Beer Garden Returns
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!
Signs announcing “#SaltBae coming soon” have been plastered on a space at 220 Park Avenue South, near Union Square, where a location of Japanese chain Haru Sushi once stood. Salt-sprinkling, internet sensation Nusret Gökçe first brought his famed Turkish steakhouse Nusr-Et to NYC in January, opening a 150-seat restaurant in Midtown.
But if Gökçe is indeed responsible for this signage, it could be slated for something other than a steakhouse. In February, he announced plans for a new burger chain, to be aptly named Salt Bae, telling the New York Post he’s plotting multiple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The signage on the space says just “saltbae,” accompanied by an illustrated version of the butcher.
Critics fell harshly on Nusr-Et, finding the theatrical dinner served overpriced, mediocre steaks. Eater’s own Robert Sietsema described the beef as “a little rubbery” and “low on flavor,” although Pete Wells from the Times seems to have enjoyed his dining experience, going as far as calling the steak “terrific.”
The chain has over a dozen locations around the world, but only one other U.S. location exists in Miami, according to its website.
The stubby little building at 31 East 17th St. on the northern border of Union Square Park next to Barnes and Noble sits on a plot of land that has a very interesting history. Read all about it here.
Thanks to Charles Stimson we are gifted with six more images of yesteryear. This one shows the east side of Fifth Ave. at 13th St. See Schrafft’s on the corner, which is now the burned out deli? Remember that you can double click on all these images to get a much closer look at some of the detail. The views of 14th St. are especially interesting. The trucks, the signs, the decorative cornices, including the one on our building . Enjoy. 
Here’s what they’re currently saying:
“With demolition and abatement complete, Tishman Construction and the Durst Organization have moved on to the next major phases of the construction process: clearing and laying the foundation. Future deadlines include the following.”
Present to August 2011: Excavation foundation
September 2011 to May 2012: Superstructure erection
May 2012 to October 2012: Façade and building enclosure
The Wall Street Journal has a lot to say about what’s happening in our neighborhood. For example: ““I think the area was quite spectacular and bohemian to begin with, but it’s becoming a bit more adult,” said Madeline Hult Elghanayan, a broker at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “You now see a new, luxury-oriented clientele that’s looking for places to live in this immediate area.“