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LO-DOWN T
H
E
www.thelodownny.com
APRIL
2013
News from the Lower East Side
Also inside
SUPERMARKET
PRICE CHECK
OLD-SCHOOL
DINERS
A TRIBUTE
TO 6 LES
CLASSICS
OLD-SCHOOL
DINERS
A TRIBUTE
TO 6 LES
CLASSICS
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LO-DOWN T
H
E
Ed Litvak
Editor-in-Chief
Traven Rice
General Manager/Arts Editor
Jennifer Strom
Associate Editor
Kim Sillen Gledhill
Art Director
Alex M. Smith
Contributing Photographer
Evan Forsch
Cartoonist
Advertising inquiries:
ads@thelodownny.com
Story tips: tips@thelodownny.com
Contact us: 646-861-1805
The Lo-Down is a publication of Lo-Down Productions LLC, 2013.
LO-DOWN T
H
E
April 2013
letter from the Editor:
If youre a regular reader of our website, you
know The Lo-Down features the work of a lot of
talented Lower East Side-based photographers.
Its one of the luxuries of online publishing;
theres limitless space to display photos and
text. In the magazine, on the other hand, we
distill the previous months news and images
to fit a 24-page booklet. Our cover stories, in
particular, have tended to be text-intensive
pieces on big topics such as this commu-
nitys hotel building boom and the sweeping
Seward Park project. But were always looking
for different ways to document neighborhood
change. So a few weeks ago, we asked LES
photographer Alex M. Smith whether hed be
interested in a project focused on the people
who run the neighborhoods classic diners, and
he was intrigued. Alex came back with some
great images capturing a moment in time and a
quintessential New York City institution that has
endured even as the city transforms. We hope
you enjoy them. Also in this issue, we follow up
on the fate of Beth Hamedrash Hagadol, the
historic Norfolk Street synagogue that may not
be demolished after all, and we survey grocery
prices in our neighborhoods supermarkets. If
theres a project youre interested in shooting
or reporting for The Lo-Down, we would love to
hear about it. Drop us a line at tips@thelo-
downny.com.
in this issue
Cover Story
A look at old school diners through the lens
New Arrival s
Pearl and Ash, Barzinho, Tribeca Pediatrics
Neighborhood News
Luxury development on NYCHA land rolls
forward, Soho House opening on the LES,
new condo planned for Gertels site
New hope for endangered synagogue
Beth Hamedrash Hagadol delays demolition
application
Calendar/Feat ured Events
New Moon at Abrons Art Center;
Phosphorsescent at Bowery Ballroom
and a tribute to Elvis Costello at Joes Pub
The Lo-Dine
A price comparison of groceries in the hood
My LES
Athletic activist Joe DiNoto
Cartoon
Lower East Sideways
4
9
16
10
12
20
18
14
Cover photo of Everest Diner owner
Teddy Vasilopoulos by Alex M. Smith
alexmsmithphoto.com
*
Ed Litvak
New Country Day Camp
A summer in the country, so close to the city.
Kindergarten Grade 6
Bus pick-ups on the Lower East Side!
www.NewCountryDayCamp.org
New Country Day Camp
A summer in the country, so close to the city.
Kindergarten Grade 6
Bus pick-ups on the Lower East Side!
www.NewCountryDayCamp.org
4 www.thelodownny.com
O
ne of the things that makes New York City great is its classic neighborhood diners.
On the Lower East Side, weve got our share of these old-school spots places that
are so familiar some of us think of them as extensions of our own apartments. In a world
thats becoming more impersonal, theres something comforting about these no-nonsense
hangouts. Theyll make you anything you want, exactly the way you want it, and fast! The
guys behind the counter ure quick to renll your coffee und will remember exuctly how you
like your eggs in the morning. Youve got to admire their ability to handle just about any-
thing, or unyone, und usuully with u smile. As gentrincution chunges the IES und reul estute
prices skyrocket, we fear these classic spots may be in danger of extinction. But theyre here
now, continuing to ride the ups and downs of the restaurant business, seemingly stronger
than ever. Recently, Alex M. Smith and I spent some time hanging out at our local diners,
photographing the people who make them tick. These guys have clearly seen it all, having
experienced decades of changes in the area. Heres our tribute to the classic diners of the
Lower East Side.
Everest Diner
(shown on cover)
23 Chatham Square (East Broadway at Bowery)
Owner: Teddy Vasilopoulos
Years in business: 5
History: Vasilopoulos and his family have owned diners throughout the city since emigrat-
ing from Greece in 1973. (His younger brother John runs Cup and Saucer.) At this location
since 2008, the diner was formerly a small luncheonette when he took it over. Vasilopoulos
and his partner have also owned Landmark Diner at 158 Grand St. for the past 32 years. Their
nrst diner wus in the Chrysler Building, but rent increuses quickly brought them downtown.
