Outdoor Tables And Chairs Return To Roosevelt Island West Promenade Pier Today - Will Food Trucks Follow?

The outdoor tables and chairs are back today at the Roosevelt Island West Promenade Pier.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) will put the tables and chairs out on Friday morning and keep them there through Monday Morning. RIOC hopes to attract food trucks to serve the area.

You can also bring your own food and drink, buy some at local restaurants or just sit there and enjoy the beautiful East River views.

Hopefully, RIOC will also bring in umbrellas for shade from the sun. It can get very hot out there.

Roosevelt Island East River West Pier Outdoor Seating Food Concession Coming This Summer From Hudson Related - Intent Is To Create A Public Plaza

What's going on at the Roosevelt Island East River West Pier Waterfront Food Concession?

Yesterday RIOC employees were putting up Roosevelt Island West Pier banner signage on the railings.

Reported last April 7:

After completing the renovation of the West/Subway Pier, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) today put out some outdoor tables  and chairs for staging purposes on the Pier today.

We're not quite ready for sitting down with a bite to eat at the Pier, but soon it will be ready.

During April 7 meeting of RIOC Operations Committee meeting (full audio web cast of meeting), RIOC President Charlene Indelicato reported that the Riverwalk Bar & Grill owners, who operated Pier NYC at the Subway/West Pier during summer of 2012, declined to operate the venue this summer. (The Pier was closed during 2013 due to damage from Hurricane Sandy).

Instead of Pier NYC, Ms Indelicato said that RIOC intends to bring in Food Trucks to operate in the area this summer...

The answer is that RIOC will not be bringing Food Trucks to the Pier but recently awarded  operations of the Waterfront Pier Concession for this summer to Hudson Related, developers of Southtown Riverwalk buildings and the Main Street Master Retail Leaseholder.

Hudson Related is currently working on their plans for vendors and programming at the West Pier. I asked Hudson Related's David Kramer:

... are you considering the pier to be a "private" space for the food concession like it was for the Pier NYC or will it continue to be a "public" space that can be used by all whether or not they purchase food.

What type of vendors are you looking at for the space?

adding that my preference would be:

... public space for eating similar to Fowler Square in Fort Greene and the Archway under Manhattan Bridge in Dumbo. Also the outdoor seating area at LIC Flea. (Sent you picture before).

The NYC DOT has other examples of public spaces with eating options that are good examples....

Mr. Kramer replied:

... Hudson Related's intent is to treat the area as a public plaza....

As RIOC was hanging the Roosevelt Island West Pier banner yesterday, two men were a couple of feet away fishing.

Perhaps they are interested in being the fresh seafood vendors for the Roosevelt Island

Image From RIOC

West Pier when it opens this summer?

Outdoor Eating Returning To Roosevelt Island East River Waterfront Pier This Summer - RIOC Bringing In Food Trucks To Operate At Pier

Another welcome sign of spring and summer approaching with sunny skies, warmer weather and relaxing at the Roosevelt Island East River waterfront.



After completing the renovation of the West/Subway Pier, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) today put out some outdoor tables

and chairs

for staging purposes on the Pier

today.

We're not quite ready for sitting down with a bite to eat at the Pier, but soon it will be ready.

During April 7 meeting of RIOC Operations Committee meeting (full audio web cast of meeting), RIOC President Charlene Indelicato reported that the Riverwalk Bar & Grill owners, who operated Pier NYC at the Subway/West Pier during summer of 2012, declined to operate the venue this summer. (The Pier was closed during 2013 due to damage from Hurricane Sandy).

Instead of Pier NYC, Ms Indelicato said that RIOC intends to bring in Food Trucks to operate in the area this summer and

 2012 Outdoor Restaurant At Pier And Main Street Food Trucks

that RIOC purchased the Pier NYC tables and chairs for $4,500 from the Riverwalk Bar & Grill owners.

Here is the discussion at April 7 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting.



I'm looking forward to the return of the food trucks and eating at the Pier.

UPDATE 4/28 - RIOC has more information here for potential Operators of the Roosevelt Island Waterfront Pier Concession. There is a new RIOC administration in place that emphasizes its desire to work with potential Waterfront Operators to make a success of the Waterfront Pier Concession.

Hanging Out At The Roosevelt Island Waterfront Pier On A Beautiful Sunny Sunday - RIOC Looking Into Summer Outdoor Dining Options For Pier

One of the great outdoor community spaces on Roosevelt Island is the West (Subway) Pier. On a lovely, sunny Sunday afternoon today, despite gated barriers still blocking the pathway, the Roosevelt Island public came out to the recently renovated West Pier to enjoy the beautiful weather and East River waterfront.

If you weren't at the Pier today, here's what it was like.



Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato reports about the Pier:

On March 31, reconstruction work on the West Pier near the Subway Station was completed, and we are looking forward to reopening the Pier to the public shortly. RIOC is pleased to restore this beautiful area to active use and is currently looking into outdoor dining options for this Summer.

