Saturday, May 18th
10AM–Noon  |  Wall Street Park
BETWEEN WATER AND SOUTH STREETS

Join us and your neighbors as we plant new flowers and spruce up Wall Street Park. In addition to gardening for all, there will be kid-friendly activities like face-painting and balloon-making.

There will also be a surprise “golden ticket” hidden in one of the flower pots amongst those you’ll be planting. This ticket will entitle the finder to an amazing array of gifts from downtown retailers, courtesy of our friends at the FiDi Association.

We’ll provide the plantings, the tools, and the topsoil; you bring some elbow grease. Together we’ll make Wall Street Park bloom, and the kids will have a blast too. Light refreshments will be available, provided by Whole Foods.

]]> http://blog.downtownny.com/2013/05/join-us-and-make-wall-street-park-bloom/feed/ 0 http://blog.downtownny.com/2013/05/this-mothers-day-show-mom-some-lower-manhattan-love/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-mothers-day-show-mom-some-lower-manhattan-love http://blog.downtownny.com/2013/05/this-mothers-day-show-mom-some-lower-manhattan-love/#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 16:14:51 +0000 RonnyD http://blog.downtownny.com/?p=13168

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and Lower Manhattan has some great deals and specials to celebrate the love that only a mother can give.

Win a Free Posh Mommy Loop Pendant for your Mom

DeNatale Jewelers
111 Broadway, Lobby
(212) 349-8900 | www.denatale.com

Win one of three Posh Mommy Loop Pendants for your mom. Simply visit our Facebook page and upload a baby picture of yourself, or child and get the most ‘likes’. The three with the highest number of ‘likes’ will win a personalized pendant. It’s quick and easy – you can find out more on our Facebook page by clicking here.  Valid from 05-01-2013 to 05-12-2013.

Thank Mom with a Gift She Will Remember Forever!

Ray’s Jewelry
3 Hanover Square
(212) 425-2250

Come in Monday-Friday from 9 AM-5:45 PM (Friday until 4:30) and mention this ad and receive an additional 15% off the sale price of ANY item in the store. Treat Mom to something special this year! We have the largest selection of jewelry, diamonds, and watches in the entire Wall Street area including hot new brand names like Alex and Ani, Chamilia, Lauren G Adams, Oliver Weber, and much more!! Valid from 04-30-2013 to 05-14-2013.

25% off on $500 minimum purchase for Mother’s Day

William Barthman Jeweler
176 Broadway
(212) 732-0890 | www.williambarthman.com

To celebrate Mother’s Day, William Barthman Jeweler offers 25% off on a $500 purchase or higher. A Pandora jewelry piece is the best gift for Mom. Come to explore our Manhattan Store at 176 Broadway and visit our Pandora Boutique. Certain luxury brands are excluded from this offer. Please talk to a sales associate for details.  Valid from 05-01-2013 to 05-31-2013

La Maison du Chocolat’s  Mother’s Day Collection

La Maison du Chocolat
63 Wall Street
(212) 952-1123 | www.lamaisonduchocolat.com

To celebrate Mothers of all around the world, this year La Maison du Chocolat offers an exclusive gift box with two special recipes of fruits and florals. A dark chocolate ganache infused with fresh raspberry pulp, hibiscus, rosebud and cornflowers and a milk chocolate ganache infused with lemon, orange and grapefruit. This dazzling shiny and bright coral gift box contains 18 pieces for $34.00. Valid from 05-01-2013 to 05-13-2013.

Mother’s Day…it’s all about Mother’s love!

Fabio Doti Salon
40 Exchange Place
(917) 261-6865 | www.fabiodotisalon.com

Mother’s Day – time to cherish the love only a Mom can give! Let’s celebrate this month & every day! We would like to show our appreciation to Mom’s with 15% off any service! Moms, treat yourself with a beautiful blow-out, glamour up with a make-up application or shape-up that style with a master cut! It’s your month and you should look and feel your best! YOU DESERVE IT! Valid from 05-01-2013 to 05-31-2013.

Bring Your Mamma, Get 20% Off

Pasanella and Son Vintners
115 South Street
(212) 233-8383 | www.pasanellaandson.com

On Mother’s Day, show mom you love her by bringing her by the store for a 20% discount! There will be wine to taste that day as well. Valid on 05-12-2013.

Mother’s Day Brunch Deals

Church & Dey Restaurant
55 Church Street
(212) 312-2000 | www.newyorkmillenium.hilton.com

Treat Mom to Brunch this Mother’s Day at Church & Dey Restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal for $35 per person plus stunning views of the World Trade Center Site and Memorial! For reservations, click here. Valid on 05-12-2013.

Smörgås Chef Restaurant
53 Stone Street
(212) 422-3500 | www.smorgas.com

Join us for Mother’s Day brunch and dinner on festive Stone Street! We are offering our regular a la carte menu all day as well as some amazing specials like pan roasted scallops, farm eggs with morel mushrooms and drink specials for your family! Valid on 05-12-2013.

