Bloc 11 Cafe

Wow, how unfortunate. I was headed here for the first time this weekend and trying to get directions, I came across your postings, instead. This restaurant was named for "Bloc" ideology and is located at 11 Bow street. It's a former bank and has a vault, which is reminiscent of a prison.

The US military operates a drone, called the Block 10 Global Hawk. Block 10 is coincidentally where unthinkable medical experiments were conducted by Nazis in Auschwitz. I think the Holocaust was an abhorrent event in human history and should never be forgotten. I do, however, have the opinion that this restaurant should not feel guilty for its name. If they change it on their own accord -- so be it.

Block 11 Apartments at Hoffman Town Center: http://hoffmantowncenter.com/residential_bl11.html

If you Google "Block" and various numbers you get prison blocks (not all prisons were in Auschwitz) and lots of wines for some reason. Other Blocks include: On Tha Block #1 lil wayne. Block 2: Arkansas Lofts. Block 12, drilling site in Cyprus. And I haven't even started on the "Bloc".

I wonder if German, US and Israeli-Palestinian prisons omit Block 10 and Block 11, like some buildings omit the 13th floor. They should, out of respect.

When I learned the designation "Storm Troopers" originally came from the Nazis, the reference in Star Wars greatly confused me. A very young mind started asking itself if George Lucas hated Jews. I started watching the movie with all sorts of preconceptions about it having a political agenda... and it ruined the Star Wars saga for me. Then, I found Spaceballs and balance was restored to the Universe.

I do think that the posts that attack the Bloc 11 establishment are unecessary and I ask the posters to remove them. I will gladly remove mine. Why create such an unecessary negative association? The association exists in your mind, but why should it be created in all of our minds, now? Why would you do that to us? If it took you years to make this association, perhaps it's not such an obvious one. Perhaps you should reconsider your position.

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What really matters:

Great food, staff, intriguing history and design, lovely outdoor courtyard, games for kids in back, tasteful drinks and bright ambiance. Good prices.

This cafe has the same name as the infamous "Block 11" - the main prison block at Auschwitz! This is in such poor taste...why does no one at the Globe seem to notice this?

Erm, sometimes when you inadvertently name your business after the death block in Auschwitz, no amount of explaining will do. You just have to suck it up and change the signs and letterhead. Maybe even apologize(!). I have no doubt the name of this place wasn't intentionally exploitive of an atrocity, but I do not think ignorance (and subsequent education) is an excuse. No one googled the name before they chose it? If it was on 3 Bow Street and the owners were really into Wilhelm Reich, would they call it Reich 3? Maybe it's not fair, but I won't excuse their ignorance and irresponsible decision to name this place Bloc 11. But this name is outrageous. I thought Diesel was socially progressive, I happily patronized their establishment for years. Knowing what I know now, I'm all set.