Looking forward to learning what RIOC has in mind for outdoor dining at the Pier this summer. In the summer of 2012, the pier was the site of an outdoor restaurant

 2012 Outdoor Restaurant At Pier And Main Street Food Trucks

operating by the owners of the Riverwalk Bar & Grill.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island Spring Construction Projects Begin For West Pier, Good Shepherd Streetscape, Octagon Tennis Resurfacing, Lighthouse Park Footbridges, Tram Station Painting & More

Image of 2012 Summer West Pier With Restaurant from Judy Berdy

Image of West Pier During 2012 Hurricane Sandy

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

This Winter, heavy snow and freezing temperatures have kept our staff busy plowing the roads, clearing the sidewalks and maintaining the Island’s facilities during the harsh weather conditions. As the weather begins to warm up, we’re getting ready for work to move forward on new and existing capital projects. Our Grounds Department has already begun preparations for the athletic fields to re-open in early April, a new session of Mommy & Me classes is beginning soon, and other activities on the Island are picking up. We are looking forward to a warm and productive Spring on Roosevelt Island.

Spring Construction Projects

Work resumed last Friday on the West Pier after a wave of cold and snowy weather. Weather permitting, construction on the Pier is projected to be completed by the beginning of April 2014.

At the Good Shepherd Community Center, the ceiling and doors of the northern section of the west entryway are undergoing restoration off-site. Restoration architects and the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission are reviewing samples of the proposed rehabilitation work to ensure its quality. The work, which is projected to be completed before Fall 2014, will also include cleaning and restoration of the entrances’ walls and lighting.

Two meetings regarding the Good Shepherd Streetscape project have been conducted with the community, during which designs for the plantings and positioning of the benches were finalized. An RFP for the work will be issued upon the completion of the final construction drawings. We would like to extend our thanks to the community for their valuable input during this process and are looking forward to the next phase of this project.

April will mark the beginning of several important construction projects. The Octagon Tennis Courts will be resurfaced, work will begin on the Lighthouse Park footbridges, the sidewalks near the Roosevelt Island Tram Station will be repaired, and the Tram stations themselves will be repainted. While all of these developments are scheduled to begin in the first week of April, the work is weather-sensitive and will require warm temperatures to proceed. We will continue to keep the community updated as work progresses.

Eight responses to the Cultural Center’s construction Request for Proposals were received by the submission deadline (February 28). RIOC is currently evaluating the responses and beginning the rating and ranking process. A contractor will be selected and construction will begin within the next few months.

In mid-to-late March, a crane will be transported by barge to the Riverwalk Building 7 construction site. While the crane is being moved onto the Island, the East promenade will be closed for approximately half a day. An advisory will be issued to notify the public of the specific time and date of this closure.

Mommy & Me

Registration for the March-May session of Mommy & Me Water Safety classes is available online at RIOC’s new Parks & Recreation website http://rioc.recdesk.com. With the assistance of a parent or guardian, participants aged six months to three years will learn basic swimming skill sets that include submersions, blowing bubbles underwater and movement in the water. Classes are available on Sunday and Wednesday mornings – check online for times and other details. This 8-week session runs from the week of March 16 to the week of May 4, with makeup classes during the week of May 11. While four time slots are currently available, each time slot must have a minimum of 6 families preregistered in order for that class to take place. There is a maximum of 13 families per class. Online enrollment ends this coming Wednesday, March 12 – any classes that do not meet the minimum amount of participants will be combined with another time slot. If you have any questions or if you prefer to register in person, please email Eddie.Perez@rioc.ny.gov or call (212) 832-4569.

Red Bus Fares

As a reminder, the Red Bus will be free to ride beginning April 1. The decision to eliminate the fare was made in order to encourage the use of mass transit, keep traffic on Main Street moving as a result of faster boarding times, and to reduce operating costs by eliminating the need to collect fares from the buses. If you have a fare change card, please be advised that March is the last month these cards will be accepted on the bus. Once the fare is eliminated, refunds for any unused value remaining on the cards will be available at the RIOC Bus Garage (680 Main Street) until April 30, 2014.

Final Report From Acting RIOC President Don Lewis - Condolences To Public Safety Officer Michael's Family, Reopening Of Lighthouse Park This Week, Pier NYC Waterfront Restaurant May Not Open, Roosevelt Island Tram Access Gate, iDig2 Learn Earth Day Celebration And More

As reported yesterday, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) has a new permanent President, Charlene Indelicato. Acting RIOC President Don Lewis

 Image Of Acting RIOC President Don Lewis From RIOC

will return to his previous position as RIOC General Counsel. At last night's RIOC Board Meeting, Mr. Lewis gave his final President's Report to the Board



and  sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

I am deeply saddened to begin this week’s column by reporting that Frensheria D. Michael, an Officer of the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department, passed away on Sunday, March 31. Officer Michael served in the PSD for 14 years and was widely respected by her fellow officers and the Roosevelt Island community. Officer Michael was a consummate professional and a truly wonderful individual. Her amazing presence will be dearly missed. (For additional information on Officer Michael, please see RIOC's statement.)

