Joann Pan
“I believe our food is the best in this neighborhood because I know that quality best,” said Aidin Zekirovski of the Italian-French dishes he’ll serve at Entrez Bar & Grill when it opens in the former Pomodoro Pizzeria space tomorrow.
It’s a bold claim, but the restaurateur – who recently moved here from Copenhagen, Denmark, where he owns an Italian restaurant, Sdessanos – said he and his business partners conducted three months of market research before deciding to settle in the East Village.
Mr. Zekirovski’s online questionnaires and on-the-street interviews with neighborhood residents revealed that East Villagers were looking for “healthy and affordable” dishes in a casual setting. “We found out people who live in the neighborhood, most of which are students, they require and want something like this,” he said. “Somewhere they can hang out and socialize.” Read more…
Daniel Maurer
Daniel MaurerJust a quick update from pizza land: a sign on the door of Pomodoro Pizzeria says it will be closed for three weeks for “cosmetic work and cleaning.” It’s uncertain when the note was posted or whether the spelling of “Pizzaria” will finally be corrected.
Maybe Pomodoro is feeling the heat from its new neighbor on Second Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets? Michael White’s Nicoletta just got outdoor seats, as you can see above.
Elsewhere in the neighborhood, a sidewalk barker with a bullhorn (hey, it’s hard to be heard above the construction noises from 51 Astor) was handing out “VIP Customer” cards for 15 percent off at another newcomer, Little Italy Pizza. She also noted that the place sells bottled water. (But does it contain supplements?)
And finally, signage for a new location of Joey Pepperoni’s Pizza, a chain that sells slices for $1, has gone up at 222 First Avenue, between 13th and 14th Streets.
Oh, and L’asso EV has started hosting “Breaking Bad” viewing parties. $25 gets a pitcher plus a pie.
