In Brief
< For U.W.S. rents, a (relative) bargain
Upper west Side More data for the real-estate obsessed: Zumper.com, a listings web site, has tallied up median rents throughout Manhattan, and comes up with some surprising findings.
For Upper West Siders -- or at least for people in the neighborhood wanting to rent an apartment -- some good news: Zumper says the U.W.S. is among the cheapest neighborhoods in Manhattan, with one bedrooms going for a median rent of $2,950. That's cheaper than anywhere except the Upper East Side and the Lower East Side. Two-bedroom rents also are a (very) relative value, at $4,000.
While this isn't perhaps welcome news for landlords, it's a boost for renters -- and somewhat of a surprise for a neighborhood that for decades ranked as one of the priciest in the city. Rents downtown have zoomed past the Upper West Side, pretty much across the board.
Rigoletto had planned on giving away free pizza and drinks from 6-9 p.m., but couldn't meet the demand after paying customers bought 600 pies earlier in the day. According to the Rag, one woman bought 30 pies to freeze and eat later.
Per Se slammed by Health Dept
The famed upscale dining haven Per Se was pushed down to earth with the rest of the grubby population by a Health Department inspection from February 19, Eater NY reports. The restaurant received 42 points, which would earn it a C grade, though the grade is officially pending and can change after a second inspection, once the place has a chance to clean up its act. The violations included five categorized as "critical," and the restaurant was cited for not having hand washing facilities. od preparation area and bathroom. l for Meat Cleaver Murderer
The Manhattan District Attorney's office is hoping that their third attempt at prosecuting a notorious murder suspect will stick, NBC New York reports. Opening statements in the new murder trial of David Tarloff began Monday. Tarloff, who suffers from schizophrenia, is charged with the brutal 2008 killing of Upper East Side psychotherapist Kathryn Faughey, who he stabbed repeatedly with a meat cleaver. He has admitted to the killing, stating that he attacked Faughey as he was attempting to rob her colleague. Tarloff's attorneys have argured that he should not be held criminally responsible. The DA's first attempt to put Tarloff behind bars ended in a mistrial in 2010, after he was found unfit for court during the proceedings, and his second trial ended in a hung jury.
New food market
The new international Gotham West Food Market occupies the entire block between 44th and 45th streets on 11th Avenue, and is making an effort to draw newcomers to the western edge of Hell's Kitchen. The New York Times reported that it was built to help lure new renters to the apartment complex Gotham West.
It has a feeling of an upgraded food court, serving ramen by the world famous Ivan Orkin, at the eatery Slurp Shop. You can also feast on some Spanish lamb meatballs and garlic shrimp at Tertulia. Although it is a bit of a hike, the culinary fare is worth the trip.