Pier NYC Update

We are aware that Pier NYC was an Island attraction that was thoroughly enjoyed last year by many Island residents and visitors. Given the overwhelming success and support for the waterfront establishment, we would very much like to see it happen again this year. Unfortunately, due to damage to the wooden portion of the Pier as a result of Superstorm Sandy, as well as the recent collapse of the paved portion of the Pier, we cannot guarantee that the site will be safe for opening in May. We will continue to work diligently in an effort to overcome the unfortunate obstacles we have encountered.

Reopening of Lighthouse Park

As you likely know, Lighthouse Park sustained heavy damages from Superstorm Sandy and has been closed since last Fall. Our Maintenance and Grounds crews, with help from outside contractors, worked through the winter months so that the park would be open for warmer days in the spring. This week we will open the park for residents and island visitors. We will need to keep a small portion of the park closed until both pedestrian bridges and lighting around the Lighthouse are replaced, which we expect to be done in the next few weeks.

Tram Access Gate

Certain members of our community – parents with strollers, folks with bicycles, and disabled residents – have informed us that they are having difficulty getting through the Tram access gate. We are looking into permanent solutions, but in the meantime, we are posting an extra Tram employee at the gate during morning and afternoon rush hours when the need is greatest to help people get through the gate and onto the platform quickly and safely.

iDig2Learn Earth Day Celebration

Island residents are encouraged to come to iDig2Learn’s “Love Your Block, Love Your Earth” event on Saturday, April 20, beginning at 10:00 am and continuing throughout the afternoon. As an Earth Day celebration for kids and adults, the event will include flower planting and other activities to beautify our island, with a special focus on the plaza in front of Gristedes and Motorgate. For more details or to volunteer contact iDig2Learn@gmail.com

This event is made possible by a grant from the Citizens Committee for NYC and NYC Service in collaboration with the Roosevelt Island PTA, the RI Youth Program, P.S./ I.S. 217, RIOC, RIRA, Gristedes, Urban American, the Hudson Companies and Starbucks. A special "thank you" goes to Island resident Christine Delfico who spearheaded this project.

Mommy and Me Swim Classes

Sportspark is offering new Mommy and Me swim classes in a ten-week program starting on April 3. The classes will take place on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Designed for babies and toddlers aged 6-to-36 months, the sessions will feature dipping, floating, splashing, songs, games and other fun-filled activities. The cost is $5.00 per family on a drop-in basis.

Motorgate Gallery Opening

I would like to thank all of the folks who attended last month’s Grand Opening of the Motorgate Gallery, including Gallery RIVAA President Tad Sudol, RIOC staff, RIOC Directors Margie Smith and Howard Polivy, the editors of Clog magazine who were on to launch their newest issue and, of course, the artists and residents of Roosevelt Island. We have received a good deal of positive feedback about the Gallery, and we are delighted that it will be a showcase of our artistic community for years to come.

The Votes Are In…

We have tallied votes for the films the community would like to see this year during RIOC’s Summer Outdoor Movie Series at Southpoint Park. The following wonderful mix of old favorites and new blockbusters were chosen: Top Gun (1986), Coming to America (1988), Brave (2012), Star Wars (1977), The Hunger Games (2012), and Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). Thank you to everyone who voted. Stay tuned for an announcement of the dates for each screening. We’re looking forward to another great summer of movies and festivities at Southpoint Park.

Friends of Southpoint Park

The Friends of Southpoint Park are looking for new volunteers to help with weeding at the park this spring and summer. There will be an orientation for new volunteers on April 13. If you are interested, please contact April Ward at sosgardenfriends@gmail.com.

Following last night's Board meeting, RIOC Director Margie Smith and others thanked Mr. Lewis for his service as Acting RIOC President during difficult time for the Corporation.

Roosevelt Island Community Space, Garden Club, Food Truck, Pier NYC Among the Items On Public Session of RIOC Real Estate Committee Meeting Tomorrow - Steam Plant, Southtown Ground Lease Extension And Cornell To Be Discussed In Executive Session

Roosevelt Island Food Trucks and Pier NYC From Above This Past Summer

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

AGENDA

1. Discuss Availability of Additional Community Spaces;
2. Review of the Roosevelt Island Garden Club Permit Status;
3. Status Update on Food Concession Permits and Pier NYC;
4. Chair's Motion for Executive Session to Review and Discuss Negotiations Regarding:
a. Proposed Modifications to the Ground Lease for Southtown Buildings 7, 8;
b. Disposition of the Steam Plant; and
c. Open Issues Related to the Cornell NYC Project
5. Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee.

