. at 13th St.

The two-level bar-restaurant abruptly shuttered last week. They had been open for takeout and curbside service. A rep confirmed the closure.

This outpost of the  White Plains-based Brazen Fox opened in the fall of 2013.

• The Nugget Spot, 230 E. 14th St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.

Ownership recently announced a closure, though they did leave the door open for a return in an Instagram message:

"It's with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of our 14th Street location. For 7 years we called this home, making friends from all over the world that share the same love for NUGS. We're not throwing in the towel just yet, but in order for us to return in the future we have to take these necessary actions now. "

The Nugget spot, which opened here in October 2013, had been in service for takeout and delivery for part of the summer.

• Hu Kitchen, 78 Fifth Ave. between 13th Street and 14th Street.

A for-rent sign now hangs in the front window of the quick-serve, health-focused restaurant that served made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes and well as fresh-pressed juices and other grocery items. (H/T ADJG!) This location opened in October 2012. Their online operation is still in business.

• Mancora and Apna Masala, 97 First Ave. at Sixth Street.

Mancora, which served Peruvian cuisine, moved here from across Sixth Street in June 2017. Both Mancora and Apna, which shared part of the space, have been closed since the March PAUSE. OpenTable list both restaurants as closed.

And a reader recently spotted what was believed to be equipment from Mancora discarded on Avenue A and Sixth Street...

Week in Grieview

[Yesterday in Tompkins Square Park via Derek Berg] 

Posts this past week included...

• Jules Bistro will not be reopening on St. Mark's Place (Thursday) 

• After 46 years, the Ukrainian Sports Club has left the East Village (Wednesday) 

• Final public hearing on a larger 3 St. Mark's Place coming soon (Tuesday) 

• Farewells: Funny Face Bakery has outgrown its East Village space (Monday) 

• Funny fundraising business for the Sixth Street Community Center (Tuesday) 

• The original Coyote Ugly outpost closes; new location expected on 14th Street (Tuesday) Is this the news CU home? (Wednesday) 

• Pop's Eat-Rite debuts on St. Mark's Place (Wednesday) 

• These local streets will now be open during the week for dining (Thursday) 

• College Food Pantry now being offered at the Trinity Lower East Side Lutheran Parish (Wednesday)

• St. Brigid is hosting a flea market on Saturdays (Saturday) 

• This week's NY See panel (Thursday) 

• Baby Kong arrives at the 6th Street and Avenue B Community Garden (Friday) 

• The Merchant’s House Museum reopen to visitors (Friday) 

• Construction watch: 24 1st Ave./101 2nd St. (Friday) 

• Got milk? (Wednesday) 

• Reaching the top at Zero Irving (Tuesday) 

• Saramsam is a new Filipino restaurant from Ravi DeRossi on 7th Street (Monday) 

• Say a prayer! Today's special guest at the Tompkins Square Park dog run (Monday) 

• Has Spiegel closed? (Friday) 

• Another day, another discarded microwave with a note (Tuesday) 

• Jewels is the new tenant for the former Ben & Jerry's space on St. Mark's Place (Wedensday)

• Elsewhere in NYC: Pearl Diner reopens for curbside dining (Friday) 

• It's full, wrapped in plastic: A Big Belly on B needs emptied out (Monday) 

• Report: Cloister Cafe granted temporary restraining order to reopen (Monday)

... and we're officially on Pumpkin Watch... as seen at Westside Market on Third Avenue at 12th Street...

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Follow EVG on Instragram or Twitter for more frequent updates and pics.

Thank you

Seen on the Bowery ... between First Street and Houston... art via @winstontseng

Saturday's parting shot

Reader photo from Sixth Street at Second Avenue ... added door signage: "Fuck you, wear a mask."

Last night in Tompkins Square Park

There were reports of a pretty raucous party last night in Tompkins Square Park ... someone described it as a "rave" (with glowsticks and White Claw!). 

We're told that it was an NYU party, complete with a DJ and a crowd here past 1 a.m. We're also told that it was "a prom for those who couldn't have a prom earlier. And there was someone's birthday too..." while others said they were protesting. Something.

