Stop us if you've heard this before, but the much loved East Village restaurant Counter is closing. Someday. Though the restaurant's owner Deborah Gavito first announced she was giving up the ghost back in December and the joint is still jumping, she assures us that the restaurant will be serving its last meal soon enough. After that, looks like the space is going Mexican. more ›

Back in December, we reported that the East Village vegetarian restaurant Counter would be closing at some point in February. But now we are into April and, if you've walked by the First Avenue restaurant you'll know, Counter is not closed yet. So what's going on? They're just "tweaking the final arrangements" of the closing, according to a sign that an EVG reader noted. And what does that mean? It means you've got a few more months to fill up on your veggies in the East Village. more ›

[UPDATE BELOW] East Village vegetarian haven—and organic bar!—Counter is closing. (A moment of silence please.) Last night owner Deborah Gavito sent out an email to her hungry masses which said she sold the restaurant after 8 years in business, and she would be closing up shop sometime in February. For neighborhood vegetarians, John Norris has some tips on where to fill the void: "Dirt Candy, on E 9th St., the old standby Kate's Joint, Gobo." more ›

In the year 2009, omelettes and their cheesy fillings will be delivered in vaporized streams emanating from subway grates like lasers; hickory bacon vapor will only be available through the Astor 6 subway grate closest to Starbucks. Pastrami sandwiches from Katz's will travel through the city's long-abandoned pneumatic tube system to old police call boxes. more ›

Counter, hands-down one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the city (even carnivores would agree!), grew from Deborah Gavito's Union Square Greenmarket pastry stand called Body & Soul. Now, years later, she has a well-established (certified green) roof over her head, but still gives back to the market where her success took root. This Saturday Counter hosts NYC's second annual Organic Beer Bash, pouring over 30 organic beers and ciders from around the world. Admission is $30 (all beer samples and appetizers are included), and proceeds go to the Greenmarket. more ›