This is such a great blog. I could not agree more. We live across the street. I really miss Les Deux Gamins.

There's a great book out there called Influence by Robert Cialdini. He discusses six weapons of influence. One is scarcity (perceived scarcity will generate demand. For example, saying offers are available for a "limited time only" encourages sales). These chumps are obviously trying to exploit "scarcity." It's silly, but I am sure plenty of morons will get sucked in.

I too live in the neighborhood, and think this restaurant's idiotic "design" destroys the character of what was previously a picturesque and iconic corner. It's amazing this design was not subject to some kind of architectural review board approval process.

I only hope that others feel the same way -- perhaps the neighborhood can get together and start a protest or petition, maybe get it in front of CB2.

I live very close. This is the opposite of what the village used to be (and I still hope to believe) is about. It's a community, first and foremost. A neighborhood that was built on inclusion of all different types of people. Not a mall or playground for those who now deem it 'safe and clean enough' to turn into a downtown version of Uptown.

I consider myself a bit of trendy little yuppy fashionista as much as the next person, even though have lived here for about 12 years. I find myself in chic places like this every once in a while. But I'm not sSO full of myself that I would even bring myself to patronize a place that's more concerned about their pretentiousness than they are about their neighbors.