Rent: Vusilopoulos is conndent ubout stuying on Chuthum Squure, suying he knows the
lundlord would be hurd-pressed to nnd unother tenunt who's so reliuble.
Words of wisdom: I always make my food fresh. And I always have a smile for my
customers.

Classic Coffee Shop
56 Hester St. (at Ludlow Street)
Owner: Carmine Morales
Years in business: 37
History: As the menu states, this place has been, Serving Real Lower East Siders Since
1976. Morales has lived in the neighborhood his whole life. He attended public school
across the street. After emigrating from Puerto Rico, his father opened Classic Coffee 37 years
ago. Morales worked in the shop with his father and then took it over in 1988.
Rent: Its been pretty touch-and-go. The landlord raises the rent every few years and Mo-
rales is not sure hell stay open if it goes too much higher. The area around Hester Street is
booming right now.
Words of wisdom: Neighborhoods change, thats what they do. I dont mind it. Things are
a lot better here now than they used to be. I dont make a lot of money but I work for myself,
set my own hours and dont have to worry too much. Overall Ive been pretty lucky.
Classic
LES DINERS
Story by Traven Rice | Photos by Alex M. Smith
www.thelodownny.com 5
Behind the counter:

Zafis Luncheonette
500 Grand St. (at Willet St.)
Owner: Nodas Kekatos
Years in business: 35
History: Kekatos has owned the restaurant since 1978. He came to New York from Kefalo-
nia, the Paradise Island in Greece. His son, Mike, took the lead about 10 years ago, but
Hodus still works u couple of duys u week. Ihe originul Zunropolis opened the diner in ipq8,
there were two other owners before Kekatos took it over.
Rent: It's not u concern since Zun's is one of the few dining options on this purt of Grund
Street. The space is owned by the Hillman Cooperative, whose residents are some of the
diners best customers.
Words of wisdom: Every morning I look at myself in the mirror and I see some
Tuwa-u wrInkIe here, aomethIng eIae there-und 1 auy, 'You uren't perIect.' 7hen
when 1 come In und 1 huve [u dIagruntIed cuatomer] 1 don't get upaet. 1 remInd
myaeII no one Ia perIect."

El Castillo
131 Rivington St.
(between Essex and Ludlow streets)
Owner: Luis Miguel Collado
Years in business: 27
History: The place was a Chinese restau-
rant before he took it over in 1986. Collado
came to New York in 1963 from the Do-
minican Republic. He owned a couple of
restaurants previously, including Jagua
Restaurant on Clinton Street, which was
sold in 1977. That restaurant would later
became the Spanish restaurant, Alias
(long before what we now know as
Alias). Collado opened the second El Cas-
tillo at 521 Grand St. in 2003. He built the
diner from scratch and now his daughter,
Yreinel, runs it.
Rent: Collado is not worried yet. He has a long-term relationship with the landlord.
Words of wisdom: My food is always fresh and I keep the prices down. People want a
place that is affordable. Even if you spend a lot to go out for a special night, you need a place
to come to the rest of the time.
History: The place used to
be a Jewish diner. Palakas
came over from Greece in
1969 and took over the diner
in 1980.
Rent: Although the city is
on the verge of demolishing
the building, part of the
Essex Street Market, to make
way for the Seward Park re-
development project, the
owners are not too con-
cerned. Theyve been hear-
ing ubout the pro|ect for qo
years.
Words of wisdom: Give
the customers what they
want...Flirt with the ladies...
We always welcome you
back.
Olympic Diner
115 Delancey St. (at Essex Street)
Owners: Steve Palakas (below) and Spiros Nakos
Years in business: 33
www.thelodownny.com 7 6 www.thelodownny.com
THE GENERALS BAKERY
(199 Bowery, emmgrp.com/restau-
rants/the-general) is the latest addi-
tion to the multi-faceted eating, drink-
ing and nightlife complex installed by
EMM Group over many objections
from its neighbors. The menu from
corporate pastry chef Thiago Silva
includes cereal-inspired doughnuts
evoking memories of Cocoa Puffs
and Fruity Pebbles ($3 each or 3/$8),
as well as savory options such as egg
and cheese on a pretzel roll. Stump-
town coffee is available. Hours are 6
a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
www.thelodownny.com 9
TRIBECA PEDIATRICS
(409 Grand St., tribecapediatrics.
com) is now welcoming patients
from the Lower East Side and
neighboring communities at its
newest practice in the Seward
Park Co-op complex. The former
cafe space has been renovated
into a hip, playful space filled
with art, toys and books. Pe-
diatricians Mindy Gallagher and
Shelley Satterlee provide well-
ness care and treatment for sick
children Monday through Friday
(hours vary daily, see website for
details). As part of a large network
of Tribeca Pediatrics offices
throughout the city, the practice
offers support systems such as
urgent care advice by telephone,
after-hours on-call service and live
chat for general medical questions
online. Most insurance plans are
accepted.
