Archive for the ‘Meet a Lower Manhattan Business’ Category

Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: Luke’s Lobster

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

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Luke’s brings new meaning to “Maine” street in the Financial District. Luke’s Lobster recently opened up its fourth New York City outpost in the district, and the 14 seats fill up quickly come lunchtime (though you can get the lobster roll combo complete with kettle chips and a drink to go).

“Everything is caught, purchased, cleaned, cooked, packed in Maine,” said Vice President Ben Coniff. “You’re going to get the same roll every time you visit.”

Luke Holden’s father, Jeff, ships the lobsters from his longtime business, Portland Shellfish. Each day, Luke’s shells out hundreds of pounds of tasty lobster rolls. It’s open ’til 9 each night and ’til 8 on weekends.

And now Luke’s is looking at a discount program for Lower Manhattan residents and is available for parties.

Luke’s Lobster

26 South William Street

(212) 747-1700

www.lukeslobster.com

Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: Battery Place Market

Friday, November 18th, 2011

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At newly opened Battery Place Market, you can get locally-sourced, fresh, organic produce for all your holiday meals.

They offer a large selection of savory dishes prepared each morning by a kitchen staff of ten overseen by Chef Robert Sckalor, who has been cooking for the last 37 years in such establishments as Agata & Valentina, the Waldorf Astoria and the Four Seasons.

Each week, you can find different specials and new items as well as expert advice on how to pick and use a product or even a recipe for that special dinner.  The menus are also available on their website, along with free delivery, so you can order everything from the comfort of your own home!

Battery Place Market

77 Battery Place

(212) 786-0077

www.batteryplacemarkets.com

Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: Nassau Fulton Optical

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

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Photo by Marla S. Maritzer

While many Lower Manhattanites are familiar with Nassau Fulton Optical, they may not be aware of its long history in the neighborhood.  Neil Schafran, a native New Yorker, has owned the business for more than 25 years, and before that the optical store had already been operating for close to 25 years.  Fifty years in the same spot!  Given all the changes Lower Manhattan has seen, that’s pretty impressive.

Not only has Neil dedicated himself to working in our neighborhood, two of his staff members have also been with Nassau Fulton Optical for more than 10 years.  Neil says that commitment to the community and maintaining strong customer service is the key to his success.

All the prominent names in designer eyewear can be found at Nassau Fulton Optical including Armani, Gucci and Prada.

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Photo by Marla S. Maritzer

Nassau Fulton Optical also offers eye exams, prescriptions, and accepts most insurance plans.

Neil, along with his insightful and focused staff, have deep roots in the community.  If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to swing by Nassau Fulton Optical, you should drop by and see what you’ve been missing.

Nassau Fulton Optical

87 Nassau Street

(212) 233-8735

www.downtown-manhattan-optical.com

Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: SoulCycle

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

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Do you like spinning but hate the former drill sergeant your gym hired to yell in your face while you try to workout in a healthful and focused way? If so, SoulCycle is for you. Combining strength and cardio training while tending to the entire self is their specialty. No yelling.

Pulsing beats echo from SoulCycle’s workout room into the glass-enclosed, front atrium, an intriguing sound that makes one wonder: What’s behind the wall?  It’s a dimly lit, mirror-lined special studio that has resistance bands anchored to a sliding track above each bike for a one-of-a-kind 45-minute, full-body workout or an hour-long, full endurance ride.

It’s pay by the class, no memberships, so check their schedule online to learn more and see what works for you.  This distinctive exercise center also offers Soulteen, a workout designed for teenagers, including tunes.

SoulCycle

103 Warren Street

212-406-1300

www.soul-cycle.com

Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: BonChon Chicken

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

Bonchon Chicken

The Financial District is experiencing the Korean fried chicken craze at BonChon Chicken.

The fried chicken wings are delightfully crispy and battered with a secret sauce and Korean seasonings. There are two flavors, both soy-garlic, one spicy and one mild.

Word to the wise: If you’re in a hurry, call ahead to order. They make each batch individually and lunch time can get backed up. If you’re not in a hurry, go in, hang at the bar, and drink a beer while you wait. It’s worth it.

