‘Compass’ Proceeding with Restaurant in Doomed Mission Chinese Space on Orchard Street
This image has been archived or removed.
Compass Restaurant and Bar is proceeding into the minefield otherwise known as 154 Rivington Street. The teaser signage recently placed in the windows all but confirms to the public the imminent arrival.
As previously reported, principal Beka Peradze (ODA House) plans to install a Georgian-style (as in, the country) restaurant here, occupying both the former Mission Chinese Food space and the adjacent David Owen’s Vintage boutique (currently moving to Rivington).
Compass briefly appeared before Community Board 3 in August, but withdrew the application for lack of preparation and community outreach. That ordeal was totally embarrassing – Peraze’s counsel repeated ad nauseum that 154 Orchard would be a “bona-fide Georgian restaurant.” That the applicant is “trying his hardest.” A month later, however, he met CB3 prerequisites to qualify for the fast-track to beer-wine approval. Given the trends in Hell Square, expect an upgrade attempt within the year.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t reiterate that the south basement store of 154 Orchard is front-and-center in a lawsuit between Danny Bowien and landlord Abraham Noy. Legal proceedings are still ongoing. Of course, there are also legit safety concerns with the backyard, including illegal enclosure (fire hazard) and the lack of Certificate of Occupancy.
Recent Stories
‘Uchu’ Michelin Chef Samuel Clonts Headed to Clinton Street
The restaurants along Clinton Street are upscaling to match the transition to luxury living. Case in point, the new concept on the way from Michelin-starred chef Samuel Clonts. Clonts, whose Uchu eatery on Eldridge Street draws consistent praise, is poised to open something new inside the vacated Speedy Romeo pizzeria with partner Raymond Trinh. It’s […]
Corky Lee, Storied Photographer Who Chronicled Asian American Culture, Dies of Covid-19
The Chinatown community this week mourns the passing of Corky Lee. News of his death early yesterday morning shocked at both the local and national levels. Lee lost the battle with Covid-19, and died in New York City. He was 74. Corky Lee, who identified as the “undisputed unofficial Asian American photographer laureate,” spent the better […]
Man Opens Fire After Argument at Holiday Inn on Delancey Street
A man fired a gun into the lobby of the Holiday Inn on Delancey Street early yesterday morning, police said. The armed suspect was reportedly arguing with an employee about a room at 12:30am. Unhappy, the man exited onto Suffolk Street, pulled a gun, then fired it into the lobby. No one was hit. The […]
More Details on Vicious Chinatown Beatdown at Canal and Allen Streets
More info came to light this week on the savage beating of an ex-convict at Allen and Canal Streets. According to published reports, the victim, Walter Ward, exited a Chinatown bus at 11:30am Friday morning when a mob of a dozen people mauled him. The group was apparently summoned – via text message – by […]
Rockwood Music Hall Expands to Boston
Rockwood Music Hall sure likes to hit milestones in the month of January. After celebrating fifteen years on the Lower East Side a year ago, the music venue is announcing another expansion. This time, to Boston. The club is seeking a liquor license to operate at 88 Van Ness Street, in the Fenway section of […]
