The Lo-Down Magazine: December 2014

LO-DOWN

THE

DEC. 2014/ JAN. 2015

News from the Lower East Side

www.thelodownny.com

Shopping & Services

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All information is from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, prior sale or withdrawal without notice. No representation is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate and all information should be confirmed by customer. All rights to content, photographs and graphics reserved to Broker.

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THE

LO-DOWN December 2014/ January 2015

in this issue

letter from the Editor: In the window of Lea’s Dress Shop on Orchard

Street late last month, a sign went up declaring, “Store is closing. Everything must be sold.” Like so many other longtime family businesses on the Lower East Side, the 45-year-old retailer gave in to rising rents and declining sales. The old bargain district, no doubt, is rapidly fading into history. In preparing our annual Best of the Lower East Side issue, we definitely saw evidence of dramatic change on the shopping front. But we also saw firsthand proof that many longtime businesses have plenty of fight left.

Not only are many of them adapting to the times to meet the needs of new shoppers, but a lot of new independent entrepreneurs are carving out their own niches in the neighborhood. This issue is a celebration of both the old and the new retailers making a strong impression on the LES. All of us want to see authentic local businesses thrive. Heading into the holiday shopping season, we as a community can help them do just that by buying local as much as possible. As we close out another year, Traven and I would like to thank our readers for engaging with us through the magazine and online. We also want to thank our sponsors, who help sustain our community news organization. Happy holidays from The Lo-Down.

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Cover Story

Best of the Lower East Side: Shopping & Services

18 New Arrivals

The Sill, Flow Life, Foley Gallery

20 Calendar/Feat ured Events Open Pole at New Museum, Joey Arias at Abrons, Manny Cantor Art School

22 Neighborhood News

Essex Crossing update, New Orchard Street tower, East River Park wetland

24 The Lo-Dine

El Sombrero, wd-50, Meow Parlour

Best of the L.E.S. Cover Design by Kim Sillen

Ed Litvak

*

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Be

of t

Lower Ea The Dressing Room (left) and By Robert James (right) are two of our top shopping picks in 2014.

T

here’s not much left of the Lower East Side’s old bargain district, but the neighborhood’s always-transforming shopping scene remains varied and intriguing. One-hundred-year-old linen shops, cutting-edge boutiques, Bowery lighting stores and hip streetwear brands are all part of a quirky retail mix you won’t find anywhere else. This month, in our second annual Best of the Lower East Side Awards, we celebrate both the old and the new. In the past few weeks, many of you participated in our online survey, choosing your favorite shops and services. Your answers helped guide our selections in a dozen categories. Just like last year, when we focused on restaurants, our boundaries were East Houston Street on the 66

December 2014 | January 2015 www.thelodownny.com

SHOPPING & north, Bowery on the west and the East River on the east and south. This guide is a reflection of our economically diverse community. Everyone, of course, loves a bargain. And we’re all concerned about holding on to our authentic, long-established small businesses. But at the same time, our survey showed a real appreciation for new, independent retailers making their mark on the Lower East Side.

This guide is a celebration of both oldschool staying power and new-school innovation in a neighborhood that has not yet succumbed to the big national retail chains.

Support LES BusinessES— Shop Local for the Holidays!

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& SERVICES SHOPPING Women’s Clothing Best Women’s Boutique Dressing Room 75A Orchard St.

thedressingroomnyc.com

boutique highlighting clothing from local designers combined with a cocktail bar. Drinking and shopping—an idea that seems like a good concept anywhere—was particularly well suited to the nightlife-centric Lower East Side scene.

Upstairs, up-and-coming fashion designers are featured, while downstairs Adame operates a vintage and secondhand clothing exchange.

Prices are reasonable. Our shopping maven, Jessica Delfino, once picked up a gently worn hat at the DressingRoom for $12. Best of all, the place is an inviting, community-oriented spot that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The bar even features a drink called “The Waiting Boyfriend.”

Best Vintage Boutique Edith Machinist

104 Rivington St. edithmachinist. com

Seven years ago, co-owner Alexandra Adame dreamed up an interesting hybrid concept: a

Since 2002, this little shop has been carrying highend designer labels, inThe Lo-Down | TheLoDownNY.com www.thelodownny.com

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cluding beautiful silk dresses, and a smart collection of shoes and handbags. It’s a well-organized boutique with attentive service.

Best Rock ’n’ Roll Refuge Grit N Glory 186 Orchard St.

gritnglory.myshopify.com

MEN’s Clothing Best Men’s Boutique

By Robert James 74 Orchard St.

byrobertjames.coM

A lot is going on at Grit N Glory. There’s a tattoo parlor, a home furnishings section and a coffee bar.

But at its heart, this sprawling lifestyle shop is a go-to destination for tapping into your inner Aerosmith identity. The friendly owners, Emily Conley and Veronica Cano, carry a great line of dresses, T-shirts and tank tops. Best of all, nothing in the store will break the bank.

Best Bargains Rainbow Apparel 110 Delancey St.

rainbowshops.com

Designer Robert James is an undeniable Lower East Side success story.

