By Janel Bladow
March madness is gripping the Seaport and it doesn’t have to do with basketball…it’s all about construction messes on Fulton St., Front St., Maiden La. and John St. near South St. And, the parking chaos continues due to all the building and the many city employees who persist in parking with their permits in the neighborhood. Have a complaint? Call 311.
With Saint Patrick’s Day being celebrated throughout the city this past week, it’s only fitting that we dive into some drinking news…
Liquor licenses are pending for the new Chipotle Mexican Grill at 101 Fulton St. and at 277 Water St. which still stands vacant but is listed as SamSara Café and rumored to be a “healthy” restaurant.
Meanwhile, Vox (33 Peck Slip) celebrated their opening last Thursday with a party of invited friends, mostly from out of the neighborhood. Robust reds and crisp whites flowed freely at the petite wine bar to a full house. A handful of pretty Russian girls in cowgirl hats and western wear served partiers. The wine list looks well rounded. Only problem is that with such a small space there’s no kitchen so no food.
Just up the block, Lei (25 Peck Slip) started Patty Day celebrations on Monday with a party hosted by Michael Collins Irish Whiskey. Named after the Irish revolutionary officer who helped gain independence from the British only to be shot to death during the Irish Civil War, the two whiskeys — an easy-drinking blend and a double-distilled 100-percent malted barley dried over peat fires — were a hit at the new neighborhood hot spot. Owner Jeff Lim and bartenders Bobby T, Karen and Johnny — all Pier 17 stalwarts — threw a standing-room-only bash that rocked on to the wee hours. It’s confirmed that New York City’s own Irish rock band, Black 47, has big fans in the Seaport.
The New York City Half Marathon of 16,000 runners is Sun., March 21, starting in Central Park at 7:30 a.m. and finishing Downtown on the West Side Highway at Chambers St. But for all those hoofers who hike east afterward, there are some great deals (or you can go pick up a jogger and bring him/her back to the FiDi ‘hood!). Several restaurants and shops are having specials Sunday only so if you’re out for brunch, check these out after you cheer them on:
Stone Street Tavern (52 Stone St.) – unlimited complimentary strawberry and banana mimosas for runners who show their bibs starting at 11:30 a.m.
Trinity Place (115 Broadway) – free mimosas and dessert with brunch entrée for runners with bibs.
Heartland Brewery (South & Fulton Sts.) – a half pint of their special drafts on the house with food purchase for runners, their friends and families till 9 p.m.
Mad Dog & Beans (83 Pearl St.) – $15 Mexican brunch with free drink for all.
Energy Kitchen (71 Nassau St.) – $3 off $10 healthy, low-calorie, low-fat meal for runners who show their number and their friends and family get the same discount.
Provisions (150 Beekman St.) – show your bib for a gratis gift with a store purchase.
La Masion du Chocolat (63 Wall St.) – and what every runner needs after a dozen or so miles…a free truffle with a $25 purchase. Or visit their tea room for hot chocolate and pastries.
And finally a shout out to a good friend! Hearty get-well fast wishes to neighbor Dave Richter who underwent gallbladder surgery last week at NYU Downtown Hospital. The patient is recovering quietly and quickly with his pooch Omar at his bedside.