PEARL & ASH (220 Bowery, pearlandash.com), the new
restaurant at Bowery House hotel, opened in late February to rave
critical reviews right out of the gate, with chef Richard Kuos small
but fascinating menu and sommelier Patrick Cappiellos wine list
scoring the top spot on food blog Eaters list of the 12 hottest
restaurants in New York right now. Kuo previously made a splash
as a partner in a Scandinavian place called Frej. Cappiello has
worked in some of the best-known cellars in the city. The menu
includes small plates and raw dishes; meat and fish dishes are
available in either appetizer or entre sizes. The restaurant opens
for dinner Monday through Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and is closed
Sundays.
new arrivals
OFORI NEW YORK
(9 Stanton St., ofori-ny.com), a new
womens wear shop, offers ready-
to-wear and custom-designed
dresses made in Manhattans
garment district. Oforis designs
incorporate classic high quality
fabrics and finishes and high-tech
fabric as well as couture dead
stock fabrics that are reserved for
special orders.
BARZINHO
(48 Hester St.) is a Brazilian home-cooking joint thats
been transplanted from TriBeCa, where it was a popular
neighborhood spot but ran into landlord trouble after
little more than a year and shuttered in 2011. The domain
of former Ford model Leo Funderburk, the tiny space
contains two four-person tables and a bar that are avail-
able for reserved seatings at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. each night.
Email barzinhocafe@gmail.com for a reservation; no
website yet.
Cup & Saucer Luncheonette
89 Canal St. (at Eldridge Street)
Owners: John Vasilopoulos (above) and Nick Tragaras
Years in business: 25
History: Ihe pluce hus been open since ipqo und wus ulwuys culled Cup und Suucer. It wus
originally a Jewish luncheonette. They took it over in 1988 when the area was mainly made
up of Jewish-owned jewelry stores. Then Chinatown began expanding in the last decade or
more. Like his older brother, Teddy, who runs Everest, John is from Kalavrita, Peloponisos, in
Greece. Nick is from Limnos island.
Rent: Ihey recently renewed their leuse for unother nve yeurs but ure worried ubout u steep
rent increase in the future because the building recently sold.
Words of wisdom: We work hard, we love our customers, we have great service, espe-
cially now we have these nice, lovely ladies working with us.
Pearl and Ash
8 www.thelodownny.com
10 www.thelodownny.com www.thelodownny.com 11
1
2
3
4
5 Proposed NYCHA Development
Sites,Lower East Side
1. Smith Houses
2. LaGuardia Houses
3. Baruch Houses
4. Meltzer Towers
5. Campos Plaza
The intercity bus industry underwent some big changes in
March, with federal authorities shutting down two discount
bus companies operating out of Chinatown and other opera-
tors stepping in to ll the void. In the rst closure, Fung Wah, a
longtime Chinatown operator whose depot was at 139 Canal St., was
ordered to take its fleet of 28 buses o the road after serious safety
problems, including cracked frames, were cited by Massachusetts
regulators. Several days later, ocials revoked the companys license
altogether because it had stopped cooperating with inspectors and
blocked access to safety records.About a week later, authorities
revoked the license of Ming An, which operated out of 59 Canal St., al-
leging it employed dangerous, unlicensed drivers who were frequently
ticketed for speeding and didnt keep logbooks. The DOTs Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration also found buses in disrepair,
leading it to declare Ming An, which primarily ran routes to Southern
cities like Virginia Beach and Tampa, an imminent hazard to public
safetyand pull its license. A new company, Yo! Bus, a joint venture
between Greyhound and Peter Pan, began operations on Pike Street
in December and just added six daily round-trip routes between New
York and Boston, a destination previously serviced by Fung Wah. (Yo!
also runs eight trips daily between New York and Philadelphia.) Also, in
mid-March, a community board subcommittee signed o on plans for
two other bus companies to launch a new pickup/drop-o site at 18
Allen St. No. 1 Bus Tour Inc., operating service to Virginia, plans a total
of eight arrivals/departures daily. Eastern Coach, Inc., with service to
Washington, D.C., will oer 11 arrivals/departures weekly and 15 on
the weekends. Meanwhile, the community board is still waiting on the
transportation department to implement a new state law setting up a
permit system for intercity buses.
neighborhood news
Late last month, the New York City
Housing Authority nally released
some details of its controversial
plan to invite luxury development
onto land it owns throughout Man-
hattan, including more than 2,000
new apartments at ve housing
complexes on the Lower East Side.
