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Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013

By Kelly Rush

Mediterranean is all the rage in Lower Manhattan, and just in time for balmier weather. Two new restaurants are giving diners more falafel and hummus options than ever. For those wanting to get in better shape, a new gym is offering intense and varied workouts. And if you need better sporting equipment, head to a store that has the clothes, shoes and gear that could make even the most painful fitness routine just a little more fun.

City Sports – 50 Broadway
(212) 392-5150 | www.citysports.com

At the grand opening party for this new retailer, shoes and t-shirts were being given away and customers were invited to sign up for a 5K run. Must have been a sports store. City Sports, which recently moved into a space formerly occupied by Daffy’s, stocks sporting equipment for everyone from the amateur to the professional.  Shoppers will find apparel, shoes and a variety of accessories such as GPS watches.

Baba Ghanouge – 143 Fulton Street
(212) 608-1665 | www.babaghanouge.com

The extensive menu of this quick-serve Mediterranean grill includes such staples as hummus, grape leaves and Greek salads, but that’s just the beginning. They also offer spinach and oregano pies, specialty platters such as the chicken shawarma and chicken kabobs, plus pita and baguette sandwiches. Those looking for liquid nutrition can fill up on fresh smoothies and protein shakes.

The Hummus & Pita Co. – 79 Chambers Street
(212) 571-6700 | www.hummusandpitas.com

Adding to the district’s Mediterranean dining options is this new eatery off Chambers. The Hummus shop specializes in falafel, marinated chicken and steak and lamb, wrapped in a pita, laffa, or served in a bowl. Each dish comes with the opportunity to add “fill-its” including veggies, chickpea salad and beet salad. Continue with a sauce, such as the tahini or harissa, and finish with onions, olives, spicy carrots, red cabbage or feta toppings.

Terri - 100 Maiden Lane
(212) 742-7901 | www.terrinyc.com

This new eatery is rounding out Lower Manhattan’s vegetarian offerings with versions of classic sandwiches and salads. Sandwiches include the Thanksgiving with tofurkey, the buffalo chicken, and a meatball sub. Try with a side of quinoa, a cup of the soup of the day or a gluten-free vanilla cupcake with chocolate frosting.

Clarke’s Standard – 101 Maiden Lane
(212) 797-1700 | www.clarkes-standard.com

Clarke’s serves Angus burgers free of hormones, antibiotics, and preservatives, and inspired by the techniques and standards established by New York City’s classic butcher shops. Clarke’s also serves hot dogs and sandwiches, including a grilled chicken and veggie burger. Finish off your meal with a milkshake or an ice cream cup.

Ultimate Fighting Championship - 80 John Street,
(212) 968-1100 | www.ufcgym.com

If light strolls around the park aren’t really cutting it as a fitness plan, perhaps an ultra-training session dubbed “The Workout,” burning 1,000 calories in one hour, is more your style.  Ultimate Fighting Championship’s new gym on John is attracting both hard-core fitness enthusiasts and those just looking to get a more varied workout than what they might find at a traditional gym. Classes in boxing, kickboxing and jiujitsu are offered, as well as children’s classes and advanced training.

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Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

By Kelly Rush

In this edition of Lights On, we have food for the body, food for the soul, and piquant cocktails that would make the worst day a distant memory.  Lower Manhattan is just starting to wake up from its hibernation, Punxsutawney Phil is hiding from potential lawsuits, and we’re looking forward to seeing what’s around the corner.

El Toro - 69 New Street
(212) 363-3900

Why did Mike Tempera, owner of the Grotto Pizzeria, decide to open a Mexican restaurant right next door to his Italian eatery? “Straight up challenge,” he said. “I’m an Italian guy running a Mexican joint.” Tempera joined forces with Carlos Correa, a MarkJoseph Steakhouse alum, and together, they’re creating Mexican specialties such as quesadillas, burritos, and tortas. A selection of various hamburgers is available for the occasional customer who wanders in and discovers he’s not in the mood for south-of-the-border cuisine.

Tempera is taking the same formula that has made the Grotto a 30-year staple in the community, and applying it to El Toro: “If you own a business, be there. Mom and Dad are in the house.” And everything is being made from scratch, because people know the difference between fresh and frozen, he said.

