(Photo: Dimes on < href="https://instagram.com/dimestimes/">Instagram
The streets around Seward Park are changing faster than you can say “LoLoEaSi.” Hot on the heels of the opening of Kiki’s and Pies ‘n’ Thighs, here are still more developments on the Lower Lower East Side.
- The much-loved Dimes, home to health-conscious foods and all-natural beauty products, has closed up its tiny bright white shop on 149 Division Street. But never fear, owners Sabrina de Sousa and Alissa Wagner just needed a bigger spot for you to detox – their new location at 59 Canal Street opened on Friday. There are plans to transform the old restaurant into the Dimes Superette for your all-natural lunch and handmade products.
- Unhappy news concerning a great happy hour: 169 Bar, the lantern-lighted dive and live music venue next to recently reopened Mission Chinese, is being sued by the City, which has accused it of knowingly selling alcohol to minors while affecting a “‘business as usual’ attitude.” According to the summons and complaint, the city sent underaged auxilary officers in to order some PBR and Miller Light over a couple of nights last November, and the plainclothes minors were successful, despite packing accurate IDs. Owner Charles Hanson assures us, however, that the accusations will be proven false. He cites tough and strict doormen and a policy that disallows minors to be seated at the restaurant without a parent. “It is not a underage destination or hangout,” Hanson explained in an email. “If anything it is the opposite — the bar was created to appeal to people in their 30s and 40s and they make up the greater portion of our base.” If found guilty, the sheriff could seize from 169 Bar all property “used in the creation and maintenance of the public nuisance” and the bar may be closed for a full year.
Skal.
- Just a couple months after earning a Michelin recommendation, Skal is looking shuttered and isn’t currently accepting reservations. Owner Olibjorn Stephensen tells us that they’re closed “for the moment,” though he wasn’t able to give us anything more than that – including whether and when they’re planning to reopen.
- Cabalito, a Salvadoran restaurant serving traditional pupusas as well as sides like refried beans and roasted potato wedges, has opened at 13 Essex Street. According to restaurant’s Kickstarter page, owner Randy Rodriguez was born in California to El Salvadoran parents and has worked in the restaurant industry ever since he moved to New York at the age of 20. You can peep his menu here.
- A little further north, next to the recently opened Farmhouse, Sri Lankan street food nook Kottu House has opened at 250 Broome Street. The fast-casual joint’s specialty, kottu, is described as a “street style dish from Sri Lanka made with godamba roti, finely chopped and fried with a blend of curry, eggs and vegetables.” The menu is over here, and beer is also served.