The plan, which we covered in last
months cover story, has generated a
loud outcry from residents of NYCHA
buildings, who object to a loss of their
public spaces, parking and other ame-
nities. The agency plans to use income
from leasing land for development to
oset its enormous debt and pay for
backlogged repairs, and has spent the
last month holding information ses-
sions to address residents concerns
and dispel rumors. The new apart-
ments to be created include: 405 at
the Baruch Houses in space that is
currently a parking lot; 97 at Campos
Plaza (currently parking lot & basket-
ball courts); 276 on two parcels at the
LaGuardia Houses (currently parking
lots); 97 at Meltzer Towers (currently
a seating area); and 1,151 on two par-
cels at the Smith Houses (currently a
parking lot and baseball eld). About
400 of the new units would be desig-
nated as permanently aordable. As
a point of reference, the plan would
create twice as much housing as the
Seward Park development project
planned on nine parcels along Delanc-
ey Street. Mayor Michael Bloomberg
and NYCHA Chairman John Rhea
have vociferously defended the plan in
communications with local elected of-
cials and community board leaders,
who have pressed for details and more
transparency in the planning process.
real estate
food
Two local restaurants ran
afoul of the citys health
department recently,
earning enough violation
points in sanitary inspec-
tions to be shut down.
Wing Shoon Chinese restau-
rant at East Broadway and
Rutgers Street was closed
on Feb. 25 after earning 54
points; it was permitted to
reopen on March 1 after a sec-
ond re-inspection drew only
9 points. Shalom Chai Pizza
at 357 Grand St., which has a
long history of diculty with
sanitary violations, was shut
down March 8 after earning
61 points. It remained closed
as of press time.
A private club frequented by Hollywood stars and other A-list
guests conrmed plans last month for a Lower East Side loca-
tion. Soho House, an international members-only establishment with
another NYC outpost in the Meatpacking District, plans to open at 139
Ludlow St., the former Nieberg Funeral Home. The club, which began
in London, may be the ultimate indication (as if we needed one) that
the once rough-around-the-edges LES is becoming a playground for
the rich and famous. Club owners are seeking a liquor license for their
new space, which will feature a restaurant and bar, as well as a gym.
The bar permit was originally scheduled to be heard at a March com-
munity board meeting, but was pulled from the agenda and resched-
uled for this month. Soho House reached out to neighborssome of
whom are already organizing protestsby hosting open houses over
two weekends in late March. Visitors to the raw space saw renderings
of the ground-floor restaurant and bar and other areas and met Soho
House reps. Renovations are expected to take about a year, with a tentative opening planned in summer
2014. Theres no question Soho Houses arrival on Ludlow Street will make waves, especially in light of
the recent demise of longtime hangouts Pink Pony and Motor City. The block is obviously primed for an
upscale transformation, including a new hotel at 180 Ludlow St. that is scheduled to open this spring.
nightlife
Since the former home of 93-year-old Gertels
Bakery was demolished in 2007, the sliver of
Lower East Side real estate known as 53 Hester
St. has become a stalled-out eyesore. However,
it now appears that a new condo building that never
got o the ground under the previous owners may
indeed be moving forward. City real estate and
court records show that the developer of the condo
building next door at 55 Hester St. paid $3.2 million
for the long, narrow lot in late January, following a
lengthy legal proceeding that resulted in foreclosure.
The new owner, an entity called Hester Alliance
Properties LLC, has applied to the citys building and
zoning departments for permission to combine the
two properties into one zoning lot, and cited plans
for a new 10-story building on the empty lot. No
changes are planned for the existing building at 55
Hester St., an 11-story building with 27 apartments
that was completed in 2010. The previous owner, J.P.
Hester, Inc., had run into trouble on several fronts: in
addition to falling behind on mortgage payments, ac-
cording to court records, its proposed development
never made it o the
drawing board. City
inspectors slapped
violation notices and
nes on the project
beginning with the
2007 demolition of
the bakery building
and ending with a
still-active stop-work
order a year ago.
real estate
transportation
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Theres a glimmer of hope for Beth Hamedrash
Hagadol, the historic synagogue at 60 Norfolk St.
As we reported in the cover story of our February
issue, the congregation was seeking to demolish
the 163-year-old building, replacing the land-
marked building with condos and a new ground-
floor synagogue. But last month, in a conversa-
tion with The Lo-Down, Rabbi Mandl Greenbaum
broke the news that he and the synagogues board
have decided to hold off on demolition for at least
three months.
On March 8, lawyers for Beth Hamedrash
Hagadol notified the
Landmarks Preservation
Commission they were
suspending an application
seeking permission to re-
place the building, which
has been protected as a
city landmark since 1967.
The rabbi said he and lo-
cal preservation groups
planned to spend the next
several weeks searching
for potential partners inter-
ested in restoring the syn-
agogue, which has been
battered by fire, flood and
decades of neglect.