Aroy Dee Thai Kitchen – 20 John Street
(212) 528-9922

Just across the street from the newly refurbished Corbin building sits Lower Manhattan’s newest Thai establishment. Aroy Dee is serving an express lunch for $8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with dishes such as Thai fried rice, pork panang and pad see ew. They also offer a variety of curries, wok dishes and soups. The house specials include a pumpkin chicken curry and a rambutan duck curry. To top it off try a lemongrass, lychee or coconut juice for $3.

The Dead Rabbit – 30 Water Street
(646) 422-7906 | www.deadrabbitnyc.com

One moment, Sean Muldoon was creating cocktails at a hotel in Northern Ireland, the next, he was standing over an unmarked grave in Greenwood Cemetery toasting one of bartending’s forefathers, and the moment after that, he found himself opening up Lower Manhattan’s newest cocktail bar.  Read more…

DeRose Method Tribeca – 55 Murray Street
(646) 535-5057 | www.derosetribeca.org

This new studio aims to treat the whole person, says Ricardo Soares, who moved here from Portugal to open a branch on Murray Street. The practice, which combines flexibility and strength exercises with nutrition, focus and concentration techniques, was originally founded by Sergio DeRose. Practitioners have since opened studios throughout the world.

Soares said the method seeks to enhance an individual’s performance in both day-to-day tasks and improve overall quality of life. Beginners can start with an introductory course and then move on as their ability and schedule allows.

Details – 78 Nassau Street

Details has a wide range of women’s apparel – from shoes to accessories –  for a very reasonable price. With dresses suitable for work or your day off and shoes that are both comfortable and stylish, Details has the variety to keep pace with a busy Manhattan lifestyle.  And for those of you who are fascinated with purses, they have a great handbag collection as well.

Go! Go! Curry – 12 John Street
(212) 406-5555 | www.gogocurryusa-ny.com

This Japanese curry spot keeps it simple and quick. Described as Japanese comfort food, Go Go serves chicken katsu, shrimp and sausage curry in several sizes and with several varieties of sides, including rakkyo, or baby onions, and natto, a fermented soybean dish. Since “go” means “5” in Japanese, the restaurant is offering specials on the 5th, 15th and 25th of every month.

Closings:
Rainbow – 40 Fulton Street

For more information on retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York at www.DowntownNY.com – where you can check out an interactive map with details on hours, locations and services and search the events calendar. Or, stay connected through the Downtown Alliance mobile app, available for download here. 

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Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

Thursday, January 3rd, 2013

By Kelly Rush

We’ve been busy here at the Alliance following Superstorm Sandy. We’ve been administering a grant program, we organized a Square giveaway and have been canvassing the neighborhood on an almost daily basis talking with our constituents. In the middle of this, we launched a holiday campaign and welcomed our annual Shopping & Dining Guide’s appearance, just in time for the Christmas-shopping season. Now that Lower Manhattan is starting to return to its former self, I’m happy to report on nine new openings in the district. They range from maternity wear to fried chicken and they are welcome additions.

SouthWest NY – 301 South End Avenue
(212) 945-0528 | www.southwestny.com

SouthWest NY is back and better than ever. The restaurant moved just around the corner to its new home, a space that features an Earth-toned color palette, a large open bar where patrons can enjoy margaritas and cocktails and a fresh menu with items such as cedar-plank salmon, Mahi Mahi and NY Strip Steak.

Stamina Grill & Juice Bar – 80 Nassau Street
(212) 513-7020 | www.staminagrill.com

Never fried or cooked in oil, the dishes at Stamina promise to give you energy to conquer your day. This eatery specializes in lean grilled meats and freshly-squeezed juices with names such as “Hangover Cure,” and “Cold Remedy.” Also available are fresh fruit smoothies and protein shakes. The motto at Stamina is “Lose the fat, not the flavor.” The perfect accompaniment to your morning run.

Dirty Bird To-Go – 155 Chambers Street
(212) 964-3284 | www.dirtybirdtogo.com

I had the pleasure of sampling this restaurant’s fare recently and was not disappointed. Dirty Bird’s second outpost (the first is in Chelsea) features all the natural fried chicken and sides of the first in a bit of a larger space. The chickens are fresh and organic and come from local farms. I tried the chicken fingers and mac ‘n cheese, and plan on getting the classic fried chicken and kale the next time I go, which will be soon.