BonChon Chicken

104 John Street

646.682.7747

www.bonchononjohn.com


Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: Delmonico’s

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011
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photo by: Marla S. Maritzer

It’s difficult to decide where to begin when discussing a restaurant such as Delmonico’s Steakhouse.  There are so many historic anecdotes to choose from, so many culinary firsts.  One might say that Delmonico’s is responsible for shaping the culture, and even manners, of dining in America.

Delmonico’s opened in 1837 as the first dining establishment in America.  After 174 years, Delmonico’s is still reinventing itself, while maintaining its essential historic flavor.  Some of those famous first flavors that established Delmonico’s reputation include: Lobster à la Newburg, Eggs Benedict, Manhattan Clam Chowder and Baked Alaska.

Delmonico’s was also the first dining establishment to use the French word restaurant.  And where would our manners be if Delmonico’s hadn’t been the first to use tablecloths, printed menus and allow guests to sit at their own tables?

Delmonico’s was also the site of pivotal historic meetings, such as the dinner between the naturalist, Charles Darwin and the philosopher, Herbert Spencer.  Two rooms have just been renovated in honor of two other famous patrons.  The Mark Twain and Charles Dickens rooms have recently been renovated, and you can rest assured that the rooms emulate the same style and opulent design that live up to the Delmonico name.

Delmonico’s Steakhouse is a superb choice for a meal, a wedding, to experience a time capsule of culinary history, or just to enjoy one of the best steaks around.

Delmonico’s Steakhouse

56 Beaver Street

(212) 509-1144

www.delmonicosny.com

Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: BLT Bar & Grill

Friday, August 26th, 2011

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BLT Bar and Grill and its host — W New York-Downtown Hotel — know how to make you feel comfortable.

As you enter this two-story restaurant, you’re greeted with the sounds of soft melodic background music.  And through the dim filaments of hanging antique lanterns, playful chalk murals from Marlaina Deppe of Novo Arts will catch your eye as it subtly spirals through the verticality of the space.

But the feel-good music, sexy lighting and artistic walls are all there to set the stage. Then the players arrive: braised octopus, a perfect chopped salad, beautiful steaks, whole branzino, lamb and Bolognese/fennel/tallegio pizza.  Not done yet?  Enjoy a key lime tart with blueberry compote for desert.

These are foods you want whether you’re on a business lunch or dinner with friends.

BLT Bar & Grill

123 Washington Street

646-826-8666

www.bltbarandgrill.com

Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: Milk Street Cafe

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

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Flat technology tables, produce soak sinks, line busters – terms that may sound esoteric — are just some of the innovations used at Milk Street Café every day to maintain their high culinary standards.

Farmers market salads, rotisserie chicken, and panini sandwiches are just some of the gourmet treats you’ll find at Milk Street Café.

The Boston-based restaurant offers homemade foods that are so beautifully prepared, you just might pause for a moment to admire the presentation before enjoying your meal.

Milk Street Cafe

40 Wall Street

646-827-9955

www.milkstreetcafe.com

Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: Shake Shack

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

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Shake Shack has opened in Lower Manhattan!

Shake Shack’s reputation was undeniably established following the success of its original Madison Square Park location.  Since then, quite a few locations have sprouted up throughout the city, and Danny Meyer has just opened his latest venture in Battery Park City.

The Shake Shack concept began as a modern day “roadside” burger stand serving delicious burgers, hot dogs, and frozen custard. The menu offers so much more to complement that famous burger topped with ShackSauce.  Shake Shack offers a vegetarian ‘shroom’ burger, a ‘concrete’ made with three layers of frozen custard, and ShackMeister Ale brewed in collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery.

It’s no surprise that Shake Shack’s popularity has swept New York, and now Lower Manhattan has its very own spot just down the block.

Shake Shack

215 Murray Street

646-545-4600

www.shakeshack.com

Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: Luke’s Lobster

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

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You might say, in a New England accent, “You can get theyah from heeah,” when you realize just how easy it is to find authentic Maine lobster roll in Lower Manhattan.

The father-son duo behind the seafood sensation, Luke’s Lobster, have recently opened their newest location at 26 South William Street.

The stellar lobster roll is always a great choice, but there are a variety of other morsels from Maine to entice your palate as well. Try the New England Clam Chowder, Empress Crab Claws, or Noah’s Ark – a meal of biblical proportions.

Luke’s Lobster

26 South William Street

212-747-1700

www.lukeslobster.com