Latest New School Construction Update

From the NY Times:
Eataly, a giant market for artisanal Italian food products that opened in Turin two years ago, signed a lease this morning for an even larger location at 200 Fifth Avenue. (23rd St.) With 32,000 square feet of food halls and restaurants, Eataly New York will be twice the size of the Turin original. The partners in the venture are B&B Hospitality Group, the company behind nearly 20 restaurants around the country operated by Joseph and Lidia Bastianich and Mario Batali, along with Oscar Farinetti and Luca Bassigo, the Italian founders and managing partners of Eataly. There will also be an 8,000 square foot rooftop garden, although the plans for that space are still being worked out. “I’m not sure whether it will be for beer, sausage and pizza or just beer and sausage,” Mr. Batali said in a phone interview today from a beach in Spain.

Restaurant Week starts January 20 and includes nine Union Square restaurants, including Reyna in our building.

As reported by Eater.com
Corkbuzz was up first, Laura Maniec, formerly the beverage director at BR Guest and one of 18 female Master Sommeliers, seeks to open Corkbuzz at 13 East 13th Street and obviously needs a full liquor license for this restaurant… or is it obvious? Corkbuzz would primarily be a restaurant but would also seek to celebrate, explore and enjoy wine. The community was very mixed on this one. Although there was tons of support for the wine-centric restaurant coming to the neighborhood, some wondered why they were seeking a full license and not just wine and beer. The community members did not want another full license on this block, especially since this location had not been licensed before. One board member actually had the audacity to grill her on her experience, even though she clearly mentioned that she had been involved in nearly 10 restaurant openings and was made partner at BR Guest after a relatively brief time there. In the end, they voted to deny the application unless certain stipulations were met (including closing at 1AM on Thursday-Saturday, not using outside promoters), because they thought the applicant was unique and special.

2) The man behind Caliente Cab Company is looking to pick up the old Buona Sera space at 94 University Place. They were hoping for a full liquor license for their restaurant, which would be a sort of Mexican and Asian-fusion. There would be a limited food counter and a limited bar and they’re working with a chef at Nobu on the menu development. They actually came having already reduced their hours, but they still received somewhat mixed reviews from the community. They were approved with a deny unless they agreed to certain stipulations. Oh, and don’t expect a happy hour here…they think it isn’t pro-community and attracts the college crowds.

A reminder that the co-op’s annual meeting takes place on Tuesday June 9 at 7PM.

The location is the Seafarer’s International House at 123 East 15th St. on the second floor. It is right near Irving Place.

Boasting two floors, three studios (including a heated one), and over 100 workouts per week, the flagship location of Fithouse off Union Square  garnered the attention of over 500 new members in its opening weekend alone. Combined with the diversity of class types (barre, bounce, dance, HIIT, sculpt, and yoga) and instructors’ notoriously noteworthy energizing playlists, it’s the ultimate spot to sweat and be seen. Spread across 6,400 square feet, the one-stop shop also provides luxe showers, private changing areas, lockers equipped with charging stations, and a full refresh bar. Unlimited class memberships are $189/month.

Bon Jour to Patisserie Fouet on 13th St. just steps away. High-end delicacies with a Japanese twist. You can read all about them in their liquor license application.