Roundup

Community board meetings! The ever-controversial Beatrice Inn’s app for liquor license renewal was tabled until next month - again.  Steve Hanson of Dos Caminos fame showed up sans lawyer to represent his new project.  I made peace with some of the more passionate members of the public, and all was well.  Until I totally misunderstood the resolution for 19 Kenmare Street.  But the week ended on a high note as I worked tirelessly to compile the epic Frank Bruni Map of recent reviews.

Carmellini Post-A Voce, Keith McNally, and bad neighbors

Last night’s most riveting report of CB2’s SLA licensing meeting is up on Eater.  Additionally, there’s a separate report on Andrew Carmellini, formerly of A Voce, and his new place.  Calmest meeting I’ve been to yet, although someone was called a “liar!” and that caused a bit of a ruckus.  Keith McNally of Balthazar (and many others) fame sailed through considerably easier than in July, when he got a number of members of the public riled up about his street-facing floor-to-ceiling windows and an additional delivery window.  It’s amazing how ready people are to fight even very, very qualified applicants.

First First Word

My report of last night’s Business Committee meeting of Community Board 2 is on Eater.  People who turn up to these meetings, as mentioned previously, are terrifying.  The commenters that come out of the woodwork for these posts are equally as entertaining.  My favorite comment thus far:

“Oh no! What will become of the quiet, peaceful, family-oriented haven that was the Bowery?!”

Also, a follow-up report on the police call is up.  My favorite comment:

“i also live in the neighborhood. i would like a pet unicorn and a street made of candy canes.”

Frankly, I think it’s a shame that there’s so much opposition to Compas.  The idea sounds great - taking real traditional Mexican food and, yes, liquor (something ground from organic corn?), in a format not typically seen in New York or anywhere outside of Oaxaca, if the owners’ presentation is accurate.

The proposal called for french doors on the street that could be opened during live music performances and free film screenings so people could drop by and enjoy free of charge.  Since this concept is clearly impossible in NY (they’ve been to the CB twice over the last six years to try and get this approved), it really just made me want to visit Oaxaca.