In the weeks lead-
ing up to the rabbis
change of heart, local
activists stepped up their
campaign to save the synagogue, the oldest con-
gregation of Russian Jews in this country. Friends
of the Lower East Side, a preservation group,
launched a petition campaign, collecting more
than 600 signatures, and urged supporters to write
the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Greenbaum changed course following a three-
hour meeting with one of the groups leaders,
Holly Kaye, the founding director of the LES Jew-
ish Conservancy. Over the last decade, the con-
servancy spearheaded a fundraising campaign,
earning commitments for more than $1 million to
restore the synagogue, but that effort faltered in
recent years as the synagogues leaders appeared
to have given up on restoration. All of the money
was either returned or rescinded in the aftermath
of the 2008 economic downturn. In the meeting,
Kaye said, she and Greenbaum re-established
what had been a very strong relationship.
We are very pleased [about this decision] and
we are dedicated to working with the rabbi and
the community to find a solution which satisfies the
owners while preserving this incredibly important
landmark, she said.
The first step will be to conduct an indepen-
dent engineering study. Greenbaum closed Beth
Hamedrash Hagadol in 2007, saying the building
had become uninhabitable. Previous assessments
determined at least $4.5
million would be re-
quired to make repairs
and to restore the mag-
nificent sanctuary. Kaye
said she hopes it will be
possible to take some
initial steps to stabi-
lize the building and to
patch holes in the roof
while a long-term resto-
ration plan is crafted.
Last year, the rabbi
said, he sought develop-
ers interested in restor-
ing the building but they
were scared away by its
condition and by the
daunting task of renovat-
ing the decaying struc-
ture. Theres new hope
that recent publicity surrounding the synagogues
demise, plus the involvement of prominent preser-
vationists, will lead to more fruitful discussions with
potential partners.
Rabbi Greenbaum said he would consider any
proposals for adaptive re-use of the building.
Hes especially interested in talking with other
Jewish institutions, including yeshivas and syna-
gogues. The demolition proposal, he said, was a
very hard decision, not one that we took lightly.
The priority, Greenbaum indicated, is making sure
the congregation can function in the future. Hes
open to giving the search for a solution more than
three months if talks with potential partners look
encouraging, but we cant let this go on forever,
he said.
Hope for Historic Synagogues Future
By Ed Litvak
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FOR LESS!
Virginia Mill Works
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calendar
Load OUT! A Reuse and Repurpos-
ing RIOT with Fourth Arts Block:
FAB hosts an afternoon of recycling
activities that showcase creative think-
ing about sustainability and the arts.
Participants are invited to make use of
the clothing, textile and e-waste com-
munity collections on site, and to take
home donated costumes, props and
furniture. Call 212-228-4670 to sched-
ule an early donation. 12-3 p.m., 19
E. Third St., $5/artists and students:
free, fabnyc.org.
World Premiere of I Am an Opera at
Dixon Place:
Recently
described as daz-
zling by PAPER
and a downtown it
boy by The L Magazine, singer,
composer and writer Joseph
Keckler debuts his DIY opera,
I Am an Opera, with a live
string-based score. Billed as part
satire, part self-portrait and part
aesthetic exorcism, the show
deconstructs ideas of this age-old
musical form. Fridays and Sat-
urdays through April 27 at 7:30
p.m., 161A Chrystie St. $15/ad-
vance, $18/door, $12/students/
seniors, dixonplace.org.
Visit our CALENDAR online at
www.thelodownny.com/calendar
for more details and to add
your own events.
Sat.
6
Fri.
12
The Tribeca Film Festival:
The Tribeca Film Festival: The festival
credited with helping establish NYC
as a major filmmaking hub kicks off
its 11th year of independent film
screenings and festivities in venues
throughout downtown. Conceived by
Robert De Niro and friends to foster the economic
and cultural revitalization of Lower Manhattan
after Sept. 11, the festival has become a top
stop for filmmakers on the international circuit.
Through April 28. Visit tribecafilm.com for tickets,
venues and screening schedule.
Wed.
17
Fri.
5
Phosphorescent at Bowery
Ballroom: Alabama native and
Brooklyn resident Matthew Houck
brings the most recent incarnation
of his band to perform songs from
his latest and most personal album,
Muchacho. A mix of melancholy twang
and sunny electronic beats, the album has
garnered high praise and Houck seems to be gain-
ing speed. 8 p.m., 6 Delancey St., $15 advance/$18
door, boweryballroom.com.
Thurs.
18
Fri.
19
The Art of PixelVision: Peggy
Ahwesh at the New Museum:
Experimental filmmaker Peggy Ah-
wesh discusses various artists ex-
ploitation of the Fisher-Price toy
that captured black and white
audio and sound on a cassette
recorder. Her PixelVision feature-
length film, Strange Weather
(1993), screens as well. 7 p.m., 235
Bowery, $10, newmuseum.org.
Fri.
26
what to do in APRIL
Friday Night Slams Annual Grand
Slam at Nuyorican Poets Cafe: The
Nuyorican celebrates its most popular
event with poet extraordinaire Jamaal
St. John. 10 p.m., 236 E. Third St.,
$30/VIP tickets, $15/general ad-
mission, nuyorican.org.
