Welcome back to Joe On the Go! The weather has been a bit unpredictable these past few weeks, but that hasn’t stopped me from hitting the streets in search of the newest openings in Lower Manhattan. Foodies rejoice! Several new restaurants recently opened with cuisines ranging from Indian to gourmet falafel. As always, if you see any new retailers or any changes to existing retailers, please e-mail me at tre@downtownny.com. If you’re looking for information on a particular retailer, you can check our Downtown Directory. Bon Appetit!

Yorganic – 275 Greenwich Street, 212-732-8888

Yorganic prides itself on offering completely organic fruits, vegetables, dairy, sugar, flour, eggs and natural ingredients. Their signature item, the Bliss Bowl, features steamed rice or noodles topped with fresh, sauteed vegetables mixed with their on-site chef’s special sauce. They also offer the first frozen yogurt made with organic milk, sugar and yogurt.

Crisp - 111 Fulton Street, 212-321-2200

Gourmet. Falafel. Those two words alone should be enough to make a New Yorker’s stomach growl in anticipation. Don’t expect to pay “gourmet” prices at Crisp, though. Their signature “Crisp” falafel sandwich, layered with hummus, cubed salad, sour cabbage salad, parsley and vinaigrette sauce, is only $6.75. Plus, all packaging is 100% biodegradable and printed with environmentally friendly soy ink. Check this place out for a quick bite that’s easy on your wallet and your conscience!

Hot Clay Oven – 101 Maiden Lane, 212-269-2103

This new Indian Fusion grill is HOT. How hot? Try 900° F. Their clay oven, formally known as a “tandoor,” has been the cooking method of choice in Northern India since the 14th century. You construct your own custom meal, made from their all-natural, preservative-free ingredients. Don’t like spice? Not to worry—they cater to medium and mild palettes too.

Dr. Mike & Son Hairstylist – 98 Chambers Street, 212-227-6116

At Dr. Mike’s, “you don’t have to be a king to receive the royal treatment.” This popular hairstylist recently opened a second location, on Chambers Street. Haircuts start at $15, and if you buy a block of ten in advance every tenth cut is free. Your best bet is to make an appointment. As Dr. Mike says, “those who think ahead, call ahead.”

Closings:

Montmartre, World Financial Center

Gatehouse Restaurant, 301 South End Avenue

Cafe Groppi, 32 Water Street

Welcome to the inaugural installment of Joe On The Go! In the Mess Around Downtown, Luke gave you the scoop on new retailers in Lower Manhattan. My name is Joe Jalbert, and I’ll be filling in for Mr. Mess, hitting the pavement to bring you info on retail openings and closings in the district. If you’re looking for information on a particular retailer, you can check our handy Downtown Directory. If you see any new retailers or any changes to existing retailers, please e-mail me at tre@downtownny.com. Thanks!

Bengal Curry and Kebabs – 65 West Broadway, 212-571-0012

This cozy little kebab house serves up no-frills Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi cuisine just a few blocks north of the World Trade Center. It’s a great spot to grab a quick lunch. They deliver, too!

Mangez Avec Moi – 71-73 West Broadway, 212-385-0008

The name may be French, but you won’t find any escargot here. Mangez Avec Moi specializes in pan-Asian cuisine. From pad thai to bánh mì, this is a great place to go for southeast Asian cuisine in Lower Manhattan. Their menu boasts “elephant delivery,” though I have yet to see any evidence of pachyderms on the premises.

La Lumia – 27 Park Place, Suite 304, 212-966-3923

This boutique offers exclusive designs from 25-year fashion veteran Jackie Sencion. Some of Ms. Sencion’s private labels include a contemporary knitwear line, a line of hand-crafted leather and a specialty denim line. The shop also features fashions from other designers and small companies.

Park Place Fine Jewelry – 15 Park Place, 212-227-7555

Park Place. Luxury. No, it’s not the monopoly board. It’s Park Place Fine Jewelry. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, this is the perfect place to shop for your special someone. And don’t worry, there’s no luxury tax.

Tribeca Spine and Wellness Center – 51 Warren Street, 212-374-0102

Chiropractic, pain management, physical therapy, massage therapy, nutrition & detox programs; Tribeca Spine & Wellness Center offers the best in both conventional and alternative care. They pride themselves on being the friendliest medical center in New York.

Closings:

Ryan Maguire’s Ale House, 28 Cliff Street

Verizon Wireless, 130 Church Street

Welcome back to Mess Around Downtown!

The time has come that I, The Mess, retire from my retail beat. No longer will I walk the streets of Lower Manhattan, as I have for the past 2 1/2 years, eagerly scouting out new retailers, tasty bargains, business closings, and any or all of the Downtown lowdown. Thank you to my readers. Thank you to all the business owners who welcomed me into their shops for a tour or to get warm. Thank you to all the restaurateurs who insisted that I sample their food or try their cappuccino. The job was very delicious at times. The pleasure of working outside in what I consider to be a living-and-breathing museum has been an honor.

I’ll leave you with this: Sometimes, as I would meander through the streets of this historical square mile surveying the storefronts, I would envision all those characters from the past who trod those original paths with the soles of their boots and hooves of their horses. I would thank them for inventing what it means to be a New Yorker. And thank them for always leaving this city to us improved upon from when they inherited it. For without that progress there would be no Downtown Alliance and I would have had no job. Mess Around Downtown out.

Read on for all the latest retail openings and news to hit Lower Manhattan these past few weeks. And you can find anything you need with our Downtown Directory. Thanks.

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Hello Pasta – 125 Maiden Lane: 212.557.2782

As I say goodbye this pasta-lovers paradise says hello. It’s as easy as one two three to eat here. Pick your pasta, pick your sauce, pick your cheese and toppings, and pay. Most of the choices are around $6 and they come in an easy-to-eat-out-of takeout box. Vegan? Plain pasta and olive oil is on the menu along with fresh soups and salads to choose from. They also have excellent phone manners when calling for delivery.

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Keg No. 229 - 229 Front Street: 212.566.2337

From the adult beverage slingers at Bin No. 220 on Front Street comes this new beer appreciation bar where you can get a buzz with the help of modern technology. And also munch on some old-school eats like mac and cheese and chicken pot pie. Choose what kind of beer you want on the LCD screen at your table and the computer will send 16 ounces of your liquid gold selection through the tap right at your table. There’s also plenty of bottles and cans the bartender will be happy to pour for you as well. Great for an early date or to party late.

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DoubleTree Hotel – 8 Stone Street: 212.480.9100

Stay at this 399 room hotel on your next visit to NYC. Your olfactory system will be glad you did as you take in the famous DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie smells that fill the lobby and halls. Look for the gym and restaurant with outdoor seating to open soon. The DoubleTree is the fifth hotel to open in Lower Manhattan this year and brought a nice ending to a good year for hotels down here.

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Burger King – 106 Fulton Street: No phone yet

Have it in the Financial District way. Have it your way.

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Business Tidbits and Updates

- The Essences Hair Salon previously located on the third floor of 144 Fulton Street has moved to a storefront space at 80 Nassau Street.

- Best Color Photo at 90 Nassau Street has closed.

- The Pussycat Lounge at 96 Greenwich Street has closed.

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In closing I’d also like to thank Zelda the turkey and Sad Panda for their presence. Click here to find out more about my future endeavors. As always, thank you for being on the lookout and please continue to send any changes you come across to tre@downtownny.com