It’s called the foodcellar, not the Amish Market; Random buzz in Vern/Jax.
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.
Prowling about on Vernon Blvd, the impending cigar lounge Halo, in this gem of a building at 44th Drive, Halo, seems to be stalled. The sign is still on the door, but very little work has actually happened to the space. It’s been a while. Perhaps it’s dead. ?
Cigar Bar & Lounge, Halo, Vernon Blvd, Long Island City.
Speaking of mysteriously stalled, Ihawan made it almost to the finish line before work stopped completely and hasn’t resumed since. That’s a lot of time and money that went into that space… seems very forlorn, just sitting there almost finished but empty. Especially considering the love for the owner’s original fusion eatery in Woodside.
Regardless, summer development in the neighborhood marches on… Sage is still finishing up their space on Jackson. The foodcellar is kicking Duane Reade’s butt, but they’re definitely moving along as well. Already Vernon/Jackson is picking up more and more of a steady bustle. Foodcellar and Duane Reade will help boost the traffic on 5th st., which hopefully might get it some more attention.
By the way, if you like the fruit-stand at 49th Ave, keep showing your support. Word on the street, is that it’s not Loved by All on the main drag. It’s tough street, that Vernon Blvd. Don’t be fooled.
Oh and as a random buzz… looks like another grocery store is on it’s way to LIC: MetFoods. If the deal goes through, it will be located very close to the actual Vernon/Jackson intersection. Will LIC go from zero to 60 in grocery stores in less than a year? It’s possible.
Great stuff! Keep it coming!
Any idea what is happening with Next Level Flowers old space? I do not see a for rent sign but I also do not see any activity inside.
Also there are two storefronts on either side that seem to be under renovation. Not sure what is going on there.
As my wife and I were strolling the kids past the foodcellar, we took a peek in the windows to see how things were coming along. We were a little surprised, when the doors opened and someone inside invited us in to take a look! We saw a big produce section and areas for fish, meat, flowers, prepared foods, a pizza oven and a cheese counter. It’s a very large store and appears to be very well stocked.
The guy who invited us in said they were hoping to open on August 6th.
Meanwhile, the only change I saw in the Duane Reade was the ductwork.
YES! I love the updates. Keep it coming… more and more!
There’s a nail salon place on Jackson right next to that one new condo… umm… Eschelon? Is that what it’s called? Not sure on prices, obvs.
Cigar Lounge? Really?
Why do all of the businesses that open around here tend so much toward the… cheesy?
#1 I’m with you. We need a good salon that is not overpriced.
Duane Reade is really coming along too. Walked past it this weekend and they were setting up shelves and signage inside. I bet by mid-August they’re ready.
Kika or Kiko or something like that.
That’s the salon on Jackson.
Sorry. I guess that’s not very helpful.
I think the salon on Jackson is a …salon. I never went in there because it looked too expensive. Think I’ll check it out tonight just to see.
Ohh yes! I can not wait!!!
yeah, Duane reade has all of a sudden picked up the pace. Shelving, drywall, refgriderators etc, are already going up and being put in place
KIKA on Jackson is a great place … been going there for a few years.
Great, friendly staff and reasonable prices.
A cigar lounge would get some business from me. I like to have the occasional stogie with the guys when we are hanging out. As always it would be nice not to have to go into Manhattan for that.
LIC needs all types of business - cheesy or not.
I don’t find anything cheesy about Tuk Tuk, Bella Via, Cafe Henri, Lounge 47, Subdivision, Communtea, Sweet Leaf, LIC Bar, Blend, The Cave, The Creek or Tournesol.
Are The Creek and The Cave two separate places now? I’ve noticed the sign has changed significantly. And for the better.
MetFoods? What’s that? Is it like C-town or Gristedes….?
The Creek and the Cave is now just The Creek. There is no Cave.
There is a cheep nail place right across the street from c-town. I know it means venturing away from condo row but they do a great job and the manicure & pedicure combo is only $20.
Has that gelato place really opened up yet?
the gelato is open, and the the gelato is mmmmmmmmm
when is it open? it must have ‘unique’ hours.
FoodCellar WTF. I guess Amish market doesn’t want to slum it upover on the LIC waterfront.
what a bizarre color they chose.
