After you’ve snagged a copy of Felines of New York, you’ll want somewhere to go read it. And what better place than at a cat cafe? The Lower East Side now has two–count em, two–of them, with the recent opening of Koneko.
Posts by Ilyse Liffreing:
Tenants to Landlord of 210 Rivington: Get the Lead Out

Council Member Rosie Mendez is blocking the landlord’s representative from filming the tenants. (Photo: Ilyse Liffreing)
Tenants of a Lower East Side apartment building are not happy. Construction has subjected them to constant headaches, including hazardous levels of lead, representatives of the 210 Rivington Street Tenants Association said at a rally outside of the building today.
More →
‘Kids (Not Cute)’: Not Your Typical Tot Shots
Tis the season for adorable tots to pose on Santa’s lap, but you won’t find any tinsel-framed photos at “Kids (Not Cute),” a new exhibition at Umbrella Arts in the East Village.
More →
James Franco Is Sliding Down the Strand’s Chimney
Want to sit in James Franco’s lap?
We’re not sure he’ll let you do that (not after that slip-up with the 17-year-old) but he has donned a Santa suit in anticipation of his appearance at The Strand next Monday, December 8. “I’ll sign for ALL comers!” he promises on Facebook.
More →
The Bowery Mission Is Serving 7,000 Thanksgiving Meals
With all their locations combined, The Bowery Mission will serve around 7,000 meals today to people who are going through hardships such as being homeless. After a pre-meal sermon, a band played soothing music as the needy ate around red-clothed tables. Volunteers brought in water, tea, and plates full of turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
More →
Every Day Is Turkey Day at This New Turkish Bakery
Simit+Smith, a Turkish bakery with five other locations, has opened a new store at 11 Waverly Place, just a block from the East Village.
More →
Video: New Yorkers Gather For Some Real Talk About Ferguson
Last night, after it was announced that Darren Wilson wouldn’t face charges in the killing of Michael Brown, outraged New Yorkers marched through the city’s streets. Today, it was time to sit down and talk. This afternoon, NYU Student Diversity hosted a forum at the school’s Kimmel Center that allowed community members to do just that. Play our video to hear raw reactions from a former Ferguson-Florissant resident and others who’ve been touched by the events of the last few months and beyond.
Dojo Izakaya Is Now Serving Up Soba On Ave B
Oodles of noodles! While East Williamsburg has a new ramen refuge, the East Village just scored a new soba spot.  Chef David Bouhadana just opened his second restaurant in the neighborhood — not bad for a 28-year-old who grew up in Florida.
More →
‘Cupcake With a Cause’ Replaces Polish Longtimer in the East Village
A cupcake shop is coming to the East Village storefront that held the First Avenue Pierogi & Deli for some three decades. But before you go moaning about how New York is becoming the “Big Cupcake,” know that Sweet Generation supports a good cause.
More →
Mile High Run Club Is Now Up and Running in Noho
The boxing gym that replaced the Yippies isn’t the only sporty newcomer to Noho. Last month, Debora Warner of Mile High Run Club told us her treadmill studio would “evoke the outdoorsy feeling of a Colorado Mountain running club.”
More →