Out of the Blue, Into the Pod 39 Hotel

Earlier this year it looked like the next move from April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman was going to be a wine bar on Bleecker Street.  They wrote a letter to neighbors back in March to introduce themselves but ended up with a change of heart and any expansion plans were put on hold, until now.

Bloomfield and Friedman are opening a bar/taqueria on the roof of the new Pod 39 Hotel on 39th Street.  The kitchen isn't up and running yet, but the bar opens to the public tonight.

Expect pig's ears and sweetbread tacos on the menu along with other, more traditional tacos made by a yet to be named taciolo.  Carla Rzeszewski, Wine Director from The Spotted Pig, is making the move to handle all things wine and former Hotel Delmano/Freeman's employee Sam Anderson is taking care of the cocktails. [Eater] [Gothamist]

Bleecker Street Plans Fall Through for Fried Field

About a month ago we got word that Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield were looking to open a wine bar in the former Bar'rique spot on Bleecker Street.  They had written a letter to their potential neighbors explaining their vision.  Today, Eater reports the duo is backing out from the Bleecker Street locale, as they feel the project might not be "welcomed with open arms."

Says Friedman, "We live in the Village. We're not from another city, trying to open a restaurant in a place we have no connection to and don't have to face the neighbors on a daily basis. Its no fun to have neighbors blaming you for being kept awake last night. Maybe this is a sign that we need to open uptown."

Dear Bleecker Street Letter from Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield

Pending a meeting with Community Board no. 2 next week, Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield are going to add a cafe on Bleecker Street to their empire.  The address is 264 Bleecker and a note posted nearby does a splendid job introducing the duo to the neighborhood.  If residents need further convincing, the 21 hour schedule (they plan to operate from 7am - 4am Thursday - Saturday) does a pretty good job showing their commitment.