A Sad Sayonara to Japonica

The New York Times has a fascinating article about the deli across from the co-op on 13th St., reviewing its history as a Schraftt’s restaurant and talking about the importance of its now destroyed architectural details. But what’s really interesting is the revelation of the first details of what’s going to be built there: a ten-story building with one triplex, three duplexes, and ground floor retail. “As for the apartment house, which is being designed for an owner who bought the site this year, the architect says plans are still in flux but she will probably produce “a contemporary interpretation of the Fifth Avenue apartment houses in the neighborhood” — the same goal of harmony that Schrafft’s sought 70 years ago.”

From January 16-February 16, the north end of Union Square will light up with a nightly light show called Bright Nights Out, and many vendors are offering fun deals to accompany it.

Just a note that the peanut butter cookies at Momofuku Milk Bar are seriously amazing.

Replacing City Tavern at 22 East 13th St. will be All’Onda, which appears to be a high-end Italian spot focusing on seafood. The Chef is a veteran of both Morimoto and Ai Fiori.

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.

As you know, the north end of the park is under heavy renovation, but the big question is what will become of the pavillion? For a while now, there has been discussion of handing it over to a restauranteur, but park boosters feel it should become a more public facility. As to the question of who that restauranteur might be, Danny Meyer of Union Square Cafe and many other great restaurants is a natural, especially since he has helped oversee the rebirth of Madison Square Park with his Shake Shack, but he says he’s not interested.