Mayan Bistro, a restaurant started by three brothers, is now open on Amsterdam between 101st and 102nd Streets, where Café Roma used to be. Chef and co-founder Margarito Guzman has worked in restaurants for 18 years, including Bistro 1018 (which is now Marlow Bistro) on 110th and Amsterdam. They’re serving dinner – the menu has a wide range of pastas, burgers and seafood – and brunch on weekends.
There’s still work to be done at Mayan Bistro: the bar doesn’t have stools because they’re still waiting on their liquor license, said co-founder Benito Guzman, who does the electrical and plumbing work. “We’re trying to get better every day,” he said. In a nod to their neighbors, they are offering a 10% discount to police, firefighters and students at Columbia University.
Vision Lab Optometry opened this week on the corner of Columbus and 96th Street. Dr. Matthew Pupparo has worked at hospitals and clinics in the city over the past 10 years and this is his first time opening his own private practice. He said he chose the UWS because of the “local neighborhood feel.” Dr. Pupparo sets himself apart by using the latest optometric technology, such as Olleyes VR Visual Field equipment – a virtual reality headset that can detect glaucoma, strokes and other neurological disorders. He said that “[test] results come out better because it’s easier for patients to use.” He also mentioned that while older machines are “bulky and clunky,” the portability of the headset means that he could potentially do home visits “for patients who might be older or have special needs.” For patients who use contacts, Vision Lab will match 1-800-Contacts pricing and add a 10% discount.
Signage is up on the scaffolding at Amsterdam between 75th and 76th Streets for Coddiwomple, a sandwich shop with locations in Hell’s Kitchen and East of Union Square. Coddiwomple means “to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination,” and the chain’s tagline is “Travel by Sandwich.” The menu includes sandwiches with names like Roman Holiday, Greek Goddess, El Cubano and Veggie Wompler, in addition to a few salads and soups. It replaces VIP Cleaners but from a look inside it seems like the opening may be a ways off. (Thanks to Tierney for the tip.)
A skateboarding shop is opening on Broadway between 106th and 107th Street, replacing an AT&T store. We will follow up with more details. (Thanks to Amelia for the tip.)
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Oh great. More unregulated wheeled vehicles that endanger pedestrians.
As a cyclist I agree that some people on wheels are very selfish and anti-social in their behavior. However I think skateboarders pose little risk to people. Rather, some of them damage public structures. I don’t know if it’s still going on but during the pandemic AMNH seemed to turn a blind eye to the many skateboarders doing jumps and slides (don’t know the skateboarding terms) on the steps and benches.
As a driver, bicyclist and pedestrian in NYC I wholeheartedly stand by my assertion that pedestrians are BY FAR the most dangerous, unregulated as well as self centered, oblivious mobile entities of all.
As solely a pedestrian I absolutely agree with you. I watch other pedestrians walk while distracted and not be aware of the mobile activity around them to everybody’s detriment. The new reality is that wheeled vehicles motorized or not go in every direction regardless of traffic rules and it is important to be alert 360.
Are you referring to……skateboards?
Lol – curmudgeon much? There’s a new skate park in Riverside that’s one of the best in the region; maybe that’s where their target clientele is headed?
Vision Lab seems like a good thing for that corner. The last place that was there, the “restorative pharmacy,” lasted about two months.
We need more stores and restaurants in Morningside heights.
does Broadway between 72 and 96 still exist? asking for like 30 vacancies.
The Coddiwomple in Hell’s Kitchen is closed. I’m not sure what happened – it was open briefly.
According to this posted menu, Mayan charges $22 for a burger, fries are an additional $6. The Smith charges $23 for a burger including fries, at lunch and dinner. Hmm, guess where I’ll be getting my fix.
We never had a good experience at Bistro 1018. Ever. I’m glad you included that piece of info so I know where not to go.
Where did Cafe Roma move to