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Coming soon to Franklin: Bollywood Bar

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    1. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      brownstoner » Last week the Indian restaurant Bombay Masala, on Franklin Avenue between St. Marks and Prospect Place, petitioned Community Board 8 to open up a bar next door. The space, at 678 Franklin Avenue, is currently a liquor store. The business will be called “Bollywood Bar” and will only serve wine and beer. There are also plans to occasionally host live musical performances. It will not be an expansion, as Bombay Masala serves food and Bollywood Bar will only serve alcohol. CB8 approved the liquor license application. No word on the opening date, though.

      http://www.brownstoner.com/blog/2012/01/bombay-masala-adding-a-bar-on-franklin/#disqus_thread

      I'm not sure what they envision, but my version would be inebriated fun while watching Bollywood movies on big screens.

      ....it's all about the dance scenes and the romance!

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    2. xlizellx
      xlizellx

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      whoa, whoa, whoa ... what I take away from this is that the liquor store is closing??

      I know that Wino(t) has been doing well with wines, but where do you buy the hard stuff on the avenue? Nothing north of Eastern Parkway now on Franklin Avenue! I wonder if that'll change quickly....

      Although... it says there will be live music. This could be fun!

    3. whynot_31
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      Mrs Whynot and I have already begun practicing singing along with Indian Movies for what we hope will be an open mic.

      Xlizellx, come to Washington Ave for the hard stuff. Rub Capt Morgans belly for good luck, like my neighbors

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    4. whynot_31
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      I'm wondering if the music will be "Indian", and what type of Indian.

      As a result of having a billion people, the country produces all kinds of music.

      Here's a song selected at random from you tube.

      [+] Embed this video

      There are rock groups and rap groups too.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    5. dailyheights
      dailyheights

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      I was obsessed by "Jaan Pehechaan Ho" for quite a while. It's really sad the way it is misinterpreted in that horrible Heineken commercial.

    6. dailyheights
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      Actually.
      THIS is what I want to hear on the jukebox when "Bollywood Bar" opens up on Franklin Avenue between St. Marks and Prospect Place:

      Vijaya Anand - Aatavu Chanda (Dancing Is Beautiful)
      http://hypem.com/item/1cpsg

    7. armchair_warrior
      armchair_warrior

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      wait not a booby bar?

      Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
      I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure).
    8. dailyheights
      dailyheights

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    9. dailyheights
      dailyheights

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      If you don't LOVE this one, I can't help you anymore. This is like 1987 in an alternate universe:

      I think the best part is when they "break it down" and they are all wearing sparkly Curtis Sliwa "Guardian Angel" berets. But there are a lot of brilliant moments here.

    10. armchair_warrior
      armchair_warrior

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      only problem i have with bollywood movies are why the hell does it seems like every movie does a Micheal Jackson dance? lol

      Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
      I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure).
    11. dailyheights
      dailyheights

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      Because, this one was shot in 1987, so "Thriller," red leather jackets, and warbly pirated Michael Jackson cassettes would have been the height of pop culture at the time in New Delhi.

    12. whynot_31
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      dailyheights said:
      Because, this one was shot in 1987, so "Thriller," red leather jackets, and warbly pirated Michael Jackson cassettes would have been the height of pop culture at the time in New Delhi.

      I'm not sure one new bar will be able to bring Franklin Avenue to that level of excellence, but I am rooting for them nonetheless.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    13. tsarina
      tsarina

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      geez, that is a great liquor store, not to mention wine store. Its a great loss for the neighborhood.

    14. whatchuwant
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      whynot_31 said:

      Xlizellx, come to Washington Ave for the hard stuff. Rub Capt Morgans belly for good luck, like my neighbors

      That guy's a prick (the owner, not Capt Morgan). Go to Grand Army Liquors- nice guys and they deliver!

      "...you can choose the rain....but I choose the sun..." - N. Costa
    15. eastbloc
      eastbloc

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      Long live wino(t)! A few more bottles of brown stuff wouldn't hurt, but they have everything else we need.

    16. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      The guy at Love's Liquors has never been a prick to me.

      ...and I remain thrilled at the opportunities presented by Bollywood theme Bar.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    17. whatchuwant
      Whatchuwant

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      whynot_31 said:
      The guy at Love's Liquors has never been a prick to me.

      Probably because you behaved within his realm of acceptability. When/if I ever get off this bed rest/or have this baby and I run into you, I'll tell you the tales.

      He's just like his brother. Treats his employees like shit.

      "...you can choose the rain....but I choose the sun..." - N. Costa
    18. ilovefranklinave
      ilovefranklinave

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      Is it really going in the liquor store? Why not in the empty space next door to the liquor store? Then whynot can dance his pants off and xlizellx and I can still cure what ails us without hiking to Washington for a nip. (I realize this isn't how things work, but still . . .)

    19. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      If Brownstoner is correct, they will be taking over the liquor store:

      Maybe you can convince the liquor store to re-open in the space that is presently vacant. If you are unsuccessful, just take Whatchuwant's advice and get liquor delivered.

