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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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Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: Cohen’s Fashion Optical

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

Cohen’s is known for a few things, including speedy service and affordable prices, but at the Maiden Lane location, customers also come for a huge selec­tion of high-end designer frames, many of which are hard to find elsewhere.

Among the designers Cohen’s carries are Tory Burch, Martin & Martin, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford, Fendi, Prada, Versace, Michael Kors, Burberry and Tag Heuer.

The Cohen’s brand has been around for about 100 years, and the Maiden Lane store has been serving customers in Lower Manhattan for 15 years, said Manager Alice Ahmia. She said the store offers medical exams and contact lens exams in addition to the regular exam and has a wide variety of sunglasses to choose from as well. Frame and lens packages start at $99 and exams start at $45.

Cohen’s Fashion Optical

33 Maiden Lane

(212) 232-0065

www.cohensfashionoptical.com

 

For more information on other retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York website. 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.

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Shop, Dine, Save Big and Support NYC Teens – The Opportunity Card 2012: Available Now for a Limited Only

Friday, October 19th, 2012

Here’s an innovative, holiday season program by Futures and Options, a youth career development program founded by the Downtown Alliance, that allows consumers to shop and dine at significant savings:  The Opportunity Card 2012.

Savvy shoppers and diners making a $50 fully-tax deductible donation to Futures and Options will receive The Opportunity Card, entitling them to a generous 20% discount at some 200 premier merchants and restaurants, including many in the Lower Manhattan.  The Opportunity Card holders enjoy limitless savings and provide limitless opportunities for New York City’s students in need.

Here’s how it works:

* Get The Card now by making a $50 fully tax-deductible donation to Futures and Options by clicking here.

* You will receive The Opportunity Card which entitles you to a 20% discount off full-priced merchandise at nearly 200 premier Participating Merchants between October 26 to November 4, 2012.

* Use The Opportunity Card as often as you like during the 10-day promotional period amounting to limitless savings on clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry, eyewear, children’s wear, house wares, fine wine, dining, and salon and spa services.

* 100 percent of your donation will  support Futures and Options programs for NYC Teens.

Every dollar raised from the sale of The Opportunity Card benefits Futures and Options, which has served more thank 3,000 New York City teens since 1995, with over 90% graduating from high school on time and pursuing higher education.

You won’t want to miss out! The Opportunity Card will be honored at the following Lower Manhattan merchants:

Charles Patrick Jewelers
Coach
Cohen’s Fashion Optical
Financier Patisserie
Gap
Gap Kids & Baby Gap
GUESS
Superdry
Vince Smith Hair Experience
William Barthman Jeweler

View The Opportunity Card Directory with the full list of Participating Merchant addresses in other areas.

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Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: Ray’s Barbershop

Friday, October 12th, 2012

Ray’s, which has a location on Chambers Street, has a new outpost at Park Place and Church Street that is now serving customers. The space was a bare canvas when they rented it, but months and a complete overhaul later, the interior is a sleeker, masculine version of the classic barber shop.

Owner Ray Tahlov and his team paid attention to every detail down to the barber chairs, a brand that is no longer manufactured. He found the chairs, which were in very poor shape, in different states, and restored them to top condition. “Everything you see here is custom-made,” he said.

Services include a haircut, shampoo, beard trim and shaves. Additionally, all haircuts include hot towel and neck shaves.

Ray’s Barbershop

100 Church Street

(212) 233-9233

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Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: Downtown Pharmacy

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

Downtown Pharmacy has everything customers might expect at a full-service pharmacy, and a few special perks they wouldn’t, such as free, speedy, home delivery around the district.

Downtown Pharmacy carries many hard-to-find items, such as breastfeeding products made by the brands Medela and Ameda, which are becoming popular as more and more families move to the neighborhood. The pharmacy also offers notary public services and money orders and goes out of its way to contact doctors in order to keep up-to-date on prescriptions or changes.

You never have to wait long for your prescription to be filled and lines move quickly— the goal is to keep the wait time to five minutes or less.

The pharmacy will order products so they are available the same or next day, and also offers compounding services for customers who can’t take medicines in certain forms. It’s this attention to detail and friendly customer service that keeps people coming back.

Downtown Pharmacy

165 William Street

(212) 233-0333

www.downtownpharmacy.com

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Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: Artsee Eyewear

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Artsee Eyewear is a gallery of eyeglasses with each frame handmade from materials ranging from buffalo horn to recycled vinyl records.