Benares – 45 Murray Street
(212) 766-4900 | www.benaresnyc.com

This Indian restaurant has been getting solid reviews for its lovely space and innovative takes on classic dishes.  They have more than 20 vegetarian dishes in honor of the city for which it is named, which is known for its vegetarian cuisine. However, many different cuisines from different regions in India are represented here. Benares has plenty of unusual meat and seafood dishes and also features a 25-bottle wine list.

Black Hound – 301 South End Avenue
(212) 945-0562 | www.blackhoundbar.com

Next door to SouthWest NY is The Black Hound, a handsome bar that adds a welcome dash of nightlife to Battery Park City. Operated by Merchants Hospitality (as is Southwest NY) the bar is being called a “contemporary speakeasy” and offers a variety of cocktails created by mixologist Jeremy Strawn.  The Black Hound can accommodate parties of up to 75 guests.

Artion Galleries – 275 Water Street
(212) 608-4759 | www.artiongalleries.com

Opening on a stretch of Water Street affected by Sandy, Artion is proud to open its doors in the South Street Seaport as one of the area’s first art galleries. Artion is a family-owned gallery that started in Greece and has expanded throughout the European, American and Middle Eastern markets. Colombian photographer Carmen Molina’s “Undercurrents” exhibit is currently on display.

Cricketer’s Arms – 57 Murray Street
(212) 619-5550 | www.thecricketersarmsnyc.com

With an old-world British vibe, the Cricketer’s Arms evokes a past time in a former world, but patrons will find plenty of reasons to drop in today. One Yelper described the situation as thus: “Lived in the hood for 10 years, this Pub is the best thing that has happened in a long time.” Also receiving rave reviews are the fried pickles and onion soup.

Lenny’s – 32 Water Street
(212) 785-7500 | www.lennysnyc.com

Lenny’s Deli recently celebrated its grand opening and has been serving up its well-known sandwiches ever since. The extensive menu features sandwiches as well as salads, homestyle meals such as the turkey with stuffing and gravy, and bagels and breakfast foods. Lenny’s is a great place to satisfy your sandwich craving, whatever it may be.

Rosie Pope Maternity – 55 Warren Street
(212) 608-2036 | www.rosiepope.com

Rosie Pope, the star of the television series “Pregnant in Heels”, has opened a new shop in Lower Manhattan catering to the expectant mom who wants to look stylish even if she hasn’t been able to fit into her regular clothes for months. She offers a full line of basics, dresses and accessories such as purses.

As usual, if you spot any new retailers or changes to existing establishments, please email me at TRE@downtownny.com

For more information on retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York at www.DowntownNY.com. You can check out an interactive map with details on hours, locations and services and search the events calendar. Or, stay connected through the Downtown Alliance iPhone app, available for download on the website. To order a free hard copy of the new Lower Manhattan Shopping and Dining Guide click here. 

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Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

Wednesday, October 10th, 2012

By Kelly Rush

This week’s edition features a department store that is at home on Broadway as it would be in Milan, a new restaurant that has diners buzzing, a spa, and a Halloween costume shop in honor of a holiday that gives everyone the excuse to dress up and go wild.

Trinity Place Department Store – 61 Broadway
(Entrance on Trinity Place)
(917) 300-1184 | www.trinityplaces.com

This beautiful new department store, which feels more like a charming European boutique, is a fresh country breeze in a city known for its humidity. The style is vintage romantic with a modern twist. Expect soft lace accents and retro patterns side-by-side with more modern pieces.

One of the store’s greatest strengths is the unique nature of its clothing; some of the items reminded me of a lovely boutique in Brooklyn in which all the pieces are handmade. You can also find an assortment of leather shoes and handbags to accessorize your look.

The store currently occupies the ground floor of the building and will soon expand to the second and third floors within the next few months. This retail location is a first for the company, which previously was internet based. New locations will be launching in London, Paris and Milan next year.

The Exchange at The Setai – 40 Broad Street
(212) 809-3993

Same luxurious and yet serene surroundings, great new menu. The Exchange at The Setai, which follows predecessor SHO Shaun Hergatt, is bringing San Francisco-based contemporary American cuisine to Lower Manhattan.

Executive Chef Josh Capone is using ingredients that are both locally sourced and seasonal. The menu now features both a la carte and prix fixe options for lunch and dinner. The three-course prix fixe menus are now priced at $28 for lunch and $45 for dinner. As an experienced baker, his breads and focaccia are now made on premise. Top off your night with a dessert prepared by Alise Ciucci, formerly of Aureole.

