Marisa Tom | November 11, 2011 2:17 pmIt's been an action-packed month for the 14th Street stretch between Second and Third Avenue. First, pancake chain IHOP moved in, causing a mild neighborhood uproar, and just two weeks ago, chef David Martin's answer to the Meatball Shop craze set up shop in the former Nathan's Hot Dog/Pizza Hut corner space.
The Meatball Factory (231 Second Ave., 212-260-8015) seems, by all appearances, to offer the same hearty meat options — meatballs galore, comfort food favorites mac 'n' cheese, fries, and "sammies" — along with a plethora of beer and wine to pair with your plate of protein.Read More
Marisa Tom | October 20, 2011 8:00 amIf you really are serious about embarking on a juice cleanse, chances are you'll need a support system. In my case, I would need all the cheerleading, distractions, and willpower I could gather, whether this motivation came from within or without. Fortunately, some people think of everything!Read More
Marisa Tom | September 9, 2011 9:25 amThe narrow streets of the East Village are perfectly suited to housing blocks and blocks of boutiques and eateries. Storefronts jostle to offer the new, the vintage, the luxurious, the locally made, and the odd one-offs, all crammed side by side. In the second of many block excursions, I've challenged myself to all that East 7th Street has to offer and revisited some tried-and-true favorites.Read More
Marisa Tom | August 24, 2011 12:00 amNot everyone is a fan of change, but the kind of change Body Evolution inspires will be more than welcome, trust me. Mix and match five Pilates reformer and Gyrotonic tower classes at this East Village fitness sanctuary for only $49.
Body Evolution is the largest and most fully equipped Gyrotonic studio in Manhattan, and the stats stack up: 11 tower units, two jumping stretch boards, a Gyrotoner, a leg extension unit, and "The Archway."Read More
Marisa Tom | August 12, 2011 9:00 amHaving moved into the old Orologio space only three months ago, The Beagle (162 Ave. A, 212-228-6900) has already seemed to hit its stride. The Matthew Piacentini-owned East Village spot straddles a handful of moods; it reminded me initially of a restaurant I frequent in Brooklyn then, as time passed, I felt more and more like I was in a bar-restaurant hybrid in London's Hoxton Square area.Read More
Marisa Tom | August 8, 2011 11:44 amBefore I get ahead of myself, I have to admit the pulled-pork sandwich pictured above is not actually a product of soon-to-be Southern comfort food oasis The Cardinal (234 E. 4th St.), but, from rumblings leading up to its Aug. 14 opening, I suspect we can all look forward to some real BBQ treats.Read More
Marisa Tom | July 7, 2011 6:30 amAnd not a minute too soon: the People's Pops Popsicle pop-up stand — what a tongue twister! — opened to the sweaty public Wednesday evening on 118 1st Avenue at Seventh Street.
Maintaining its tradition of serving up fresh, locally sourced fruit pops and shaved ice, the tiny stand, squished between the corner deli and Caracas Arepa Bar, had a handful of delicious options to choose from.Read More
Marisa Tom | May 27, 2011 12:00 amBreak out your Summer sandals, bare your exfoliated skin, and flash your buffed nails as you sip on a glass of sangria al fresco. With no chipped paint, SOS cuticles, or unruly hair in sight, you'll only have Blush Nail Lounge to thank. That's right — pamper yourself properly with $100 worth of spa services at this positively pink and feminine East Village spa spot for only $50.Read More
Marisa Tom | May 19, 2011 5:31 pmIt rained cats, dogs, and Kiehl's last night! It didn't matter what the weather threw our way, we were determined to pay homage to one of our favorite local hair and skin care brands. We stopped by the Kiehl's 160th-anniversary party at The Penny Farthing (103 Third Ave., 212-387-7300); if I make it to 160, I hope I throw myself a party as lively as this one.Read More
Marisa Tom | May 18, 2011 2:50 pmFounded as a classic Euro-style pharmacy in the East Village in 1851, Kiehl's has maintained its beauty cred and relevancy for 160 years by sticking to the highest skin care and hair care standards. The brand's recognizable no-nonsense packaging, naturally derived products, and always-effective results make Kiehl's a New York beauty must have. More than that, it remains brand loyal to its local 'hood roots and simultaneously maintains an impressive global audience.Read More