“We see the frames as a work of art,” said general manager Carlos Venegas. Instead of an explosion of frames throughout the store, only a few are displayed in the window. The idea is to show customers what shapes and colors work well with their face from a back-store collection rather than have them pick out hip pieces that may be all wrong for them, Venegas said.

The cutting-edge, yet affordable, designs are a hit with the conservative banking crowd and young professionals who live nearby because they are offbeat without looking wild. But the store itself is also an attraction.

The loft-like space showcases artwork, including the most current installation of photographs by David L. Nicholas. The shots include a Ground Zero tribute and the Palace Square in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Artsee Eyewear

220 Murray Street

212.227.2400

www.artseeeyewear.com

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Show Mom How Much you Care by Treating Her at These Lower Manhattan Destinations

Friday, May 4th, 2012

With only a week to go before Mother’s Day, you’ve got multiple ways to show your appreciation for Mom in Lower Manhattan. The Downtown Alliance has compiled a list of special events and dining options for you to celebrate Mother’s Day 2012 in the district:

SHOPPING:

J&R Mother’s Day Shopping Event May 5th and 6th
23 Park Row
(212) 238-9000

Not sure what to get Mother’s Day? Come down to J & R’s two-day shopping event on May 5th and 6th and J & R will help you out! Skip the flowers this year and get her something a little more cutting edge — such as a tablet, digital camera, or mp3 player. Receive a pearl necklace with any purchase of $200 or more. This is an in-store-only offer available both days, while supplies last.

Bloom
255 Murray Street
www.bloomflowers.com|(646) 414-6269

The newly opened Bloom luxury flower and interior shop is a great place to purchase something to brighten mom’s day. The boutique sells unique flower and terrarium arrangements with one-of-a-kind gifts like throw pillows, scented candles from Christian Tortu and coffee table books as well as furniture for the home and garden.

MORE FLOWER SHOPS: City Blossoms, Downtown Florist, Eden Flowers, Flowers of the World, John Street Florist, and L’Atelier Des Fleurs

Hallmark Gold Crown
140 Church Street
www.hallmark.com | (212) 227-3674

A simple Mother’s Day card can’t be beat to show how much you care. Every mom likes to hear she’s doing a great job.

MORE GREETING CARDS: American Greetings, Diamond’s Hallmark and Papyrus

DINING:

Statue Cruises
Pier 40
(201) 604-2800

Enjoy wonderful cuisine, complimentary glass of champagne and live entertainment as you sail along the scenic New York Harbor. Help your mother indulge by relishing a two-hour yacht cruise with a full brunch buffet for $57.50 per person. A three-hour cruise is also available with a four-course seated dinner, DJ entertainment and one rose per mother for $99 per person.

Blue Planet Grill
120 Greenwich Street
www.bpgnyc.com | (212) 566-8300

Come to Blue Planet Grill with your mother and family and celebrate the special day together. Also, receive complimentary glass of wine with your meal.

Francois Payard Bakery
210 Murray Street
www.fpbnyc.com | (212) 566-8300

Indulge your mother with Francois Payard’s decadent pastries. The French pastry chef has mastered the art of sweets, and his Battery Park City location will transport your mother to faraway France.

MORE SWEETS: Fika Espresso Bar, Financier Patisserie, Godiva Chocolatier, La Maison du Chocolat and Leonidas Belgian Chocolates

Vintry
57 Stone Street | (212) 480-9800 | www.vintrynyc.com
230 Murray Street | (212) 240-9553 | www.vintryfinewines.com

Vintry luxury wine bar, now in two great locations, offers 80 wines by the taste, glass or bottle as well as over 230 different whiskies. Step into the distinctive, handcrafted interior and show your mother you appreciate her sophisticated palate.

MORE WINE & LIQUOR: Fulton Wine and Liquor, California Wine Merchants, New York Wine Exchange, Pasanella and Son Vintners, New York Vintners, Financial District Wine and Liquor, and Rosetta Wines

EVENTS:

Spring Thyme Spa
40 Exchange Place
www.springthymeny.com/specials | (212) 385-4937

Help mom get that much-needed relaxation she never finds time for at Spring Thyme Spa. Mother’s Day services include aromatherapy hot oil massage, aromatherapy hydrating facial, eye and lip moisture booster, hand and foot treatment – all for $170. Also choose from varying kinds of massages.