Sure would be nice to get Food Trucks back to Roosevelt Island on a regular basis.


The Eddies Pizza Truck from The Eddie's Pizza Truck on Vimeo.

Attacked By Circada Tonight At Roosevelt Island's Pier NYC - Had A Nice Dinner Though

I was enjoying a nice Wurst dinner tonight at Roosevelt Island's Pier NYC when I heard clicking noise coming from right above me and noticed this cricket or circada sitting at top of umbrella next to me.

A few minutes later the circada/cricket dive bombed right towards me hitting me in the glasses and a few minutes later hit me in the chest.

Maybe it didn't like its picture being taken.

Roosevelt Island Waterfront Comedy Night At Pier NYC Last Thursday

Roosevelt Island resident Jonathan Kalkin shares this photo from last Thursday's Comedy Night at Pier NYC

Image From Jonathan Kalkin via Twitter

and adds:

I actually saw @dzoldan from @standupny tweet about Roosevelt Island a year ago and asked him about having a comedy night here. I got him in contact with the Hoo brothers and the rest is history. Comedy night on the water at PierNYC has been very successful. It is great to see businesses on Roosevelt Island starting to become destination spots for food and entertainment.

Future Of Roosevelt Island Mobile Food Trucks, Modification Of Pier NYC Waterfront Restaurant Permit and Island House Ground Lease On Agenda For Tonight's RIOC Real Estate Committee Meeting

Roosevelt Island Food Truck Image From Gothamist

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

AGENDA

1. Review and Discussion of Mobile Food Vendors' Activity During the July Open Access Trial, and Recommendation on Permit Terms Effective Thereafter;

2. Consideration of Modifications to the PierNYC Permit;

3. Chair's Motion for Executive Session to Review and Discuss Proposed Modifications to the Ground Lease for Island House; and

4. Any Other Committee Business That May be Brought Before the Committee.

 Image of Roosevelt Island Food Trucks

The La Bella Torte

 Image of La Bella Torte Cannoli From NY Street Food

and Eddie's Pizza Food Trucks

  Image Of Eddie's Pizza Food Truck Spicy Chicken With Pepper 10 Inch Personal Bar

have been great additions to Roosevelt Island. I hope RIOC allows Mobile Food Trucks to continue operating on Roosevelt Island public streets just as mobile food trucks operate in other NYC neighborhoods - without having to pay additional fees to RIOC. At the very least, continue the current experimental policy of waiving $345 monthly fee to encourage La Bella Torte and Eddie's Pizza to stay and to provide incentives for other Mobile Food Trucks to join them on a rotating basis to serve the hungry for choice and variety Roosevelt Island community.

Also, Pier NYC

 Image Of Pier NYC From RIHS President Judy Berdy

has been a wonderful amenity brought to a formerly underutilized public waterfront space on Roosevelt Island for this summer with BBQ provided by John Brown's Smokehouse and seafood from Santos Seafood Shack.

I asked RIOC President Leslie Torres:

What are the modifications to the Pier NYC permit being considered by RIOC that is on the Agenda for July 19 Real Estate Committee meeting?

Do the modifications being considered materially change the terms of the Waterfront Concession RFP that was issued by RIOC for the permit?

Thank you.

Have not received a response from RIOC.

It would be great if other types of food were allowed to be served at Pier NYC such as those offered by the Mobile Food Trucks as well as other existing Roosevelt Island restaurants.

The Island House Ground Lease Agenda Item is in executive session so public will not be able to attend. More information on Island House privatization and Ground Lease available at this previous post.

Sunday Night At Roosevelt Island's Pier NYC - Good BBQ, Views, Breeze and Music, Roosevelt Island Is Changing For The Better

You Tube Video of Roosevelt Island Pier NYC

Sunday night at Roosevelt Island's Pier NYC. John Brown Smokehouse Burnt Ends Sandwich was excellent, views were terrific but just wish that the passing East River NY Water Taxi would stop at Roosevelt Island. The music was much better tonight too.

Did notice that the Pier NYC John Brown Smokehouse Burnt Ends Sandwich was $12 tonight and the same sandwich at John Brown Smokehouse in Long Island City is listed on menu for $10.50. The Pier NYC John Brown Smokehouse menu for Burnt End Sandwiches when first opened was $10.50.

Roosevelt Island Mobile Food Trucks Side By Side - Eddie's Pizza and La Bella Torte Italian Pastries With Pier NYC Waterfront Restaurant Make An Exciting Time For Roosevelt Island

Eddie's Pizza and La Bella Torte Mobile Food Trucks were side by side this evening on Roosevelt Island's West Road across from Starbucks serving hungry Roosevelt Islanders and visitors. I did not have anything from Eddie's tonight but did have the Chocolate Cheese Cake from La Bella Torte and it was very good.

