BY Janel Bladow
Crowds are back on weekends enjoying a stroll around the neighborhood, like the rest of us, undoubtedly looking forward to the warmer, sunnier weather to come. But some couldn’t wait. A mere glimpse of sunshine and blue skies and the outdoor tables at Acqua are filled with chilly fresh air enthusiasts.
Spotlight…
The Celebrity Apprentice segment that taped in the Seaport aired last week. The “box” built on Pier 17 by the guys for Australian Gold sunscreen played well with tourists and fans, and the Peking was prominent in the background. But viewers really couldn’t tell that the winning women’s team was at the Seaport. What a shame.
Spring sales…
Floral prints and lace and pastels on the shelves — a sure sign spring is in the stores. The Gap has peach sweaters and soft scarves, Ann Taylor is celebrating the dress and the racks at Kara are full of sexy, lacy sheer tops.
Ouch!…
Kathleen Joyce, our favorite female bartender at Meade’s (Peck Slip & Water St.), was back behind the bar Monday night wearing a “stylish” piece of footwear. Week before last some knucklehead speared her foot with a bar stool late one night at Keg 229 and smashed her big toe so badly she lost the nail. Yuck! She told SR that even though she’s still hobbling, she’s glad to be back. Big Foot Bootie and all. Feel better Katie.
Our chorus girl…
Ellen McDonald of Southbridge Towers tells SR that she’s thrilled to be a member of the Downtown Chorus. “I’m having a blast,” she says. “I’ve learned how to be part of an ensemble and get my voice to blend.” Singing with the group has opened this retired teacher to all kinds of new experiences, including one only a few can say: “I never thought I would sing in Carnegie Hall. But there I am in the photo!” See Ellen and the rest of the group at the Borough of Manhattan Community College Spring concert, “Simple Gifts.” They’ll perform Shaker-style choral pieces by Mack Wilberg, musical director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The concert is free, Tuesday, May 3, 7:30 pm, at BMCC Theater II, 199 Chambers St.
Woof and (almost) ready…
After testing by several local four-footed experts, The East River Waterfront dog run has gone back to the drawing board for some tweaking. Seems the hills designed for dogs to climb proved too slippery a slope. The Parks Department has been anticipating opening the park since January. But now builders expect to have the puppy playground between Maiden Lane and Wall St. open by May 31. Part of the $150 million renovation of the waterfront from Battery Park to the Lower East Side, the run is a 4,300-square-foot oval with a doghouse, a sculpted tree trunk and, in warmer months, a water feature for furry fun.
Fleet footed…
Come out and support thousands of walkers from nearly 80 communities around the country as they walk to raise money and awareness about mental illness. The 5K NAMIWalks NYC event kicks off at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 7, on Piers 16 & 17. If you want to participate in the event, contact Sarah Sheahan, ssheahan@naminyc.org.
Slurping success…
The first South St. Oyster Saloon fundraiser sold out well ahead of the party last Saturday night. The hot ticket event raised more than $25,000. That means with the 2011 season opener on Sunday, May 1, the weekly New Amsterdam Market on South St. will continue through December. Stop by South St. between Fulton and Peck Slip and tell the vendors SR sent ya!
Smokin’…
Cigar Landing relocated to a new storefront last week. Stop by 150 Beekman St. for a stogie and some hot talk.
Do we, really?…
Last week’s Downtown Express detailed how entrepreneur Sundeep Bhan wants to “nickname” downtown “SoMa” for Southern Manhattan. Really? Do we really need another cutesy slang name for the Financial District (FiDi)? Has our need for acronyms for everything gotten out of hand? SoMa? Really? It sounds like a sleeping pill from a Woody Allen movie.
