BRICK RESPONDS
In a comment on this site, Brick owner John Ginty responds to allegations—made here and elsewhere—that his restaurant was hosting inappropriate events: “We appreciate the concern of the community. There was no party held on that Thursday. We were told it was something much different and when we saw the flier we canceled immediately, even before anyone complained we canceled the party and were closed at 10:00. I can be reached anytime at 212-577-2725. We are committed to providing a pleasant dining experience to all and do not wish to bring anything but positive events to the community. The police have been notified and have done many inspections through drivebys. Not one has been substantiated. We look forward to doing business in and with Tribeca community. Thank You for your business and concern.”

IN THE NEWS
••• “Four Star Financial Fix for Celeb Chef David Bouley” says the New York Post: “The famed restaurateur is facing foreclosure on his $2.5 million Tribeca condo and appears to be $80,436 in debt on his eponymous eatery” [FYI “eatery” is my least favorite word in the world] “in the same building, the Mohawk. Bouley bought the three-bedroom condo in 2007. He also purchased two units on the ground floor and moved Bouley restaurant there in 2008. He allegedly stopped paying the condo’s mortgage in February 2009, and in December, Bank of America started the foreclosure process in Manhattan Supreme Court. Bouley owes $105,004 on a federal tax lien, according to a court document, and roughly $18,000 in outstanding state taxes, a state spokesman said. The 56-year-old chef insists he’s no deadbeat. According to his controller, Mark Stiel, Bouley was renegotiating his condo mortgage when they were blindsided by the Dec. 11 foreclosure filing. The debt on the retail units in the Mohawk building is part of a larger dispute with the landlord, who has allegedly failed to obtain a certificate of occupancy, Stiel said. The federal tax lien was canceled out by an incoming tax credit, Stiel added. He blamed a paperwork error for any outstanding state taxes, and said Bouley is repaying the debts.” And then the Village Voice says, “for a chef who used to rule Tribeca, this is just the latest in a protracted and very public fall from grace.”
••• An article in the London Telegraph says that cupcakes are “the latest get rich quick scheme.” Anyway, it mentioned Tribeca Treats, which is nice.
••• Tribeca designer Ghislaine Viñas shops for turquoise merch for the New York Times.
••• Something called Space on White has opened, per BroadwayWorld.com: “Space on White hosted its invitation only grand opening celebration for actors, artists, musicians, and supporters. Space on white is a socially conscious, artistically centered collection of studios in Tribeca. […] Space on White’s walls will feature artwork and photography by some of NYC’s up and coming visual artists including Ibra Ake, Jessica Faller, Maximilian Rauber, Lillian Farang, and Evan Spiler. Space on White allows Individuals or organizations to rent out space that caters to acting, music, dance and the visual arts. Born through the inspiration of founder Chasten Harmon (currently performing in Broadway’s hit musical HAIR), Space on White encourages collaboration and growth for artists and their audiences. With open, spacious designs, Space on White provides a blank canvas to nurture the creativity that is most important for artists. From classes, to workshops, to performances, to readings, to mixed media events Space on White is the artist’s dream pallet.”
••• Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel were spotted by a paparazzo leaving their Tribeca apartment (Just Jared). And evidently Biel ate at Edward’s. Oh, come on, someone out there cares….
••• And while we’re on the celebrity beat: The Jazz Loft Project’s blog recounts a meeting at the Archive of Contemporary Music: “One interesting thing we learned that night is that behind ACM’s Tribeca brownstone is the two-story apartment of Leo DiCaprio. We peered out across the alley, Rear Window-style, and leered at Leo’s hip, downtown crib. We didn’t see him anywhere. He was probably at the gym, or he was a block away at Tribeca Grand bar having a martini. You could tell Leo’s place oozed hipness, with a soft copper glow. He’s got an outdoor pool crammed into the alley in between his place and ACM. The pool was covered by a stretched sheet or awning of semi-translucent outdoor fabric which is lit from beneath. The scene looked minimalist Japanese.”

COMING UP
••• Vestry Wines hosts a tasting with A Donkey and Goat Winery’s owner/winemaker Jared Brandt (March 3, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)