https://www.otdowntown.com/news/karen-s-quirky-new-york-dines-in-style-at-philippe-chow-FB6030654 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-14T17:28:52-04:00 Karen’s Quirky New York Dines in Style at Philippe Chow https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/1-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-2026_4-10919512_20260714175423.jpg Karen Rempel plays with Philippe Chow’s panda. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/2-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-2026_4-10919516_20260714175423.jpg Philippe Chow’s swanky Downtown location at 355 West 16th Street. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/3-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-202_4-10919517_20260714175423.jpg Karen Rempel and fashion designer Andrea Thurlow are happy diners. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/4-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-202_4-10919518_20260714175424.jpg Philippe Chow’s dumpling sampler. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/5-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-202_4-10919519_20260714175424.jpg Philippe Chow’s signature lychee martini. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/6-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-202_4-10919520_20260714175424.jpg Philippe Chow’s stick-to-your-ribs. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/7-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-202_4-10919521_20260714175425.jpg Philippe Chow’s dishes delight every diner. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/8-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-202_4-10919522_20260714175425.jpg Philippe Chow’s server torches dessert at tableside. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/9-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-202_4-10919523_20260714175425.jpg Philippe Chow’s beignet dessert after the flames are over—as delicious as it is spectacular. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/10-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-20_4-10919524_20260714175426.jpg Philippe Chow’s playful pandas adorn every table. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/11-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-20_4-10919525_20260714175426.jpg Karen Rempel with Philippe Chow panda and passerby. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/12-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-20_4-10919526_20260714175426.jpg Philippe Chow Downtown’s magical entrance. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/13-karen-s-quirky-new-york-july-20_4-10919527_20260714175427.jpg Philippe Chow Downtown’s serene guardian. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/murder-former-super-sentenced-up-to-life-uws-grandmother-EB6030745 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-14T20:14:02-04:00 Former Super Sentenced Up To Life for Murder of UWS Grandmother https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/former-super_4-10919645_20260714201217.webp The murder happened at 126 W. 83 St., where 74-year-old Maria Hernandez lived. Lashawn Mackey had been a temporary super for the building several months before being arrested for Hernandez’s murder. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/rip-mushroom-head-dot-phasing-out-bike-rider-stencil-XB6030563 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-14T21:27:20-04:00 RIP Mushroom Head: DOT Phasing Out Bike Rider Stencil https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/milimg-5861-5746271-10919342-20260714_4-10919342_20260714212707.png Helmeted stick figure rider marking at W 36th St. and 8th Ave. (left); The newer stencil with a bicycle but no rider at W 35th St. and 6th Ave. (right). https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-14-at-5-17-26-pm_4-10919502_20260714212709.png Depiction of “barrel jumper” symbol from 2000 MUTCD. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/doe-earmarks-675m-for-pre-k-special-education-programs-YI6028809 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-14T23:50:31-04:00 DOE Earmarks $67.5M for Pre-K Special Education Programs https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-14-at-12-42-19-pm_4-10918129_20260714124400.png NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani (center) and Education Chancellor Kamar Samuels (right) announced a $67.5 million investment in preschool special education. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/chelsea-downtown-manhattan-events-jul-16-22-IY6032875 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-15T12:07:08-04:00 Chelsea &amp; Downtown Manhattan Events: Jul. 16-22 https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/perelman-performing-arts-via-www_4-10922395_20260715120710.jpg perelman performing arts via www.pacnyc.org https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/madison-square-park-via-www-madisonsq_4-10922399_20260715120711.jpg madison square park via www.madisonsquarepark.org https://www.otdowntown.com/news/red-card-nyc-hotels-say-world-cup-boom-never-materialized-XF6034321 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-15T18:57:07-04:00 Red Card: NYC Hotels Say World Cup Boom Never Materialized https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-15-at-3-29-02-pm_4-10923689_20260715153616.png The Hospitality Association of New York City used FIFA estimates to predict a $300 million increase in room revenue this summer, but with the World Cup coming to a close, numbers have only reached about half that level. