Joyce Leslie, “the store where you send your daughter to dress like a hooker,” has been gone for a while on the corner of University and 8th. A replacement has finally been named: CVS. So the neighborhood gets yet another alternative to the surly hellhounds at Duane Reade.

People are raving about the smoothie/fruit salad truck dispensing treats on Broadway just below 14th St., in front of the Virgin store. According to Internet critics, the flavors are fresh and the prices are right.

Finally, the big part of the renovation is complete. And the fountain lines up with 5th Ave., which, apparently, was really important to the architects even though no one else seemed to care much.

The neighborhood, which already has one Chipotle at 6th and 14th and another on East 8th St., will get a third one on 14th at Irving Place, in the location that used to be a card shop. Burritos for everyone!

Trees are arriving and are being planted at the north end of the park. Click here for all the details.

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.

Gothamist reports that Nordstrom is very close to signing on to take over the Virgin Megastore space to install one of its discount Nordstrom Rack stores. Sounds fine, although some bloggers would much rather have a Target there.

Steak Frites on 16th St., which morphed into Union Prime, is morphing back into Steak Frites. Go figure

Tisserie, the fancy pastry shop that closed at the northwest corner of Union Square, will be replaced by popular British-based sandwich shop Pret a Manger. They have rather good coffee, by the way.

The flowers are back on sale at the corner deli on 13th. Problem solved.