What’s Up with That Hole in the Ground One Block West?

Sad to see local photo store Ben Ness go. It was a good place to get passport phots done and was staffed with a nice bunch of guys. It will be interesting to see if the space goes to a local business or to a chain. Pinkberry perhaps?

One of new stores moving into the old Spice space at University and 10th will be Recess, which promises coffee, chocolate, frozen yougurt, and a new cafe paradigm. Should be interesting.

For New York City’s foodies and fans of fresh and local eating alike, the Union Square Greenmarket has long been a staple for gathering all the goodies and tools necessary for a delicious and sustainable lifestyle. But it’s not the most convenient experience for everyone, with the market only staying open in the morning and early afternoon hours, leaving those with strict daytime work schedules high and dry.

Well, someone connected with the greenmarket heard the cries and pleas of the working crowd — and maybe recognized a chance to cash in on all that hard-earned money — and has worked out the perfect solution. The first first Night Market of the season at Union Square, sponsored by GrowNYC, will start this Friday evening to allow shoppers to sample everything fresh and fantastic the foodfest has to offer.

Running from 4:00PM to 8:00PM, the Night Market will include a variety of offering from local eateries and entrepreneurs. Take home raw ingredients and vegetables to master your own flavorful creations at home, or sample incredible eats from New York City’s most fabulous restaurants to satiate your tastebuds if you just can’t wait to eat until after you leave the grounds.

Try basil pudding with a strawberry granola bar on the side from Northern Spy, Moroccan spiced goat with a Greenmarket salad (complete with a honey ramp vinaigrette) from Casa Mono, or a good old fashioned grilled cheese from ‘wichcraft. All dishes are running around $7 to $10 a pop. Even better — the Night Market is also featuring a beer garden, where thirsty and celebratory patrons can kick back and survey their spoils with a frosty beer, wine or hard cider.

Who knew eating well and Happy Hour could be combined? The Night Market opens in Union Square on Friday, June 6.

Yet another place to get coffee: Le Cafe Coffee on 4th Ave. between 13th and 14th.

Torch & Crown is back for another exciting season in the North Plaza! Known for their locally brewed beers, Torch & Crown is the perfect place to spend the summer in Union Square with friends. Kids and pets are welcome!

Both are gone, who knows what will come next?