Checking in with the Lower East Side Girls Club

As  The Real Deal reported earlier this week, construction is well underway on the Lower East Side Girls Club. Located at 101 Avenue D, the LEED Gold-certified building, developed by the Dermot Company, boasts 78 affordable rental housing, 30,000 square feet of recreational space for the Girls Club members, as well as 4,700 square feet of prime retail space (which is where we come in).

We paid a quick visit to the construction site, and couldn’t help but notice the beautiful murals created by the members of the soon to be Girls Club, pictured above and below:

Although the development is still in the preliminary stages of construction, we are still actively seeking potential tenants for the retail space, so let us know if your interested!

http://www.besenretail.com/lower-east-side-girls-club.htm

Bread. Butter. Cheese. Delivered to your Door.

Bread Butter Cheese posts their specials daily, on their facebook page found HERE

Yes. There is an underground grilled-cheese supplier in New York City, and yes, he has been creating quite a buzz among the newspapers, magazines , food blogs, and even local television station. Operating under the moniker “Bread. Butter. Cheese.” this Lower East Side business provides those three key ingredients, along with a virtually limitless array of add-ons and toppings. The sandwiches go for about $5-$7, and are packaged with love in tin-foil and a brown paper bag. Orders are placed via text, and are given a response with a time and location for pick-up around the Lower East Side ONLY. This gives all of us at Besen Retail the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of that melty, cheesy goodness when we check in at  101 Avenue D, our latest exclusive assignment from The Dermot Company.   Also known as the headquarters for the Lower East Side Girls Club, 101 Avenue D will have more than 4700 SF of retail space when built (to be completed by Fall 2011.)  Follow our blog for progress reports and updates on the retail as it is built.

Plus, stay tuned for a full review of Bread. Butter. Cheese. It just might become our regular lunch spot!

Bao Bakes?

(picture via Metromix)

Just when we thought that Michael Bao Huynh had opened every possible restaurant concept, he surprises us with the news that he is going to open an American-style bakery. According to Fork in the Road,  Huynh is turning the closed Kebab House into a “high volume bakery.” While he has already collaborated with Pichet Ong to create Asian desserts, he wanted to try something new.

He plans to keep the shop on the corner of Orchard and Riving ton Streets open from 7am until 4am for late night, post-bar treat eaters. The bakery is expected to take about two and a half to three months to completely build out. Stay tuned for more Bao-related news, as there’s always a new opening on the way. Any predictions for what’s next?

-Caitlin

Dine with…Vicki and Lysander?

Grand Opening, the Lower East Side space that creates interactive stores and events, has a new concept for you to try. A dinner party! Faux-couple Vicki and Lysander are hosting dinner, and have invited you to wine and dine with them in their Lower East Side “apartment.” Every Thursday through Sunday during the month of March, participants can sign up to attend the party with a date or up to 12 friends.

Dinner is provided by Mama’s Food Shop with dessert from Sugar Sweet Sunshine bakery. Bring drinks, and chat with eccentric hosts Vicki and Lysander. Grand Opening notes, “Guests will be treated to awkward and inappropriate conversation, a delicious meal, slideshows and more.” Ready to sign up? Click here for times, tickets, and more information.

-Caitlin

Meatball Mania

First is was hamburgers, then it was fried chicken, and now meatballs are dominating the comfort food scene. The Meatball Shop just opened in the Lower East Side, and is dedicating its menu to the Italian staple. Normally, A vegetarian like me wouldn’t be caught jumping for joy about a meat-filled restaurant, but the menu offers vegetarian meatballs too! Choose from classic beef, spicy pork, chicken, salmon, veggie, or the weekly special, served “naked,” as a slider, or in a sub. Patrons even have the chance to pick their sauce, as well as sides including risotto, mashed potatoes, and roasted veggies.

Like a country farmhouse, the inside of the shop is filled with rustic tables and light wood. Sit at the 20 person table in the middle of the eatery for a real family-style feel. This weekend, make sure to visit the Meatball Shop at 84 Stanton Street between Allen and Orchard Streets.

-Caitlin

Don’t miss this sale!

One of the most unique boutiques in the city, Hillary Flowers in the Lower East Side, is hosting a massive sale for the rest of January. Take 75 percent off all winter merchandise, and the talented designer Tamara Pogosian is offering 50 percent off her line.

I met with Hilary a few months ago to learn more about her shop and her one-of-a-kind retail concept. She uses what is called a “rent-a-rack” system, where upcoming designers can rent a portion of the shop to sell their items,  testing the market for their products. This is a fabulous opportunity to stock up on some winter pieces.

