Tag Archives: 102 north end avenue

Lili's Noodle Shop Closed

Lili’s Noodle Shop and Pizzabola Closed For Business

Lili's Noodle Shop Closed
Lili's Noodle Shop is Closed.

Brown paper has been taped up on the windows of both Lili’s Noodle Shop and Pizzabola for the last few days with the cryptic message:

“We will be closed from 8/1/10. Thank You. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

However, this is not your average story of another business at 102 North End Avenue biting the dust due to the Goldman shakeup.

Sign outside Lil's shop.
Sign outside Lil's shop.

Lili’s and Pizzabola owner Jonah Phillips spoke with BatteryParkCity.com this morning and let us know that Lili’s will not be permanently closing down but relocating and expanding their menu offering. Phillips will be breathing new life into the former Applebee’s space, introducing Lili’s successor as a new Asian-themed restaurant which will also have a sandwich/deli area.

Pizzabola’s fate is currently uncertain although the owner is looking into new locations for the Italian restaurant in the area. Regardless of the new location, Pizzabola will no longer be serving the gluten-free foods it had been known for.

Phillips, who also owns Izzy & Nats, said that finding a new spot for Pizzabola has been difficult: “There isn’t a lot of space left [to open a restaurant] in the area.”

The 102 North End restaurant version of musical chairs comes in light of Danny Meyer’s announcement last week of his openings of a Shake Shack, Blue Smoke and another “upscale” restaurant in the same building.

While most businesses in the building have gone to the wayside (Chevy’s, Applebees and DSW), it’s nice to know that at least one familiar face will remain amongst the newcomers.

Will you miss Pizzabola?

DSW Battery Park City Closing

Goldman Puts Foot Down: DSW To Close September 3

DSW Battery Park City Closing
DSW Battery Park City Closes September 3

In our neighborhood, going to the “movies” was often a code word to go shoe shopping. However, Battery Park City shoe lovers will need a dose of retail therapy when their beloved DSW is slated to close September 3rd. Proving another store bites the dust to make way for the new Conrad Hotel in Battery Park City.

While this is terrible news for some, this is fantastic news for others. As Battery Park City husbands who have married shoe addicts are secretly rejoicing. No more requests to go to the shoe store before a movie.

Store employees confirmed with us that the store’s lease was not renewed and that another location was not planned for Downtown Manhattan. They also wanted to mention that customers could visit their Union Square and Downtown Brooklyn locations, but admitted visiting those locations is tantamount to a full contact sport and a “zoo.”

A formal sign had been placed in the lobby of the Union Square Theater on Sunday to further confirm the stores closing.

As a shoe lover, this one really takes a hit on my heels. How does DSW closing affect you?

DSW Battery Park City
Beloved Shoe Heaven
Conrad Hotel USA

New Details Released On Conrad Hotel in Battery Park City

Conrad Hotel USA
Conrad Hotel in Chicago is a peek into what's to come in BPC

In a new interview published by Hotelworldnetwork.com, details are coming forth about the new Conrad luxury hotel slated to open in Q4 2011.

The interview with head of luxury brands John T.A. Vanderslice discusses the Hilton’s luxury brands strategy in opening up its 5th United States location in Battery Park City.

According to Vanderslice, “Conrad’s forthcoming entry in the New York City market is indicative of the brand’s formidable development pipeline which also includes future properties in other important global cities such as Dubai and Beijing With regard to the timing of the Conrad New York announcement, our development decisions are made for the long-term and there are many indications that the luxury segment is rebounding with demand on the rise. Additionally, there is currently a relatively low luxury supply in New York’s Financial District so we hope to satisfy an important and growing market need.”

Considering there is a Ritz Carlton and a W hotel within a two block radius of Ground Zero, we’re not certain we agree with that sentiment.

Vanderslice also goes on to point out features of this new luxury hotel,

“A distinguishing feature of the Conrad New York will be the hotel’s typical room size. Typical rooms will average between 500 and 550 square feet, which is extremely generous by any standard, let alone by the space-conscious standard of New York hotels. Additionally, like all Conrad properties, the Conrad New York will feature the smart luxury, flawless service, and technological sophistication that enable guests to enjoy the rare luxury of being themselves.”

Keeping true to the hotel brand’s philosophy, “The luxury of being yourself.”

In a press release for the hotel, the proximity of the hotel to the Freedom Tower is being heavily touted. As well as a noted commitment to providing high end amenities and dining establishments within the hotel,

“The soaring, sunlit 15-story atrium lobby features a dramatic Sol LeWitt art piece rising 13 floors above the check-in desk.  Each luxuriously appointed guestroom will feature an average of more than 550 square feet, a minimum of two flat panel televisions and a full complement of contemporary electronic features.  Conrad New York will also feature upscale dining and beverage outlets that are consistent with Conrad’s global definition of luxury.  Interior design is being styled by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, Office dA and Remedios Studios.

In addition, more than 17,000 square feet of flexible meeting space will ensure that guests can stay connected and meet in comfort, supported by state-of-the-art technology and meeting facilities.  A 6,000 square foot Grand Ballroom is designed to accommodate conferences and social gatherings for more than 600 participants.

Existing Conrad properties in the United States include Conrad Miami, Conrad Chicago, Conrad Indianapolis and Conrad San Juan.”

Blue Smoke and Shake Shack coming to Battery Park City!

Shake Shack & Blue Smoke Combo Meal in Battery Park City! (UPDATE)

Blue Smoke and Shake Shack coming to Battery Park City!
Blue Smoke and Shake Shack coming to Battery Park City!

-=UPDATE =-
July 28, 2010 – Confirmation was made by Danny Meyer himself that Blue Smoke and Shake Shack are INDEED, opening in Battery Park City during tonight’s Community Board 1 Meeting.

Meaning — we probably will need that New York Sports Club back.

—————————————————————————————————

I don’t know about you, but on more than one occasion, my friends and I have been guilty of venturing to Citi Field for a “Shake Shack / Blue Smoke Dinner Combo.”

I am happy to report that the journey for one of my favorite dinners of all time soon won’t require taking the 7 train.

It’s being widely reported by NY Mag’s Grub Street and others that Blue Smoke has been confirmed as one of the restaurants replacing the recently-shuttered Applebee’s and Chevy’s. Well done Goldman Sachs — we had our doubts — but it seems you’ve done the neighborhood a culinary favor!

We have been discussing the rumblings of Shake Shack for months, but news of this pairing would be an encore presentation of what every Met fan or visitor to Citi Field already knows is a great collaboration in one’s belly.

Along with newcomers BLT Burger at the W, Five Guys on Fulton and our summer visitor Quality Burger — our neighborhood is poised to be quite a burger and BBQ paradise.

About time!