Bowery Boogie | A Lower East Side Chronicle

Pulino’s has been modifying its front entrance doorbell for well over a month.  The bell was first affixed to the door itself, and accompanied by a hand-written instructional message.  This immediately prompted a response from a familiar sticker – “fuck you, I’m Batman.” Even Batman is anxious in the run-up to the official opening. Don’t [...]

On February 2, the Lower East Side History Project (LESHP) is moving from its current location at the Bowery Poetry Club to Fourth Arts Block (FAB) at 61 East Fourth Street.  The new visitors center, sponsored by LESHP, FAB, and the Cooper Square Committee (CSC), will be open Tuesday – Saturday, from noon to 6 [...]

Another closure to report. After little more than three years serving Middle Eastern fare, Ashkara, the kosher pita joint at 189 East Houston, is now out of business. Dinner time the last few nights, the grub spot was completely dark. Signage and all.  Inside, the place is a mess – table and chairs are gone and [...]

Saturday night, just past 2 am, we witnessed a youngster spray-painting his tag above the 2nd Avenue subway entrance on East Houston.  A few of his buddies were on lookout duty in the street and on the sidewalk.  Bar-goers and drunken revelers just went about their business.

Last Saturday, we stopped by Sir Shadow’s gallery at 338 Bowery, which is adjacent to his reported residence at the Whitehouse Hotel.  The initial draw was to purchase one of the 2010 calendars advertised out front, and to hopefully meet the man. Both itches were scratched, as it were.

For the last few nights, Bar 108 at 108 West Houston has been out of commission.  The year-old watering hole was closed all weekend, especially troubling since Sunday was a big night for football.