I went out venturing Friday and crossed several bridges on a drive to Brooklyn. I felt like Alice in Wonderland! It’s such a great big, energetic and inviting city. I’d been there before, but mostly by subway, which is actually a better alternative given the traffic. But, after I’d found parking (not easy) I loved walking its wide streets.
My motivation was to check out a referral that Amanda Wiss of Urban Clarity had recommended for one of my Remarkable Women’s Network events–Linger Cafe. I’d emailed the owner, Jessica Pichardo, to figure out when to visit. She was enthusiastic, gracious and welcoming.
I arrived around noon, found Jessica seated in the window area of her cafe and accepted a cup of chamomile tea with gratitude. Jessica told me all about her new venture–less than 5 months now–and her vision for Linger. It’s an inviting space as much for moms with strollers sitting over coffee, businesspeople grabbing a bite and discussing a deal, or groups listening to music and enjoying community with friends and neighbors. I loved its feel. Jessica’s vitality and spirit exude from every inch of the space.
After telling Jessica about my mission–to give successful entrepreneurial women a place to meet each other–which dovetails perfectly with her vision of creating a warm and friendly environment for people to gather, we set a date: Monday, February 22 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
If you’re a remarkable woman who wants to meet other remarkable women in a meaningful way in a space that’s conducive to that purpose, sign up today.
All that you have written up to a point is true. Unfortunately Jessica has taken to not being sensitive to the residents surrounding shared garden and behind her establishment. In a quest to gain more business by playing excessively loud music in an outside space that is shared with all the residents of the building. She has ignored the requests and basically had her managers refer complaints to the building owner Barbara Paley. She has spurned the residents in the surrounding area to start a petition and possibly take legal action.
I must say in a positive note she has brought the surrounding community together, I hope not to the demise of her establishment.
Unremarkable woman – seems like it is just business as usual!!!
I appreciate the comment posted and have indeed received complaints over the last few days.
However, I need to clarify with all concerned parties including Community Board 2 that Linger Cafe & Lounge had no relation to the art opening party/Biergarten launch held at the De Castellane Gallery in partnership with NuNu Chocolates other than serving food. As per proposal food was cleared by 9pm and Linger Cafe, open for regular business, and closed by 10pm.
After cleaning, I closed up shop by 11:40 and the party at the gallery was still going, alcohol was still being served. I certainly appreciate why the residents complained, but Linger Cafe & Lounge is not responsible for that party.
This past weekend ArtWalk was held and the afterparty took place Saturday from 6-9pm.
DJ equipment was provided for, setup, and picked up by the AALDC/ArtWalk. As advertised by ArtWalk, the party was adjourned at 9pm. The afterparty was sponsored by
ArtWalk and Atlantic Gardens with the Biergarten (cancelled) organized and heavily advertised by the De Castellane Gallery and NuNu Chocolates. I am happy to forward copies of the info currently available online.
I need to stress that Linger Cafe & Lounge has nothing to do with the Biergarten, which inspired these complaints since it was a disruption to the neighbors Thursday night. It’s not my policy to have loud music on a weeknight. I aim to be a sensitive and respectful neighbor. And I’m happy to invite my neighbors who have been inconvenienced to visit Linger and get a feel for the lovely environment I’m creating which provides enjoyment, good food, and comfort to many in the area.
I also wanted to address the ‘unremarkable woman’ comment which I am taking personally and is completely inconsistent with my commitment to building this community through the arts. During this ArtWalk weekend, I featured artist Inga Poslitur, whom I met through the Remarkable Woman evening here at Linger earlier this year. I am such a strong proponent of building this community as I live just four blocks from Linger and work passionately to bring art and music which is such a beautiful way to bring people together. I am deeply hurt by this personal attack and the facts need to be clarified. Both Linger Café & Lounge and me, Jessica Pichardo’s reputation needs to be restored and I welcome the opportunity to invite anyone who has been inconvenienced to visit and get to know Linger and myself. Thank you.