NV Salon & Spa – 1 World Financial Center
(212) 757-2561

The salon formerly owned by Joseph Cione has been sold and reopened as NV Salon & Spa. In celebration of its grand opening the salon is offering a special of 10 percent off any service. Men’s haircuts run about $30 and women’s haircuts start at $45. A manicure/pedicure combination is $30 pre-discount. Come to the lobby of the building and look for the Au Bon Pain; the salon is next door.

Ricky’s – 100 Broadway
www.rickysnyc.com

And for those looking for Halloween costumes, check out the Ricky’s pop-up, and do it soon, because you don’t want to fight the crowds the day before the holiday.

Closed:
Daffy’s – 50 Broadway

As usual, if you spot any new retailers or changes to existing establishments, please email me at TRE@downtownny.com

For more information on retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York at www.DowntownNY.com. You can check out an interactive map with details on hours, locations and services and search the events calendar. Or, stay connected through the Downtown Alliance iPhone app, available for download on the website.

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Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

Friday, September 28th, 2012

By Kelly Rush

With the start of autumn, it feels appropriate to welcome a new college to town. We also have two new restaurants, a clothing store and one of America’s favorite, and most plentiful, coffeehouses. If you don’t see one of these coffee shops on your street corner right now, be assured that it’s coming soon. Change is good. Change is expected. Change comes with the fall. And you know what to do if you see change, particularly a new opening or closing in Lower Manhattan: email us at tre@downtownny.com.

Grk Fresh Greek – 111 Fulton Street
(212) 385-2010 | www.grkfresh.com

Our newest Greek restaurant offers the following and not particularly in this order: Meat, pitas, yogurt, tzatziki, vegetables, beverages. The shop isn’t stingy with its servings and also offers frozen yogurt, which you could eat as your entrée, like me, or as dessert, like most people.  Chicken, beef, pork and lamb “yeeros” are available as well as sides, such as the Aegean slaw, rice or fries. I’ve had a chance to try both the lentil and the Greek salad and can say that both were tasty.

Starbucks – 200 Water Street
www.starbucks.com

In case you were worried you might have to walk two blocks to get your coffee fix, another Starbucks has come to Lower Manhattan, this time to Water Street. The ubiquitous retailer, which can’t seem to satisfy New Yorkers’ thirst for the ground, black stuff, now has around 20 locations in our district. Even if you don’t know the address of the nearest Starbucks, just keep walking and you’ll find one. Come in for popular seasonal specialties, such as the pumpkin spice latte, a favorite of our blog coordinator.

Sabor de Mexico – 76 Nassau Street
(212) 227-0843 | www.sabordemexicogrill.com

Sabor is serving up fresh, traditional, Mexican fare with salsa and sauces made from scratch every day. I like a Mexican joint that offers a hot sauce by the name of “firecracker,” but if you don’t like your burritos burning hot, other milder options are available. The restaurant serves classic Mexican foods such as fajitas, tacos, quesadillas and one of my favorites, tortas, or Mexican sandwiches. Sabor also offers several sides including cilantro lime rice and guacamole plus a small selection of beers and Mexican sodas.  Catering services are available.

The King’s College – 52 Broadway
(212) 659-7200 | www.tkc.edu

The King’s College, a private, Christian, liberal arts school, has left its old location in Midtown in a subterranean space in the Empire State Building for expanded quarters here in Lower Manhattan. They now have more classrooms, an expanded media lab, an art room and a street-level entrance to the college. Academic programs include: Business administration; liberal arts; media, culture and the arts; and politics, philosophy and economics.

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Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

Thursday, August 30th, 2012

By Kelly Rush

I’m holding on to summer like a screaming toddler holds on to the bag of candy mom just bought at the sweet shop. I’m going to put my fingers in my ears and tell fall to take a hike while I sip a cucumber lemonade chiller from one of our new bars in Lower Manhattan. In this edition of Lights On, we also have a shop that sells miniature baked goods and another branch of a popular Mexican food chain. Can you guess which chain? The lines forming outside their doors every day around noon give them away.

Sit back and enjoy the last dregs of summer. You’ll get a fresh cup soon enough. And as usual, if you see any new retailers or spot changes to a long-time establishment, please email me at tre@downtownny.com and I’ll check them out.

