78thand2nd

Mo's Caribbean To Close

If you're among the crowd who enjoys a night out at Mo's Caribbean, you may want to take in as much of the bar as you can -- the place will be no more in a month. Mo's is tossing in the towel at the end of May and will be re-born as a "classic bar and grill" according to a Mo's rep. There's no lease drama to speak of; the new spot, which will be dubbed the "Stumble Inn," will be from the same owners as Mo's. It's Cinco de Mayo folks, get down there if you're a fan. And thanks to the always alert Aubrey, for the head's up.

Duane Reade In, Gristedes Out

Gristedes on 72nd and 1st is closing its doors according to on the spot tipsters. Duane Reade, is rumored to be vacating its spot located across the street to take the space occupied by Gristedes. As one tipster put it: "No big loss, that Gristede’s was disgusting and Food Emporium is right across the street anyway." Precisely. Thanks to Aubrey and Rob for the on-the-scene intel.

Worst Bar On The UES?

From the inbox over the weekend comes this opinion: "Worst bar on the Upper East Side? I think that honor should go to Iggy's on 2nd ave. And the two relics playing dice in front of the bar on Sunday night weren't helping the bar's image." Ouch.

The Twins At Homboms?

There was a lackluster response on the call for intel on the "Chubby, 40-50 year old, Asian transsexual who carries Conway shopping bags" who roams the UES, so let's move on -- and jump into the last part of Caroline's inquiry:

"Finally...what is the DEAL with the twins who work [at Homboms (between 78th and 79th and 1st)]?"

I, again, feel a little out of the loop. What is the deal with the twins at Homboms? If you have any clue to what our inquirer is speaking of, please enlighten the group (and be gentle) in the comments.

More:
· Conway Bag Carrying Transsexual, Part 2 [78thand2nd]
· Bride Of Frankenstein UES 'Bird Lady' Revealed! [78thand2nd]
· Upper East Side's Bride Of Frankenstein? [78thand2nd]

La Tour Closes

French spot La Tour (3rd and 75th) closed last Saturday. A full report can be over at Eater, which points to this shuttering as being part of a recent in a string of French bistro closings.

The Shutter: Upper East Side's La Tour Closes [Eater]

Conway Bag Carrying Transsexual, Part 2

The call for info on the second of three Upper East Side characters recently spotlighted in an email from reader Caroline hasn't gone too well. In fact, no one has offered additional intel on the "Chubby, 40-50 year old, Asian transsexual who carries Conway shopping bags (several really full ones)" up and down the UES. Clearly, our friend isn't as well known as Sister Marlene, the star of post number one, but let's give this one more push before we get to part three of Caroline's inquiry. Anyone with info on our Conway bag carrying transsexual, the comment section is yours for the taking.

And, again, the preview for part three:
“What is the DEAL with the twins who work…”

UES 'Bird Lady' Revealed! [78thand2nd]
Upper East Side's Bride Of Frankenstein? [78thand2nd]

What's The Deal With: Loui Loui Redux

A recent inquiry from a reader asks for an update on the rumored Citeralla expansion and restaurant at the corner of 75th and 3rd. You'll remember, back in August, Italian spot Loui Loui recently closed, boards were up on the space and Citarella had begun its makeover according to folks on the scene. Since August, though, it's tough to tell what progress has been made. A Citraella employee confirms the spot is still pegged for expansion and a restaurant, but little details are known. And adding some confusion, is the banner that was recently hung, that advertises "retail space available." If you have info, the comments are open.

What's The Deal With: Loui Loui, Cocktail Room, Abandoned Liquor Store [78thand2nd]

Vudu Part II: Vudu Violence

A quick follow up to the recent Community Board 8 meeting regarding Vudu Lounge on 1st and 78th: According to commenter Ebg, the hearing was held to discuss the "repeated incidents of violence outside the club." Hardly surprising. We've got a call in to CB8 to track down more info.

CB8 Considers Vudu? [78thand2nd]

Bride Of Frankenstein UES 'Bird Lady' Revealed!

Last week we were introduced to the first of three Upper East Side characters via an email from Caroline, who inquired about an older woman she dubbed the Bride of Frankenstein, due to her “blackish layered clothing” and her “big curly black hair.”

She sounded a bit ominous until you filled in the gaps—thanks to all who provided useful intel—with some facts on the neighborhood mainstay, who, according to your comments, has been revealed as...

Babies In Bars Crowded Sushi Restaurants

The baby/kids tales continue to funnel in, with Emily recently encountering a particularly rowdy bunch at Sushi Hana on 2nd.

"A follow up to your (totally accurate) observation of the growing numbers of babies in bars: I was having dinner at [Sushi Hana] on Saturday night, and found myself surrounded by two couples, with four kids taking up at least three tables (not counting stroller ‘parking’). The parents and kids basically took over the entire middle of the restaurant, with the children screaming and running wild, on a Saturday night!

I’m not saying that parents should only be allowed to frequent Chucky Cheese or TGI Friday’s, but the personal space these parents take up seems to be getting more and more all encompassing, it’s so inconsiderate to fellow diners.

To top it off, when I mentioned it (politely) to the manager, all he said was 'it’s a public space.' "

More:
Baby In Bar Sighting: Swig [78thand2nd]
More Babies In UES Bars [78thand2nd]