I know #13… A bunch of luxury high-rises with a sick Manhattan view. Oh yeah, and a waterfront park. What a slum.
24, “foodcellar” sounds more upscale to me than “Amish Market.”
yes when is the gelato place open. I live around the corner and evertime I pass by it seems ready but not open
Who cares what they call it? It’s going to be more upscale than E&I or C-Town.
Just came back from the water–walked right into the the Food Market. There is food on the shelves, people!
Hi #20, i’m the mani/pedi girl who wrote-the cheapo place across from c-town is really a hair place, claudia’s great i get my hair done there. There’s only one lady who does nails, that’s not really their thing. See, some condo dwellers DO venture beyond the condos! :-)
I am extremely excited for the foodcellar/amish market to open, but I can’t help thinking that we are all in for a big disappointment when we step inside and see REDICULOUS prices. I’ve been hoping that we will finally get revenge on E&I for overcharging us for years…. but the more I think about it, why would foodcellar charge anything less? They know if they have more of a selection than E&I, they can charge just as much and make a killing. Any thoughts?
Where is this gelato place!!?
I probably won’t be cheap, but you know what I’m really not that sure I care. After 10 years of pre-planning every meal before I come home so that I can pick up the ingrediants it will be nice to buy meat and fish breads, etc. If it costs a little more I think Iwould gladly pay it to never have to make the trek to C-Town again. I’m more concerned about the hours. I hope they stay open till 10 at least.
1) The gelato place is intermittently open till the whole family returns (in Italy I think). Its fantastic and they’ll have brick oven pizza.
2) Besides E&I who has anything against the fruit cart? He’s a great guy. His produce is amazing. What isn’t there to like?
3) Kika is great. They’re reasonably priced. Oliver is great with hair (guys and girls).
4) Spas and cigar bars? This place is filling up with cheezy yuppies faster than a tex-mex restaurant on cinco de mayo.
5) I have to say I am dismayed by the new direction of The Creek. I liked the old stoner vibe much better.
To #24 & #27 - If you read what liqcity wrote, it is still the Amish Market people with a different label.
I’m with 33, where’s the gelato place?!?
It’s across Vernon from McReilly’s
LIQ is right. If you ask the fruitstand guy, he’ll tell you… more than just E&I have tried to chase him out. But I’m not naming names because it’s against the “rules”.
The gelato place isn’t really open yet. It’ll will be intermittently probably until the end of the summer. Like Zap Brannigan said, they’re in Italy.
#39 I think you could mention business but not individuals. Just state how the business are that giving the fruitstand guy problems.
These guys are great and their produce is always fresh.
I still haven’t been inside the new Creek. Website still looks like stoner fonts and such. http://www.thecreekandthecave.com/ What’s it like now?
Let’s just say some people think the fruitstand guy threatens the farmer’s market on Saturdays… I don’t know why everyone is so up in arms. He’s just selling fruit on the corner like everywhere else in the city. His fruit is good. He’s there every single weekday, and his prices are fantastic. It’s not organic stuff, but he doesn’t lie about that. It’s not like the farmers market, which is so tiny and the stuff is great, but it’s not cheap. And only on like 8 saturdays out of the year.
I’m upset that anyone would give the fruit stand guy a problem. The 2 guys that run it work really hard and are incredibly nice. They stand there from early in the morning till late at night. Rain or shine, they’re always there. I believe that someone should stand up for the little guy, especially when they’re doing a great job. How are they being harrassed? What can we do?
If any business is giving them a hard time, I will definately avoid giving them my business in the future.
As far as the Creek, they’ve just become a little more generic. I know its petty, but the signs are kinda lame now. No 4/20 party this year either. The food still seems to be the same and its decent.
Well I guess the best thing to do is to tell the fruitstand guy that you support him. Maybe if he has a problem he can go to CB2. After all, they are supposed to help him, right?
yes the foodcellar people are very friendly. You can just go there and ask to look around and you can! it’s so great. I’m so excited. Yes it’s going to be overpriced, but that’s just the reality. It still will be cheaper in ease alone, just to have it right there.
44, I wouldn’t be surprised if the enemy is yet again CB 2 and their allies on Vernon Boulevard, perhaps even the same people who brought the farmer’s market into the area. I’m not naming names.