It's an exciting time on Roosevelt Island with the opening of Pier NYC Waterfront Restaurant

 Image Of Pier NYC From RIHS President Judy Berdy

as well as the new food options and competition to existing restaurants provided by the Mobil Food trucks - and more food truck are coming soon.

Also, Main Street Master Leaseholder Hudson Related will hopefully be bringing in some more restaurants to the middle of Roosevelt Island in addition to the new Coach Scot's Main Street Sweets Ice Cream Store that will be opening in a few months.

As one reader put it:

Our little island is growing up ... finally! :-)

I agree.

Margarittaville Comes To Roosevelt Island - Pier NYC Waterfront Restaurant Opens This Weekend, Reviews Are In And They Are Good

Image Of Roosevelt Island Pier NYC

First full day of operations for Roosevelt Island's Pier NYC waterfront restaurant was yesterday. I went in the early evening, had a brisket sandwich from John Brown's Smokehouse and enjoyed the fantastic views, cool breeze and cold beer.

The brisket sandwich was good and I am looking forward to returning. Glad to see that more umbrellas were added covering the tables for protection from the brutally hot sun and the porta potties were moved away from the tables to the area closer to the subway vent shaft.

Here's what Pier NYC looked like last night



and some reviews from first day customers.

From Westviewer:

I just had a great crabcake there!

I was led to a table and was offered only the Santos Seafood Shack menu, which was okay with me this time, since I knew ahead of time what I wanted, but what if I also wanted some BBQ? Did I miss something? Is it possible to have, say, a half-dozen clams followed by some BBQ, served at the same table by the same person? Or, is it possible to just go up to the seafood prep area and order yourself? I know this is the first day and all of this will fall into place, but right now, it's a bit confusing. Is it one restaurant or two? What is the overlap?

and bakgwallo:

So, I will start this by saying it was overall -very- positive. Both my wife and I enjoyed the new place very much. However, I do want to give a fully objective review, so let's start it off.

Our first impressions were great - the greater/wait-staff (especially our waitress) were excellent. The environment/table setup/etc were top notch. The only detraction I might have from the atmosphere was the music - both of us actually liked the selection, but I could see where it might be too loud/new for an older crowd (note that I think it would be fine/perfect for after dark, though, if you are going for the kind of party/dance idea). Table was clean, views are great, the breeze off the water with the lovely umbrella thing really took away from the heat.

For food, we both got the BBQ. I had the pulled pork and she had the brisket. I would preface this and say that I like vinegar based pulled pork and not tomato based. However, I felt that the first half of my sandwich was good, but the latter half was mainly fat (again, some actually like that). We both also agreed that an option to either have it on a roll (as opposed to the white/wonder bread) would have been awesome. Also, perhaps allowing it to be on the side would also be good. The brisket was decent, but, as the better half said, it could be great if it was made with a little more 'love'. All of that said, I was a bit disappointed in the BBQ, although I have never found a really good BBQ place in Manhattan yet, as compared to Texas, Tennessee, Virgina, NC, and even my home town in Boston, so it seems to be a Manhattan thing, lol!

The drinks were pretty good. We originally started with Margaritas. I had a strawberry which was decent. My wife ordered a normal one which (she wanted me to point this out) was pretty bad. It seemed like something was missing in it. However, she switched to a mimosa, and then we both started on strawberry daiquiris which were amazing (note that it was about 100 degrees out and I was with the better half, so I do not feel so bad to order such a fruity drink). I did originally want a Mai Tai which is not served, so I would like to add that a Mai Tai would be -perfect- for the location on the river, lol. I would also like to add that Caipirinhas and Mojitos would be great additions, too.

We finished things off with a few deserts which were very good. In short, we started a bit disappointed but left very happy. Next time, I think we will try the crab cakes/items off the 'normal' menu, as I bet they are a bit better. The only real disappointment for me was the BBQ, which I again stress that I have not found really anywhere here anyways, and I believe it could be pretty easily improved with the above suggestions; my wife's was the Margarita, which is a really easy fix. Overall though, we really loved the place, atmosphere, drinks and desert and we plan on visiting often and left happy and impressed. So, thank you for giving us a nice lunch/afternoon date on the island! Also, hopefully after this we still have that invite for the roof top parties, lol!

Now, all that said - is there any plans on a happy hour ;)

Westviewer adds:

I can't comment on the barbecue, since I didn't have any, but I did think the music was too loud, although my opinion needs to be taken with a grain of salt, since I am one of the "older crowd", I guess)  and I've never liked music in restaurants, even when I was in my twenties.  I don't see why the happy babble of contented diners isn't enough background sound for any restaurant.  No music choice is going to please everyone, and you go to a restaurant to eat and presumably converse with your companions.  Music doesn't help with either goal, and if the music displeases, or is too loud for comfort, actually interferes with both.

