Rachel Citron

Good morning, East Village.

Ludlow Street fixture the Pink Pony has closed. “The owner, Lucien Bahaj, a Moroccan-born Frenchman who took over the Pink Pony in 2001, said he closed it partly because of his health – he is 68 and diabetic – but primarily because the landlord wanted $20,000 a month in rent, up from the current $14,000.” [NY Times]

And another Lower East Side longtimer, Motor City, will follow it. The owner says the lease is up at the end of the month. [The Lo-Down]

“Tom Cruise is in contract to sell his condominium unit at the American Felt Building in the East Village for $3 million.” [The Real Deal]

A day in the life Mission Chinese chef Danny Bowien. [New Yorker]

Photos from the Lower East Side Eats: Culture Nosh event at Whole Foods Bowery. [East Village Arts]

Exchange Alley is celebrating Mardi Gras today with “a number of food and drink specials, including Gerard’s dirty pigeon gumbo: a gumbo made with a dark roux, beef, pork, and chicken livers, with a fried squab on top.” [Eater]

Gin Palace tells us it’s hosting an anti-Valentine’s Day party on Thursday, with music by DJ Alex Moreno and a free “Pink Shot” with every cocktail.

According to a sign on the window of Doc Holliday, Prom Night is Feb. 22, with a midnight dance competition for women and a $50 prize for the best-dressed dude, as well. “Redneck formal attire earns you drink tix at the door.”