I’ve been rolling through the East Village a lot this week. The difference in the hood from when I lived off the corner of 14th and 2nd is remarkable. Not that this is news to me just that I chose now to discuss it. In those days Crif Dog had just popped up, we’d dance the night away at Plant and we’d late night munch at 7A or Stromboli. I’ll stop aging myself and spare you the sarcasm and disgusted commentary that comes with an aging, ex-East Village, resident reflecting on “How it used to be”. Honestly, there is not much to complain about. Of course, the well placed heroine addict, gaggle of onion scented squatters and random hole-in-the wall-bar-lounge-club-tattoo shop-restaurants changes the vibe, but the new regime has been focused and cool.
Amidst the single food minded set of shops that now beckon at every turn, This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef is top of the charts. Spoiler alert…Was top of the charts. Two sandwich choices is all you get. This way. A Roast Beef with Au Jus and Cheez Whiz. And, That Way. Roast Beef with Gravy and Fresh Mozzarella. (my choice above). The problem now. THEY CLOSED.
My neighborhood stroll revealed with horror that this tiny shop closed in May because of bad paper work and eviction. Discovering this on the heels of the Yaffa Cafe close (another old skool staple) is disheartening. I hope we’re not about to see another revamp of the ‘hood but given the adage, New York is reborn every 10 years…this might be the beginning of the new.
Go there:
149 1st Ave
New York, NY 10003
b/t 10th St & St Marks Pl in East Village
CLOSED
