Passover Food Alert!

I don’t celebrate Passover like many other Besen Retail-ers, but if I did I think I would eat these Chocolate Covered Matzos found at Myzel’s in Midtown.

-Caitlin

(picture via Midtown Lunch)

Ring in Spring at Fort Tryon Park

Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights

You’re a Central Park Regular, a Prospect Park Visitor, and a Washington Square Park Dweller, so why haven’t you stopped by Fort Tryon Park yet? With over 67 acres in Washington Heights, a commanding view of the Hudson River, the George Washington Bridge, the New Jersey Palisades, and the Harlem River, Fort Tryon is worth the uptown travel.

The park also homes The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to medieval culture. You will be shocked when you get off the A train at how GREEN everything is, a perfect escape from the city. Take a walk in Heather Garden, picnic on the lawn, and enjoy the view of the river; you won’t regret it!

After your fabulous day in Fort Tryon Park, stop by space for lease 181st and Bennett Avenue. With 2600 SF on the ground floor, a 1600 SF mezzanine level, a 10,000 SF on the top level, and a full basement, it’s a unique property in a one-of-a-kind neighborhood.

-Caitlin

Red Rooster Flocking to Harlem

Chef Marcus Samuelsson (picture via Wall Street Journal)

Recently named contestant on Bravo’s television series, Top Chef Master, Marcus Samuelsson is making plans to open his restaurant “Red Rooster” in Harlem. A speakeasy-style eatery serving up farm-to-table fresh food, the restaurant is expected to make its debut around Labor Day.

“I’m just excited to introduce Harlem through food. There are some storytelling restaurants there and we’re the new kid on the block who can add our experience to it,” Samuelsson said. While the television series and the restaurant are both exciting upcoming experiences, the restaurant will not tie into the show in any way.

Need an uptown location for your restaurant just like Samuelsson? Check out one of our latest projects, Tapestry, on the corner of 124th Street and 2nd avenue. With about 8,500 SF of retail space for lease in a growing neighborhood, it’s the ideal spot for your eatery!

-Caitlin

Umbrella Wars

(picture via Brad Wilson)

Within minutes of stepping out into the rain, a whoosh of wind pushed my umbrella inside out, leaving me staggering on the sidewalk. I shoved the top side back into the air, fighting to keep my head dry. With raindrops pouring down on my just-dried morning hair, I lifted the wiry nylon mess above me in hopes of creating a semi-shield.

Sound familiar? It’s the normal rainstorm scenario plaguing commuting New Yorkers. And yet every time it rains you find yourself forking over the $5 for a little black street umbrella that breaks within three minutes of its second use. Luckily “Rain or Shine” has come to our rescue. The only store of its kind, the little Midtown shop offers a vast selection of umbrellas in ever design and color imaginable. Not only are their products chic, but made from high quality materials, so they are strong too.

Whether you are looking for a strong and simple style, or one of the “hard to find” designer pieces like Ayrens, Jean Paul Gaultier, or Chantal Thomass, Rain or Shine has it. Visit the shop at 45 East 45th Street between Madison and Vanderbilt, and take a look at the website to see some of their styles.

-Caitlin

The Kitchen Closet

A "kitchenista" and her shoe filled fridge (picture via NY Post)

I’ve complained about the size of my Manhattan apartment– my kitchen/bedroom/closet/etc. etc. are too small– but never have I ever had to use my kitchen as closet space. The New York Post introduced us to the “Kitchenistas,” or New Yorkers that are using their kitchen solely for closet space. That means sweaters in the oven, shoes in the refrigerator, and pants in the pantry.

The Kitchenistas never eat at home, so they never have to worry about needing their ovens for anything but storage. One Kitchenista Zandile Blay told the Post that she got rid of her fridge all together. “I replaced it with a huge full-length mirror and got a small beverage cooler for my wine and Coronas,” she said. Others keep the fridge for the ultimate shoe display case, and some turn the gas off in their oven to avoid burnt clothing.

“My kitchen is so small, it just doesn’t make sense for me to cook in it,” another added. My kitchen is too small for cooking too, but that’s why we have crockpots.