After opening a tiny storefront and studio on Orchard Street in 2008,​ he has expanded twice, establishing one of the largest shops in the neighborhood in a twostory space. The designer of classic American clothing has also opened stores in Brooklyn. His finely tailored suits, shirts and pants are popular among musicians and actors, including film star Jonah Hill. Items in James’ store are not cheap but they are very well made—and sure to last years longer.

Best Streetwear Shop Reed Space

151 Orchard St. thereedspace.com

It’s a chain with stores in 37 states, but there’s no denying this discount destination is an indispensable shopping option on the Lower East Side. You can pick up a dress here for $20 or less. The store offers junior, kids’, and plus size clothes, as well as footwear. The deals are so good most people don’t even mind almost nonexistent service.

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December 2014 | January 2015 www.thelodownny.com

In the last couple of years, urban streetwear boutiques such as Only NY, Ethik, Extra Butter and Colfax & Bale have popped up across the neighborhood. But the trailblazers were ALife on

Rivington Street and Reed Space, two brands that helped bring “street culture” into mainstream retail. Since opening Reed Space on Orchard Street in 2003, Jeff Ng’s Staple Design company has become a major player in urban fashion. Recently, he inked a big national expansion deal with PacSun. Reed Space carries Ng’s own line of clothing, plus a carefully curated selection of shoes, accessories and tees from other designers and brands.

Best Leather Shop The Cast

71 Orchard St. thecast.com

The Cast is the place to go for custom-made leather jackets and other punkinspired duds. The tiny Orchard Street shop packs a big punch. Owners Chuck Guarino and Elisa Maldonado call the store a “rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle brand.” A fixture in the neighborhood since 2004, Guarino moved from an underground Ludlow Street studio. He and Maldonado occasionally stage streetside rock concerts.

Best Bargains

Michelle Zimmerman opened her Delicate Raymond Jewelry Bar in 2012. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, she offers a highly popular "vintage-inspired” monogram collection, subversive charms and an eclectic line of bracelets, rings and necklaces that often mix semi-precious stones with locally sourced gold and silver. The store also regularly stocks a large collection of $5 vintage ’70s and ’80s jewelry.

Best New Jewelry Store Yaf Sparkle 158 Orchard St.

yafsparklecom

Two years after opening a retail location on the Lower East Side, Yaf Boyle-Flaeger is making her mark with an in-house line of rings and bracelets, as well as a diverse selection of handmade baubles from other designers. The store has something for everyone. A couple of years ago, two German tourists were so inspired on their trip to the shop that they got engaged right on the spot!

Richies Clothing 122 Delancey St.

For 25 years, Richies has offered Lower East Siders great discounts on shoes, jeans, jackets and accessories. The store stocks name brands like Nike and North Face, along with some “offlabel” lines. There’s a whole section for close-out items at unbeatable prices.

Jewelry Best Jewelry Designer Delicate Raymond 73A Orchard St.

delicateraymond.com

Home Improvement Best Bed & Bath Store Harris Levy 98 Forsyth St.

harris levy.com

There’s no competition in this category. Since 1894, Harris Levy has been selling some of the finest bed and bath linens in New York City at deeply discounted prices. From its pushcart origins, the www.thelodownny.com The Lo-Down Lo-Down TheLoDownNY.com The || TheLoDownNY.com

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shop has moved to new locations a few times, finally settling in a beautifully appointed building on Forsyth Street in 2005. Harris Levy features high-end imported bed and table linens, towels, cashmere blankets, pillows and bath-and-body products.

ever dreamed of needing in your kitchen. The store can be bewildering but is actually pretty well organized.

Best Bargain Housewares Best Lighting Store

Lot-Less Closeouts 80 Clinton St. lot-less.com

New Generation Lighting 144 Bowery

newgenerationlighting.com

Stores in the old Bowery Lighting District have been dropping like flies in recent years, but you still have some options. New Generation Lighting is not the largest store on the Bowery strip, but it boasts good prices on contemporary fixtures and above average customer service.

You never know what you’re going to find inside this New York City mini-chain. The constantly changing merchandise, sometimes marked 80% off, includes bedding, toys, kitchen items, cleaning supplies and more. It can be a chaotic scene and the checkout process is often maddening, but at these prices, how can you complain?

Best Kitchen Store Chef Restaurant Supplies 298 Bowery

Best Bike Shop Frank’s Bike Shop 553 Grand St. frankesbikes.com

chefrestaurantsupplies.com

The Lower East Side is not the land of WilliamsSonoma, at least not yet. At the gigantic Chef Restaurant Supplies, located on the northwest corner of Bowery and East Houston, you’ll find unbelievable deals on appliances, saucepans, carving knives and just about anything else you 10

December 2014 | January 2015

Our readers spoke loud and clear in this category, choosing Frank Arroyo’s nearly 40-year-old shop on Grand Street for all of their bicycling needs. The

cramped storefront is the quintessential oldschool LES experience, offering personal, honest service and fair prices. Last year, Frank

made headlines when a Citibike station popped up near his shop, potentially threatening his rental business, but he’s still hanging in there, much to the relief of many loyal customers.

