Mexican restaurant Vamos Al Tequila (162 Franklin St.) was closed last week by the NYC Dept. of Health following a Nov. 6th inspection, according to the agency’s website.
A sign in the window says that the business is closed for health violations.
The restaurant received a failing grade of 46 (an ‘A’ is 0-13 points), with “critical violations” for alleged evidence of roaches, improper food storage, and not having a vermin-proof facility.
City restaurant health inspection results can be challenged and the cited problems can potentially be fixed for the restaurant to reopen.
A popular place for locals to munch on standard Mexican fare and to enjoy outdoor seating in the warmer months, Vamos Al Tequila is a staple for affordable food options in the northern end of Greenpoint.
“I’ve had at least 300 bowls of soup alone in there in the last 10 years and never have had a problem,” a dedicated Vamos fan responded to the news on a Greenpointers Instagram post, “here’s to hoping they can sort out whatever the violation was and reopen soon – I was about to head there for some chicken soup!”
The jackets are getting heavier and nonetheless vibrant as they parade once again for Fashion Sundae Episode 16 from Watching New York. Continue reading →
The annual winter holiday lights were installed today on Greenpoint streets.
It’s beginning to look and feel a lot like winter, Greenpointers! Holiday lights were being strung along Greenpoint’s main avenues today just as the wintery air brought a reminder of the season ahead.
It’s also an easy night to keep indoors, but if you venture out there’s a bunch of art to view. Head to the Greenpoint Gallery for another one of their salon-style art shows starting at 7 p.m., or check out The Other Art Fair at the Brooklyn Expo Center. Continue reading →
Starting this weekend the alcohol-free bar Getaway (158 Green St.) will become a coffee shop (serving Intelligentsia coffee) during the morning and daytime hours. Continue reading →
Two FDNY firefighters were injured earlier this morning while battling a fire that took more than two hours to contain at a Greenpoint industrial building near Newtown Creek, the NY Daily News reports.
The future home of Brooklyn Whiskers at Magick City (37 Box St) in Greenpoint
The vegan cafe Brooklyn Whiskers will move to a new Greenpoint location on Box Street in 2020, the business announced the same week that their 1008 Manhattan Ave. space was vacated, following “a debilitating cycle of production and staffing.”
Brooklyn Whiskers (1008 Manhattan Ave.)
Compared to the tiny former storefront on Manhattan Ave, much more space, an increased number of tables, and outdoor seating are being promised at the new Brooklyn Whiskers 33 Box St. location, which is part of the community arts space Magick City
Brooklyn Whiskers likened the new space to “a living room and commercial kitchen for artists” and the greater community in a post on social media:
The silver lining! We’ll be making some magick on Box Street in 2020 . @magickcity is the kind of tucked away gem that reminds you why we ❤️ new york . It’s a living room and commercial kitchen for artists, artisans, neighbors and friends . lovers or strangers, sisters and brothers . It’s a very special place and with some work will be our new #greenpoint home.
While no date is set, an early 2020 opening is in the works, and in the meantime, Brooklyn Whiskers is directing its loyal customers to seek out their signature baked goods at Le Labo Fragrances (120 N 6th St) in Williamsburg.