W New York Downtown Hotel – Mother’s Day Super Cool Sale

W New York – Downtown
123 Washington Street
(646) 826-8600 | www.wnewyorkdowntown.com

Super Cool Sale for Mother’s Day @ W New York Downtown Package includes complimentary upgrade to Cool Corner Room and 2 Sip Drink Cards upon arrival. Rates are prepaid, non-refundable and non-changeable. Valid from 05-10-2013 to 05-12-2013.

For more information on other retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York website, or download our mobile app by clicking here.  For more Downtown Deals click here.

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.

City Blossoms is a family owned and operated company that started in the 1980’s as a tiny, one-person shop (two if you include the delivery person) that was located in the lobby of 17 Battery Place. The store was built on the fundamental philosophy that nothing is more important in building a business than nurturing relationships one by one with your customers.

Now located at 62 Trinity Place (and with another location in midtown), the company has grown into a larger floral design company.   Owners Inna Lipovsky and Karina Granin form a dynamic mother-daughter duo who are attune to the new trends of the floral design field without being too trendy or gimicky.  They cherish each client and each event, and give the utmost attention whether it is a delivery of flowers to a loved one or a large gala event.

City Blossoms is currently celebrating Administrative Professional’s Week.  “Studies have shown that adding flowers or plants to your workplace instantly boosts productivity and overall happiness.  Flowers are the perfect way to say thank you to the administrative assistants in your office and to keep them feeling positive,” says their Managing Director, Julia Rosa.

If you order from their Financial District location now thru Friday, April 26^th, you can receive 10% off by using the code FIDI2013.

City Blossoms

62 Trinity Place

(212) 346-0756

www.cityblossoms.com

For more information on other retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York website, or download our mobile app by clicking here.  For more Downtown Deals click here.

You can always rely on McDonald’s to have burgers, fries and chicken (Mc)nuggets, but a little bit of Bach and the Beatles?

At 160 Broadway (between Maiden Lane and Liberty Street) stands a flag-ship McDonald’s that opened in 1988 and has had the melodic sounds of different talented pianists playing daily ever since. “Being so close to the Stock Exchange and the World Trade Center, we felt this would be a great location to do something different,” said owner Paul Goodman.

Different it is – being the only McDonald’s in the world to have pianists playing on a full-time schedule.  Their performance space is equipped with a Howard Baby Grand Piano and located in a small loft area overlooking the entrance.  “We currently have three pianists, and they play seven days a week.  Each pianist has their own unique style – playing a combination of original music and well known covers.”

With Lower Manhattan’s diverse mix of customers – from office employees and construction workers to tourists and students – you’re sure to get a diverse mix of reactions.  “Some customers are confused, some shocked and some barely notice,” explains Goodman, “but the reactions in general are usually great. The best is when they ask to play themselves.”

 McDonald’s

160 Broadway

(212) 385-2066

www.mcdonalds.com

For more information on other retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York website, or download our mobile app by clicking here.

Brookfield Place World Financial Center will be hosting the Tribeca Film Festival Drive-In series to celebrate the 12^th Annual Tribeca Film Festival.

From April 18th through April 20th, watch new and classic films under the stars, along with fun pre-show activities and treats for the entire family in the World Financial Center plaza.

Pre-show activities begin at 6pm, and films start at dusk (approximately 8:15pm).

Thursday, April 18^th
The Birds
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
(1963 | 119 min)

It’s the 50^th anniversary of one of the greatest thrillers ever made. A casual boy-meets-­girl story takes a turn toward the extreme when the couple lands in the tiny town of Bodega Bay, California, just in time to witness its sizable population of birds attack. Alfred Hitchcock, the Master of Suspense, directed this nightmarish fantasy starring Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy and Suzanne Pleshette.

Pre-show: Come early for classic movie trivia contests and other chances to win great prizes! Keep an eye out for birds on the Plaza before the film. 

Friday, April 19^th
Beetlejuice
Directed by Tim Burton
(1988 | 92 min)

Two just-arrived ghosts discover that scaring away the new residents of their old house is not as easy as saying a name three times. This beloved comedy from 1988 was the perfect vehicle for Tim Burton’s unique style and vivid imagination. Michael Keaton plays the title role with maniacal relish and a dark edge of menace, alongside co-­-stars Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder.

Pre-show: Take part in a ghoulish costume contest, face-painting and family-friendly activities before the film.

Saturday, April 20^th
Lil Bub & Friendz
Directed by Andy Capper and Juliette Eisner
(2013 | 65 min)

Called “the most famous cat on the Internet,” the wide-­-eyed perma-­-kitten Lil Bub is the adorable embodiment of the Web’s fascination with all things cats. Join Lil Bub and her owner on wild cross-­-country romp as they meet the Internet’s most famous cat-­-lebrities. Meet adorable kitties, see hilarious videos and hear from the dedicated cat enthusiasts who love them. A Tribeca Film Festival premiere documentary.

Pre-show: Bring the entire family for crafts, contests, face painting before the film.

For more events in Lower Manhattan, click here.

Twelve Downtown Alliance Public Safety Officers were honored Tuesday, at The Ketch on Pearl Street, for helping to keep Lower Manhattan one of the safest neighborhoods in the five boroughs.

