"Maybe even in 2014"

So that means more likely in 2015? I wouldn't get too excited, and that's a problem for me since I have an unnatural obsession with lobster.

There is a god.

$15 for four ounces of lobster.
And, lobstermen in Maine are getting about $3.50 a pound right now.
Who is making all that money?

http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2013/08/12/lobster-price-low

Any place focusing on seafood that wants to open near the upcoming GC Oyster Bar does so at its own peril.

You are right about the location Dan. .

Is Calexico ever going to happen??? Just thinking of those few blocks and wondering - what's the dealio?

What this neighborhood needs is more over priced lobster.

Calexico is STILL coming, just been held up by the building dept:

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130829/park-slope/park-slope-calexico-opening-stalled-by-building-permit-delays

Those couple blocks have got to be one of the hottest strips in the city....or will be....

Pork Slope
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Al Di La
Calexico
Blue Ribbon
Luke's Lobster
Bonnie's Grill
Naruto Ramen (great place, if you haven't been)
Le Pain Quotidien (not my favorite, but people seem to like it)

Hottest strip in the city? hahahaha. Pork Slope is mediocre, Al Di La & Blue Ribbon are shells of what they used to be - not worth the $$$ and Naruto Ramen is average and overpriced ramen.

Hopefully the new restaurants will get some of the older places to either step up their game or close down shop. Blue Ribbon was great for years but as soon as they lost their head chef it went downhill. The sushi is fine but not the best in the neighborhood. Al Di La has become way too complacent and lazy in the kitchen. My last meal there was terribly oversalted and heavy handed.

I'm really curious what is going on with Calexico. Zero activity there in months.

Wow, bitter much?

15 years ago there wasn't a thing on 5th Avenue but abandoned storefronts, drug dealers, and a bodega or two. And then Al Di La opened and everyone thought they were nuts.

Now it's flourishing beyond what anyone could have imagined a decade ago. Pardon me for not having as refined as palate as you, but considering that I was here when you didn't even want to walk down to 5th Avenue, it seems hot to me.

I love Al Di La, eat there every couple weeks and it's good as it was when it opened in 1998.

I also still love the fried chicken at Blue Ribbon, some of the best in the city.

I already posted an article about Calexico above. Read it. Should be a couple more months before you can start complaining about them too.

The location is pretty much what I've heard as well.

Luke's serves a mighty tasty roll. Their outpost at Bk Bridge Pk is very good, and I'd say they even edge out Red Hook Lobster Pound in that regard locally. The only other permanent current option is the $30 one at Fish Camp.

We're not in Maine, where you can have one just as good for $10. Whatever. You live in an affluent area. If you can't afford a $17 lobster roll, quit complaining and do something about it. Consider moving back in with your parents, who are probably bankrolling you living in NYC anyway. You'll never live like common people....you'll never do what ever common people do.....

BTW, all the Ramens at Naruto are $9. Hardly overpriced considering they are $13 at Chuko and $11-15 at Totto Ramen in Hells Kitchen.

Right on Sterling. I've only lived here for 14 years - you've got me beat.

Thanks for the lecture on 5th Ave. There is no reason to continue to prop up Al Di La and I'm shocked that you haven't noticed a decline in quality over your 200+ meals.

Considering the Al Di La folks have opened 2 more restaurants in the past 18 months (Bar Corvo and Lincoln Station) it's been impressive how well they've kept the quality at the level they always have at their flagship locale.
Never had a bad meal there. And service is first rate, better than 95% of Brooklyn restaurants.

@sterling - thanks for the update on Calexico... been wondering what was up.

Melt Kraft is open!!

Anybody who claims that Al Di La is a shell of its former self has not eaten there recently or just likes to take a contrarian view. Simply put - Al Di La consistently serves some of the best food New York City has to offer. Just enjoy it.

I've eaten at Al Di La recently, a few times actually. My friends always want to go there when they update their passports and travel over from Manhattan. I've never been blown away, I mean, it's fine, I like what I get, but not any more than most of the other restaurants I frequent. There's NO way I'd wait longer than 20 minutes for a table. Generally, if they're busy, we just go elsewhere. Plenty of good places along 5th and even better ones along 7th.

But, I am excited for this lobster place. I loves me some lobstah!

I work in the Financial District and love Luke's! Thanks to a daily meal stipend, I hit them up at least once a week. Surprisingly, I think the shrimp roll is the best thing on the menu. This is great news.

Ted, The old "move out of the neighborhood" thing is tiresome and really snobby - not everyone apparently has your money, don't be a jerk about it.

Luke's Lobster uses previously-picked, frozen lobster for their rolls. It is 100% flavorless. I really wish they would steam lobsters in the morning and serve the rolls fresh made, instead of the tasteless crap they serve to the masses who don't know what a REAL lobster roll will taste like. Pass.

Slopeadope:

Not true. Luke's uses fresh (not frozen lobster) in all months except January - March when fresh is not available. They also use sustainable means to get their lobster meat. They are one of the "good guys"

http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2009/09/first-look-at-lukes-lobster-in-the-east-villa.html

I agree with that, sterling. Luke Holden's father owns a seafood processing company. The reason he got into the business is because he has such great access to fresh lobster.

Is this still coming?