SERVICES Best Women’s Hair Salon Fringe

248 Broome St. fringeny.com

Best Eyeglasses

When it comes to hair, the women of the Lower East Side have lots of different opinions! Some of you voted for very established neighborhood spots like Gonzalez Beauty Salon on Clinton Street or 245 East on East Broadway. But, in the end, our readers chose Fringe, Amy Schiappa’s Broome Street salon that’s especially popular with LES creative types. After planting roots on Orchard Street, Fringe moved to a larger space in 2007. One specialty of the house is the sculpted bang, but Fringe is also a go-to spot for a last-minute blowout.

Moscot

106 Orchard St. moscot.com

Yes, it’s a predictable choice, but what other choice is there? Voting against Moscot would practically be an act of Lower East Side heresy. The iconic brand, poised to celebrate its 100th birthday, chose to stay on the LES last year when the site of its longestablished Orchard Street store faced redevelopment. In a gorgeous new space on the south side of Delancey Street, Moscot continues to offer its hip (and pricey) frames and top quality, attentive service.

Best Tattoo Shop Daredevil Tattoo 141 Division St.

daredeviltattoo.com

Michelle Myles opened Daredevil Tattoo The Lo-Down | TheLoDownNY.com

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across from her Ludlow Street apartment in 1997, right after New York legalized tattooing.

In more than 16 years, she inked everyone from artists to musicians to drug dealers. As we all know, Ludlow became an inhospitable location for independent business, so last year Daredevil moved down to Division Street.

Myles and her tattoo artists continue to offer great custom designs and personal service in a cool new space that was painstakingly restored.

on top. In almost all cases, the gruff Essex Streetbased dispatcher has a car at your door within five minutes. Most of the time, the guys behind the wheel know exactly where they’re going, unlike a lot of cabbies, who tend to be lost these days on even the most straightforward routes.

Best Tailor

There are still a lot of old-style barber shops on the Lower east Side.

One of our favorites is Aminova’s in the Essex Street Market, where the barber from Uzbekistan will give you a cut for $7 and absolutely no chit chat. In our reader survey, however, a modern day rendition of an old fashioned barber shop came out on top. Freemans Sporting Club won accolades for high quality haircuts in a vintage setting. At Freemans, you get a buzz for $21 and a scissors cut for $42.

Stanton Tailor Shop 90 Stanton St.

The tiny shop has been in business for 30 years, offering fast, inexpensive tailoring services. Some alterations can be completed in 20 minutes or so, while you wait. The friendly staff listens to what you want and aims to please.

Best Barber Freemans Sporting Club 8 Rivington St.

freemanssportingclub.com

Best Nail Salon Think Pink Nails & Spa

Best Car Service Delancey Car Service 29 Essex St.

delanceynyc.com

Uber may be a nationwide sensation, but here on the Lower East Side local car services have been reliably serving the community for many years. Our readers offered various opinions about which companies are most reliable. But Delancey Car Service came out 12

December 2014 | January 2015

215 East Houston St.

thinkpinkspanail.com

Although manis and pedis are slightly more than at your average LES nail salon, you’ll notice a difference in quality in this relaxing, spotless space. The service is warm and reliable. As an extra enticement, a short shoulder rub from a good masseuse is included in the manicure. Manicures start at $18.

JESSICA DELFINO’S

“BEST BU¢K” $ BANG FOR YOUR BUCK” ON THE L.E.S. Editor’s note: We asked our “Shop Talk” contributor and LES local Jessica Delfino where to go for the best deals in the neighborhood. Here are her top picks:

GeorgiaNYC 27 Orchard St.

took the time to go suss out the secret gems of New York City.

The two $20 "art gallerist in a hurry"-style shirts I purchased there are in high rotation in my wardrobe—they are hip, functional and are of impressive quality. My savvy readers know that $20 for a well-made, highly efficient and fashionable shirt is a super-duper steal. Most of the clothes I saw weren't priced at higher than $40. What-the-wha?

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Pamela Barsky 29 Essex St. Orchard Street is really kicking up its heels in recent years with new restaurants, shops and my personal favorite—more than one vintage store. At this recent neighborhood addition you'll find glamorous vintage items with a strong ‘60s influence from around the globe, as well as designs by Georgia Fenwick, the young entrepreneur at the storefront's helm. For such exotic designs culled from across the globe, the prices are very reasonable.

I. dig. this. chick. I mean, I don't know her or anything, but I sometimes stop to delight and marvel

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

Cloth Culture 392 Broome St. I recently discovered Cloth Culture, which is located inside of Carpet Culture. You absolutely wouldn't know it was there unless you were a person who The Lo-Down | TheLoDownNY.com

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in the sayings screenprinted on her handbags that decorate the little storefront window of her Essex Street shop. If Twitter and purses mated, they'd have Pamela Barsky's bags. Plus, her sense of humor, which she pours out onto the pouches en masse, is vibrant and fun—from "New York Is My Boyfriend" to "You Will Never Convince Me Macaroni & Cheese Is Not A Vegetable"—it's too much!