Given the noise, duration (four-plus hours), alcohol and lack of social distancing, observers were surprised the NYPD didn't break up the bash. And they were on patrol nearby guarding the Samuel S. Cox statue this whole time.

EVG contributor Stacie Joy was walking through the Park and took this video...

'May she remind you to keep going'

As seen this morning on Avenue A at 13th Street. 

Art by Capt. Eyeliner, who left several of these in the neighborhood. Per the Capt.'s Instagram: "May she remind you to keep going."

12th Street hosting a voter registration drive this weekend

The East 12th Street Block Association, in conjunction with the community gardens between Avenue A and Avenue B and the East Village Vintage Collective, is hosting a voter registration drive this weekend (Saturday and Sunday!) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be two locations for registrations on each side of the street (one is to be in front of the El Sol Brillante community garden).

Per the invite: "As this is such a crucial election, we must do all we can to ensure people are registered and VOTE."

The East Village Vintage Collective, pictured above, is at 545 E. 12th St. between A and B.

St. Brigid is now hosting a flea market on Saturdays

The St. Brigid-St. Emeric parish is now hosting a flea market on the first and third Saturdays of the month (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)... starting today... This had been in the works for earlier this year, but the start date was pushed back for obvious reasons. The entrance to the (former) St. Brigid schoolyard is on Avenue B between Seventh Street and Eighth Street.

In February 2019, the Archdiocese of New York announced that St. Brigid School would cease operations at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year, a move that blindsided students, parents and faculty alike. 

Founded in 1856, the Saint Brigid School was one of seven city Catholic schools marked for closure by the Archdiocese. 

To date, the Archdiocese has not stated its plans for the space. Mary Help of Christians hosted a weekend flea market before the property was sold for what became Steiner East Village.

Report: Father-son bandits busted for alleged ATM heists

 

The NYPD reportedly arrested Brooklyn residents James Allen, 72, and his 45-year-old son, Ed Allen, early Wednesday morning after allegedly taking an ATM on Clinton near Rivington. They were eventually caught in a stolen van on 52nd Street after a chase.

Police believe they may be behind a spate of ATM thefts of late, including one from outside Yankee Deli on Avenue C at 11th Street on Aug. 14. In this case, surveillance video shows a van pulling the ATM from the storefront, which was said to cause $10,000 in damage to the deli.

According to the Post, the senior Allen has 11 prior arrests while Ed has 53 prior arrests. Previous charges for both include assault and grand larceny.

Photo from Aug. 14 by Vinny & O

'Nonsense' you say!

Osees have a new record out today. John Dwyer’s band — you may know them as Oh Sees and Thee Oh Sees and a few others — remains incredibly prolific and ass-kicking. 

From that new record, here's the 94 seconds of "Dreary Nonsense."

Baby Kong arrives at the 6th Street and Avenue B Community Garden

Thanks to a Good Stuffed Animal Samaritan, there's now a Baby Kong in the Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden

Back in February we had the story about how Kong, the stuffed animal that longtime East Village resident Nefertiti Jones had as a child, ended up in the Community Garden. (Link to the story is below.) 

Unfortunately, Kong went missing earlier this month. As Jones wrote in an Instagram post, "I am heartbroken my beloved Kong was stolen ... Kong who was loved by so many people and had become a permanent fixture on Avenue B was taken a few days ago. If you have seen him please bring him back."

Now though, someone placed a Baby Kong in the spot with a note...

The note reads in part: "I offer hope and health to all who care for me. Hopefully, mommy and daddy Kong come back to visit. If not, I am here to carry their legacy!"

H/T Briar and the 6th & B team!

Previously on EV Grieve: 

King Kong lives: How a favorite stuffed animal from childhood became part of a community garden

The Merchant’s House Museum reopen to visitors on Saturday (tomorrow!)

 

The Merchant's House on Fourth Street reopens to visitors — by appointment only — tomorrow (Sept. 19!).