-Caitlin

Let’s play a game.

Time for a little guessing game. How much do you think this Balmain tee-shirt costs? How much would you pay for it? It’s ripped. It’s messy. It looks a little flimsy.

Take a guess. Is it $5? $10? $30? If you said a  whopping $1,625, you got it! Yes, that’s in dollars not M&M’s. I’m not kidding. This tee-shirt costs more than my first car.

What is the retail industry coming to?

-Caitlin

Three Spaces to Lease NOW!

1. MODA, 89-14 Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens

Nestled in the heart of Jamaica, Queens, MODA boasts over 40,000 SF of retail space for lease. Above the retail sits 346 apartments, and a 500-space parking garage below. Associated/King Polo Supermarkets has already signed on to the project, becoming the anchor of the building.  The best part? The developer will build the space out for you! With nearby national retailers like The Home Depot, Old Navy, and Walgreens, this is the ideal location for your restaurant, gym, nail salon, or other retail use.

2. Tapestry, 245 East 124th Street, East Harlem, Manhattan

This brand new, eco-friendly, mixed-use building is currently under construction right near the foot of the RFK Bridge! Part of the 125th Street Corridor Rezoning Initiative, Tapestry is part of an effort to infuse the neighborhood with cultural, retail, entertainment, and residential uses. The anticipated LEED Gold certified property includes about 8,500 SF of retail space for lease, 19-foot ceilings, and 185 apartments. Expand to an energy efficient property in this busy Manhattan neighborhood!

3. 181st Street and Bennett Avenue, Washington Heights, Manhattan

Looking for a unique building in a buzzing retail-filled neighborhood? Look no further! This property at 181st and Bennett includes 2600 SF on the ground floor, a 1600 SF mezzanine level, a 10,000 SF on the top level, and a full basement. Bursting with options, the building can be leased as one space, or broken up into several pieces. The space is right next to both the A and 1 trains, making for an easy commute. Here is your chance to become a part of a growing neighborhood like Washington Heights!

For information on all spaces, please call 212-213-6480.

-Caitlin

Say it ain’t so!

Blogger Bryanboy found one of the most horrifying new accessories I’ve ever seen– a crocs-style bag. The rubber bag is made by Lubber and it might be worse than the rubber Crocs shoes that I have despied since their conception. I have no more words.

-Caitlin

Alphabet Drinking

The last spot on the alphabet drinking list.

Having a hard time deciding where to go out for drinks? Take a cue from the latest bar hopping trend– use the alphabet. A group of New York drinkers is picking bar destinations by the first letter of the bar’s name, hitting each letter of the alphabet. One of the participants Beth Pfeil told the New York Times, “It’s like Sesame Street for adults.”

About two dozen 20 and 30 somethings are involved in the bar exploration, and have so far made a dent in their list with weekly Thursday visits. Some of the spots include Cibar Lounge, Quigley’s, Vig Bar, and Legends. The next and final drink is scheduled for this Thursday at Zanzibar on 9th Avenue at 45th Street.

-Caitlin

Healthy Island in Harlem

Sitting in a neighborhood famous for its rich baked goods and hearty soul food, Island Salad is  a new healthy hot spot in East Harlem. Serving up pressed sandwiches, wraps, and salads, the restaurant focuses on fresh, grilled, and organic meals. Owner Milo Reed hoped to create nutritious alternatives for the neighborhood.

Patrons have the opportunity to create their own salad, or buy one of Island Salad’s specialties like The Caribbean Cobb, The Venus De Milo, the Island Veggie, and The Asian Rasta. On top of the salad and sandwich selection, Island Salad also offers a beverage bar with smoothies, juices, and gourmet coffee and tea.

Stop by Island Salad for lunch at 22 E. 125th street, and then visit the corner of 124th Street and 2nd Avenue to see one of Besen Retail’s latest project, Tapestry. The building includes about 8,500 SF of retail space for lease, and is an ideal location for a supermarket, daycare, restaurant, or other retail use.

-Caitlin