Hiho Batik Space on Fifth For Rent

 

Hiho Batik has been one of the more unique business in Park Slope since it opened in September 2012. The kid-oriented boutique and art space is divided into three sections: a shop up front selling clothing and accessories made on-site, a party/ DIY batik space in the middle, and a workshop in the back. And while batik (the art of using wax and dyes to create an image on fabric) is a pretty cool artform, it appears as if there's not enough business to support it: A "For Rent" sign has recently gone up in the front door.

According to LoopNet, the 1,200 square foot space is available for about $7,000/ month, and it's zoned for retail, medical, or dental use (no food). It was listed on Feb 27.

Real Estate Office Opens in Former Cog & Pearl Space on 5th Avenue

 

It's been nearly two years since a fire destroyed mom-and-pop jewelry shop Cog & Pearl, on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Sackett Street, and after a thorough renovation the space's next tenant, an office for real estate company Space Marketing Shop, has opened in its place.

Cog & Pearl was in business for 12 years before a devastating fire on May 1, 2014 completely destroyed it and more than $100,000 in handmade jewelry, furnishings, clothes, and gifts. Owners Kristin Overson and Seth Walter left corporate jobs to start the business, and are still planning their next act.

There's no shortage of real estate shops on Fifth, but in this hot climate more and more firms want in on the action. Manhattan-based SMS specializes in "high-end residential properties in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn," according to its website, and current Park Slope listings include 490 5th Avenue and 709 Carroll Street.

Manhattan's Fiat Cafe to Open Second Location in Former Cubana Cafe Space

Well, that answers that: A month ago I asked if Cubana Cafe, on the corner of Sixth and St. Marks, was closed for good after being shuttered for several months. Over the weekend, window signage went up indicating that the space's next tenant will be a casual Italian restaurant called Fiat Cafe, which has a location on Mott Street between Spring and Kenmare in Nolita.

The restaurant has a fairly extensive menu of traditional breakfast and brunch dishes, and the lunch and dinner menu includes antipasti, salads, panini, pasta, and a handful of entrees. Coffee and espresso also seem to be specialties. It's very reasonably priced; panini average $8 and pasta dishes $9.50, and it has four Yelp stars with more than 300 reviews.

Cubana Cafe was decent but decidedly nothing special, and an inexpensive and relaxed Italian restaurant seems like a perfectly acceptable addition to the area.

Momo Ramen Coming to 78 Fifth Avenue

A new ramen shop is in the works at 78 Fifth Avenue between St. Marks and Warren, in the space previously occupied by Pierre Loti Wine Bar, and before that Bistro Canaille.

Called Momo Ramen, it'll join the slew of other ramen shops that have opened in the area in recent years, including Zuzu Ramen, Naruto Ramen, Ramen Yebisu, and the insanely popular Chuko in Prospect Heights.

There's an unfortunate lack of any details or social media presence online yet. One thing we can probably be sure of, however, is that it has no connection to chef David Chang's Momofuku empire. That said, the more hot bowls of noodles and long-simmered stock the better.

Open for Business: Duman Home, 159 5th Avenue

A new home goods store opened last week on the corner of Fifth Avenue and St. Johns Place. Called Duman Home, it's the second location of a shop that owner John Duman opened on Court Street in 2013.

The charming boutique sells plenty of items for the home, ranging from sheets, pillows, and towels to tote bags, Fishs Eddy tableware, candles, and bathroom items. Aprons and some other kitchen tools are also for sale, and come the Holidays there will also be ornaments and decorations on offer.

With the sprawling Laytners closing recently after a nearly six year run on Union Street, there was a major hole in the market for high-quality home goods in the North Slope, and this fills the gap nicely. You might even recognize a familiar face or two from the Laytners staff here if you shopped there regularly.