This will be the first time that visitor have been allowed inside the landmarked building since mid-March. For now, the four-floor house will only be available for guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tour capacity is limited to five guests from the same household group/bubble/etc. Check out this link for more details.

 

The Merchant’s House, between the Bowery and Lafayette, is the only 19-century family home in New York City preserved intact on the inside and out. 

More history: "Built in 1832 and home to a prosperous merchant family, the Tredwells, and their Irish servants for almost 100 years, it remains complete with the family’s original furnishings, household objects, clothing, and personal memorabilia."

Construction watch: 24 1st Ave./101 2nd St.

Nearly seven have months have passed since we checked in on the 101 Condominium, Rybeck Development's condoplex on First Avenue and Second Street.

There has been a lot of progress — despite the work stoppage during the COVID-19 PAUSE. The 7-story, 23-unit residential building, looks to have reached the top, as this Second Street view shows...

The work includes Saturdays, which has annoyed some neighbors. This past Saturday, a nearby resident wrote in to say: "They are using concrete pumps on diesel engine trucks — the engine never turns off and gets very loud during the pumping process — plus foghorns and car horns to communicate."

All this, the neighbor says, is at odds with the After Hour Variance Permits that notes "no loud noises or disturbances."

Calls to the DOB and 311 have not yielded any results about the Saturday disturbances.

"I don't want construction stopped, mainly because I know it will never happen," said the resident. "But the Saturday noise after a whole week of it is just annoying."

As for what's to come, the studios are starting at $895,000. The listed amenities include a full-time doorman, fitness center, lounge area, grill & wet bar and an "immaculate indoor/outdoor park."

Two addresses — 24 First Ave. and its property mate 99-101 E. Second St. — were demolished to make room for the 101.

No. 24 's previous occupants included the cabaret Lucky Cheng's (1993-2012) and Club Baths, the first openly gay-owned bathhouse (1971-1983)... and Cave Canem and La Nouvelle Justine in between.

Previously on EV Grieve:
• Building that housed Lucky Cheng's on 1st Avenue now on the auction block

• Onetime home of Lucky Cheng's and adjacent property sell for $12 million

• 7-story residential building pending at the former Lucky Cheng's space

• Demolition permits filed to bring down former Lucky Cheng's building on 1st Avenue

• The 411 on the 101 Condominium

Has Spiegel closed?

 

A lot of readers have asked about the status of Spiegel, the corner cafe at 26 First Ave. and Second Street.

The space was serving takeout and delivery for part of the summer before going dark in early August. While there hasn't been an official notice about a closure on any fronts, the Spiegel phone is no longer in service. 

Workers were also spotted removing the signage on Sept. 9...

 

Owner Shmulik Avital opened Spiegel in March 2014.

And Spiegel is just one of a handful of local bars-restaurants that have remained dark in recent weeks-months, prompting questions whether the businesses will ever return.

Elsewhere in NYC: Pearl Diner reopens for curbside dining

Going outside the usual coverage zone for some positive restaurant news: EVG favorite Pearl Diner is now open for curbside dining as well as takeout and delivery.

The diner at 212 Pearl St. reopened this past weekend for the first time since mid-March, as the Downtown Alliance Blog reports. (And thank you for letting me know!)

An adjusted menu of basic, diner-style classics, as well as the restaurant’s well-loved breakfast menu, is now available for in-person service as well as delivery via apps like GrubHub and Seamless.

The Saturday reopening was a joyous occasion for longtime fans and newcomers alike. "They were all regular customers that showed up," [owner Alex] Pritsos said. “"We also had one or two tourists from Italy. Apparently one of the hotels nearby is now hosting some Italian tourists."

If you happen to be down in the Financial District, the Pearl is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m to 4 p.m., and until 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Pearl had been on the endangered list. In December 2018, reports surfaced that a a new 21-story would rise here. However, the building permits were never approved by the city (as of January 2019).

The Pearl opened in 1962, and is one of the last standalone diners in Manhattan. As Nick at Scouting NY said about the Pearl's neon sign: "at night, [it] makes New York City look like New York City."


[Photo from 2010 by James & Karla Murray]