That sounds like more than just idle speculation……
well you kind of are #46. And you are rumormongering.
I’m 47. I’m not saying its not possible, based on what I’ve seen, it sounds entirely possible. It just sounded like they knew something, I wondered if that was the case.
Is there any chance of getting some new blood on CB2? Do they hold elections?
The complaints are not from CB2 or “the people who brought in the Green Market”. It mostly emanates from merchants whose livlihood does NOT depend on “fruit alone”! The man has a proper license to operate curb side and there is nothing the jealous ones can do about it. Just that old LIC NIMBY attitude raising its ugly head.
I’m 46. So what? I’m speculating.
Who else would be against a fruit vendor, for god’s sake? The only possible parties would be a direct competitor like E&I, the owner of a building adjacent to the stall who doesn’t like crowds outside (that’s very speculative), someone getting pissy comments from those running the overpriced farmer’s market stalls, or a cop who hates street vendors with nothing better to do.
50, just say who the merchant is.
This is crazy. I have never heard of such a thing. Seriously, only in new york.
It’s a bit rich for No. 51 to be casting this bogus “LIC NIMBY” line. Are you kidding me? If there was/is that attitude in LIC, and this is the biggest myth out there, then it hasn’t been successful at all. I can’t think of any other neighborhood in NYC that has had change so dramatically rammed down its throat in the past 15 years. Most people have just passively roll with it, even if they have every reason to moan about some of the changes. So, please — knock it off. If the vendor is bugging some merchant, then that’s all it is. Don’t make mountains out of molehills.
Which deli is causing a fuss? Certainly not the pet store. They’re nice in there. Zee Grocery and the one next to E&I don’t really sell fruit. I can’t imagine that its New Directions because they’re not really in competition either. Could it be the ones north of 48th?
I agree, don’t make mountains out of molehills. Fruitstand guy is there, you can buy fruit, it all works fine, end of story. There is no story. Why make a problem if there isn’t one?
I’m dying for a gelato RIGHT NOW.
why would NIMBY people oppose a fruitstand? Seems like that’s exactly the kind of thing they would support instead.
what location is this “metfoods” rumored to be opening at (if negotiations go through)? I presume that it’s at one of the new buildings. Please give more information if you have any.
MetFood is horrible and are usually only in depressed neighborhoods. Where did this rumor start?
57, exactly. All the people I know who’ve been in LIC for ages love the fruit guy. I want to know who this merchant is. The people on this board who know have an obligation to spill. What’s the point of having anonymous postings if we can’t reveal some juicy gossip every now and then?
The metfood rumor started in original post:
“Oh and as a random buzz… looks like another grocery store is on it’s way to LIC: MetFoods. If the deal goes through, it will be located very close to the actual Vernon/Jackson intersection. Will LIC go from zero to 60 in grocery stores in less than a year? It’s possible.”
I’m guessing that “LiQcity” heard it somewhere.
This thread is annoying. Too many rumors. If people know something, then just say it.
Yeah Licqcity, where is the rumored Metfoods. There’s nowhere for it to go unless you mean the intersection of Vernon/Jackson, where they just knocked down the building there, near the Cangro (sp?) building? Or the ground floor retail componet of 10-63?
#57, 62 I agree. Name the the name, so I know which business not to go to.
It’s been said already, but these are two of the nicest most hardworking guys I know of. They are there in the morning when I go to work early and there when I get back late. Rain or shine. 90 degree+ day included. Best produce in the neighborhood and the best prices. Farmers Market included.
The only two people it could possibly be is #1 EI deli - they are the only people selling produce who would be upset with the direct competition. #2 the Army Supply store run by the HPCC woman who “hard efforts” brought us the greenmarkets. She also has an issue with people congregating outside her store. You will notice that she put iron mesh around her oil pipe to preven people from temporarily tying their dog to it.
If I find out EI is behind them moving I will never spend another dollar in there. If its Army Navy I find it ironic that an organization that is supposed to be looking out for small business is chasing them around the block.
So who is it? If no one posts it I will ask the guy tonight and post it myself.
Yes, where is this MetFoods supposed to be located?
Please let us know what you know.
