[The War on Fun by Wilfrid, April 27, 2007]
Congratulations to the Zum Schneider family, celebrating in style their lease extension through 2021 with three days of free beer and sausages (too late, ya missed it). Their settlement with a pesky landlord (citing noise complaints, of course) includes the landlord's consent to maintain the sidewalk cafe (this is one of the few places in the neighborhood where al fresco refreshment can be taken).
In the Tides articles above, mention is made of the role of restaurants and businesses in making previously forbidding parts of Manhattan safe - fun, even - after dark. Zum Schneider, on the corner of Avenue C and 7th Street, was a true pioneer. Along with Esperanto, a few blocks up, it was one of the few outposts of enjoyment five or six years ago on a strip which now boasts a string of bars, lounges and restaurants. The popular bar gathered 3,800 signatures for its petition to stay open (including mine).
Proost to you too, bier guys.