The Losers Lounge Pays
Tribute to Elvis Costello
at Joes Pub: The long-
standing bi-monthly tribute
show (formerly at Fez) always
offers up surprise guests and
fantastic local musicians. This
month they tip their collective
hat to Elvis Costello for five
shows over the weekend. 425
Lafayette St., $25, see joespub.
com for showtimes.
While its home on First Avenue contin-
ues to be renovated, PS122 comes to
Abrons to pay tribute to the late down-
town performance pioneer, Tom Murrin
(aka The Alien Comic), who helped
establish PS122s longest running se-
ries, Full Moon. Every full moon for 27
years, Murrin and his Full Moon Crew
of downtown denizens could be seen
at PS122 performing their wacky and
hilarious rituals paying homage to the
lunar goddess, Luna Macaroona. It was an anything goes smorgasbord of performance art, dance,
theater, video and lm, all performed in eight minutes or less. Murrin himself created plenty of memo-
rable characters, and is credited for helping to launch the careers of many downtown performers.
Performance artist Salley May curates two nights in collaboration with The Full Moon Crew as they
welcome Elevator Repair Service, Dynasty Handbag, Jonathan Ames, Syd Straw, Factress, The Naked
Lady and more. Also on Fri., April 12. 8 p.m., 466 Grand St., $15, abronsartscenter.org, ps122.org.
New Moon
at
Abrons
ART CENTER
Avant-Garde-Arama:
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Sat.
15
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The supermarket scene on the Lower East
Side has seen major shifts in recent months,
with the arrival of Union Market, an upscale
Brooklyn-based grocer that opened on East
Houston street in November, and the closure
the following month of the giant Pathmark on
Cherry Street. Fine Fare, which has two stores
in the neighborhood, recently reorganized and
renovated sections of its Clinton Street store to
beef up the produce department and expand its
organic and higher-end offerings. We decided it
would be a good time to take a look at prices in
our local supermarkets and make some compar-
isons of basic kitchen staples among Fine Fare,
Union Market, Whole Foods on East Houston
Street and FreshDirect, the home-delivery gro-
cer used by many urban households.
Before we get to the numbers, here are a few
notes about our completely unscientific survey,
which was conducted during the second week
of March. We did not include the second Fine
Fare on Grand Street (which shares ownership
with the Clinton Street store), the Key Foods on
Columbia Street or the vendors in Essex Street
Market, all of which provide additional shopping
options. We chose items that all four of the mer-
chants carried in exactly the same weight or vol-
ume, in order to ensure fairness. In most cases,
we priced the same brand. If an item happened
to be on temporary special at the time of our
survey, the sale price was not included; the regu-
lar price appears in the chart. If several varieties
of the same item were available at different price
points, the lowest-priced option is recorded. For
example, Whole Foods carries several brands of
organic chickens that run as high as $5.99 per
pound; we listed only the cheapest.
Upon close inspection, the variances among
our local supermarkets were striking. In some
cases there was very little overlap of comparable
items from store to store. For example, neither
Union Market nor Whole Foods sells Caf Bus-
telo coffee, a very popular brand at Fine Fare.
Illy, an Italian import, was the only coffee brand
available from all four merchants. However,
Union Market features a large selection of its
house brand of coffee, while Whole Foods car-
ries a wider selection of organic and fair-trade
beans.
Each of the three stores offers a different
shopping experience and amenities. The Fine
Fare deli counters hot-lunch specials are worth
waiting in line, while Whole Foods caters espe-
cially to the grab-and-go crowd with options like
prepared sandwiches and a gourmet cookie bar.
Union Market specializes in supporting local ar-
tisan brands like Manhattan-made pickles and
Brooklyn-made ice cream. FreshDirect, mean-
while, allows you to grocery shop without leav-
ing your desk, and charges just $5.99 to bring
your order to your door.
LO-DINE T
H
E
Supermarket
CHECKOUT:
BY THE
NUMBERS
By Jennifer Strom
Union
Market
Whole
Foods
Fine
Fare
Fresh
Direct
Item
Whole
chicken
(non-organic,
per lb.)
Eggs
(non-organic,
per dozen
extra large)
Whole milk
(non-organic,
half-gallon
carton)
Whole milk
(organic,
half-gallon
carton)
Eggs
(organic,
per dozen
extra large)
Whole
chicken
organic,
(per lb.)