64, Right on. I suspect it’s the army navy woman, who, for some reason, seems to wield outsized influence in the neighborhood (and runs a mysterious Trilateral Commission-like group without a web address or any other published information).
If I’m wrong, then whoever knows should just speak up so we don’t impugn any other person’s character accidentally.
Why so much stirring a pot? Everyone has a right to either like or not like the fruit guy. If a store doesn’t like him, so what, that’s their right. What’s it to you? He’s still there selling fruit, isn’t he? He has a right to be there and he is. I can’t believe people are trying to “name names” , bring in CB2, point fingers, impugn character. About nothing. Is the guy walkijng around with broken kneecaps? I don’t think so. So please, stop making such a big deal out of nothing. High tide is at at 5:00 today. Why don’t you just lighten up and go fishing.
#52, there is a big time NIMBY crowd in LIC. I don’t think NIMBY is the right term. It more anti-change. Their opposition ranges from fruit stands, tall builings and too many resturants. They were quite happy with the LIC of years ago and would be very happy to see it put into a time capsule and never changed. Every new alteration is viewed suspiciously as part of some vast conspiracy to drive up rents and turn the neighborhood into a playground. No doubt the fruit stand guy plays a pivotal role in this. Can’t have fruit on the street, that’s just not the way we do things in LIC. In my day fruit was sold in a proper store not willy nilly on street corners.
67, you are right for the most part. But if the person acting against the legal vendor, who has the support (it seems) of so many people in the ‘hood, is a member of a business development organization with access to CB2, then that’s worth commenting on.
True, he hasn’t been knee-capped. But I still want to know what was said to him, by whom, and why. 64, please post what you learn tonight.
#67 - why the cover up? If someone asked him to move why are you trying to sweep it under the rug? Would it be embarrasing if it came out? I say if you have the balls to ask him to move have the balls to stand behind your actions. What benefit is there to the community by keeping it under wraps? Perhaps there is a issue relevant to the larger community that we are missing that we should be focusing on.
It is most definitely not the “army-navy woman” (as you call her). She has defended their right to be there. There is no need to finger point at any one individual. This is simply a case of some long time merchants and a home owner who have complained. The fruit guy is legal and here to stay! A free standing curb side fruit stand is something new in Hunters Point. Not so for those of us who are used to seeing them scattered all over Manhattan for years. Perhaps the long time merchants should reflect on the fact that many of their immigrant forefathers started out in much the same way.
I don’t feel that it is necessary to “inpugn” anyone’s character over mindless complaints that in the long run mean nothing!
68, I don’t think the anti-change thing extends to hatred of a humble fruit vendor. This is just some nut at work. I know some of you newer people in the area love to demonize the old folks, but a vast majority of them are terrific people who enjoy a good peach like you do (and long for the day like when we used to have 2 decent grocery stores, a butcher, 2 bakeries, and an amazing fruit and vegetable shop on Vernon).
71, JUST NAME THE MERCHANTS.
Sorry, 72 I have to disagree. While you are right there are some good long time residents, you would be foolish to ignore that there are some hardliners as well. Problem is that there is a bunch of these individual “nuts at work” as you call them and collectively they make things hard to get done in the neighborhood. Why should any vendor be subject to the capricious nature of these folks?
74, Until more info is posted by someone courageous enough to lay out exactly what happened, it isn’t fair to jump to conclusions and blame old-time hardliners. People are people. Some are fair and others unreasonable, including newer residents. But right now, there are a few unreasonable people not giving up more details on the Fruit Vendor Controversy. Speak up.
this is just hilarious.
What’s hilarious is that there’s so much secrecy surrounding the Fruit Vendor Controversy. The story is probably completely innocuous, but the zipped lips is heightening the suspense.
I think it’s a good thing that stuff like this is getting publicized. It’s difficult since it’s all based in rumor and heresay, but businesses should be aware that there is some visibility in their actions. And CB2 members. I think LIC has long enjoyed a time ‘behind the curtain’. Well now the curtain is being drawn back and we are seeing what we are dealing with. Seriously, until the Blend thing happened, I thought LIC was a happy little neighborhood. Boy was I wrong.
FINE, FINE. YOU BEAT IT OUT OF ME.