The shop is located at 40 Clinton Street, not far from space for lease 100 Norfolk Street. Visit Hillary’s website for more information at www.hillaryflowers.com.

-Caitlin

In 2010, Wine is Natural

The Ten Bells, a natural wine bar in the Lower East Side

With a new year and a new decade comes new retail trends. While complicated cocktails and mixologists were hot in 2009, we welcome the latest alcohol-related craze, natural wine bars. The New York Times reports that these orgnanic drinking spots are popping up in cities like London, San Fransisco, Paris, and New York.

What makes a wine bar natural? Fifi from the Ten Bells, a Lower East Side natual wine bar tells “My Daily Wine” what natural means to her. “A wine is considered natural when the winemakers use organic methods not only in the vineyards but in the cellar as well, meaning less intervention as possible, indigenous yeast, no sugar added, very little or no sulfites, no collage.” Ten Bells is a small, candlelit location with an extensive menu including wines by the glass or bottle like the Lunar ’07 “Movia” from Slovenia and the Morgon ’08 “Marcel Lapierre” from France.

Another natural wine bar location in the city to visit is Terroir in the East Village. This cozy location not only offers a wine list, but also a big menu of small plates like tomato and egg bruschetta, veal & ricotta meatballs, and calamari with smoked chickpeas. Stop by one of these locations to try this hot retail trend of the moment, and I’ll let you know if the craze explodes or fizzles!

-Caitlin

Honey in the Rough Now Online!

Garnet Snake Ring by Iosselliani available at Honey in the Rough

Snowed in but still need to get some holiday shopping done? No problem. Lower East Side boutique Honey in the Rough just launched their online shopping site, stocked with unique jewelry, from designers including Aesa, Venna, St. Kilda, and Iggy & Lou Lou. At this point, only jewelry is available, but clothing and other accessories will be added soon. For a special holiday gift, purchase the “Garnet Snake Ring,” the “Ball Nugget Necklace” or the “Antique Disk Earings.” For more items, visit www.honeyintherough.com, or visit the shop at 161 Rivington Street, not far from recently leased 75 Orchard Street.

-Caitlin

Pop-Up Shop Stays Popped

Retail specialist Elliott Dweck, fashion designer Kai D, and me after Kai D's lease signing.

While pop-up shops are all the rage all in Manhattan, Fashion designer Kai D moved against the grain, taking his pop-up at 75 Orchard Street to  a more permanent deal.  He signed a 13 month lease for a spot in one of the most popular blocks in the Lower East Side. Kai D used the pop-up to feel out the neighborhood and gain clientele before moving toward his goal to become a staple in the neighborhood.

A Fashion Institute of Technology grad, Kai D worked for big name designers like Liz Claiborne, Structure, and Nautica, before creating his own collection. He describes his work as having an “American sensibility, industrial and work wear inspired, but with a modern twist, perfect for creative professionals.” While the line appeals to a variety of people, most of his clients are creative types, photographers, painters, travel writers, and interior designers, but more importantly people who appreciate quality and attention to detail.

Besides the 75 Orchard Street location, Kai D can be found at Neiman Marcus and will soon be available at Camoflage in Chelsea, along with a dozen other stores around the country. While the brand is growing, Kai D wants to maintain his integrity and quality with his small boutique style. But already with a global mindset, Kai D is flying to Taiwan this week to meet with the country’s Editor and Chief of GQ, hoping to grow to other Asian and European nations.

“I don’t want to grow too fast,” Kai D said. “Looking at other designers, we are on the right track, taking small steps.” With a busy holiday season ahead, the shop plans to celebrate the recent lease signing with a fashion event and party. Stay tuned for more details, and visit the Kai D website to see his unique designs.

-Caitlin

Organic Avenue Expands to LES

Need to detox? Organic Avenue, selling cleansers, organic clothing, and raw foods is coming to 116 Suffolk Road near Rivington. Not only does the store sell earth-friendly products, but it also offers raw-food workshops and “uncooking” classes to educate New Yorkers on raw and vegan lifestyles. While Organic Avenue has locations in the West Village and Long Island City, they believe the 4,000 SF space will help offer a greater eduction component to their business. Other plans include an elixir bar offering alcohol-free cocktails and a live-food lounge. Last night, the store had a preview party, serving up organic juices, yoga demonstrations, and appetizers. Visit the store in December for their grand opening, and make sure to order a mint chip smoothie!

-Caitlin