Stacys
Pita Chips
(8-oz. bag)
Goya Black
Beans
(15.5-oz.
can)
Illy Ground
Coee
(8.8-ounce
can)
Tropicana
Orange
Juice
(59-ounce
bottle)
Philadelphia
Cream
Cheese (8-oz.
package)
3.69
3.29
4.99
4.99
4.79
2.99
1.29
14.99
4.49 4.49
2.99
1.99 1.99
3.39
2.99
2.69
5.69
5.19
3.19
1.69
12.49
3.29
3.29
2.39
2.59
2.29
5.69
4.99
3.99
1.19
15.99
5.29
Not
available
3.29
1.99
3.99
2.79
2.49
3.99
3.99
3.29
1.29
14.99
6.38
Fine Fare/
Fresh Direct
Tie
Fresh
Direct
Fresh
Direct
Fine
Fare
Fresh
Direct
Union
Market
Whole
Foods
Whole
Foods
Fine
Fare
Union Market/
Fine Fare
Tie
Union Market/
Whole Foods
Tie
Cheapest
Union
Market
Whole
Foods
Fine
Fare
Fresh
Direct
Item
.25 .59 .50
.99
10.99 10.99 10.99 10.99
.99
1.50 2.00 1.29 2.49
5.49 5.99 5.39
.79
4.79
1.09
.40
Cheerios
(14-oz box)
4-way tie
Brooklyn
Lager
(6-pack)
Seltzer
(per liter;
cheapest
brand-name)
Fresh
Direct
Limes
(each)
Avocados
(each)
Fine
Fare
Fine
Fare
Fine
Fare
Item
Union
Market
Whole
Foods
Fine
Fare
Fresh
Direct Cheapest
18 www.thelodownny.com www.thelodownny.com 19 18 www.thelodownny.com
Weekend NYC (45 Orchard St.) on Tuesday and
Thursday nights. As an organization, OSR does
some fundraising for the Lower Eastside Girls Club
which includes a yearly silent auction that just hap-
pened on Feb. 28. We raised about $10,000 and
generated a ton of awareness in the neighbor-
hood; it was a huge success. We also help orga-
nize the Red Hook Criterium which is on March 30,
and we collaborate with Trimble Racing on the
Midnight Half, a half-marathon that takes place
at midnight on May 31 that goes from the LES into
Red Hook and back. To pay rent, I work with a tech
startup called Breakfast NY. I manage Instaprint for
them, and I also bartend at Barrio Chino.
Tell us about your apartment the good,
the bad and the ugly.
The thing I like about my apartment is that its
huge well, in the context of the tenement build-
ings that comprise the neighborhood it is. I am
fortunate to have found a great living situation
with two great people as roommates Having
lived in way worse conditions at different points in
my life in this city, I have to say the bad isnt really
that bad. The noise on the street in the morning
How long have you lived on the LES?
Ive been in the area since 2006. I was on Sixth
Street and First Avenue from 2006 to 2009, in Al-
phabet City from August 2009 through December
2009 and then on Orchard and Grand in the Pink
Building.
Why did you move here?
By chance, in a way. After a breakup forced me to
bounce around Alphabet City, moving into a differ-
ent apartment month to month, I finally landed in
the LES. A friend told me of an opening in a sick loft
space in the Pink Building on Orchard and Grand. I
took it and havent left the neighborhood since.
What do you do?
Primarily I organize a running group called OSR
(Orchard Street Runners, orchardstreetrunners.
com). We host weekly runs that leave from Lost
generated by forklifts and tractor-trailers isnt ideal,
but its part of the charm. As well as the funeral band
that sometimes wakes me up from down the street.
Whats your favorite spot on the LES and
why?
There used to be a bench in front of 83 Orchard St.
I would sit there all day in the summer and watch
the neighborhood go by. It is by far my favorite spot
in the entire city. It was an apex, a meeting point,
the kind of spot where if you go, in 15 minutes
youre surrounded by all your friends and you all just
end up hanging out for a few hours.
Favorite cheap eats?
My favorite spot is An Choi, my old friend Tuan
Buis restaurant at 85 Orchard Street. It is home to
me, the kind of place I go to too much. It has an
amazing vibe, the staff is made up of some of my
best friends, the drinks are amazing and the food
is authentic. The pork chop and the Shaken Beef
dishes are ridiculous. Their pho is the best I have
ever had. I basically live there.
Favorite place to splurge? (Or go for a spe-
cial occasion)
I wouldnt call it splurging, because its not crazy
expensive, but my go-to to step it up a bit is Cafe
Katja. Special occasions, or for something a bit
more intimate and refined. Homemade Austrian
sausages and other amazing dishes, great wine se-
lection, amazing staff and a beautiful decor make it
one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood and
in the city. Their dumplings are a must-have, as
well as their homemade pretzels.
How have you seen the neighborhood
change?
I got here just after Good World closed, now
Sweet Paradise is gone, Motor City and Max Fish
are on their way out, and so on. These places were
the foundation of the LESs vibe and character that
we all associate with. I think a lot of the current
residents who complainsay, residents from the
last 10 years, hipsters or whateverforget to take
into account that there were people here before
we got here. People who probably complained
about Barrio Chino, Max Fish, Good World open-
ing up. I think change can be good for the LES. I
hate to see rent go up, forcing out the artists and
the people who have lived here foreverthats
definitely unfortunate. The influx of outside people
and businesses trying to cash in on the LES and its
Joe
DiNoto
For our regular feature spotlighting the
people who live and work on the Lower
East Side, we talked with local resident
Joe DiNoto, the founder of Orchard Street
Runners.
vibe is like watching a parasite at work. Luckily,
these business seldom last. People need to realize
that they need to be a part of this neighborhood
before trying to open up a successful business
here, if they were then they would know what
would work and what would fit.