I’m the one who objects to the fruit guy. I get adverse reactions to fruit, specifically citrus - oranges are the worst!
78, if only we can get more gossip about the goings on at the 108th. I’ve been hearing rumors about that place for years.
OMG. did someone say B-B-B-blend??
#76 - You are so right!!!!!! Why is it so important to know who complained? There is no reason to start a war over rumors - Unless you are looking for “weapons of mass destruction” - oh snap - they didn’t exist did they????
What was the blend thing?
82, I don’t like to do business with cry babies. If I found out a shop I go to complained about some guy selling fruit, I would think they are complete jerks and not want to give them another dime. That’s why I want to know who complained.
Well, if you really want to know so bad, then go take matters in your own hands and find out. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out what to do. But then don’t come here and post slanderous shit about them. Go and talk to them directly. Don’t just complain.
I bet the last thing the fruit guy wants is “Fruit-gate.” You guys raising all the ruckus are doing him no favors and using him to forward any particular LIC rant is…using him. Maybe the interested parties can hook up with Gossip Girls next time they’re on Vernon instead.
There is no ruckus other than a stream of words on this thread. I just find it really amusing how people who know who complained about the fruit guy are terrified to just say who complained. I don’t understand the reticence. It’s not like us geeks are going to torch their businesses or anything. Most peculiar.
NIMBY means Not In My Back Yard. That kind of mentality is appropriate when discussing things like developments, power plants, cell towers… the stuff that we all rely on, but no one wants to live around.
This situation is more like Old residents vs New. I agree with those who say there is a startling desire amongst some to keep LIC very backwards. I moved here 2 years ago and feel that the neighborhood is dragging on slowly. Sure there is some new stuff, but hardly what I expected. Everything takes a long time. And then things like Blend happen. (sorry had to say it.)
(PS If you don’t know about the Blend thing, just look it up on this blog.)
88, once again, until we know Who Complained, please refrain from your sweeping conspiracy theories. So for the people who know who complained, now’s your chance to set the record straight so we don’t head down this ugly Old vs. New path yet again.
MetFoods?
Location?
Yes, and what ever happened to the supposed fariway or fairview market that was coming?
Jesus. Must things get so ugly? It’s just fruit.
This was the most pointless thread so far on liqcity.
To future posters: If you aren’t going to share specific and detailed information, please don’t waste my time.
Yawn.
Everyone is entitled to complain - that doesn’t mean everyone is going to take action on those complaints. Complaining is human nature! Oh my aching back! Where did all that dog poop come from? Wait til I get that guy! Another heat wave ? I’m gonna kill that weather guy! And the beat goes on and on ad infinitum.
92, It’s just fruit, but what if you were that business man who was run off of Vernon? Is it just fruit to that guy? This is his business. What right does anyone have to interfere with his right to make a living? You make things difficult for him he packs up his cart and goes to Manhattan. Then where are we as LIC residents? Yes it just fruit, but try to see the big picture.
He wasn’t run off Vernon.
Yawn.
I’M Going fishing.
#97 - I’m with you - but if it’s the East river, we’ll throw those little fishies back to live another day. This is how rumors start - the fruit guy was not run off Vernon - as suggested by #96 - He is very much still there not to be scared off by a few complainers - PLEASE folks - lighten up!
Met foods is ghetto? Where do people come up with this. I have lived in Citylights for 10 years and think that Met foods would be a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.
Just to clarify to the person who keeps bringing up the idea that it is the anti-Blend crowd opposing this and that. The person you are trying to impugn has been out of town for quite some time and as such is so not involved in any of these so-called conspiracies. But will be back very soon if you really need a target for your obsession.
98, sure, no big deal to you. But it depends on who’s doing the complaining. You clearly don’t know anything about LIC. If I were a street vendor and a local hoodlum “complained” to me about my business, I’d crap myself.
#101- Just what makes you think that a “local hoodlum” did the complaining or even approaced the fruit vendor? Somehow I think I might know more about LIC than you do with your wild suppositions.
I was just giving an example to show context is relevant. Without knowing who did the complaining — because their ID is being protected on this board, for some stupid reason — you can’t assume that the complaint was innocuous. There are some people in LIC who I would not want to hear a complaint from, if you catch my drift. And if you don’t, then you most certainly know squat about LIC.