      However, if you look at the comment section of the Brownstoner thread, there is a poster that goes by "Garnett" (ahem). If Garnett is correct, they are going to take over the Realty Office that is to the RIGHT of the restaurant, and you will not have to come to Washington to get a nip.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    20. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      ...let's get back to the music and romance!

      [+] Embed this video

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    21. ilovefranklinave
      ilovefranklinave

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      Talked with the owner last night - he is indeed hoping to open in the Ebita space, and the bar, as planned, will serve Indian beers and wine, have a back garden connected to the one behind the restaurant, and feature Bollywood tunes, including some live performances. It sounds like there's a lot to be down between now and opening day (including getting CB 8 approval), but these guys seem pretty savvy.

    22. ilovefranklinave
      ilovefranklinave

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    23. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      The more time Mrs Whynot and I have to practice, the better it will be for everyone.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    24. xlizellx
      xlizellx

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      ilovefranklinave said:
      Talked with the owner last night - he is indeed hoping to open in the Ebita space, and the bar, as planned, will serve Indian beers and wine....

      Whew.

    25. eastbloc
      eastbloc

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      Indian beers? Wow, what a treat. Not.

      India's main contribution to beer history is having had such abysmal brews that the English preferred to ship beer from home, and thus invented the IPA which was robust enough to make the long trip without spoiling.

    26. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      ^good point^

      Let's sneak in hard stuff from the liquor store.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    27. whynot_31
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      I am please to announce that if Bollywood Bar does not open (or opens, but sucks), we have another option in Brooklyn!

      Brownstoner is reporting that a similarly (silly? Brave? folloish? great?) theme bar opens today in Sunset Park!

      Nearly a year ago we toured the 20,000-square-food jungle-themed nightclub coming to Sunset Park on 47th Street between 2nd and 3rd avenues, but Jaguars 3 is only now opening. As Grub Street reported, the restaurant portion opened February 22nd serving up modern Italian dishes. As for the nightclub making its debut tonight, it consists of three floors of animal displays, fake palm trees, waterfalls, and dance floors now open to the public. Check out a few more interior shots after the jump.

      http://www.brownstoner.com/blog/2012/03/jungle-themed-club-opening-in-sunset-park-today/#disqus_thread

      P.S. I think that's a cheetah up there!

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    28. booklaw
      booklaw

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      No. It's too robust to be a cheetah. Probably a jaguar, possibly a leopard.

    29. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      cheetah:

      jaguar:

      leopard:

      Booklaw, I agree. In addition to its size, the markings are definitely most similar to jaguar.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    30. armchair_warrior
      armchair_warrior

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      i need some cheetah blood for my car to make it go faster.

      Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
      I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure).
    31. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      Update: The Ebita Reality Group is gone! Men are in the space doing construction.

      Mrs Whynot may head to Jackson Heights to purchase an appropriate dress.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    32. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      Update: The space is fully renovated. The construction tools are gone. The space is clean.

      A banner stating "Bollywood Bar Coming Soon" hangs on the Ebita awning.

      Still appears to be needed: Tables and chairs. Beer. Disco lights. Singing.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    33. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      The DOB has delayed its opening!

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    34. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      An article is written about the delay: Click Here

      The penalty: $15k plus a delay.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    35. epiclylaterd
      Epiclylaterd

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      Wow! What a bummer (kinda.) On the other hand, if you're an existing business owner, shouldn't you know something like this? I would think it's common knowledge that you can't build or add outside without permits. With that said, I'm sad to see any business owner down 15 grand. Very costly mistake.

    36. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      Upon closer reading, this seems to be worse:

      13k in fines +
      15k for a deck +
      Some additional amount to remove said deck +
      Several months delay; paying for an empty space.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    37. epiclylaterd
      Epiclylaterd

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      Not to mention whatever amount was already spent remodeling the inside and converting it from office to bar and rent that's been paid since occupying the space. Steep investment for something that will take a long time, if ever, to see the light of day

    38. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      While Bollywood Bar may never materialize, I trust that similarly cheesy venues will be built around the arena.

      ...I do not believe that I will have to resort to trekking to Sunset Park to the jungle themed restaurant that serves Italian food (see above).

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    39. whynot_31
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      Punjabi fans, I am sorry to give you bad news-

      Last night (10/21/2012) I had dinner at Bombay, and asked th manager if and when they ever expect to open Bollywood Bar.

      He stated that he expects it to be several months, and stated he believes he is in the final staages of resolving the DOB problems.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    40. eastbloc
      eastbloc

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      Statist pigs.

    41. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      Inexperienced aspiring moguls?

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    42. tsarina
      tsarina

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      Fear not Bollywood fans. A new Indian Food Restaurant with incredible decor and unbelievable movie fare is already here in the old Apache bakery space on Prospect near Nostrand. It is quite out of the world and its on seemless. Enjoy!

    43. whynot_31
      whynot_31

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      Sounds awesome.

      I will dine on Nostrand next time for this reason alone.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

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