Manhattan Proper – 6 Murray Street
www.manhattanproper.com | (646) 559-4445

This venue, with its black and white décor, multiple flat-screens and a menu that goes beyond typical pub fare, is serving an upscale version of the restaurant/bar to the folks around Murray Street. Executive Chef Rachon Banks has created a menu that mixes cultures and cuisines. Start with a salad, or try an appetizer, such as the chicken wings, the bacon-wrapped dates or Andouille sausage sliders with rosemary creole mustard.  Sandwiches include a variety of burgers, such as the truffle burger with manchego and a balsamic reduction, and a chicken club with basil mayo. For dessert, order the sweet potato pie or the triple chocolate brownie. A wide selection of draft beers and wines are available as well as seasonal cocktails, which currently include the truth serum (we know this will be strong), signature proper peach tea and the cucumber lemonade chiller.

Chipotle – 275 Greenwich Street
www.chipotle.com | (646) 412-3981

Chipotle is a solid, dependable destination for an always-quality burrito. You know what to expect. And fans in Lower Manhattan must be asking for more because Chipotle keeps bringing new restaurants to our district. This outpost may help alleviate long lines at other locations, or Chipotle will just have to open even more restaurants. Either way, west siders can enjoy the build-your-own burrito bar without walking quite as far. This Chipotle marks the fourth location to open south of Chambers Street. We welcome it.

Baked By Melissa – 110 Fulton Street
www.bakedbymelissa.com | (212) 842-0220

Teeny-tiny is in. As long as Melissa lets me buy four to five of these miniature cupcakes at a time, all will be well. The treat shop comes to a portion of Fulton that’s looking forward to several new openings, including a Greek restaurant I’ve been anticipating for a while. We have Red Mango for yogurt; now we have Baked By Melissa for treats of a more bite-sized nature. The cupcakes come in a wide variety of flavors, including a flavor of the month, which for August has been the snow-covered pretzel. Other flavors include the chocolate chip pancake, red velvet, cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, tie-die, cookie dough and peanut butter cup. Choose a flavor from the store or you can create your own flavor for orders of 300 minis or more.

Closures:

Libertine – 15 Gold Street

For more information on retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York at www.DowntownNY.com. You can check out an interactive map with details on hours, locations and services and search the events calendar. Or, stay connected through the Downtown Alliance iPhone app, available for download on the website.

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Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

Friday, August 17th, 2012

By Kelly Rush

We have just one opening for you in this edition, but this store has already become one of the most popular businesses on Fulton Street. Any neighborhood with a growing population of residents, not to mention workers and visitors, needs a well-stocked grocery store that caters to a variety of needs. Key Food’s huge new 55 Fulton Market is a neighborhood amenity on a street whose residents are more than ready to welcome it.

55 Fulton Market – 55 Fulton Street
(646) 581-9260

A formerly vacant storefront is now one of the busiest stretches of sidewalk on Lower Manhattan’s east side. Key Food’s 55 Fulton Market threw wide its doors to a lot of eager shoppers and celebrated its grand opening with specials and free treats.

The 24-hour market—located in the Southbridge Towers and replacing the old Key Food a block away—is more of a gourmet food shop with restaurant touches and outdoor seating that also carries your basic supermarket staples. I stopped by on a “pre-grand opening” day this week and perused the aisles with a horde of other shoppers. I was surprised by how many people came out, considering that this is a grocery store and no one is giving away free iPads, but I’ve learned to never underestimate the power of something large, new and well-stocked with food and free samples.

Local workers will find the hot bar and salad bar plus grab-and-go-options great for fast lunches. Several sushi chefs were working behind the counter restocking a supply of rolls that looked to be fresh and more affordable than I’ve seen in other quarters. Also available are ready-made sandwiches, soups and desserts. In other parts of the market, shoppers can find meat and cheese counters, bakery items and the usual dry goods and supplies.

As usual, if you see any new retailers or spot changes to a long-time establishment, please email me at tre@downtownny.com and I’ll check them out.

Closings:

Urban Lobster Shack – 15 Stone Street
Wendy’s -  117 Beekman Street

For more information on retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York at www.DowntownNY.com. You can check out an interactive map with details on hours, locations and services and search the events calendar. Or, stay connected through the Downtown Alliance iPhone app, available for download on the website.