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/blame-canada-wildfire-smoke-shrouds-nyc-in-summer-haze-again-NF6034492 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T10:54:20-04:00 Blame Canada: Wildfire Smoke Shrouds NYC in Summer Haze (Again) https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-16-at-11-32-56-am_4-10925772_20260716114515.png July 16 haze on the downtown Manhattan skyline. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-16-at-11-33-03-am_4-10925775_20260716114520.png July 16 haze on looking over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-15-at-11-00-27-pm_4-10923850_20260715230624.png A hazy view in Herald Square on July 15. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-16-at-11-43-58-am_4-10925778_20260716114526.png July 16 haze on looking over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/growing-outbreak-on-ues-59-now-infected-by-legionnaires-disease-IC6026596 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T10:59:02-04:00 Growing Outbreak on UES: 59 Now Infected by Legionnaires’ Disease https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/solomon-r-guggenheim-museum-4805913_4-10916389_20260713151528.jpg A total of 31 buildings on the Upper East Side have tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease, including the Guggenheim Museum on Fifth Avenue (above). Nearly 60 people have been infected. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/55379704127-3c79e045e3-k_4-10916417_20260713151339.jpg City Council Speaker Julie Menin (above) attended a July 7 town hall on the subject, where she pressed health officials about the progress of disease testing. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/affordable-housing-tower-plan-in-east-village-stirs-local-debate-CX6033620 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T11:49:18-04:00 Affordable Housing Tower Plan in East Village Stirs Local Debate https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/turns-underused-east-village-nypd-par_4-10924159_20260715165027.jpg This rendering depicts plans for the proposed 14-story affordable housing complex to rise on what is now a parking lot used for private cars of NYPD officers in the 9th Pct. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-15-at-1-26-10-pm_4-10923004_20260715133604.png The 9th Precinct parking lot at 324 E. 5th St. as it currently stands. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-15-at-1-25-49-pm_4-10923012_20260715133623.png <u><a rel="nofollow" href="https://5thstreetpark.com/">5th Street Park Coalition</a></u> banners seeking community input for more green space in a vibrant public place. While not against building some affordable housing, the community group would also like to see things like playgrounds, dog runs and open green space. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-15-at-1-25-44-pm_4-10922917_20260715133608.png Street view of 9th Precinct parking lot at 324 E. 5th St. as it currently stands. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-15-at-1-26-01-pm_4-10923009_20260715133619.png The Mayor’s Office banner soliciting input for The Aurea. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-15-at-1-25-55-pm_4-10923015_20260715133632.png Another <u><a rel="nofollow" href="https://5thstreetpark.com/">5th Street Park Coalition</a></u> banner pushing alternatives to the current city project. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-15-at-1-26-05-pm_4-10923018_20260715133635.png View of the lot from the entrance. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-15-at-1-26-15-pm_4-10923021_20260715133640.png The 9th Precinct building, located across the street from the parking lot. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/turns-underused-east-village-nypd-par_4-10924156_20260715165026.jpg This rendering depicts a street-level view for the planned development, from across East 5th Street. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/turns-underused-east-village-nypd-par_4-10924162_20260715165027.jpg A rendering of the new development’s entrance at street view. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/hotel-contract-federal-bribery-case-against-frank-carone-BE6035726 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T12:45:24-04:00 Texts, a Hotel Contract and the Frank Carone Bribery Case https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/frank-carone-yan-po-zhu-photo-federal-bribe_4-10927469_20260716123337.webp A photograph included in federal court filings shows Frank Carone (center) with Yan Po Zhu (left), owner of the Long Island City Microtel Inn at the center of the alleged bribery scheme. Zhu and Carone have both pleaded not guilty. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/frank-carone-federal-bribery-case-portrait_4-10927978_20260716123503.jpg Frank Carone, former chief of staff to then-Mayor Eric Adams. Federal prosecutors allege Carone accepted more than $120,000 in bribes to help secure a migrant shelter contract for a Queens hotel. Carone has pleaded not guilty. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/bribery-microtel-long-island-city-migrant-s_4-10928031_20260716123638.webp The Microtel Inn &amp; Suites at 29-12 40th Ave. in Long Island City. Federal prosecutors allege the hotel received a city migrant shelter contract after Frank Carone intervened on behalf of owner Yan Po Zhu. The allegations are disputed. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/fear-and-chaos-in-midtown-east-after-pfizer-building-beam-collapse-HH6009485 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T13:41:26-04:00 Fear and Chaos in Midtown East After Pfizer Building Beam Collapse https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/shot-of-buckled-beam_4-10911586_20260710114756.jpg Workers installed temporary support beams inside the construction project where steel beams buckled and floors sagged on July 7. By July 10, temporary beams on floors nine through the roof of the 37-story building. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/img-2006_4-10898712_20260707220119.jpg A resident of the frozen zone in a dispute with an NYPD officer after being told he cannot return home. Nine buildings in the area were forced to evacuate over fears of a potential building collapse. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/cross-town-bus-turned-away_4-10901586_20260708182700.jpg Cross town buses were still being turned as the street in front of the damaged building at 235 E. 42nd St. remained closed to traffic on July 8, a day after steel beams buckled causing several floors to collapse. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/carpenters-union-truck_4-10901589_20260708182702.jpg The Carpenters Union stationed a truck with the sign “Shame on Metro Loft” at Second Ave. and E. 43rd St. on July 8 to call attention to the developer who is converting an office tower to residential housing with a largely nonunion workforce. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/mayor-mamdani_4-10899758_20260708112743.jpg Mayor Zohran Mamdani addresses the press at the scene of the former Pfizer HQ where there was a partial collapse of several floors in the 37-story building that is being converted to residential housing. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/img-1989_4-10898715_20260707220123.jpg Press gathers on Third Avenue while building workers take questions. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/traffic-allowed_4-10909012_20260709172810.jpg By Thursday, July 9, traffic was being allowed to pass in front of the stricken building (right) on East 42nd Street but traffic was still blocked on East 43rd Street, on the side of building closest to the buckled steel beams. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/laborers-intenational-union_4-10909011_20260709172811.jpg Anthony Williamson (left), business agent and executive board member of the Laborers’ International Union, blasted developer Metro Loft for using non-unionized contractors on the site of the damaged 235 E. 42nd St. building. https://www.otdowntown.com/voices/if-only-taylor-swift-said-i-don-t-to-an-over-the-top-wedding-BX6000650 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T13:53:51-04:00 If Only Taylor Swift Said, “I Don’t” to an Over-the-Top Wedding https://www.otdowntown.com/home/it-s-a-wonderful-life-thanks-to-the-new-york-knicks-LD5984591 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T13:56:48-04:00 It’s a Wonderful Life, Thanks to the New York Knicks https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/mark-and-gwen_4-10871608_20260629121309.jpg They met while working at Fairchild Publications when the two die-hard New York Knicks fans decided to split a season ticket mini-plan. Romance blossomed, leading to marriage and two kids. The writer broke out her prized Walt Frazier autographed jersey to celebrate this year’s NBA championship. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/knicks-parade-brunson-family-tracy-mo_4-10874966_20260629130225.jpg The Brunson family, including baby Jordyn booping grandpa Rick on the nose, at Knicks’ ticker-tape parade. Tracy Morgan seated at right. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/knicks-parade-draws-millions-brunson_4-10874972_20260629130448.jpg The Brunson family including baby Jordyn and mom / wife Ali Marks at Knicks’ ticker-tape parade. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/mark-and-gwen-photo_4-10875381_20260629133850.png The writer, Gwen Westley Sullivan sports her Walt Frazier #10 jersey, personally autographed by Clyde, as she poses with husband Mark Sullivan. Thirty years ago, they shared season tickets to the New York Knicks. https://www.otdowntown.com/features/summer-guide/food-drink-YJ5812706 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T13:57:54-04:00 Food &amp; Drink https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/summer-guide-food-lava-schwarma_4-10693064_20260507100618.jpg Expounding on pickel power at Lava Schwarma. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/summer-guide-foods-chocoloate-babke-b_4-10693067_20260507100915.jpg Chocolate babke from Breads Bakery. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/archbishop-of-ny-receives-texas-goodie-basket-following-nba-wager-FH6009227 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T14:01:36-04:00 Archbishop of NY Receives Texas Goodie Basket Following NBA Wager https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-07-at-2-11-29-pm_4-10898058_20260707141509.png After losing a friendly wager placed on the NBA finals, the Archbishop of San Antonio sent Archbishop, Ronald Hicks, head of the Catholic New York Archdiocese, a goodie basket of Texas treats following the NY Knicks’ triumph over the San Antonio Spurs. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/climbing-couple-arrested-after-proposal-atop-empire-state-building-DF5997234 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T14:10:11-04:00 Climbing Couple Arrested after Proposal Atop Empire State Building https://www.otdowntown.com/news/legionnaires-disease-outbreak-hits-ues-with-23-new-cases-FF6007315 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T14:18:05-04:00 Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Hits UES, With 23 New Cases https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/legionnaires-disease-sign_4-10895954_20260706170118.jpg A warning on the NYC Health Dept. instructs UES residents to monitor for symptoms, as officials investigate the origins of the latest outbreak of Lenionnaires’ Disease. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/closed-circuit-cooling-towers-4-96942_4-10895885_20260706164225.webp Health officials are testing cooling towers in the area for the presence of the disease. Pictured above: a generic example of a cooling tower. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/the-book-cellar-at-webster-library-is-an-underground-hit-GB5344787 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T14:27:07-04:00 The Book Cellar at Webster Library Is an Underground Hit! https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/img-3811_4-9972734_20251203160940.jpg The Book Cellar, located within the NYPL’s Webster branch, is dedicated to selling pre-owned books at incredible prices to the casual book reader and collectors alike. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/img-3815_4-9972855_20251203163049.jpg The Book Cellar volunteers, each responsible for their own book sections depending on their expertise, give generously of their time Tuesday through Thursday afternoons, and on Saturdays. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/developer-pursues-fidi-convert-project-after-midtown-disaster-YF6034357 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T15:39:42-04:00 Developer Pursues FiDi Convert Project After Midtown Disaster https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/screenshot-2026-07-15-at-5-00-23-pm_4-10923841_20260715170309.png MetroLoft is pursuing the residential-to-office conversion at 1 Whitehall Street (above), just as it faces an ongoing investigation in connection with the recent near-collapse of a similar project at the former Pfizer HQ at 235 E. 42nd St. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/shot-of-buckled-beam-4-10911586-20260_4-10924166_20260715165611.webp Steel beams in an office-to-residential project on E. 42nd Street buckled, causing floors and ceilings to sag. MetroLoft, the developer behind the project, is eyeing a new office-to-residential conversion downtown. https://www.otdowntown.com/news/after-nine-hour-hearing-carriage-horse-ban-shows-signs-of-passing-BE6035407 hourly Our Town - Downtowner en 2026-07-16T15:55:53-04:00 After Nine Hour Hearing, Carriage Horse Ban Shows Signs of Passing https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/3e0a5888_4-10929000_20260716125844.jpg The NY City Council’s Committee of Health held its first contentious hearing for “Romanch’s Law,” which would ban horse carriages in Central Park if passed, July 15. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/3e0a5854_4-10924962_20260716125839.jpg The Transportation Workers Union Local 100, which represents the carriage workers, maintained their position of “save the horses, save the park.” https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/3e0a5920_4-10929002_20260716125851.jpg City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who publicly supported the bill introduced by CM Christopher Marte (left), comforted the aunt of Romanch Mahajan, the teen who died after falling from a horse earlier this summer, on the steps of city hall. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/3e0a5982_4-10929003_20260716125854.jpg During the hearing, members of the Mahajan family, in-person and through Zoom, decried the horse carriage industry and pleaded for the bill to pass, to prevent further tragic accidents. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/3e0a5986_4-10929004_20260716125857.jpg The Committee of Health’s hearing was presided over by Chair Lynn Schulman. The bill is currently sponsored by 26 council members, which is the exact number required to pass. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/3e0a5958_4-10929005_20260716125901.jpg During their testimony, carriage workers raised concerns over the livelihoods of their horses and the transferring of the carriage workers to different industries if the bill is passed. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/3e0a5995_4-10929006_20260716125906.jpg Anti-carriage advocates teared up during the testimony of the Mahajan family. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/3e0a5896_4-10929001_20260716125847.jpg Actress Edie Falco, best known for her role as Carmela Soprano in the HBO hit “The Sopranos,” showed up to a pre-hearing rally in support of banning the horse carriages. Falco also later testified during the hearing itself. https://www.otdowntown.com/binrepository/3e0a6036_4-10929017_20260716130438.jpg Curtis Sliwa, a popular NYC Republican political figure, also attended and testified during the hearing in support of banning the carriage horse industry.