Note that September 24 is the date this year for the annual Harvest in the Square celebration. Tickets are $115. Go here for details.

The excellent Havana Central on East 17th (212-414-4999) has a three-course lunch from $12.95 through September.

Interesting fact. The new Best Buy at the corner of 14th and 4th will be open all night.

Akam informs us that we have a new managing agent, taking over for Anthony Grimaldi.

She is Inna Odesskaya, 212-986-0001 ext 142, or iodesskaya@akam.com.

Union Square Wines at the corner of 4th Ave. and 13th St. is having one of its periodic 30% off sales. Buy 12 bottles, and you get the discount. If you choose carefully, this can be an amazingly good way to restock your wine cellar.

The venerable and mysterious antiques store (to the trade only) at University and 11th is gone, leaving a large, high-windowed space that could become anything from a restaurant to a boutique. Time will tell.

Twitter fans go here:
http://twitter.com/SaveUnionSqNYC

A news flash about the Zen Palate site on Union Sqare East, and it’s decidedly downmarket:

“The Riese Organization just purchased 34 Union Square (between 15th and 16th), formerly home to Zen Palate and plans to install a TGI Friday’s and a bonus Tim Horton’s in the space. Its been vacant in the two years since Zen Palate vacated due to “astronomical and non-negotiable increases” in their rent, a rent that has dropped 40% in the last six months. Choice quote: “…while many chefs in the district purchase food from the popular green market there, T.G.I. Friday’s will not join them, says Mr. Riese. ‘We are not that type of restaurant…'” Indeed.

Heres an NY1 video report on how well the commercial spaces ringing Union Square are doing, depsite the failures of Circuit City and Virgin.

Foxy Lady is GONE!