Bakgwallo returned to Pier NYC Today for more. According to Bakgwallo:

As an update to my first review - went back today again. This time we tried the crab cake sandwich and it was really good... kind of want to have another one already, lol! Drink were good and service was good again, pretty impressed on the second go. Will try the BBQ again someday- but the crab cakes and the other menu are great for me.

Westviewer, my understanding is that for now, John Brown Smokehouse BBQ will not be on the Pier NYC paper menu but all you have to do is go to the carving area and order the BBQ. As for music, how about some atmospheric Margarittaville beach music from Jimmy Buffet



or just Sitting At The Dock Of The Bay with Otis Redding.



It's going to be a fun Roosevelt Island summer.

GREAT NEWS - Roosevelt Island's Brand New Waterfront Restaurant Pier NYC Opens Tomorrow Morning 11 AM, See You There - Are You Ready For A BBQ Love Ballad?

Image From Thrillist Pier NYC Video

There was a brief one day delay, but just learned that Roosevelt Island's Pier NYC waterfront restaurant, owned by the guys from the Riverwalk Bar & Grill, passed its Health Department inspection today and will be open for business this summer starting tomorrow at 11 AM. A GREAT DAY FOR ROOSEVELT ISLAND.

Aerial View Image of Roosevelt Island Pier NYC From Judy Berdy

Here's a quick tour of the area from earlier today



and one customer, Christopher John, who can't wait for the place to open.

You Tube Video From Thrillist

The menu from this previous post:

BBQ MENU

BBQ Sandwiches

Pulled Pork $8

Pork Belly $8

Rib Tips $8

Lamb Sausage $8

Beef Brisket $9

Burnt Ends $10.50

Smoked Turkey $12

Home Cured Pastrami $12

###

SANTOS SEAFOOD SHACK

Raw Bar Selections

Served with cocktail sauce, lemon, and housemade Tabasco

Oysters

Naked Cowboy

Long Island

Hama Hama

Washington State

$2 each

Oyster of the Day

$MP

Cherry Stone Clams (East Coast)

$1 each

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (four shrimp)

$12

Other Seafood Selections

Rock Shrimp Roll $12

Chilled rock shrimp, celery, onion, charred scallion, aioli, toasted potato roll

Crispy Crab Cake $10

Lump crab, lettuce, tomato, onion, old bay aioli, toasted potato roll

Wild Striped Bass Ceviche $10

Ecuadorian style ceviche, house made tortilla chips

Spanish Gazpacho $8

Tomato and lobster salad, smoked paprika oil

Daily Addition $MP

###

DESSERTS BY ALLYCAKES

Baked with love and fresh ingredients; no preservatives

Specialty Cookies

Mudslides

Classic Chocolate Chip

White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal

$2.25 each

Bars

Chocolate Toffee Fudge Brownies

Macadamia Nut Bar

$3.25 each

Pier NYC Exclusives

Red Velvet Whoopie Pie

Rooseland Munch

$3 each

###

BEVERAGES

Assorted Sodas $2 – 3

Assorted Snapple $3

Assorted Bottled Water $2 – 5

Fresh Squeezed Grey Goose Screwdriver 10

Fresh Squeezed Prosecco Mimosa 8

Frozen Patron Margarita $10

Frozen Bacardi Daiquiri $10

FLASQ Wines: Chardonnay, Merlot & Cuvée Blanc $12

Heineken $8

Heineken Light $8

Corona $8

Corona Light $8

Pabst Blue Ribbon $5

Budweiser $6

Bud Light $6

IPA (YTD) $7

Summer Ale $7

Amstel Light $8

Some readers have expressed disappointment that no vegetarian dishes are listed on the menu:

How about adding any side dishes or salads for vegetarians? I know my husband would love to try you out, but there's nothing for me to eat!

Let's see - maybe vegetarian meals will be added.

See you at Roosevelt Island's Pier NYC.

UPDATE 4:40 PM - Just learned Pier NYC will be open tonight 6-9 PM just for drinks. Cash only.

GREAT NEWS - East River Waterfront Dining Finally Coming To Roosevelt Island With July Opening Of Pier NYC

Image of Roosevelt Island Pier NYC Waterfront Restaurant Space To Open In July

More great news for Roosevelt Island. Earlier today, we learned that an ice cream shop was going to open on Main Street. To double the pleasure, Roosevelt Island subway pier waterfront restaurant will open in a few weeks.

Way back in April I asked:

Will East River waterfront dining be coming to Roosevelt Island's Subway Pier this summer? Imagine being able to sit, relax and eat some good food right next to the East River with these stunning NYC Skyline, Waterfront and Queensboro Bridge views in the evening.