Her merchandise is the perfect go-to gift for a secret santa, nieces and cousins, thank-you gifts and more. At $16 for a handmade, incredibly cool little bag? I mean, c'mon. If that's not "bang for your buck," I don't know what is.

Hours are generally noon to 8 p.m.

Impressions Delancey at Forsyth Street This little vintage and secondhand clothing store is run by a little vintage Spanish woman who has been in NYC for longer than most of us have. It's a cash-only joint and you have to dig. It's not your typical New York City thrift store—you won't hear Black Keys playing on a state-of-the-art Bose speaker system, see hip decor or handpainted murals, or wonder why the prices are so damn expensive for clothing that was obviously worn many times by people who are surely long gone. But when you're paying $5 for a gorgeous vintage dress that you wouldn't get away with paying less than $178 for one at a competitor's store, you can’t go wrong. This shop might, in fact, be THE VERY BEST bang for your buck in the whole entire city.

OTHER NOTABLE SHOPS Adrienne’s Bridal, 134 Orchard St., adriennesny.com. A source for custom-made wedding gowns established on the LES in 2003, after decades in business on Long Island.

Bluestockings, 172 Allen St., bluestockings.com. A collectively owned radical bookstore with more than 6,000 titles on feminism, queer studies and other related topics.

Lost Weekend, 45 Orchard St., lostweekendnyc. A combination coffee shop/retail store offering surf wear and accessories.

Hours: Wander by and hope it's open. The place keeps odd hours, but weekdays from about 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. are a good bet.

Ted’s Fine Clothing, 155 Orchard St. The long-established store carries an extensive collection of retro rock ‘n’ roll t-shirts.

Tokyo Rebel, 158 Allen St., tokyorebel.com.

Punk, rock, gothic and Lolita fashion from Japan.

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December 2014 | January 2015

OLD SCHOOL L.E.S Altman Luggage, 135 Orchard St., altmanluggae.com. A discount retailer providing a wide selection of luggage, briefcases, backpacks and accessories since 1920.

Army & Navy Bags, 177 East Houston St., For 40 years, a popular destination for discounted military surplus bags, jackets and other clothing items.

A.W. Kaufman, 73 Orchard St., awkaufman.com.

Since 1924, this has been the place for women to find the perfectly fitted bra.

Belraf Fabrics, 159 Orchard St., belraffarbrics.com. A discount fabric business operating for more than 70 years.

Ben Freedman, 137 Orchard St., benfreedman. com. A “Bargain District” mainstay for 85 years, offering a wide variety of men’s clothing.

Giselle, 143 Orchard St., giselleny.com.

For 30 years, this large discount store has carried an extensive line of women’s clothing from high-end designer labels.

Global International, 62 Orchard St. A

Fifty-year-old store offering designer men’s suits and other clothing items.

Ideal Hosiery, 339 Grand St. A destination for discount hosiery and socks since 1950.

Joe’s Fabrics, 102 Orchard St., joesfabrics.com. A 20-year-old discount fabric store operating in a second-floor space at Orchard and Delancey streets.

Lea’s Dress Lea’s Dress Shop, Shop, 125 Orchard 125 Orchard St. A destination St. A destinafor fine women’s tion for fine clothes by Eurow o m e n ’s pean designers for clothes by Eu40 years. (Note: ropean designIn late November, ers for 40 years.

Lea's announced its closure.)

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M Schames & Son, 90 Delancey St. A wellstocked paint store that relocated to Delancey Street after selling its longtime building on Essex Street, which it had occupied since 1927.

Orchard Corset, 157 Orchard St., orchardcorset.com. A renowned familyowned business established in 1968 offering corsets, girdles and bras.

Mendel Goldberg, 72 Hester St. Established in 1890, Mendel Goldberg offers exquisite European fabrics.

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New Era Factory Outlet, 63 Orchard St., newdresssuits.com. A 30-year-old store selling formal wear and men’s suits.

Rothstein’s Hardware, 106 Ridge St. After 60 years, the longtime Clinton Street hardware store moved around the block earlier this year due to a redevelopment project.

Nick & Son Clothing, 161 Orchard St. A discount leather merchant and men’s store operating from Orchard Street for more than 50 years.

Zarin Fabrics, 69 Orchard St. One of the city’s largest and most respected sources of luxurious discount fabrics since 1936.

December 2014 | January 2015

the village zendo year-end retreat with Roshi Enkyo O’Hara

Garrison Institute, New York December 26th, 2014– January 1st, 2015 A spacious and quiet Zen retreat with meditation, daily dharma talks, interview with Village Zendo teachers, and time to rest and walk along the Hudson River.

