New Biz
The owners and operators of the Tennisport Restaurant are bringing a Cuban Restaurant to the space where Spa DiSilva was supposed to – but never – manifested. They’ve already begun work and have filed for a liquor license. 4729 Vernon Blvd, LIC
Another new restaurant is coming to the new 10-17 Jackson Avenue development next door to Café Henri, and has also filed for a liquor license.
A burger joint will be settling into the old Tomato and Wasabi location on Jackson Ave at 44th Drive, near Court Square. 25-36 Jackson Ave, LIC
A new café is coming to the space next to Da Gianni’s Ristorante on 44th Drive just west of 23rd Street.
Duane Reade is possibly setting up another shop in 2 Court Square, the new Citibank building.
Natural Frontier Market is opening a new location in LIC to add to its stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The health food market is confirmed for the 4000SF ground floor of 12-01 Jackson Ave, @ 11th Street.
Guitart & Jones restaurant serving American tapas will be opening at 5-09 50th Ave, between Vernon Blvd & Jackson Ave.
New art space, Space Womb, 22-48 Jackson Ave in LIC, 917.670.1342
Newly Open
CrossFit LIC, a new training facility off of Vernon Blvd, opened yesterday. “CrossFit is a broad general strength & conditioning program designed to build a well balanced, healthy individual.” Regular training sessions will be held at 6:30am and 6:30pm starting June 26th, and CrossFit is currently running a special in which your first week is FREE. 5-26 47th Ave, LIC, 646.415.8363
An art space called Space Womb has landed next to the 5Pointz building on Jackson Ave and 23rd St. According to LICNYC: it “has already hosted a bunch of openings and musical performances.” Collected works by Jongwang Lee on view through July 16. Open Thursday to Monday, 12pm to 7pm, and by appointment. Closed Tues & Wed. 22-48 Jackson Ave #1, LIC, 917.670.1342
Matted LIC, a custom framing & gift shop filled with handcrafted goods, home furnishings, and tons of cute accessories, is now open in the old Casa Vizcaya sales office. Currently offering a ‘Good Karma Sale’ of 20% discount on all items valid until August 15th. Official grand opening is June 30th. 46-36 Vernon Blvd, LIC
New custom framing/gift shop, Matted LIC, 46-36 Vernon Blvd, LIC
Newly Open
Matted LIC, a custom framing & gift shop filled with handcrafted goods, home furnishings, and tons of cute accessories, is now open in the old Casa Vizcaya sales office. In soft opening mode, and currently offering a ‘Good Karma Sale’ of 20% discount on all items. 46-36 Vernon Blvd, LIC
Asian grill & sushi bar Ihawan 2 is now open, but apparently closed on Wednesdays. 10-07 50th Ave, LIC, 718.937.7373
Millie’s Deli is open on the corner of Jackson Ave and 47th Rd. The place has a nice seating area and, last we checked, the work of local artist Sharon Florin hanging on the wall. 13-01 Jackson Ave, LIC, 718.784.9198
Camp Bow Wow is currently open. They offer free van pick up/drop off service for Hunters Pointers’ pets, to their LIC/Sunnyside location. 47-16 Austell Place, LIC, 718.392.9663
Bridge View Cafe (formerly Ion’s Corner Cafe) is now open, at the base of the pink bridge that leads to Roosevelt Island. 36-01 Vernon Blvd, LIC
Bratwurst & Beer at Studio Square, 35-33 36th St, LIC (718-383-1001)
Long Island City has a new biergarten! Ok, well it’s technically in LIC at 36th St & 36th Ave, but realistically and vibe-wise it’s Astoria. That should not stop you, Hunters Pointers, from venturing north of the Queensboro Bridge. There’s a whole world out there full of amazing restaurants and bars, including the latest addition, Studio Square, a German-style beer garden.
Astoria, and Queens in general, has a legacy of biergartens, however »
The retail glut that was plaguing Vernon/Jackson this winter, seems to rebounding with a vengeance. Happy Cinco de Mayo.
Newly Open
A new hair salon called New York Looks has opened in the old Purple Pumpkin space. Specializing in coloring, wet/dry cuts, mani/pedis & full-service waxing. 47-14 Vernon Blvd, Vernon/Jackson, LIC, 718.784.3857
Dutch Kills Bar is open! Experience the classic cocktail, painstakingly recreated in our hood. 27-24 Jackson Ave, Court Sq, LIC
Filipino BBQ & Sushi at ‘Ihawan’ to open soon, Long Island City
For over a year now, the stalled restaurant-to-be, Ihawan, has sat vacant and forlorn on 50th Ave right across from Cafe Henri. There have been all sorts of rumors as to why… something about the C of O not legally permitting a kitchen. Let’s just say, there were probably lots of lawyers and tears involved to get a restaurant to the finish line and not be able to cross it for one year and almost 4 months.
