James Traub visits Ballaro, which is part of a “mini-empire of Second Ave Italian restaurants.”

A look at fur fashions for winter style.

A roundup of news articles and blogposts related to the East Village, including items about the re-opening of St. Mark’s Comics after a fire Thursday afternoon and McSorley’s Old Ale House celebrating its 157th anniversary.

The owner of St. Mark’s Comics said that he potentially lost a raft of valuable vintage comic books in a fire earlier this afternoon.

Fire officials are investigating the cause of a blaze on St. Marks Place this afternoon. The fire, at St. Mark’s Comics at 11 St. Marks Place, began shortly after 1:30 and it was declared under control about a half hour later.

A visit to the University of the Streets, a cultural center on Seventh Street where a karate dojo and artist studios operate along with a small amphitheater that hosts an open jam session that has taken place every Friday and Saturday night since 1969.

A roundup of news articles and blogposts related to the East Village, including items on the closure of Coyote Ugly and The Bean coffee shop.

Are you seeing signs that the economy is improving? What’s different from a year ago? Share your answers in the comments.

Sun Ja Hwong, 55, runs Sunny’s Florist shop on 2nd Avenue and 6th Street. Her unassuming nature and beautiful flowers have kept her in business in the East Village for 23 years.

A roundup of news articles and blogposts related to the East Village, including items about a pair of planned construction projects along Seventh Street.

The developer of 35 Cooper Square blamed a city-issued stop work order on a broken fence at the site and expects full work to resume at the site once city inspectors approve the repairs.

The New York City Department of Buildings posted a full stop work order on a plywood wall that developers recently put up the front of 35 Cooper Square, a nearly 200-year-old federal-style building near the corner of East Sixth Street.

A review of the East Village spots where fans can watch rugby matches.

Ross Global Academy Charter School on 11th St. between First Avenue and Avenue A is scheduled to close on June 30, after scoring in the bottom 1 percent of all schools on the Department of Education’s charter school 2010 Progress Report.

Real estate news and a wind warning.

City officials approved a demolition permit for the historic site at 35 Cooper Square.

The Local speaks with East Villagers about how they’re spending their Valentine’s Day.

For some couples, Valentine’s Day provides a chance for them to demonstrate their affection through therapy and counseling sessions.

A roundup of news articles and blogposts related to the East Village, including items about philanthropic Valentine’s Day options for couples and a proposal to limit street fairs.