For more information, please visit www.villagezendo.org

NEW CLASSES BEGIN

JANUARY 25 COME MAKE SOMETHING NEW Abrons Arts Center 466 Grand Street at Pitt abronsartscenter.org 212.598.0400

new arrivals edited by Traven Rice

THE SILL (84

Hester St., thesill. com) The potted plant specialist operating for more than two years as an online company established a brick-and-mortar outpost on the corner of Hester and Allen streets last month. Their mission is to “make the experience of discovering the perfect potted plants as wonderful as the plants themselves.” Visitors to the shop can pick their own plants and custom-designed planters. The Sill will also create designs for residential and commercial spaces. Complementary delivery is available. The shop is open seven days a week from noon–6 p.m.

TBD GALLERY (97 Allen St., tb-

dltd.com) Tomasz Nazarko opened a new art space in the storefront previously occupied by the Foley Gallery (see right column, top entry). The inaugural show, running through Dec. 18, is a group exhibition titled “Talk Like Sex.” The gallery is open Wednesday–Sunday from11 a.m.– 6 p.m.

FLOW LIFE

(58 Orchard St.) A “holistic lounge” offering a variety of products to inspire the mind, body and soul opened in a narrow space that used to be home to the Little Shoe Store (that business moved to 40 Clinton St.) The homey, tranquil space features wellness teas, organic juices, soaps, candles and other items. There’s also jewelry from Nepal and Israel. The store carries Kabbalah-inspired King Solomon Seals jewelry.

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December 2014 | January 2015

FOLEY GALLERY (59 Orchard St., foleygal-

lery.com) Dealer Michael Foley made the move from Allen Street to a larger space in the “Pink Building” at 59 Orchard St. The new Foley Gallery debuted Nov. 19 with a group show called “Select Cuts & Alterations,” featuring more than 20 artists who cut, crumple or crease their materials.

The 2,000-square-foot exhibition space, the gallery explained on its website, offers “prominent storefront windows that will become their own curated project space.” The storefront’s previous tenant was Cellini Uomo, a shoe store that moved further up Orchard, above Delancey Street. Foley had a strong desire for a location with more foot traffic, in the heart of the LES gallery district. While he has been focused on photography, the new space will allow the gallery to expand its horizons and to feature a wider variety of mediums.

OBJECT-IFY 139 (139 Essex St. objectify139. com) Bogota-born artist Maria Candanoza opened what she calls an “art object and book store” on Essex Street, north of Rivington Street.

She’s selling her own creations as well as books, zines and items from other New York artists.

The shop is open Monday–Friday from noon–8 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m.– 8 p.m.

Be a part of our team!

us if you a re self-s a savvy who w tarter ould a part like be of comm unity journ -driven alism .

Now hiring sales associates.

Happy Holidays!

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calendar

what to do in

Edited by Traven Rice

DECEMBER & JANUARY

Visit our CALENDAR online at www.thelodownny.com/calendar for more details and to add your own events.

Fri.

5 Wed.

10 War Lesbian at Dixon Place: Catch this quirky, original musical from Kristine Haruna Lee (playwright) and Katie Hathaway (composer) based on the Inuit myth of the ravenous (and fingerless) goddess Sedna, who lives in a universe where Ellen DeGeneres is a demonic demigod and digging for truths can cause wars. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m., $16 adv./$20 door, 161A Chrystie St., dixonplace.org.

Fri.

5

Eating Delancey at

Tenement Talks: Share in the stories and see the compilation of gorgeous photographs of classic Jewish food, with profiles and recipes from eateries such as Sammy's Roumanian Steakhouse, Russ & Daughters, Katz's Delicatessen, Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery, and Ratner's. Authors Aaron Rezny (photographer) and Jordan Schaps (creative director) will be joined by contributors to the book. 103 Orchard St., 6:30 p.m., free, tenement.org.

Wed.

A Christmas Carol, Oy Hanukkha, Merry Kwanzaa at The Club at La MaMa: Bring the family to this

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adaptation of Dickens’ classic by the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre. Conceived with “Old World accents and New World inclusiveness,” the show features over 30 puppets by Milos Kasal and a live chorus. Czech, English, Hebrew & Swahili songs are performed a cappella by Judith Barnes and Hayden DeWitt. For audiences ages 5–105, through Dec. 14, 74A E. 4th St., showtimes vary, $18/$10, lamama.org.

Wed.

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Joey Arias —Christmas With the Crawfords at Abrons

Arts Center: The always entertaining Joey Arias teams up with San Francisco’s Artfull Circle Theatre in a hilarious parody of — and homage to — the “golden age” of Hollywood. Based on the infamous Christmas Eve radio broadcast from the Crawford family’s Brentwood mansion, the show promises that NYC’s Yuletide will be “ever so gay in this all-singing, all-dancing, holiday extravaganza.” Through Dec. 27, 466 Grand St., showtimes vary, $45, abronsartscenter.org.

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December 2014 | January 2015

Art School Open House at Manny Cantor: The Educational Alliance Art School reopens this January in its newly renovated facility at Manny Cantor Center, offering classes for all ages and skill levels. Take a peek at the new studios, meet the instructors, & catch some art-making demos. Refreshments, giveaways and discounts on classes included. 6 to 8 p.m., 197 East Broadway, free, mannycantor.org.

