Monday, February 6th, 2012

Looks like 2427 Broadway (between 89th & 90th) is turning over again.

In 2009, Accademia di Vino moved in to what had previously been home to Dock’s Oyster Bar, and eventually that transformed into Trattoria di Vino.

TDV recently closed to make way for yet another new restaurant: Candle Cafe West — an offshoot of the popular East Side organic and vegetarian/vegan eateries Candle Cafe and Candle 79.

Thanks to MUW readers Clayton, Marisa, Jonathan, and Jim (those are his photos) for the tip.

I spoke to someone at the existing Candle Cafe on the UES who told me they’re aiming to open the UWS location by April 1st. He described Candle Cafe West as a hybrid of both Candle Cafe and its upscale sister restaurant, Candle 79.

This should be welcome news to anyone in the neighborhood interested in healthy dining options — Candle 79 has twice been voted the number one vegetarian in New York City.

Candle Cafe has been in business since 1994, with its origins as Healthy Candle going back to 1984. You can read of the history Candle Cafe here, including how a winning lottery ticket in 1993 helped co-owners Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson expand.

A little more background:

We at the Candle Cafe & Candle 79 are dedicated to your health through our commitment to excellent vegetarian cuisine. Our inspired creations are comprised of a seasonal array of organic ingredients. This means that the food is grown without the use of pesticides and other chemicals which have debilitating consequences for both our farmlands and our health. By supporting organic farming and avoiding animal products, we acknowledge the interconnectedness of environmental, spiritual and physical well-being. We are delighted to nourish your body with delicious meals served in a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. We invite you to enjoy the good foods that come fresh from the farm to your table.

My sister is a vegetarian and a few years back we celebrated her birthday at Candle 79. I remember really enjoying the meal, but perhaps an even better barometer is that my dad — who doesn’t even like the word “vegetarian” — enjoyed his too.

Should be a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

In closing news, the Chase at Broadway & 75th recently shuttered (rest assured, there are plenty more to fill the void). The closest full-service branch is now at 2099 Broadway (at 75th), plus there are also Chase ATMs in the new Duane Reade across the street from the now closed location.

The Chase closure is only interesting in that there’s now some vacant space on a prime stretch of Broadway. It appears there’s already work going on inside, so hopefully it won’t be long before we find out what’s moving in — ideally not another banks…

UPDATE 2/16: Lululemon Rumored To Be Taking Over Vacant Chase

UPDATE 2/21: Lululemon Confirmed

In other closing news, the Oz Moving & Storage located at 2237 Broadway (between 79th & 80th) closed last month. I’ll have more news in an upcoming post as to why this is of note.

UPDATE 2/23: Can You Hear Me Now? Verizon Wireless Slated To Move In To Former H&H Bagels Space

Filed under: Food & Drink, Going Out, Lincoln Center, Manhattan, New York City, News, NYC, Openings/Closings, Restaurants, Upper West Side, Upper West Side Blog, UWS 8 Comments »
Tags: 2237 Broadway, 2427 Broadway, Candle 79, Candle Cafe, Closing, H & H, H & H Bagels, H&H, H&H Bagels, Healthy Eating, Lululemon, Lululemon Athletica, New York City, NYC, Opening, Organic, Restaurant, Upper West Side, UWS, Vegan, Vegetarian Food