Last month, we reported that the Three Lives & Company bookstore had not closed but was negotiating with its new landlord to stay. On November 15th, Toby Cox, the owner of Three Lives, sent out an email with the happy news that a new lease had been signed and that they were not leaving. So, please stop by to congratulate them and buy a book. Gansevoort Market has mostly filled out. Heermance Farm has a stall in the back, and there will soon be a bar stall in the market. Doughnut Plant within the Gansevoort Market, is gone as is Cappone’s Salumeria, but the latter has a stand in Chelsea Market. The last few times I stopped in, it was livelier than before—fingers crossed that it continues to gain traction.
Coming Soon
One Asian restaurant will replace another as E.A.K. Ramen, a restaurant with a modern take on ramen, occupies the Kin Shop space at 469 Sixth Avenue, near West 11th Street. Expect fatter and less curly noodles, among other things. The neighborhood will be getting a much-needed cake bakery when Piece of Velvet opens a new branch at 101 Macdougal Street, between Bleecker Street and Minetta Lane. Raw New York, a restaurant that will be serving mostly raw food (think crudos, pokes, etc.), will open at 306 West 13th Street, near 8th Avenue, where Zampa used to be. Some cooked food will also be available but the space has limited non-raw options. Wells Fargo will be opening in half of what was the Urban Outfitters space on 6th Avenue and Waverly. Tavo, a restaurant project by a Mexican chef and her Mexican business partner, will serve Latin, French, and Asian fusion cuisine in the old Sung Chu Mei space at 615 Hudson Street, between West 12th and Jane Streets. Sung Chu Mei closed back in 2008.
Open
Brodo (496 Hudson Street, near Christopher Street): This is the second branch of Marco Canora’s bone broth shop. The first is a take-out window next to his restaurant Hearth in the East Village. Bone broth is being promoted as having all sorts of health benefits. Chicken and beef are available, but I found the plain broths a bit strong-tasting. There are some more interesting flavors like Tom Yum, made with chili oil and coconut milk.
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Bespoke Kitchen (615 1/2 Hudson Street, near Jane Street): Like a phoenix, Bespoke Kitchen has risen from its ashes. After a few days of renovations, the restaurant is open and looks pretty much the same as it did before. The menu also looks the same. I always enjoyed my meals there and am eager to return.
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Ancolie (58 West 8th Street, near 6th Avenue): When I stopped by Ancolie, I was warmly greeted by the owner, Chloé Vichot, who explained the four different salads available in the signature custom glass jars. There is also one reheatable dish and soup. For breakfast, small jars hold things like yogurt parfait with homemade granola, and a chia seed concoction. I was most intrigued by the chocolate cake in a jar. In an effort to be green, customers who return their jars will get a $1 credit towards their next purchase.
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Orla Kiely (372 Bleecker Street, near Charles Street): This store is the U.S. Orla Kiely flagship, and in fact, the only Orla Kiely store in America. The Irish designer has bright, cheerful-colored clothing and bags. I have my eye on a bag in the window. The prices, while high, are not as crazy as those at some of the neighboring stores.
Closed
The big closing news this month is that Mrs. Green’s, at 585 Hudson Street, near Bank Street, is finally gone. After promising a solution to its supply issues for weeks, the inevitable has happened. Read more about it in our Mrs. Green’s article on page 6 of this issue. Primo 135 (135 7th Avenue South, near West 10th Street), the tiny triangular Italian restaurant with a larger outdoor than indoor space, is gone. Vape Kingz Greenwich at 112 Greenwich Avenue, near West 13th Street, has also called it quits.
Moved / Expanded / Changed
Pinto Garden, a modern Thai restaurant, has opened where Café Asean used to be, at 117 West 10th Street, near Greenwich Avenue. Technically, this is a move rather than an opening since Pinto was on Christopher Street for years. Early reviewers have commented that the menu is different from the previous incarnation, but quite delicious all the same. The CVS in Sheridan Square is expanding on either side, taking over the Chalait and Citibank spaces. In related news, Chalait finally opened in Chelsea Market. In other, not-too-exciting moving news, HSBC has migrated one block north from 6th Avenue and Washington Place to 6th Avenue and Waverly Place.
Pop-Ups
We’ve added this category because we are seeing an increasing number of pop-ups, particularly on Bleecker Street. In the old Brooks Brothers’ Black Fleece spot at 351 Bleecker, near West 10th Street, Faherty has set up shop for a month. Its apparel and home design items are outdoorsy and rustic-looking, by design. The press release states: “It is intended to transport customers out of the city and into a cozy lodge filled with vintage pieces, taxidermy, and art from around the world.” Further up the street, at 392 Bleecker Street, near Perry Street, the Cashmere purveyor Everlane has opened a Cashmere Cabin, which will operate until Christmas Eve. Cashmere sweaters in different styles and colors are displayed throughout the store, with the basic crew style retailing for $100. High-end French crystal maker Baccarat has opened its first ever pop-up at 371 Bleecker Street, near Charles Street. Touting the “Everyday Baccarat” tagline, the retailer hopes to convince people to use their products daily and not just for special occasions.
Please keep your tips coming. Email us at wvnewsinout@gmail.com with any activity you’ve noticed. It is much appreciated!
All photos by Maggie Berkvist.