#103, Oh please. Get over yourself and stop being such a drama queen–if you catch my drift.
And I’m not 101, just another fed up reader who is exasperated by all the innuendos of “how it really is” in LIC. ” WE are how it really is, OK?
104, I’m sending someone over to complain about you.
Wow, that’s scary. Guess I’ll have to call my godfather to intervene.
103, I second what you’re saying. If the rest of you are laughing, you don’t really know what you’re talking about. Try going east of 5th St some time.
That being said, I think that organized crime in this day and age has better things to do than harrass a fruit seller. Though there were those oranges in Godfather II…….
east on 5th street?
it runs south-north.
Right, that’s why I said east OF 5th St. I wanted to imply crossing it.
silliness, just like curbed
congratulations liqcity, you’ve become the new curbed
107, most people in LIC these days (like 106) weren’t even allowed outside to play when they grew up. What do they know about anything? They’d crap their bike shorts if they ran into some of the rough customers who used to rule the roost on Vernon Blvd. If one of them complained about you selling peaches, you’d wheel your cart the hell out of there in a hurry.
110, Jake? Charlie? Is that you?
I’d die before I ‘ d let anybody tell me where to sell my peaches. I’m just saying.
#111 - You used the operative phrase “used to”. I think we’ve come a long way from the prohibition era or the “way back when” times that some of you seem to obsess over.
I lived east OF 5th St for 14 years and no one ever chased a merchant out of business. Sure there have been random residential and commercial robberies - usually commited by people who had a drug habit to feed. I have lived west OF 5th St. for two years and still venture forth east OF 5th St without fear and trepidation. I don’t think the fruit vendor has anything to fear from the ghosts of bygone days.
Good for you #114.
And to #111: I’m #106–no I didn’t grow up in LIC, but did I grow up somewhere else, where I did not “wear bike shorts and crap my pants.” Long Island City, I am sorry to inform you, does not have the monpoly on “rough customers who ruled the roost” back in the day. This is New York, and yes we know what you mean and some of us grew up with that too, even if we did grow up more than a few blocks away from Vernon east OR west.
That said, #114 said it best about the ghost of bygone days. It ain’t happening here, no more, no how.
Anyone ever walk by that building on 48th Av?
Could you be a bit more specific - what bldng. in which block? Between 5 th & Vernon we have 5SL, zipper factory, bldng that was torn down and side entrance to Bella Via. Cross Vernon and you have laundromat, residential bldngs on one side, dog run & parking lot on other side. Where exactly do you mean and what is the significance?
Dis is Louie from da neighborhood. Youze better watch your freakin’ mouvs.
At the end, this was a very interesting thread. I wonder if there is any historical documentation of strongarming in LIC, be in mob or otherwise. There have been movies about Hells Kitchen and other parts of New York, and certainly the history is written into many neighborhoods. Is the story of LIC out there waiting to be written and told? Any documentary filmakers out there? Someone should document this all before it is gone forever, just like the old buildings coming down.
I think it’s important to weigh in right now because I don’t like the direction this thread has headed. Let’s get this straight, and I hope the old-timers in LIC will corroborate this: LIC never had the kind of pervasive and dangerous mob presence that you, 119, (and 118, in a more stereotypical, cringe-inducing way) are suggesting.
Frankly, I’m a bit insulted by the implication that Italian-American neighborhoods are filled with lowlifes. I’ve always felt the sting of these comments growing up, and even today, and have always viewed them as nothing more than an ugly put-down. But that’s the subject of another thread.
Nonetheless, like all working-class areas of major cities, there have been a few colorful, mostly harmless characters in LIC, and some of them from other ethnic groups. (Read Papa’s Game if you want to learn more.) But they were far, far outnumbered by law-abiding, St. Mary’s-going, hardworking, decent families. When you read the nostalgic posts from people describing their happiness in growing up in LIC, a special neighborhood despite how neglected we were by the city, that’s what they are getting at.
One more point about 118’s post, and I’m doing my best to stay calm. Had118 used black colloquialisms in his post or imitated the sounds and intonation of an Asian or Jewish speaker, there most certainly would have been an immediate appalled reaction by nearly everyone. And LIQCITY, which is now registering comments, would no doubt have deleted the post.