Thurs.

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OPENPOLE

Justin Vivian Bond in Star of Light! An Evening of Bi-Polar Witchy Wonder at Joe’s Pub: Don’t miss the return of Mx. Bond’s idiosyncratic holiday show in which she promises to yell expectantly into the abyss, "When ya comin' back, Baby Jesus?!?," and to “light up the darkness with songs, spirits, sass and a slew of special surprises!” Through Dec. 23, 25 Lafayette St. 9 p.m., $35, joespub.com.

Wed.

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Klez for Kids & Synagogue Tours at The Museum at Eldridge Street: Grab Thurs. the kids and head to the museum on Christmas Day for hourly synagogue tours and family-friendly scavenger hunts. At 1 p.m., sing, dance and learn Yiddish at the annual family concert. Clarinetist Greg Wall and his band Klezmerfest lead a musical tour of Eastern European Jewish culture, ending with a festive, audience-enacted shtetl wedding.

12 Eldridge St., $12 adults; $8 students/seniors; children under 3 free, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., eldridgestreet.org.

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at The New Museum Choreographers Gerard & Kelly have taken over the fifth-floor gallery at the museum and invite the public to observe and participate in pole-dancing classes led by Shockra Studio instructors, who promise the sessions are held in a fun, rewarding and unintimidating atmosphere that welcomes “movers” of all levels.

“Open Pole” gatherings occur during “Pay-What-You-Wish” Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. through Jan. 22.

235 Bowery, free, newmusuem.org.

John Zorn’s End of the Year Improv Week at The Stone: Stop by the annual end-of-the- year benefit at The Stone featuring some of the most interesting improvisers in New York. John Zorn (sax) appears every night with a different lineup of musicians including Ikue Mori (electronics), James Moore (guitar), Adam Rudolph (percussion), Brian Chase (drums), Steve Bernstein (trumpet), Uri Caine (piano), Chuck Bettis (electronics) and many special guests. All proceeds go to help pay the rent. Through Jan. 4, Ave. C at Second Street, 8 p.m., $25, thestonenyc.com.

Tues.

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Wed.

31

Rainer Maria at Bowery Ballroom:

Ring in the new year while dancing the night away with the tempestuous Brooklyn-based punk-emo/indie band, reuniting for the first time in eight years. The trio, Caithlin De Marrais, Kyle Fischer and William Kuehn, are joined on the bill by Maryland post-hardcore group Moss Icon. 6 Delancey St., 10 p.m., $30, boweryballroom.com.

Editor’s note: For more New Year’s Eve events, as well as neighborhood happenings throughout January 2014, stay tuned to TheLoDownNY. com.

The Lo-Down | TheLoDownNY.com

21

neighborhood news

edited by Ed Litvak

essex crossing

Demolition is expected to take place this month on the old Essex Street Market building at 115 Delancey St. and a former fire house at 185 Broome St. They are being cleared away in preparation for the first phase of Essex Crossing, the 1.9-million-square-foot residential and commercial project in the former Seward Park urban renewal area. Plywood went up last month over the window cutouts of the Essex Market building on the south side of Delancey Street. The vacant historic structure will be replaced by a 24-story tower housing a new public market, a 14-screen movie theater and 195 rental apartments. The current market will continue to operate until the new facility is ready in 2017. Construction was scheduled to begin this coming March, but the development team has signaled that a delay of at least several weeks is likely. Community Board 3 has approved final plans for a 15,000-square-foot park that will be situated on Broome Street, between Suffolk and Clinton streets. West 8, the landscape architect designing the space, said it’s meant to be a tranquil urban oasis with a play area for young children, ample seating and trees and other plantings covering about a third of the park. Developers hope to unveil final renderings for the first four buildings sometime in the next two months. real estate

transportation

City Council member Margaret Chin is urging the NYPD and the city’s transportation department to step up safety measures on Canal Street, where two pedestrians have been killed by vehicles in the past couple of months. In a news conference held near the congested intersection of Canal Street and Bowery last month, she called on the police department to file charges against drivers in accidents in which the pedestrian has the right of way. She is introducing legislation in the council that would require the city to look at banning trucks from using Canal Street as a route across Manhattan. Meanwhile, the transportation department has taken steps to improve safety in another section of the neighborhood. Stop signs and a pedestrian island were added at Pitt Street and Delancey Street, a result of a campaign by a local resident concerned about pedestrians traveling through the area.

Buildings Department documents filed last month reveal plans for a 10-story, 1 13,246-square-foot mixed-use building at 196 Orchard St. The name on the application is Marc Ravner, a partner in controversial developer Ben Shaoul’s Magnum Real Estate Group. The project is slated to include 83 apartments, 13,000 square feet of commercial space and 4,800 square feet for community facilities. 196 Orchard is the current home of Karaoke Boho. Public records previously filed indicate that an LLC controlled by Magnum agreed to purchase the site, along with 198 Orchard St. and 187 East Houston St. The transaction is scheduled to be finalized in January.

