FIRST IMPRESSIONS: GRAND BANKS
Grand Banks, the raw bar (and more) on the Sherman Zwicker schooner docked at Pier 25, is simply magical.

CHEAP EATS: THE DOWNTOWN EDITION
Reading New York magazine’s “101 Best (New) Cheap Eats” was a bit depressing for the downtown reader—only five were below Canal—so let’s take the matter into our own hands.

SEEN & HEARD
••• 7/7: Steven Alan Home Shop is not closing just yet. Plus: New pizzeria opening forecast; Batman replaces Superman; the Bullett Shop pop-up has left; Strawberry closing; 1 World Trade Center’s red vents.
••• 7/8: Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar update. Plus: A peek inside Washington Market Tavern; Cercle Rouge’s Bastille Day party; “Broad City” filming here; new smoke shop; Greenmarket update; misters at Dahlia’s; inside 443 Greenwich.
••• 7/9: Yet another nail salon? Plus: A peek inside Fulton Center; roundup of new construction projects; Cafeteria postponed from CB1 tonight; progress at Lilly O’Brien’s new space; Capital Audio.

READE STREET PREP PRESCHOOL’S MANDARIN IMMERSION OPEN HOUSE – JULY 17
Supported by native-speaking teachers, Reade Street Prep’s Mandarin Immersion preschool students achieve high levels of language acquisition, character recognition and production, and tonal mastery—all while developing an appreciation for one of the world’s fastest-growing cultures. In a full immersion environment, the curriculum features kid-friendly vocabulary topics; Chinese character study; song and dance with Chinese lyrics and instruments; art, theater, and role play. Join us on Thursday, July 17, from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. to learn more about our program! RSVP to natalie@rsprep.com; 77 Reade, between Church Street and Broadway; 212-513-7735. Sponsored.

IT’S ABOUT TO GET HOT IN HERE….
Bikram Yoga NYC has found a space in Tribeca.

IN THE NEWS
••• 7/7: Criminal summons court still unresolved. Plus: No hotel at 346 Broadway; Battery Park City Authority’s general lack of community representation; drones in Rockefeller Park.
••• 7/8: The telecom hives of Lower Manhattan. Plus: Crumbs crumbles; the case for preserving 84 Walker; finding a beagle; Sushi Dojo expansion plans include Avenue B; World Trade Center plaza; Once Upon a Tart meeting.
••• 7/9: Dead rat found in Chop’t wrap. Plus: Photos of the original Hedwig and from the Rocky Horror film shoot; 30 Park Place selling well; police blotter; Mr. and Mrs. Smith work out.

LOFT PEEPING: NICOLE NAJAFI
When fashion entrepreneur Nicole Najafi started using her home as her office and showroom, she knew she had to redecorate it. Take a look around….