Yet, many people feel free to spew their bigotry at Italian-Americans without fear they will be called on it. It’s become even acceptable in educated circles, like the workplace and classroom, as I have noticed.
So, Liqcity, explain the point of deleting comments if you let insults like 118’s go? Or did you not even notice?
Hi Beans, I’m #119–thanks for clarifying that. I had never heard of mob presence here before (any more than any other neighborhood) and was surprised when the other posters, who claimed to have lived here for very long times, implied it quite clearly. They’ve been here longer than I have so I listened. Thanks for clearing that up. As far as those colofrul characters go, I think a lot of them are still here–thank goodness.
Beans -Thank you. Finally, the voice of reason.
And Beans, to clarify even further, (#119 again), Italian Americans were not mentioned once in this long long thread. I used the word strongarm and mob–which in the old dauys could have been Irish and these days can be Albanian or Russian–or anything. I don’t believe anybody anywhere on this thread was going in the direction you mentioned. And again, thanks.
124, I appreciate your clarifications and know your comments were not imbued with any hatred.
But most people living in LIC know that it was (most recently, anyway) a mainly Italian-American neighborhood and that some numbers of these people still manage to cling on. 118’s slight clearly used the patois of the Hollywood mafia goon — there was no mistaking that.
Hello commenters. There is no registration required to comment now. Just a captcha so we can stem the onslaught of spam. At this point we’re only deleting comments that slander a community person by name. The rest of it… well of course we don’t want to see racist, homophobic, sexist etc comments, but ignore or use your filters. Also, deleting comments is tricky in general because you guys are not using names, so the numbered posts get responded to…which makes it difficult.
#126 was us.
Anyone know the official date of the Amish Market/foodcellar opening?
As 118, the attempt was to parody the stereotypes that were being put forth here. Guess this went over as well as the New Yorker cover of Obama. I was actually offended by the implications that there was mob strong arming and this was a lame attempt on my part to inject humor. The intent was not meant as a slur. I have only seen one incident of strong arming and I don’t think that is unique to any area of ethnic group. 120 is absolutely correct in the rebuke and absolutely correct that the neighborhood has always been a caring human community.
Wow, 129. That was very decent of you. And who said liqcity was devolving into curbed?
Looking like a decent place to get eats.
The FoodCellar name is an attempt to compete with the WholeFoods brand I gather? Anyone that knows the Amish Market knows this place isn’t really the spot to get full on groceries. Living in Hells Kit I went there mostly for fine foods I would only use on specific occasions…it’s pricey otherwise. The FoodCellar brand must represent the expansion of this kind of shopping experience.
Either way Im happy that I no longer have to get a ride to Pathmark or trek hattan side to get fresh for cooking. I prefer to buy food per week sometimes per day so things are fresh, living here that has been impossible, till this opens.
Why is it called food “cellar” when the entire operation is above ground?
August 13th is the official open date, I believe.
Yes these new condos have raised the rents in LIC a lot.To the previous posts who think people are afraid of change you are crazy because these rich condo dwellers have taken over the entire area and its gross.Its like battery park city in LIC.You folks have pushed the Irish bar on Vernon out also besides the other homes slowly pushed out.Maybe 6 condos might be alright but it doesnt stop with the building down there and soon theyre pushing out the recycle a bicycle building which does a lot for youth.Not very considerate of the neighborhood at all.Queens does not have the infrastructure for all these new apts and condos.You guys probabaly werent around for the blackouts almost 3 years a before that.Those new condos are being built on toxic land also.Notice the smells in the air.Its so obvious who walks around there thats the rich class who live by Gantry park.The condos by the Pulaski bridge dont realise maybe that there living by the biggest oil spill in an urban area which is of course Newtown creek.
Thanks LIQ. That Spa DaSilva opening on Vernon just burns me up though. We have another spa in citylights just 3 blocks away–and nowhere to get the standard brooklyn/queens $17 mani/pedi. THAT’s what the area needs, not another spa. Sheesh! The new business owners must think that all the new people moving here are the idle rich. I’m new, and all I want is a $13 pedi.