This big Pink Building, actually known as Big Pink or simply The Pink Building, sits majestically at the corner of Orchard and Grand Streets on the lower east side of Manhattan. The building was formerly the home of Ridley & Sons Department Store and, though recently sold for the sum of $27 million, is landmarked so cannot be bulldozed or have its exterior altered. Small victories.
All Photos By Gail
The choice corner lot that formerly housed Tiny Fork Oyster Bar (RIP) is now home to a bright and casual Southern-Inspired bar and dining hall called The Derby. While this lower east side neighborhood has its share of up-and-coming eateries boasting a farm-to-table ethic, as far as location goes, you probably couldn’t ask for a better spot to enjoy an early summer evening dinner. Weather permitting, the front room keeps the doors and windows open to the street while the rear dining area remains flooded with natural light from its east-facing span of tall windows. The vibrant yellow-painted metal chairs, dark wood tables and antique bistro lighting (possibly left over from the space’s previous incarnation) add to The Derby’s welcoming vibe. Of course, the people watching is excellent.
Continue reading The Derby: Southern-Inspired Dining on the Lower East Side