Businesses on the parcels have been closing in recent months, including beloved Turkish spot Bereket, which went out of business last summer. Shaoul has earned the wrath of tenant activists for aggressive tactics aimed at driving rent-regulated residents out of buildings throughout Manhattan.

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December 2014 | January 2015

Seward Park parks

Local residents have formed a new non-profit organization, the Seward Park Conservancy, to funnel more resources into maintenance inside the nation’s oldest municipal playground.

The conservancy grew out of Friends of Seward Park, an existing group that takes care of the garden to the west of the public library and organizes park-wide cleanup days. They’ve been joined by a newer LES group, the SPaCE block association. The conservancy has 501(c)(3) status, meaning it is authorized to accept tax-deductible donations. Members of the organization have been urging parks department staff to do a better job cleaning up garbage, to care for flower beds and get a grasp of a growing rodent infestation along Essex Street. They also want to see mosaic tiles repaired, the historic Schiff Fountain renovated, the area in front of the library landscaped and a park comfort station restored. More information about their efforts is available at sewardpark.org. environment

The Lower East Side Ecology Center was awarded $1 million from the State of New York to create an artificial wetland in East River Park. A by-product of the organization’s existing composting program in the park is a nitrogen-rich wastewater called leachate, which is harmful to most plants. The wetland will be located at the ecology center’s compost facility, which is situated just south of the East River Park amphitheater. According to an explanation on the center’s website, “The wetland (will) clean the leachate by running it through a series of physical and botanical filters, such as specially-sized gravel and nitrogen-fixing plants and then put it to work growing plants and creating habitats for butterflies, insects, amphibians, and birds.”

Christine Datz-Romero, the ecology center’s executive director, said the wetland will “create a permeable infrastructure” during normal weather events, such as rain and snowstorms, but will also offer the neighborhood protection from future superstorms.

The area along the river, of course, sustained heavy flooding during Hurricane Sandy two years ago. The half-acre site will also create an educational opportunity. The project is expected to be a model for sustainable waste management in New York City. DatzRomero said the next step will be reaching out to engage the Lower East Side community regarding the design of the wetland. Construction is expected to begin late next year.

The Lo-Down | TheLoDownNY.com

23

THE

LO-DINE

A Roundup of Lower East Side Restaurant News now open El Sombrero 108 Stanton St.

A modernized version of El Sombrero (“The Hat”), the beloved Mexican restaurant at the corner of Ludlow and Stanton streets, opened last month. After 30 years in business, the original owners closed the cheap-eats institution last spring. Jose Almonte, Jr. and Jose Luis Almonte have given both the exterior and interior of the restaurant makeovers. There are tributes to the past. Inside the new El Sombrero, photos are hanging on the wall depicting the old storefront. The menu from chef Ricardo Cardona includes some of the traditional favorites, such as quesadillas and flautas. But there are also new twists, including tacos stuffed with duck confit and pumpkin-crusted chicken breast with quinoa and corn risotto. Entrees range from $19–$28. The new team has kept El Sombrero’s frozen margarita machines, but now they’re dispensing fresh fruit mojitos. The days of “The Hat’s” legendary “margaritasto-go” are definitely a thing of the past.

Petee’s Pie Company 61 Delancey St.

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December 2014 | January 2015

Petra Paredez, a Hester Street Fair regular, opened Petee’s Pie Company at 61 Delancey St. last month. The space was formerly occupied by Rocket Joe’s Pizza. Paredez grew up in the baking business. Her parents own Mom’s Apple Pie Company in Virginia. Paredez’s creations feature seasonal local produce and organic flour. Flavors include cranberry apple, sweet potato and maple walnut. There’s also quiche, pastries, Parlor Coffee, tea from Greenpoint's Bellocq and coldpressed juices. More information is available at peteespie.com.

now closed

wd-50 50 Clinton St.

Wylie Dufresne single-handedly put the Lower East Side on the fine dining map and influenced a generation of young chefs worldwide. But at the end of last month, the master of molecular gastronomy was forced to close his flagship restaurant, wd-50.

The groundbreaking spot, located at 50 Clinton St., was displaced by a new upscale condominium project that will soon be built. Dufresne first made a name for himself at 71 Clinton Fresh Food in 1999 and opened wd-50 four years later. Many restaurant operators followed him to Clinton Street, creating a restaurant row that has experienced its ups and downs during the past decade. In the final two weeks, Dufresne offered special menus featuring his greatest hits, including a final dinner Nov. 29 for $275. Longtime fans of the restaurant, including some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs, flocked to wd-50 in the last month. Over social media, Momofuku’s David Chang declared, “Momofuku wouldn’t exist without this man. Everyone in the Lower East Side owes him royalties.” In spite of the accolades, Dufresne told Businessweek, no one is clamoring to bankroll a new version of the restaurant. “I don’t necessarily want to close the door,” he explained, “but, as of yet, no hotelier has called to say he absolutely must have a wd-50 in his lobby.” Dufresne said he is continuing to look for a new space in New York. Meantime, he’ll be focusing on running Alder, his more casual restaurant on 2nd Avenue, and writing a cookbook.

opening soon Meow Parlour 46 Hester St.