What do you miss from the old LES?
I miss Good Worlds Swedish meatballs.
Is there a new arrival (restaurant, shop,
attraction) you love? Why?
I really like Forgtmenot, 138 Division St. A perfect
example of good people coming into the neighbor-
hood and adding to its integrity. I dont get there as
much as I would like but when I do its usually a burg-
er and a plethora of pickle backs and Tecates. That
place is great.
Tell us your best LES memory.
My best LES memory was the first midnight half-mar-
athon OSR put on last May 31 with Trimble Racing.
About a hundred of the citys urban runners, from all
different running groups (North Brooklyn Runners,
South Brooklyn Running Club, Bridgerunners, etc.)
hiding out upstairs at 141 Chrystie, waiting for the
green light to hit the street from David Trimble while
he kept tabs on the undercover cops that were sent
to monitor us on the street corners. Once he deemed
the coast was clear he called us out. We all ran down
the steps, then followed Chrystie Street south to the
Manhattan Bridge. The course was designed using
checkpoints, with no set route. Shortest distance was
up to the individual to find. You would end up alone
at times depending on your decision-making, then
there would be a convergence of runners as you ap-
proached main arteries of the course. It was amazing.
People who were behind you would all of a sudden
come from out of nowhere and be in front of you,
having found a straighter line to run. It was amazing
to see it come to life and have people compete.
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
& COUNSELOR
Specializes in OCD and related
disorders: generalized anxiety,
depression, and the
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Contact her by phone:
646-449-0604
or email: jenerate8@yahoo.com
Jenifer Wolf, LMSW
20 www.thelodownny.com
The CPA for Freelancers
The CPA for Freelancers
Jonathan Medows, CPA
www.cpaforfreelancers.com
As featured in:
Bloomberg Businessweek,
New York Post &
Accounting Today
517 Grand St., Fl 1
New York, NY 10002
Tel : 646. 415. 8011
info@medowscpa.com
Personal and Business Tax Returns
Prior Year Tax Returns
Tax Controversies
Audit Representation
Tax Planning & Entity Structuring
Monthly Accounting Services
Yogahighnyc.com
98 Forsyth, 2nd floor
between Grand and Broome
646-678-311
Vinyasa Yoga
Postnatal (Prenatal coming soon.)
Beginner classes
Advanced classes
Buy one get one free for all new
students
10% off our New Student Special
of 2 months of unlimited Yoga for
$200 when you mention the
Lo-Down, through April
has moved t o Gr and and For s yt h!
ABRONSARTSCENTER
HENRY
STREET
SETTLEMENT
Arts Camp,
Broadway
Lab,
and Summer
Classes 2013
Performing Arts Classes
July 1August 2
5 weeks
Sing & Play
Singing, listening, playing & making music
Ages 4-6 | Wednesday 4-5 pm | $75
Beginner/Intermediate Hip Hop
Ages 8-12 | Mondays 5-6 pm | $75
Beginner/Intermediate Tap
Ages 8-12 | Wednesdays 5-6 pm | $75
Beginner/Intermediate Ballet
Ages 8-12 | Tues & Thursdays 5-6 pm | $150
Intermediate/Advance Hip Hop
Ages 13 and up | Mondays 6-7 pm | $75
Teen/Adult Tap
Ages 13 and up | Wednesdays 6-7 pm | $75
Intermediate/Advance Ballet
Ages 13 and up | Tues & Thurs 6-7:30 pm | $200
Salsa
Ages 13 and up | Weds 6-7:30 pm | $100
Yoga
Ages 16 and up | Tues & Thurs 6-7:30 pm
$100 once a week or $175 twice a week
Zumba
Ages 16 and up | Mondays & Weds 6-7 pm
$75 once a week or $130 twice a week
Private Music Lessons
June 4July 26
8 weeks

Lessons are available in voice, piano,
violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet,
saxophone, trumpet, French horn,
trombone, percussion, and guitar.

30 minutes: $240
45 minutes: $360
60 minutes: $480
For more information:

www.abronsartscenter.org
The Registration Office
212.598.0400 x 209
Robert La Fosse
Director of Education

Carl Johnson
Director of Camp


Abrons Arts Center
Henry Street Settlement
466 Grand Street at Pitt
New York, NY 10002
Summer Arts Classes
ABRONSARTSCENTER
HENRY
STREET
SETTLEMENT
466 Grand Street at Pitt
abronsartscenter.org
212.598.0400
Summer 2013
Programs for
Kids
Arts Camp
July 1August 16
Broadway Lab
July 126
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