🌱 Essex Card Shop Fire + Uncle Lou Open On Mulberry Street

Good morning, Lower East Side-Chinatown! I am your host, Patrick Murray, here to bring you two fresh headlines to get your day started.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny with a high of 42 and a low of 35.

Here are the top stories today in Lower East Side-Chinatown:

1. On Monday afternoon, a two-alarm fire tore through 47 Avenue A, destroying the beloved Essex Card Shop. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Saba Aslam, the daughter of the shop's owner, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help rebuild the business. The community's response has been swift and successful, having raised over $45,000 of the $100,000 goal by Wednesday morning. (Bowery Boogie)
2. Chinatown resident and businessman Louis Wong, or "Uncle Lou," recently opened a new restaurant as part of his lifelong dream to contribute to the exciting neighborhood dining scene. The aptly named Uncle Lou features an extensive menu of Cantonese fare. The eatery is located at 73 Mulberry St., between Canal and Bayard. (PR Web)

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Today in Lower East Side-Chinatown:

• "Swing Shift" screening at The Metrograph. (4:30 p.m.)
• Live music at The Bowery Ballroom. (6 p.m.)
• Live music from Mercury Lounge. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Amazing progress made Animal Haven's very own Carl the cat. (Facebook)
• Some things never change! Historical proof of this found at the Museum at Eldridge Street. (Facebook)
• Join the Lower East Side Ecology Center for an inclusive composting tutorial presented by special guest Belinda Chiu. (Facebook)
• Meet the 29-year-old Bukharian Jew who quit his Wall Street job to open a pickle shop. (JTA News - Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Patrick Murray