Jackson Heights Life

Thanks everyone for your encouragement.

Sunday, going to 78th and 34th to talk with vendors about how my restaurant can support our Jackson Heights Greenmarket.

Want to thank Espresso 77 for telling me that the space for the restaurant might be available.

Best,

Stew

We just returned tonight from Pio Pio. Love that place!

The menu is limited, yes. But each item is delicious.
We never wait for a table.
The Sangria - spiked with Brandy - is delicious. We probably spend more on drinks than food.
We eat out every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
We don't have kids.
We don't like to go to restaurants that cater to families. Yet we are never bothered by kids at Pio Pio. Why is that? I don't know. But do that!
We don't go to restaurants that have TVs.
We don't always eat in the neighborhood. We travel back to Brooklyn often for our favorite restaurants.
We wish we didn't have to go so far.

Someone who likes Pio Pio may enjoy your restaurant.  Look forward to hearing more about it and the menu.  I am sure you would welcome all.  As far as family friendly--not sure what that means really.   I am fine going to nice restaurants with families when the parents make sure their kids behave and don't disturb other diners.  There is the iHop and are two Chuck e Cheese restaurants in Queens a short drive from Jackson Heights.  But, seriously this and the new Queensboro restaurant slated for Northern Blvd. is exciting news for the culinary scene in the 'hood.  Also looking forward to trying the Casa del Chef in nearby Woodside.  Good luck with the opening!

And although it will not be a formal establishment, may I humbly suggest to please consider your restaurant lighting to have an ambience ... I am a firm believer the right lighting draws people in!

Don't be humble about it

I believe that the ambience of a dining room and the service are every bit as important as the food, and that lighting is a critical component of ambience. The reason that the renovations will take a few months is that we're replacing the existing flooring, walls and ceiling. We'll also be building a small bar that can accommodate about seven guests.

Like everyone else, I have design ideas, but this is a job for a professional. We've taken the unorthodox route of hiring a production/stage designer from the NY theater world. We had our second meeting yesterday and lighting was very much part of the discussion. On Monday, which is when I take over the premises, he'll be dropping by for a tour of the space and of the Jackson Heights neighborhood. He has a copy of the Landmarks Preservation Commission's study.

Lighting, floors, walls, ceiling, bar, bathrooms, furniture, art ... lots to do but very exciting.

... please don't forget attention to careful selection of music that makes the mood and shows some thought, creativity and sense of fun.

Yes, preferably at a level consistent with guests carrying on a conversation. Acoustics and addressing reverb is one of the trickier design challenges. At the moment, many restaurants take the view that deafening is good. It's believed to promote a good "vibe" and "turnover" of tables. We won't be going there.

You think you will be open by the fall?

The best advice I got was to take over an existing restaurant with approvals and permits in place.

We're giving ourselves five months to renovate the dining area and bathrooms and build a small bar; and, of course, train staff. It's a good deal of work, but I believe doable.

Quote from: cultartist on April 25, 2015, 10:58:55 AM

... please don't forget attention to careful selection of music that makes the mood and shows some thought, creativity and sense of fun.

Yes, preferably at a level consistent with guests carrying on a conversation. Acoustics and addressing reverb is one of the trickier design challenges. At the moment, many restaurants take the view that deafening is good. It's believed to promote a good "vibe" and "turnover" of tables. We won't be going there.

Thank you. Loud music--or, frankly, any music that's too clearly selected to signal X identity, whatever X is--annoys me to no end.

The design "concept board" is smashing! This place looks as if it might really raise the bar in Jackson Heights. Party on!!