Well whatever the conflict is, it seems to be resolved now »
Dutch Kills, 27-24 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, (718) 383-2724 –photo
First of all, it’s not a $15 cocktail. Proprietor Richard Boccato is very clear about that. Drink prices at the impending Dutch Kills bar, will range from $6-$12ish and include beer (on tap & bottled), wine, signature cocktails, and top shelf sippers. The main focus here though, is on the classic cocktail. You can munch on the artisanal vittles of Sage General Store listening to some live music, while marinating in the sultry atmosphere with its deep dark walls and dangling crystal chandeliers.
You can also steep in a little LIC history »
Tomato & Wasabi, 25-36 Jackson Ave, Court Square, Long Island City (718) 361-0110
Long Island City really is becoming a nexus for sushi fusion… the latest is Tomato & Wasabi on Jackson Ave at the corner of 44th Drive in Court Square. Taking fusion to new heights (?) by combining Korean & Japanese cuisine with good ol’ NYC pizza. Hence »
Butcher Juice Bar and Hookah Cafe, 49-16 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City
We got wind of a hookah bar opening above the Butcher Deli at 49-16 Vernon Blvd (corner of 50th St next to the parking lot) a while back, and didn’t hear anything again until recently, when signs have emerged announcing the Butcher Juice Bar & Hookah Cafe.
Sushi Siam, Vernon Blvd @ 48th Ave, LIC
The new Japanese/Thai fusion restaurant that’s been brewing at the corner of 48th Ave & Vernon (the old 5SL sales office) has some signage action. Sushi Siam will soft open sometime in the middle of November. According to the new owners, the restaurant will feature a full Thai menu, along with Sushi and traditional Japanese offerings.
The storefront right next door is also undergoing a transformation into a dentist’s office. Actually, that whole block on Vernon »
Site of new Pestraske saloon, Dutch Kills, 2724 Jackson Ave, Long Island City
A very long time ago, there were rumors that a new Sasha Petraske bar was brewing quietly on Jackson Ave @ Dutch Kills St. Where? Exactly »
Sprint/Nextel opening on Jackson Ave between Vernon Blvd & 50th Ave, LIC
Fall marks the arrival of many things. In Long Island City, it seems to be wireless stores like Verizon which opened at the Echelon on Jackson Ave, and now Sprint/Nextel, which is opening up between Vernon Blvd & 50th St at the bottom of a brand spanking new Fedders building. woohoo.
Sage General Store, 24-20 Jackson Ave, LIC
Sage General Store, true to Long Island City “soft” opening style, is holding a free tasting tomorrow Thursday, Oct 2nd, from 12-2pm in their new location at 24-20 Jackson Ave, right next to Court Square Wines. The soft opening begins over the weekend, and the new Sage is offering an expanded menu including daily casseroles, gourmet sandwiches, salads, brick oven pizza, soups, Blue Plate Specials, and desserts. Not to mention »
Manducatis Rustica, open for biz
Fall brings another kind of bloom in LIC, that of eateries! Well hallelujah and praise… Jesus? Uh, in this case, let’s praise the Cerbone family instead, who have brought to Vernon Blvd an old world style Italian cafe called Manducatis Rustica.
Duane Reade opens Friday, corner of 5th St & 47th Rd, LIC
Queens West sprouts another soft opening this Friday, courtesy of Duane Reade, at the corner of 47th Rd & 5th St. (You can’t miss it. It’s shiny.) And this is no ordinary Duane Reade, mind you. It’s the LX model. Cosmetics counter, fancier appearance, etc. According to the store’s rep, more “high-end”.
SHI, New fine dining Chinese fusion restaurant, Queens West, LIC
The long awaited SHI is on its way to a soft opening a bit later this month… which will inevitably lead to the hard opening – no pix yet, but Queens Wester’s are about to get some fine dining in the mix.
UPDATE: SHI is currently open for take-out only:
Hello all,
First, I’d like to thank everyone in LIC for making us feel welcome and really showing us their support and encouragement. There is a sense of community here that we don’t see in the city. We can’t wait to add to the character of LIC.
After much delay, we’re finally ready to open our doors! (The Take-Out side at least anyways.) Perhaps another week for the dining room to follow. So please stop by and say “Hi” starting after 5:00 pm.
Thanks, ShiBrothers
SHI
4720 Center Blvd
Reservations: 347-242-2450
Take Out: 347-242-2448
Website: www.shilic.com
MENU
foodcellar market, 47th Rd between 5th St & Center Blvd, Queens West, LIC
Happy Daze. The long awaited foodcellar (formerly known as and still owned by Amish Market) is opening TOMORROW at 7am. It’s a soft opening, but as you know soft ice cream is still ice cream, and if there is food on the shelves that we can buy, it’s a grocery store »
Amish Market’s foodcellar manifesting signage. Queens West, LIC.