Bodies Exhibition Health Screenings
19 Fulton Street
(212) 732-8257

Show mom you care by making sure she’s healthier than ever! With overwhelming schedules and constant care of others, moms often forget to worry about their own health.  In honor of Mother’s Day and National Women’s Health Week (May 13th – May 19th), take mom to the BODIES exhibition on Saturday, May 12th. There you can  learn more about staying heart healthy. The event runs from 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

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Meet a Lower Manhattan Business: Affina Beauty & Spa

Friday, April 27th, 2012

Shine Guo didn’t want Affina Beauty & Spa to be another high-end service for the elite. Instead, she created a menu of manicures, facials and body treatments for everyone from executives to students.

“There are a lot of people looking for an affordable spa with good service,” said Guo, Affina’s general manager.

That doesn’t mean you won’t get the pomp and pampering you’d expect from an expensive spa. The scent of lavender wafts throughout the calming, grey-colored space. Treatments include a green tea body wrap to cleanse toxins and a chocolate sugar scrub for exfoliation. And waxes are carefully selected depending on skin type.

“Not every wax will work for everyone,” said Guo, explaining that Affina carries four waxes, including a zinc-based dip for customers with a history of ingrown hairs.

Affina Beauty & Spa

125 Church Street

212.233.8822

www.affinaspa.com

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Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

 

By Kelly Rush

Turbo Tax and I were working together quite nicely. Everything was going well. But as I went to hit “submit” to send my forms electronically to the IRS, something malfunctioned and I shook my head. It just couldn’t be that easy. A few days and phone calls later, the forms were accepted and I could go on my way. I’m a woman who likes to celebrate the completion of tax time with the help of a sommelier. But if that’s not your thing, or if you owe a bunch of money and it’s all your fault, perhaps you need a few different ways to recuperate, drown your sorrows and relieve your stresses. Here are my picks for establishments that will help you move on with your life already.

As usual, if you see any new retailers or spot changes to a long-time friend, please email me at tre@downtownny.com and I’ll check them out. I’ll be back with news of new openings in my next column.

SoulCycle – 103 Warren Street
(212) 406-1300 | www.soul-cycle.com

A friend of mine recently relayed a story in which she was kicked out of a spinning class for not properly signing in, and this prompted her to weep. If spinning is that important to people, you know it must do something incredible for the mind, body and spirit. SoulCycle offers a full-body workout that incorporates weights and core exercises so that your upper body will look like it belongs to the same person as your lower body. Listen to music designed to pump you up, enjoy a community of like-minded people, respect your temple.

White Horse Tavern – 25 Bridge Street
(212) 668-9046

If you owe a lot of money to the IRS, the last thing you want to do is spend more money consoling yourself. This is where the specials at White Horse Tavern come in. They host an all-day happy hour with beer as inexpensive as $3. If you want a pricier draft, you must find a whole 50 cents more. Or take advantage of their offer of a 16-oz can of Pabst and a shot of house liquor for $5. If you’re looking to completely forget your troubles for an evening, this establishment has you covered. I understand that bankruptcy judges take pity on people for spending a little money on alcohol. Or leave the credit card at home and use cash. It leaves no trace.

Leonidas Fresh Belgian Chocolates – 3 Hanover Square
(212) 422-9600 | www.Leonidas-Chocolates.com

When late afternoon strikes and I feel blah, I eat chocolate. After dinner when I want something sweet, I eat chocolate. I eat chocolate when I’m happy and I eat a little more when I’m stressed. The Belgians do a lot of things right. I’m a particular fan of their beer, but I also love their chocolate, and you can find plenty of it at Leonidas. The fresh, candied orange peel dipped in bittersweet chocolate is a big draw, as is the Gianduja, a pure almond and hazelnut praline. Other top sellers include the praline with a bit of biscuit for a satisfying crunch or the version with chopped California almonds.

Spring Thyme Day Spa – 27 William Street, Suite 812
(212) 385-4975 | www.springthymeny.com

The few times I’ve treated myself to a spa package, I’ve walked out of the establishment feeling light and pampered and like a bunch of friends just gave me a hug. So if you’re depressed, what better remedy than having a team of professionals focus all their attention and energy into making you feel better. This spa offers a host of services, including spa staples such as facials and massage, plus acupuncture, infra-therapy, waxing and customized herbal remedies. Spring Thyme has an Eastern vibe and feels homey and welcoming. It’s a great place to relax and find a bit of balance.

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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