This week’s Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations show (Feb 2009), a constant on the DVR schedule btw for Tony’s snark and direct take on travel and food porn, he aired a show on “Disappearing New York” (NOTE the link in the pic is actually to Jeremiah’s blog “Vanishing NY”).
Russ & Daughters was mentioned but it’s still remains. It’s located down the street from me on Houston st (pronounced “House-ton”). I wouldn’t say I’m a regular but the lox, smoked salmon and sable are phenomenal, but I prefer the bagels from Murray’s. It’s one of the pricier options for your smoked fish, caviar and specialty foods, but don’t forget the service is great as well. I hope Joe Russ’s vision stays with us for another 100 years.
Minetta Tavern – I’m ripping this post direct from NY Mag. Minetta Tavern used to be in my staple of old bar hang outs as I’d either start or end my evening there with friends. We’d sit at the bar and have scotch or grab a table for some old school Italian pasta. Keith McNally bought the place last year and it’s finally reaching opening status, scheduled for March 10th. According to a recent interview in the Observer, much of the old fell will stay, however, all the cocktail prices will go up to ridiculous NY club offerings ($14) and the food will now be French. R.I.P. the original Minetta Tavern that I knew and drank at many of nights…
Vesuvio – It’s official. Location for sale signs are up in the windows. Vesuvio is no more. TBD for what comes next all I hope is they keep the iconic store front for the memories.
Bar 108 – This is a new spot that opened up a month or two ago on Houston and Thompson’s North west corner. It replaced the very low key Italian speaker’s heaven: L’angolo Cafe. I watched several of the World Cup matches there when Italy played and it was just like being in Italy. The staff and patrons were all speaking Italian and I only new how to order Peroni. The Italian cafe will be missed and based on the new airs of 108, this bar is best suited for Murry Hill, UES or at best Financial District – I give it a year max to survive in SOHO/Greenwich.
The former Moondance Cafe, much loved by the SOHO neighborhood, which moved is now being replaced by a monkey cage, um, hotel (Construction Watch: Moondance to Pole Dance at Soho Hotel)
Lola Shutters as well in the neighborhood but I’m not too sad about that place based on my reviews…
This month we had the annual Winter Jam in NYC starting the evening of Feb 5th with the erection of Mt. Red Bull, a 90-foot tall Snowscraper launch to a “double-sided pyramid landing” for explicit tricks by armature and pro snowboarders including Shaun White, Pat Moore, and Travis Rice. 