You Tube Video of NYC Waterfront Skyline at Night

The answer to that question is yes and it will happen as soon as the middle of July, if not earlier now that a liquor license for the area has been approved. As reported in this previous post, the Roosevelt Island waterfront food concession at the subway pier was awarded by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) for this summer season to the owners of the Riverwalk Bar & Grill. Co-Owner Sal Hoo reported on some of their initial preliminary plans several weeks ago:

... We thought it would be a great idea to use the space as a waterfront cafe and call it The Pier NYC, serving great food and summery drinks. We are working in collaboration with John Brown Smokehouse and Chef David Santos formerly of PerSe and Bouley to give the residents of the island new food options that they have been desiring. Earlier this year, John Brown Smokehouse was named best brisket in NYC and we will bring that along with other great BBQ menu items. Chef David Santos will bring his expertise of seafood to The Pier NYC and we will be serving items such as raw oysters, shrimp cocktail and lobster rolls. The exact menu is not yet set in stone, but these are the types of things residents can expect from us in this new venture. Being a resident myself I know this can be a great addition and look forward to further serving Roosevelt Island....

Image of Roosevelt Island Pier NYC Waterfront Restaurant Space To Open In July

The subway pier area was an ugly mess and looked like this as recently as a few weeks ago.

Mr. Hoo and his partners have spent the last several weeks cleaning up the pier, scraping off as much rust from the railings as they could and giving it a fresh coat of paint

as well as cleaning up the graffiti on the barrier wall.

Wonder what can be done to get rid of the pigeons though?

The subject of the waterfront restaurant arose during the June 25 RIOC Operations Committee meeting with the announcement of the liquor license approval as well as a discussion regarding the jurisdiction of Community Board 8 to approve a liquor license for Roosevelt Island since Roosevelt Island is under the jurisdiction on NY State and not NY City. Here an excerpt of the discussion.



The waterfront restaurant subject also came up during the June Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) meeting.



I am certainly looking forward to sitting out by the pier with some John Brown Smokehouse BBQ and think it will be great. Bring it on!!

UPDATE 6/30 - Here's an aerial view of the Pier NYC with tables, chairs and umbrellas set up.

Image From Judy Berdy

UPDATE 7/3 - Gael Greene Tweets:

Wish I cud go in a boat. New Pier NYC opens on Roosevelt Island July 6, 11 am to 9 pm with BBQ,seafood & Manhattan vu. Take the tramway. #fb
— Gael Greene (@GaelGreene) July 3, 2012

and Grub Street adds:

Roosevelt Island Gets Waterside Boozing and Barbecue With Pier NYC

Here's the menu and hours of operation from Pier NYC's Press Release:

BBQ MENU

BBQ Sandwiches

Pulled Pork $8

Pork Belly $8

Rib Tips $8

Lamb Sausage $8

Beef Brisket $9

Burnt Ends $10.50

Smoked Turkey $12

Home Cured Pastrami $12

###

SANTOS SEAFOOD SHACK

Raw Bar Selections

Served with cocktail sauce, lemon, and housemade Tabasco

Oysters

Naked Cowboy

Long Island

Hama Hama

Washington State

$2 each

Oyster of the Day

$MP

Cherry Stone Clams (East Coast)

$1 each

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (four shrimp)

$12

Other Seafood Selections

Rock Shrimp Roll $12

Chilled rock shrimp, celery, onion, charred scallion, aioli, toasted potato roll

Crispy Crab Cake $10

Lump crab, lettuce, tomato, onion, old bay aioli, toasted potato roll

Wild Striped Bass Ceviche $10

Ecuadorian style ceviche, house made tortilla chips

Spanish Gazpacho $8

Tomato and lobster salad, smoked paprika oil

Daily Addition $MP

###

DESSERTS BY ALLYCAKES

Baked with love and fresh ingredients; no preservatives

Specialty Cookies

Mudslides

Classic Chocolate Chip

White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal

$2.25 each

Bars

Chocolate Toffee Fudge Brownies

Macadamia Nut Bar

$3.25 each

Pier NYC Exclusives

Red Velvet Whoopie Pie

Rooseland Munch

$3 each

###

BEVERAGES

Assorted Sodas $2 – 3

Assorted Snapple $3

Assorted Bottled Water $2 – 5

Fresh Squeezed Grey Goose Screwdriver 10

Fresh Squeezed Prosecco Mimosa 8

Frozen Patron Margarita $10

Frozen Bacardi Daiquiri $10

FLASQ Wines: Chardonnay, Merlot & Cuvée Blanc $12

Heineken $8

Heineken Light $8

Corona $8

Corona Light $8

Pabst Blue Ribbon $5

Budweiser $6

Bud Light $6

IPA (YTD) $7

Summer Ale $7

Amstel Light $8

and:

... Pier NYC (www.piernyc.com), that is set to open on Friday, July 6th....

... Pier NYC will be open from 11am to 9pm through October 31st, weather permitting....

