Jackson Heights Life

my latest "update" from the sidewalk --a new paper posted on the glass of the storefront, on official city letterhead, mentioned "illegal occupation."

i have no idea what this means, just that it was taped to the glass at around two PM today.

Hi,

There was indeed a notice on official city letterhead. It was a notice from the Fire Department to arrange for an annual inspection of the kitchen. The notice includes the statement that it is unlawful to operate commercial cooking equipment without a permit. At the moment, there is no cooking equipment, commercial or otherwise, being operated.

As you may have noticed, there is quite a lot going on with the signage on various storefronts on the building. This has to do with corrections of historic signage violations. I am unable to do anything until that work, which has nothing to do with me, is completed. I'll leave it at that.

Hi Stew, Where is the best place to keep up to date as to when the soft opening might happen? The FB page, or will you share that information here? Do you have an email newsletter?
Looking forward to the opening!!

Hi, there is indeed a newsletter. If you want to send me a note at stewart at swimtwobirds.nyc I’ll add you to it.

Stew

Glad to hear you were able to work things out. I, along with many others, are looking forward to the opening of the restaurant.

And I look forward to receiving you as a guest, and even more to ensuring that you have a memorable evening. Or, more lightheartedly, a fun brunch.

It’s been a long road, but it’s happening.

Cheers,

Stew

well, having thick packets of eviction papers taped to the door wasn't a rumor, but glad that you've managed to work through that.

One of the wonderful features of rumours is that seven 8 1/2” x 11” pieces of typewriter paper can suddenly be more colourfully described as “thick packets”, and that the content can be assumed to be unassailable.

Hi amsci,

I just realised that based on the history of our dealings with the local building inspector, I need to scotch my last post. It is entirely possible that he will slam us with another stop work order because, for example, you are on the property while our crew are doing what they are doing at the moment, which is painting and applying wallpaper.

I would be delighted to show you around if you contact me by personal message.

Stew

Hey Stew,

Any idea of when the "shelter" around the storefront will come off (for those of us who are low-key lookie-loos )?

Hi,

The "shelter" has no function at this point. The new front is installed. It's there to dissuade potential vandalism.

A few posts ago, ljr said that he/she was by during the day and just walked in. Apparently Vivian, our on-site manager and a great guy, didn't eat ljr for lunch Don't hesitate to say that I said it's OK, but I doubt that will be necessary. The crew are pretty proud of their work, and deservedly so.

So maybe just open the door and walk in (albeit past a bit of plastic at the moment), introduce yourself and have a look around. If you do, I should point out that the ceramic/stone floor is covered at the moment to protect it, but everything else is visible.

Onviously, the guys have work to do, but the occasional quick look around isn't going to disrupt anything.
 

I'm glad we got an insight from a person who has taken 2+ years to open a tiny restaurant.

When you fail, blame the wallpaper.

Hi,

I'd like to invite you to come by tomorrow. As I said in the post immediately above, we'll be there from 1 pm to 2 pm for an open house.

I look forward to meeting you. Hope you can make it.

Stew