Pascal's Eatery - Photo by D. Bell
I was doing some online research to find an old article I remembered reading a couple of years ago about the opening of new restaurant in the vicinity of 129th and Fifth Avenue. Back then there didn’t appear to be much happening in that area that the average Joe could see, but developers and city planners knew that the area had a few hidden gems in the works.
While I didn’t find the blurb I was looking for, I did find a few other projects that apparently have either been cast aside or renegotiated. As for the 129th and Fifth project, I remember reading it was to be a nice sit down restaurant (possibly a bistro) that was going to be named Pascal’s. What is currently there however is a gourmet deli that goes by the same name. Judging by the the size of the space, I think it is fairly safe to assume that this wasn’t the original intent of the space.
Similarly, the Pizza Party Buffet is also in a space that seems better suited to house a different type of restaurant. I unearthed an old blurb that was published on Grub Street in ’07 saying that the owners of PM would be opening an upscale restaurant in Harlem.
In three months (Kyky will) launch Bistro de Paris in a 3,500-square-foot space at 129th Street and Lenox Avenue. The look? “A mix of Pastis and Balthazar.” The menu? Similar to both. Presumably there won’t be as many limos parked outside — well, unless you count Bubba’s motorcade.
The space is now presumably occupied by Pizza Party Buffet and Lenox Wines.
Finally, there was talk last year of Ottomanelli’s opening a new gourmet market and cafe in East Harlem.
The new, 28,153-square-foot Ottomanelli’s, situated on a tree-lined block not far from the Duke Ellington memorial, will feature a sidewalk cafe facing Central Park.
Did that ever materialize? I do see it listed on their website. I suspect that with the lackluster sales of the uber luxurious 111 Central Park North units, the owners of Ottomanelli’s probably reconsidered opening up their new venture in this fluffy soft economy so kudos to the O Brothers if they took that risk.
Are there any other invisible or transformed projects that you can think of?
D. Bell
January 13, 2009
Hugo, I notice quite a few bodegas are becoming more “downtown-ish” There are one or two over on Lenox as well. I haven’t had a chance to try Pascal’s yet but it looks nice – especially since Boma is now gone.
illoquentgent
January 13, 2009
Ok…I think you’re reading a bit too much into it. I’ll have you know that the bodegas on my block have recently gotten necessary upgrades and have a complete salad bar, paninis, organic foods,etc. The point I was making was that it is a DELI not a RESTAURANT as it was originally conceived.
anon
January 13, 2009
i like pascals and i agree with barbara. much better than many of the places in that immediate area and they deliver. saturday morning bacon egg and cheese hangover remedy to my door! what more could a girl want?
Barbara
January 13, 2009
Pascals is more than a bodega. I’ve had breakfast there and it is actually really good. The salads are really fresh – not just chopped up iceberg lettuce. The sandwiches are fresh as well. I would never buy a sandwich from a bodega. There are no cats roaming the place which is a great sign. You can get hot food as well. So boo-hoo, we don’t have another italian restaurant. Has anyone noticed that restaurants aren’t doing so well in Harlem? I’d rather have a place to grab a quick bite and a Limonata.
D. Bell
January 13, 2009
I don’t think anyone is “knocking” Pascals. We had different expectations based on the reports that were projected. Thanks for commenting Barbara.
Melissa
January 12, 2009
I went to Ottomanelli’s last week. I had a great blackened chicken sandwich, which was the special of the day. It’s a nice space – better than I would’ve guessed. Affordable as well. The waitress was attentive and the manager was great with the followup. I was told they deliver, but I haven’t ordered in yet. Give it a try. I’d love to hear what others think about it.
illoquentgent
January 12, 2009
I passed by Pascal’s last week and was also disappointed at what I saw. I also thought this was supposed to be a sit down restaurant but when I walked in it was just another bodega with an eating area. Also, what happened to Coldstone Creamery on 5th ave bet 125th and 126th. I remember seeing the poster. Then there were rumors about an Applebee’s in that same location.
D. Bell
January 12, 2009
That property which belonged to the National Black Theater has been having a lot of trouble maintaining tenants since Nubian Heritage left. The Edible Arrangements is still there as well as the Reggae shop. It’s a shame that Nubian Heritage built the space out so beautifully and now it sits vacant. A Cold Stone would do better on 125th Street I think. Also remember the old Pier 2110 was supposed to become a Dallas BBQ? What happened with that? I see there is a new BBQ coming to Fordham Road in the Bx. though. BTW, there will be an Applebees at the new Gateway Center in the Bronx.
Angie
January 12, 2009
Of the three listed, Ottomanelli’s did open in the former Chocolat space.
D. Bell
January 12, 2009
Great! Thanks Angie. I have to go by and check it out. I didn’t know there was a Chocolat over there.