Credit Cards: American Express, MasterCard, Visa

Reservations: No

Delivery/Take Out: No

Private Events: Yes, after 9pm

Roosevelt Island East River Waterfront Restaurant Taking Shape, Riverwalk Bar & Grill Bringing In John Brown Smokehouse BBQ and Um Segredo Chef David Santos - Community Board 8 Reviewing Liquor License Tonight

You Tube Video of NYC Waterfront Skyline at Night

Last April, I asked:

... Will East River waterfront dining be coming to Roosevelt Island's Subway Pier this summer? Imagine being able to sit, relax and eat some good food right next to the East River with these stunning NYC Skyline, Waterfront and Queensboro Bridge views in the evening...

Good News - turns out the answer to that question is YES, at least for this summer season and on an experimental basis to see how it works out. As previously reported, following a Request For Proposal, the  Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) awarded the right to operate a temporary waterfront food concession at the Subway Pier to the owners of our local Riverwalk Bar & Grill.

Riverwalk Bar & Grill Co-owner Salvatore Hoo shares some preliminary plans for Roosevelt Island's new waterfront restaurant:

We opened Riverwalk Bar and Grill almost 3 years ago and took a risk on Roosevelt Island that few were willing to take.  From the first time we stepped foot here we thought that the West Promenade was a unique space with a beautiful view.   Living here and doing business here since 2009,  we have realized that although unique, the space itself is very run down and underused. The metal gates are rusted and the paint was coming away in many spots. The wood railing had lost the luster it most certainly once had, covered in bird droppings as well as the marble ledge and floor of the space.

We thought it would be a great idea to use the space as a waterfront cafe and call it The Pier NYC, serving great food and summery drinks. We are working in collaboration with John Brown Smokehouse and Chef David Santos formerly of PerSe and Bouley to give the residents of the island new food options that they have been desiring. Earlier this year, John Brown Smokehouse was named best brisket in NYC and we will bring that along with other great BBQ menu items. Chef David Santos will bring his expertise of seafood to The Pier NYC and we will be serving items such as raw oysters, shrimp cocktail and lobster rolls. The exact menu is not yet set in stone, but these are the types of things residents can expect from us in this new venture. Being a resident myself I know this can be a great addition and look forward to further serving Roosevelt Island.

Wow - I am certainly looking forward to BBQ from Long Island City's John Brown Smokehouse. I've been there several times over the last few months and the food is GREAT.

You Tube Video of John Brown Smokehouse

Equally exciting is the participation of Chef David Santos who, in addition to experience at Per Se and Bouley, has been holding extraordinary well reviewed Um Segredo private dinners in his Roosevelt Island apartment.

Here's what the subway pier space looks like in the daytime.

You Tube Video of Walk Around The Subway Pier

Certainly looking forward very much to the opening. I hope the Wi-Fi extends to the Pier. 

Later tonight, Community Board 8 will be reviewing a liquor license application for Roosevelt Island's subway pier waterfront restaurant:

h. Roosevelt Island Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a Pier NYC, West Promenade Pier, Roosevelt Island - New application for an liquor, wine and beer (on-premises) liquor license

Below is a location map for the Subway Pier Area from Appendix A of the RFP

According to a RIOC spokesperson, the only other submission responding to the RFP for the Roosevelt Island Subway Pier Waterfront Food Concession other than the Riverwalk Bar & Grill was:

The second bidder for the West Promenade Waterfront Food concession was D/G Partners and its request was disqualified out of hand for failing to meet the RFP requirements.  If you would like further information concerning the RFP, please submit a FOIL request.

RIOC's original RFP for the waterfront food concession prohibited any alcohol and seating was limited to 30 all within the designated Area 1. That is not now the case. There will be alcohol served, seating for more than 30 (I was told 60 but that is unconfirmed) and tables outside Area 1 on the Boardwalk area 2. Picture below of subway pier south side with chairs and tables from yesterday is for illustrative purposes only and not necessarily how the area will be set up.

 In a reply to this question submitted to the RFP,:

Question and Answer 2 states that no alcohol will be permitted or sold on the site. Question and Answer 6 states that seating is limited to 30 patrons. However, question and answer 11 states that alternative operational plans or elements will be considered.

RIOC provides an explanation for the discrepancy:

The specifications per the RFP are clearly stated that there will be no alcohol and the seating is up to 30 seats. However, the prospective bidder may, in addition to submitting a bid per the specifications in the RFP, submit an alternative operational with changed elements as part of their proposal. This does not mean that the alternative will be approved. The seating is limited to area 1. Area 2 is open to the public.

Whatever difficulties and problems involved in the issuance of this RFP, it will be wonderful to have a waterfront restaurant at the Roosevelt Island subway pier and the plans announced by Mr. Hoo sound terrific.

RIOC Directors and staff have said if all goes well and the community likes this use of public space, RIOC will issue another RFP for the location next year.

UPDATE 6:40 PM - Riverwalk Bar & Grill co-owner Jonathan Hoo adds that chef Alyssa Gangeri of Ally Cakes:

will also be creating new desserts especially for Pier NYC. The menu should be similar to what is attached.