When a pop-up “cat cafe” appeared on the Bowery this past summer, people waited in line for two hours to enjoy a cappuccino while spending some quality time with kittens available for adoption. Now a well-known local entrepreneur is preparing to open a permanent cat-human patisserie. Meow Parlour debuts December 15 at 46 Hester St. It’s a project of Christina Ha of Macaron Parlour and partner Emilie Legrand.

Ha got her start at the Hester Street Fair before opening brick-and-mortar shops on St. Mark’s Place and on the Upper West Side. At Meow Parlour, guests will be able to rent time for $4/half hour in a space occupied by roaming, adoptable cats. People will be allowed to bring in food and drinks from a separate bakery that will be located around the corner. Meow Parlour teamed up with KittyKind, an all-volunteer, nokill rescue group. You can find out more details at meowparlour.com.

new offerings Moscow 57 168 ½ Delancey St.

Les Jardins de la Duchesse 138 Orchard St.

The Lower East Side will gain an eclair shop on the same block that already boasts Melt Bakery, the Russ & Daughters Cafe and Contra. The chef is Antoine Pelhate, who, according to the shop’s website, trained in France before going on to work at two restaurants in Switzerland with Michelin stars. The eclairs will come in chocolate and vanilla, as well as salted butter caramel and pistachio-raspberry, among other flavors.

There will also be savoy versions, such as baconwrapped goat cheese and salmon-and-wasabi.

No opening date yet. More information at lesjardinsdeladuchesse.com.

Eight months after opening, Moscow 57 has finally launched its full menu, featuring a variety of Russian classics along with Central Asian and Georgian specialties. Partners Ellen Kaye, Seth Goldman and Ethan Fein had been serving a modified menu, including several interesting salads and sandwiches, smoked fish, kebabs, caviar and, of course, borscht. Now—after many delays—the city has permitted the restaurant to turn on the gas, allowing the kitchen to expand its offerings. On the dinner menu you will find standbys such as Chicken Kiev, Pelmeni, Russian dumplings with dill chicken broth, sour cream and mustard; and Mushrooms al la Russe, baked in a sour cream sauce and Gruyère. There’s also Georgian Chicken Chakhobili (a tomato-based stew), Tajin Samak (red snapper with bay leaves), Pistachio Shrimp (marinated in The Lo-Down | TheLoDownNY.com

25

THE

LO-DINE (continued)

wine) and Beef Stroganoff. Moscow 57 is also serving a late-night menu, including lox and eggs, Russian salami and eggs, and steak and eggs. The restaurant added weekend brunch, as well.

There’s a generous smoked fish plate with a bialy from Kossar’s, potato pancakes, oversize blintzes stuffed with cherries and cheese or apples, and a full complement of egg dishes. The restaurant is open Wednesday–Saturday from 5 p.m.–2 a.m. and Sundays from 5 p.m.–midnight. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. There’s live entertainment every night and during brunch.

Comfort Diner 399 Grand St.

After a soft opening in October, the Comfort Diner prevailed in its quest for a liquor license last month.

Owner Ira Freehof went to the State Liquor Authority after Community Board 3 declined to support his application. The board and SPaCE, a local block association, balked when Freehof said he wouldn’t accept operating restrictions, including an earlier closing time. The liquor authority gave Comfort Diner permission to serve until 4 a.m. Freehof will be able to offer customers alcoholic drinks outside until midnight on weeknights and 1 a.m. on weekends.

But the commissioners required the restaurant to close all windows at 10 p.m., something Freehof had been resisting. The restaurant offers a full bar, including specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

Fung Tu 22 Orchard St.

Fung Tu, the creative Chinese spot on lower Orchard Street, launched Sunday dinner service in place of Sunday brunch last month. Bottles of wine selected by the restaurant’s well-regarded beverage director, Jason Wagner, are 20 percent off on Sundays. Dishes include Chinese Spätzle with Sichuan Pork Sauce; Brisket and Brussels Sprouts Fried Rice with Pomegranate, Egg and Spinach; Fried Pork Chops with Pickled Mustard Cabbage; and Whole Steamed Fish with Fennel, Tangerine Peel, Chili Oil and Fermented Black Beans for two. The restaurant starts serving on Sundays at 4 p.m.

Yunnan Kitchen 79 Clinton St.

Chef Doron Wong of Yunnan Kitchen on Clinton Street has debuted a new menu. Added dishes include Cumin Beef Stir Fry, Chili Tomato Rice Cakes with Chinese Celery, Benton’s Ham and Long Peppers and Pork Neck Soup, and doufu (a combination of tofu and chile bean paste) soup. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesdays–Sundays.

26

December 2014 | January 2015

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The Lo-Down is the Lower East Side’s essential community news source.

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