Jackson Heights Life

Still thinking about oysters and seafood platters tonight

Brooklyn's Maison Premiere, which I assume took its name from a Paris restaurant that I worked at called Maison Prunier, has become extremely popular for oysters and platters.

I don't know whether there will be the same demand in Jackson Heights - maybe with younger people - but I want to try offering oysters from Long Island as well as further north to Maine, New Brunswick, Quebec and Prince Edward Island.

For a special occasion, I'd be into bringing in some of the truly great French oysters, the subject of Eleanor Clark's "Oysters of Locmariaquer", which won the National Book Award for Non-Fiction.

We're going to have some fun with this restaurant.

My body is ready. Hahaha.

Stew, I can't tell you how pleased I am to see this development. I'm from New England, I will eat all the seafood I see on your menu. And I have three words for you: whole bellied clams

It's great to hear from you, again, Stew. I am REALLY looking forward to the opening. Slow and steady!

Hi dssjh,

Thanks. I don't want to get into the reasons for the delay right now, but I will say that they have had nothing to do with finances and everything to do with the City. I may have more to say about this after we open.

I want to make something clear.

The delays in opening our restaurant are the sole result of building violations by other tenants in the building and an allegation by a city building inspector that was overturned, in its entirety, on appeal.

When our alleged violation was overturned on appeal, somebody in the city suddenly discovered, within a couple of weeks, in the building department archives, violations in the building generally that went back to 1999, which is 18 years ago. The issue was outdoor signage. These issues should have been addressed by the landlord, and by the then tenants, but were not.

As a result, we were denied a work permit again.

After a long appeal process (second appeal), we were finally given another work permit, but in December 2016 we were told that we would have to make a further application in order to continue work past January 1, 2017. So we engaged counsel yet again.

During this experience, we contacted our city councilor's office and were brushed off.

No need to tell me to hire a serious high end lawyer. That's done.

Just posted this to make it crystal clear what has been going on.

When we open, I'll have more to say about this, partly to help other people who want to open legitimate businesses in Jackson Heights.

Meanwhile, we are continuing to turn the space into what I believe will be a beautiful, if small, restaurant. I'll leave this issue to our lawyer, and refrain from saying anything else about this absurd situation until we open.

I want to make something clear.

The delays in opening our restaurant are the sole result of building violations by other tenants in the building and an allegation by a city building inspector that was overturned, in its entirety, on appeal.

When our alleged violation was overturned on appeal, somebody in the city suddenly discovered, within a couple of weeks, in the building department archives, violations in the building generally that went back to 1999, which is 18 years ago. The issue was outdoor signage. These issues should have been addressed by the landlord, and by the then tenants, but were not.

As a result, we were denied a work permit again.

After a long appeal process (second appeal), we were finally given another work permit, but in December 2016 we were told that we would have to make a further application in order to continue work past January 1, 2017. So we engaged counsel yet again.

During this experience, we contacted our city councilor's office and were brushed off.

No need to tell me to hire a serious high end lawyer. That's done.

Just posted this to make it crystal clear what has been going on.

When we open, I'll have more to say about this, partly to help other people who want to open legitimate businesses in Jackson Heights.

Meanwhile, we are continuing to turn the space into what I believe will be a beautiful, if small, restaurant. I'll leave this issue to our lawyer, and refrain from saying anything else about this absurd situation until we open.

An explanation was unnecessary, but appreciated. At this point, I think we're all about moving onward and upward. NYC is rife with building violations (some legitimate, some less so). It seems to be the unfortunate cost of doing business here. That being said, regardless of the size or delay, there's obviously a lot of pent up desire for something fresh and new to hit the streets. So, like you said, your tale — cautionary if nothing else — should help others in your wake with navigating the tricky challenges of starting a business here.

Hi dssjh,

Thanks. I don't want to get into the reasons for the delay right now, but I will say that they have had nothing to do with finances and everything to do with the City. I may have more to say about this after we open.

oh, i didn't think you/your partners were having financial issues, and i do recall mention of the frustrations you were having with building issues that were beyond your control.

we live right down the block, so we pass by the storefront every day, and seeing activity was and is heartening. looking forward to that chowder.

Quote from: PizzaRat on January 04, 2017, 04:29:37 PM

Will there be a bar at Swim Two Birds? How late will you be open?

As neighbors who were by a couple of weeks ago saw, we have built a bar near the entrance that will seat seven or eight people. Not big, but cosy. The chairs are custom made, they're really comfortable, and I'm in love with them

I would like to see us serving food until around 11:00 pm on weekends (closing maybe around midnight), but this will depend on demand.

Thanks for the questions.

As someone with back problems that often has to leave bars/restaurants due to uncomfortable seating, that's awesome to hear! Best of luck to you.