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Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

Friday, August 3rd, 2012

By Kelly Rush

New Yorkers are known for needing their fixes and they know just the perfect spots at which to curb their cravings. In today’s edition, I bring you several new businesses that I predict will become favorites of people looking for coffee and comfort food. As usual, if you see any new retailers or spot changes to a long-time establishment, please email me at tre@downtownny.com and I’ll check them out.

Grandma’s House - 27 Peck Slip
(212) 472-6362

This cozy spot, which looks more like your grandma’s kitchen than a restaurant, is a throwback to simpler times when a big meal and a hug made everything better. Or maybe old-fashioned milkshakes and mac and cheese just delude us into thinking life is great. Either way, diners can get filled up with delicious food and be happy for at least one hour of their day. The restaurant, which features large portions of comfort food, is already taking orders from Seamless. Popular menu options include the aforementioned mac and cheese, Angus hamburgers—called hambiggers—and the baby back sweet ribs.

The restaurant’s décor includes curtains in the windows, a white picket fence outside and flower boxes in the dining room. I love the idea of a slice of peaceful Americana in Manhattan’s financial center. And the prices aren’t bad either. A four cheese, four-layer grilled cheese is $7.50. Burgers and steak hero’s are around $10. Desserts begin around $2.50.

Blue Spoon Coffee Company - 90 William Street
www.bluespooncoffee.com | (212) 809-8880

Tucked in between a nail spa and a barbershop is Blue Spoon, the second coffee shop from owner Heather Teegarden to grace Lower Manhattan. The first location on Chambers has been a favorite of the government crowd and residents on the go, and this new outpost is sure to attract its own loyal following.

The menu is a mix of deli classics with gourmet touches. For coffee, Blue Spoon brews direct-trade Intelligentsia. The sandwiches and panini include options such as the smoked turkey and brie with apples and honey mustard, roast beef and cheddar, and hummus with roasted red peppers on Balthazar ciabatta bread. Soups and salads also are available as well as homemade baked goods, such as chocolate chip cookies, scones and cupcakes.

Eager to leave her desk job in public relations, owner and native New Yorker Teegarden opened her first store in 2005 and assumed the lease of a struggling tea shop on Chambers Street. “It’s been such a great ride,” she says. “There is such an amazing sense of community here. I love my regular customers and am so excited to be recreating this energy at our new location on William Street!”

R&R Coffee – 76 Fulton Street
(646) 449-8908

“R&R” stands for decades-long friendship, rest and relaxation and the perfect meeting spot for New Yorkers looking to sit down for a minute and share a pastry or two over great coffee. Co-owners Ron Julka and Richard Young (the R’s) have been friends for around 20 years, and they decided now was the time to open their version of the coffee shop in Lower Manhattan.

“We’re in love with the location,” Julka said. “We have tourists, residents and businesspeople, and more and more people are sticking around longer.”

The shop, a stone’s throw from the South Street Seaport and yet still close to Wall Street, features Intelligentsia beans and pastries by Ceca Cela. Coming soon are salads and sandwiches, bagels and an even greater selection of pastries and cookies.

The walls of this space are yet blank, but they’re considering looking to local artists to add splashes of color. However the coffee spot evolves, it’ll still feature friendly service and great food.

 

For more information on retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York at www.DowntownNY.com. You can check out an interactive map with details on hours, locations and services and search the events calendar. Or, stay connected through the Downtown Alliance iPhone app, available for download on the website.

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Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

Thursday, July 19th, 2012

By Kelly Rush

Summer is the season of escape. In this edition, we have a new car rental service for your upcoming vacation, a sandwich shop to equip you with food for the road, a shoe store so you’re fashionably shod when you arrive and a nail salon and spa to pamper your tired feet when you return.

As usual, if you see any new retailers or spot changes to a long-time establishment, please email me at tre@downtownny.com and I’ll check it out.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop – 90 Broad Street
www.potbelly.com | (646) 289-4211

A transplant from my native Chicago, Potbelly is digging some new roots in New York City. The shop also will be opening a location on Fulton Street that we’re looking forward to as well. Potbelly specializes in tasty subs that are also very affordable with prices ranging from as little as $5, which is hard to beat in this city. Try classics such as the turkey breast, ham and Swiss, and roast beef, or try the pizza sandwich (pepperoni, meatball, capicola, marinara sauce, provolone cheese, mushrooms and Italian seasoning) or the wreck (salami, roast beef, turkey and ham with Swiss cheese). Vegetarians and healthy eaters can try a chickpea veggie salad or veggie sandwiches, and diners with a sweet tooth will find shakes and cookies to satisfy cravings.