12 Franklin St. rendering (via Commercial Observer)
The former impending office and manufacturing development known as 12 Franklin St. is now on hold as the developer who purchased the lot three years ago for $24 million has relisted the property for more than double their investment, the Commercial Observer reports. Continue reading →
There are lots of galleries and art spaces in Greenpoint; this is no secret. But HACO is attempting something fresher, bolder, and — most inherently — communal. In today’s Thursday Spotlight, we speak with HACO’s managing director Yoko Suetsugu about her work and pursuits, HACO’s current show Drench, and the art of building community. Located at 31 Grand street and open Wednesdays to Sundays from 1 to 6 PM, HACO is now celebrating its two-year anniversary and will have a closing party for its current show on Saturday at 5 PM. Catch the show before then, and learn more here!Continue reading →
* Transportation Committee Mtg — Community Board 1 @ Swinging 60’S Senior Citizens Center (211 Ainslie St) 630pm, FREE, monthly public transportation committee meeting, Calyer triangle intersection safety proposal and Maspeth Ave improvements to be discussed, More Info * Black and Pink Mail Processing @ Sunview Lunchnet (221 Nassau Ave), 6pm, FREE, meet to read and respond to letters; snacks provided, More Info ♫ Dervisi @ TROOST (1011 Manhattan Ave) 8pm, FREE, More Info ♦ Spider-Man: From Amazing to Spectacular @ WORD (126 Franklin St), 7pm, $5+, an animated discussion about everyone’s favorite web-slinger, Buy Tix
THURSDAY 11/7
* North Brooklyn Development Meeting – Revisiting the Rezoning of 2005 @ Polish and Slavic Center (177 Kent St), 7pm, FREE, Join local politicians and the Dept. of City Planning to discuss where new affordable and market-rate housing is being built, jobs, and open green space, More Info * Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign Open House @ Williamsburgh Library (240 Division Ave), 6pm, FREE, an open house session hosted by the MTA to gain community input on the bus network redesign, More Info * Change Our Air-Community Forum (Foro Comunitario) @ El Puente (211 S 4th St), 5pm, FREE, artists, youth activists, help advocate for the right to clean air and green open spaces through art and activism, More Info ☺ Hey! It’s a Comedy Show @ Villain (307 Kent Ave), 8pm, 730pm, $5 door, a stand-up comedy show featuring Aparna Nancherla this week, More Info
When getting a mani-pedi is one of the few times in a week you can sit back and relax, you want it to be the ultimate “me time” experience. For busy momtrepreneur Lilly Rojas, that means getting your nails done while sipping on wine (pending wine and beer license) or hot cappuccino in a beautiful tranquil setting – all while putting your health first.
That’s why she opened Lili and Cata (72 Greenpoint Ave), a non-toxic , cruelty-free, vegan nail salon set in a tranquil environment with plants peppered throughout, plush reclining velvet pedicure chairs, and crisp clean air with hints of freshly brewed coffee wafting in.
Lili and Cata’s Espresso Bar & Cafe
Lili and Cata is an inviting and warm space with a luxurious touch. The bright interior is accented with soft golds and flows naturally into the fully equipped espresso bar that is separated by greenhouse-like floor to ceiling windows. You can imagine the perfect gathering of friends here, and indeed it is available for private events – from bridal showers, birthday parties, company parties and more.
Lili and Cata is peppered with plants
With the help of husband Jorge Rojas, who has a background in architecture and paid careful attention to every detail in the build-out of the space, Lili and Cata has created an experience as beautiful as they would expect in their own home. A family operation, the business is named after their daughters, who are also the inspiration behind their commitment to safety and environmental consciousness.
Highest quality non-toxic products are used
Here’s how Lili and Cata maintains the highest quality services and products:
Use of non-toxic, vegan cruelty-free long-lasting nail lacquers that are free of nasty chemicals like formaldehyde, TPHP, and many more.
Hygienic techniques in its Clean Cube to sanitize, disinfect, and sterilize every tool that is used in each service
Waterless processes that are both eco-friendly and reduce the risk of foreign infections. Going waterless saves an estimated 12 to 15 gallons of water per service. It also eliminates the use of water jets which can often be full of germs. Plus soaking nails in water shortens the lifespan of your lacquer due to nail expansion and contraction.
State-of-the-art ventilation system at each individual station to provide the cleanest and freshest air for every client
Positive work environment for hard-working nail technicians by paying them fair wages and treating them with the respect they deserve.
Support small family-owned businesses and Lili and Cata’s mission by booking an appointment or buying a gift certificate for someone who deserves to be pampered!
Mention “Greenpointers” for a 20% discount through November 22nd. (For first-time customers only and cannot be combined with any other offers.)
They welcome walk-ins, but just to be safe, make sure to book online.
Husband and wife team Lilly and Jorge Rojas worked hard to bring the concept of a healthier beauty option to Greenpoint and are grateful for the neighbors who have warmly welcomed them. They hope to continue to be an oasis and a respite from the daily grind.
Lili and Cata has a fully equipped espresso bar and it is also waiting for the final approval of their tavern wine license, which will allow them to serve wine and beer.
Location: 72 Greenpoint Avenue (between Franklin St. and West St.)
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday (10AM to 8PM), Sunday (11AM to 6PM), Closed on Mondays
Book an appointment: www.liliandcata.com (Walk-ins welcome but book online to ensure that they can provide service at your convenience.)
* Transportation Committee Mtg — Community Board 1 @ Swinging 60’S Senior Citizens Center (211 Ainslie St)
THURSDAY 11/7
Use of non-toxic, vegan cruelty-free long-lasting nail lacquers that are free of nasty chemicals like formaldehyde, TPHP, and many more.
Location: 72 Greenpoint Avenue (between Franklin St. and West St.)