“Our public safety officers are the most recognizable faces of the Downtown Alliance,” said Downtown Alliance President Elizabeth H. Berger. “These men and women in red improve the experience of Lower Manhattan’s millions of workers, residents and visitors every day and I thank them for their hard work and dedication.”

The 57 public safety officers, known for their bright red uniforms, work hand in hand with the New York City Police Department’s First Precinct, which has a substation in the Downtown Alliance’s Public Safety Office. Criminal activity in Lower Manhattan has dropped considerably since the Downtown Alliance and NYPD began working together 13 years ago. The public safety team is also trained to provide Lower Manhattan’s 11.5 million annual tourists with directions, district maps, and recommendations on local attractions.

Public Safety Officers received recognition from the Downtown Alliance for the following:

June 1, 2012 – Security Officer Edwin Velez reported a fire on the 17^th floor of 116 John Street. Velez and Supervisor Shawn Soto assisted the police department in securing the area and safely evacuating residents.

July 17, 2012 – Security Officer Giovanni Lombardo notified the police department after several skateboarders refused to stop skating on property at 17 Battery Place during the early morning. The skateboarders, one of whom provided police officers with false identification, were arrested for destruction of property and identity theft.

August 23, 2012– Supervisor German Rosario and Security Officer Jonathan Molina reported and altercation between two food cart vendors on Fulton and Church Streets. After the NYPD and EMS were notified and the vendors’ injuries were treated, both men were arrested for assault.

October 16, 2012 – Security Officer Luis Soto reported a man who was suspiciously recording Lower Manhattan landmarks. The NYPD Intelligence Division opened a case and Security Officer Soto’s photographs of this suspicious person are being used as evidence in the active case.

Hurricane Sandy: October 29-31, 2012 – The following public safety members are recognized for their outstanding, around-the-clock performance during Hurricane Sandy:

Putting family obligations on hold, these eight safety officers remained on duty for the duration of the storm. They provided instrumental minute-to-minute, on-the-ground updates on the weather conditions, street closures, and flood impacts in Lower Manhattan.

Visit the Downtown Alliance’s Flickr page to view photos from the event held at the Ketch on Pearl Street.

Have an Instagram account? Start following the Downtown Alliance Instagram handle – DowntownNYC – to see all the fun and exciting things going on in Lower Manhattan.

Below are a few great shots from our collection.  Be sure to share your favorite Lower Manhattan pictures by sending them to ContactUs@downtownny.com and we’ll “re-gram” them to the DowntownNYC account.

Easter is coming up on Sunday, March 31, 2013 and Lower Manhattan has got The Great Easter Egg Hunt and a few sweet brunch deals!

It’s Egg Hunting Time!

The Great Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 16 11am-1pm
PS 89 – 201 Warren Street (near West Street)

For the past 10 years, families from Battery Park City, Tribeca, and the Financial District have enjoyed safe, age-specific egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny and various activities for kids (toddler through 3rd Grade).   This is a FREE event for the Downtown community, sponsored by Lower Manhattan Community Church.

Easter Sunday Food and Drink Specials

Battery Gardens Restaurant
Inside Battery Park
(212) 809-5508 | www.batterygardens.com

Battery Gardens Restaurant will be offering a special three-course Easter prix-fixe menu for $55 per adult and $25 for children (ages 3 to 12). Come enjoy wonderful cuisine of Chef Ari Nieminen and the amazing views of the famed NY Harbor. For reservations please call (212) 809-5508 or log onto www.opentable.com.
Valid on 03-31-2013

Blue Planet Grill (BPG)
120 Greenwich Street
(212) 571-1700 | wwwbpgnyc.com

Please join us for Special Easter Brunch and Dinner from 11:00am – 9:00pm. Valid on 03-31-2013

Church & Dey Restaurant
55 Church Street
(212) 312-2000 | www.newyorkmillenium.hilton.com

Enjoy a 3-course, Prix-Fixe Brunch in Church & Dey Restaurant this Easter for $35 per person! Experience breathtaking views of the World Trade Center and Memorial while enjoying a delicious Holiday meal!
Valid on 03-31-2013

Smörgås Chef Restaurant
53 Stone Street
(212) 422-3500 | www.smorgas.com

We are open regular hours for Easter with a special 3 course holiday fixed price menu for $40 featuring leg of lamb, English pea soup, lingonberry torte and many of your favorites. Ala carte options available for both brunch and Dinner. Reserve now…outdoor seating available.
Valid from 03-27-2013 to 03-31-2013

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

Join Southwest NY for Easter food and drink specials!  Entree menu will feature items such as Oven-Roasted Lamb Chops w/ Baby Carrots, Fingerling Potatoes and Mint Sauce ($22) and Red Snapper w/ Sauteed Spinach and Truffle Mashed Potatoes ($20). For dessert, try the Coconut Cake with Tropical Salsa ($7.50).  Or just swing by for a few Easter cocktails such as the Chocolate Easter Egg Martini ($10) and the Framboise Spritzer ($8).
Valid on 03-31-2013

For more Downtown Deals click here.

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 5^th, 15^th and 25^th 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.