Abey Nails & Spa – 32 Warren Street
www.abeyspa.com| (212) 608-2208

Lower Manhattan is becoming a destination for charming salons and spas where professionals (or tourists) can come and get out of the stressful office/hot sun for an hour or maybe two. Abey offers a variety of treatments—from manicures and pedicures to waxing, massage and facials—to help customers relax and enjoy some pampering. Some of the spa’s more unique treatments include a AgeLOC face lifting and firming treatment and skin treatments for acne and sensitive skin. If you’re not satisfied judging your body shape, and also find yourself judging the length of your eyelashes, you can come in for eyelash extensions and eyelash perming and put down the mascara and curler for good!  The salon is offering 15 percent off services (grab a coupon on their website) through September 30.

Dollar Rent A Car – 345 South End Avenue
www.dollar.com| (917)-701-1069 or 718-656-2401 Ext. 228 (for NYC local corporate programs)

With about 9,000 people living in Battery Park City and revitalization efforts continuing in the community and around Lower Manhattan, Dollar Rent A Car decided this location was the perfect place to open a car rental service, said Sales and Marketing Manager Paul Rivera.

“Our Dollar location is strategically situated to service residences, the World Financial Center and the greater New York Metropolitan area as a whole,” he said.

Customers can expect top-quality rentals at competitive rates for a wide range of vehicles from convertibles to SUVs. Dollar offers a variety of rental programs depending on the customer’s needs, including Dollar Express, the Dollar rental rewards program. Also available are GPS navigation units and the EZ Pass for rent at competitive rates.

Aldo – 181 Broadway
www.aldoshoes.com | (212) 227-1686

I have a number of pairs of shoes from Aldo, and a few things always hold true about the brand: They last forever, look great and are affordable enough to own as many as you like. The retailer is one of the largest shoe brands in the world, and specializes in leather goods and accessories, as well as shoes. The new location on Broadway joins several other shoe stores on the block including Aerosoles and the Century 21 women’s shoe store so people looking for shoes don’t have to wander very far to find a variety of quality brands and styles. Aldo is also offering a huge sale on items throughout the store and online, so drop by before it’s gone.

Closings:

Uncle Mike’s – 57 Murray Street

For more information on retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York at www.DowntownNY.com. You can check out an interactive map with details on hours, locations and services and search the events calendar. Or, stay connected through the Downtown Alliance iPhone app, available for download on the website.

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Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

By Kelly Rush

I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th holiday. I spent the day at the beach because it was much too hot to stay in my apartment all day and watch my cats, who actually pant and generally look even hotter than I feel. It is guilty escapism with a holiday twist. For this edition of Lights On, we see the Duane Reade presence expanding in Lower Manhattan, while a nightclub replaces a nightclub and several well-known names move to new homes. As usual, if you see any new retailers or spot changes to a long-time establishment, please email me at tre@downtownny.com and I’ll check them out.

Duane Reade – 100 Broadway
www.duanereade.com | (212) 227-2186

The newest Duane Reade feels a bit more like a department store than a pharmacy. The two-level space features several Duane Reade staples, such as the Up: Market brand with a few extras. There’s a café with selections of coffee and breakfast items, a self-serve, frozen yogurt bar, a salad bar, selections of soup plus a wide variety of grab-and-go options such as wraps and sandwiches. The bottom floor mainly is devoted to fresh food options while the upper floor contains the pharmacy, beauty sections, a large selection of greeting cards from the Papyrus brand and a lovely view of the Trinity churchyard.

Quest – 27 Park Place
(718) 300-9647

Replacing Club Remix is Quest, just a couple of hops from City Hall in case anyone there needs a refreshment break from running the city. They’re advertising “Escape After Work Thursdays” featuring dj’s, drink specials and food deals.

Moves:

NYC Opera: Moved to a larger permanent space in the same building, Suite 1010 at 75 Broad Street

Downtown Florist: Moved from 125 Church Street to 25 Murray Street

Closures:

Eastern Newsstand – lobby of 120 Broadway
Club Remix – 27 Park Place

 

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