Ok well it’s still being brought to us by the Amish Market, but the first actual grocery store to manifest in Queens West (and Vernon/Jackson) is named foodcellar. We’ll have to make the mental shift now. It’s a big one, but we can do it.
After two failed attempts, Starbucks is finally coming to Long Island City, and it’s going exactly where it belongs: the lobby of the Citibank tower. woohoo.
However, if your coffee sensibilities desire a more local and community brew »
Looks like Vernonites are expanding their business empires these days… and why wouldn’t they?
1) The Brasil Coffee house has an offshoot called Fast & Delicious around their corner of 49th Ave. Rather interesting Brazilian menu actually: rotisserie meats, steak, rice & beans, pita sandwiches, salads, and empenadas/croquettes.
2) Last week we spotted this seemingly new sign above the Butcher Deli on Vernon @ 50th Ave. A juice and hookah bar called The Butcher Cafe. Interesting combo. Well…many stranger concepts have succeeded in NYC so it’s fair to say anything has a chance around here. (Or does it?)
Site of Sweet Leaf on Jackson Ave, LIC
The storefront right in front of the B61 bus stop on 11th St at Jackson is producing a small cafe called Sweet Leaf. Beautiful little spot that should be opening towards the end of May. It’s very small – just pop in and get your morning latte and a croissant type of place. The owners have kept a lot of the old school finishings…tin ceiling, quaint fixtures etc. It’ll be nice for those waiting for the bus, and the newcomers to the multiple buildings in progress right around that intersection.
The Market at Long Island City, 5th St & 47th Rd, Queenswest, LIC
The Queenswest grocery store that’s been teasing us for over a year now is finally blossoming. Only it’s called The Market at Long Island City instead of the Amish Market – though operated by the same owners. I dunno, something about the Amish Market rolls off the tongue nicely… I feel like we’ll all still be calling it that anyway. Old habits die hard and you can’t teach old dogs new tricks. Right?
Also manifesting right next door is the Duane Reade. Need some proof?
Robert Prichard & Michael Waldman of Queensbridge Theatre, LIC
Well folks, say hello to the Queensbridge Theater. LIC’s getting its first rock club this summer. It’s a bit of a hike from the south side of LIC, and not really accessible by subway, but still – it’s more art in the hood. And they have some really cool ideas which actually take into consideration the needs of the surrounding community…which can’t always be said about the new arrivals.
“Adopting the slogan “Downtown Has Moved to Queens,” [Robert Prichard,] the former Lower East Side stalwart is partnering with developer Michael Waldman to open what he called a “rock ‘n’ roll supper club, similar to a Bowery Ballroom or a Mercury Lounge with a restaurant–a first for Long Island City, a first for Queens.
Scheduled to open this summer, the 5,000-square-foot Queensbridge Theater, located at 37-31 10th Street, may be somewhat unique in concept. (After the nighttime entertainment ends at 4 a.m., the proprietors intend to open back up just three hours later for breakfast, with homemade bread baked fresh on the premises.)
“We want to bring in artists and performers on all levels,” added Mr. Prichard, who plans to book the space not only for concerts, but also for Off Broadway plays, art exhibits–even after-school programs: “We want to offer the community the facilities we have during the day,” he said. “Bring in musicians and teach the kids how to play music and then put ‘em up onstage.”"
*Long Island Rock City [Observer]
BANY Ten57 open on Jackson Ave
Here’s a few updates on the emerging restaurant scene in Hunters Point:
What’s open now: BANY Ten57 is open for business and the queenswest.com message board has some community reviews. Word on the street so far is ho hum.
On the Horizon: Thanks to multiple tipsters, liQcity has learned of a new restaurant opening at Rockrose, 4720 Center Blvd, called SHI, slated to open May 2008. Straight from the owners:
“Spearheaded by a pair of brothers who have been providing the United Nations and its community with quality Chinese food for the past 18 years, SHI will mix old-world, Asian tradition with modern stylings, both in food and décor. It will occupy the 4,100-square-foot space in the ground floor of the East Coast 6 building and include a bar, lounge, sushi bar, outdoor seating and VIP area, punctuated by an upscale design and spectacular views of Manhattan. SHI will feature contemporary cuisine that will borrow heavily from traditional recipes, plus the bar will showcase specialty drinks with an Asian flair. We look forward to becoming a part of the LIC community!”
New restaurant Shi opening at Rockrose, Queenswest, Long Island City
Ethereal, 47-38 Vernon Blvd
Ok. It’s really happening. The transformation of Vernon Blvd continues, with the arrival of Ethereal, a women’s clothing boutique located right next to Nook and Crannie at 47-38 Vernon Blvd. I walked by this morning and it was closed, but the store has a grand opening sign – it’s about to crack any second.
A peek in the window produced a lot of reflection from the street, as witnessed in the photographs. But you can get a sense of the flavor. Looks trendy.
Yuppification or general improvement/evolution of the neighborhood? Or both?
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