🚕Taco Magic Comes to Greenpoint

Good Morning NY!

This week, a legendary piece of East Village history is at the center of a dramatic heist.

In the Bronx, small businesses are fighting to stay afloat as an MTA project drags on with no relief in sight.

Meanwhile, some of NYC’s most beloved restaurants are making big moves in other regions of the northeast.

A Greenpoint pop-up is drawing early risers with next-level breakfast tacos.

And a new pizzeria is testing just how much New Yorkers are willing to spend for a slice of pizza.

Let’s dive in.

Hudson Yards Food Tour

Ready to eat your way through one of NYC’s most iconic food destinations? The Chelsea Market & Hudson Yards Food Like A Local Tours takes you on a flavor-packed journey through Chelsea Market, where you’ll enjoy six delicious tastings.

Stroll the High Line for incredible city views, then explore Hudson Yards, home to the striking Vessel. It’s the perfect mix of food, history, and architecture—all in one unforgettable experience.

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The Great Jones Elvis Heist

A piece of East Village history was stolen—then returned—in a dramatic battle over cultural ownership.

The beloved “Great Jones Street Elvis,” a chalk-plaster bust of Elvis Presley, vanished from Jolene, a neighborhood restaurant, sparking outrage and confusion.

The bust had been a fixture in the area since 1984, originally residing in the now-closed Great Jones Café, a once-thriving hub for artists and musicians.

When the café shut down in 2018, Jolene took over the space and kept the Elvis bust as a nod to the past.

But two former café employees, who claimed rightful ownership of the statue, took matters into their own hands—literally—by stealing it back.

Their actions ignited a dispute over who truly owns the symbols of New York’s past: those who lived it or those who preserve it.

After legal back-and-forth, the Elvis bust was finally returned, though it no longer sits inside Jolene.

Instead, it now resides in the landlord’s office next door, out of reach but still part of the neighborhood’s lore.

Bronx Businesses Crushed by MTA Construction

A massive MTA construction project in the Bronx is putting local businesses in crisis.

A towering fence was installed in September around the Van Cortlandt Park-242nd Street station, blocking storefronts and cutting off foot traffic.

Business owners say sales have dropped by as much as 50%, forcing layoffs and making rent payments nearly impossible.

The project was originally supposed to take six months, but unexpected sewer issues have pushed the timeline back by two years.

Now, construction isn’t expected to be completed until late 2026.

The MTA has added lights and signs to assure customers that businesses are still open, but owners say it’s not enough to make up for the loss of visibility.

With no immediate solution in sight, small businesses are struggling to survive as customers bypass the blocked-off area entirely.

For some, the financial hit is already too severe, raising fears that their doors may close for good before the project is ever completed.

What was meant to be a routine infrastructure improvement has become a slow-moving disaster for the Bronx business community.

NYC Favorites Expand to Boston’s Seaport

Two beloved New York City restaurants are heading to Boston’s Seaport as part of the Commonwealth Pier redevelopment.

Ci Siamo, an upscale Italian eatery known for its pizza bianca and wood-fired dishes, will open its first location outside Manhattan.

Daily Provisions, a popular all-day café famous for its crullers and roast chicken, is also making its Boston debut.

Both restaurants come from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, which owns NYC icons like Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe.

This marks a major expansion for the group as it brings its signature flavors to a new audience.

BK Winery

Looking for a unique way to experience Brooklyn? Join the Tour and Tasting at Brooklyn Winery in Williamsburg.

This hour-long guided tour offers an inside look at urban winemaking, right in the heart of the city.

Led by a knowledgeable wine educator, you'll explore the winemaking process and enjoy tastings of five different wines crafted on-site.

After the tour, consider staying to enjoy a meal at the winery's restaurant, which offers dishes that pair perfectly with their wines.

Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation for wine, this experience offers a pleasant blend of education and indulgence.

Book your tour today and toast to a memorable Brooklyn adventure!

Border Town Brings Breakfast Taco Magic to Greenpoint

A new breakfast taco pop-up is drawing early-morning crowds to Greenpoint.

Border Town, run by Jorge Aguilar and Amanda Rosa, specializes in tacos de guisado—slow-cooked, homestyle fillings wrapped in fresh flour tortillas.

Their menu features options like refried beans, chorizo-potato, and other comforting flavors inspired by Aguilar’s Calexico-Mexicali roots.

The tortillas are made with Sonoran wheat flour sourced directly through Aguilar’s parents, ensuring an authentic taste.

Since launching in January, Border Town has become a go-to morning destination, with lines forming as early as 8 a.m.

The pop-up operates Thursday through Saturday at Greenpoint’s Screen Door ice cream shop and on Sundays at Commune in Clinton Hill.

Despite its temporary setup, Border Town has quickly built a loyal following, fueling hopes for a permanent location in the future.

Ceres Brings Fine Dining to NYC’s Pizza Scene

A new pizzeria on Mott Street is redefining what a slice can be.

Ceres, founded by Eleven Madison Park veterans Julian Geldmacher and Jake Serebnick, applies fine-dining techniques to pizza-making.

The result is a high-end menu with prices to match.

A classic cheese pie costs $40, while specialty pizzas can reach up to $63.

Slices, priced between $5 and $6, offer a more accessible way to experience the restaurant’s signature thin, sourdough crust.

Toppings include aged cheeses, crème fraîche, and other elevated ingredients that reflect the founders’ Michelin-starred backgrounds.

Despite the steep prices, demand is high, with long lines forming for a taste of Ceres’ take on New York-style pizza.

The restaurant is quickly becoming a destination for food lovers seeking an upscale spin on a city staple.

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