Author Archives: Chad Purkey

Name: Trivia Night
Start: 2026-07-02T20:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-07-02T22:00:00-04:00
Location: Putnam’s Pub & Cooker

Dinner Party Gifts

Looking for that just right gift to bring to the home of holiday hosts this season? You’re sure to find the just right gift that a host would love! Stop in.

DINNER PARTY GIFTS

Three 6 oz. bag samples of Brewklyn Grind single original coffee ($18)
Brewklyn Grind 557 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon, (347) 452-8866

Kings County Distillery 3-bottle set of bourbon whiskey, chocolate whiskey & moonshine ($75)
Tipsy 584 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon, (347) 599-1672

Seasonal 2 & 4 holiday packs. Contact the store for specific wine availability ($35-$80)
Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall & Ryerson, (718) 230-9463

‘Best Holiday Ever’ 4 & 6 gift packs available. Contact the store for wine availability ($86-125)
Gnarly Vines 350 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Carlton, (718) 797-3183

Box of Cupcakes are available. Single cupcakes start at $5 dollars and there is a wide variety available . Confections also include pies, cobblers, custom cakes and more.
Brooklyn Sweet Spot 366 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont, (347) 522-2577

Gourmet prepared foods, including pasties, salads, roasted beans and farm-fresh preserves and more, and a special Hanukkah menu which includes sufganiyah (quince or cranberry), box of 6 six for $14 or $2.50 each and latkes (apple sauce and crème fraiche), box of six for $15
Peck’s 455A Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Ave, (347) 689-4971

Looking Festive On Myrtle Avenue

As you stroll down Myrtle Avenue this holiday season you may notice it to be quite festive this year; with red bows on street trees, holiday lights on bank parking lot fences (at Clinton & Myrtle), illuminated snowflakes on light poles and three dimensional stars at intersections. Do not fret if you missed the holiday tree lighting event at the corner of Myrtle and Washington Park, the tree will be up until the first week in January for all the family photos that your heart desires! Share the moments that you capture on Myrtle Avenue with us on social media and don’t forget to tag @MyrtleAveBklyn and #MyrtleAvenue.

Happy Holidays!

Guide to Holiday Grooming & Beauty on Myrtle

Shic by Soketah.

Whether for a party, a small gathering of friends, a date or part of your weekly or bi-weekly ritual, Myrtle Avenue is where it’s at for looking sharp and just right. Please walk-in or call any of the Myrtle Avenue purveyors of groom (beauty salons, barber shops and nail salons) listed below and they’ll hook you right up. Also, looking to unwind – check out the Myrtle Avenue spas for a quick half hour, one hour or two hour “getaway.”

BEAUTY SALONS

Burzh-wa, 507 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand, (718) 237-2815

Gloria Salon, 352 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi, (718) 403-0004

Hair & Co BKLYN, 487 Myrtle Avenue between Hall & Ryerson, (718) 789-2390

Just Because Salon, 141 Carlton Avenue between Myrtle & Park, (718) 722-7810

(Salon) 718, 455 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington, (718) 802-9200

Shic By Soketah, 564 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon, (718) 875-6845/6

Soketah, 563 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon, (718) 875-6845

The Owl & the Pussycat, 154 Vanderbilt Avenue between Myrtle & Willoughby, (718) 522-5697

BARBER SHOPS

Doo’s Barber Shop, 435 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly, (718) 624-8769

Capone’s Barber Shop & Beauty Salon (formerly Julia’s Beauty Salon), 158 Hall Street between Myrtle & Willoughby, (347) 775-9542

Miracle’s Barber Shop, 473A Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue & Hall, (347) 406-2911

Myrtle His & Hers Barber Shop, 349 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi, (718) 637-3955

Ray’s Barber Shop, 331 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park & Carlton, (718) 834-0225

NAIL SALONS

Jenny’s Nails, 154A Vanderbilt Avenue between Myrtle & Willoughby, (646) 591-3136

Mega Nails, 383 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Vanderbilt, (718) 596-1383

Purity Nails, 479 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue & Hall, (718) 398-5888

Polish Nails, 361 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont, (718) 596-6328

Shic By Soketah, 564 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon, (718) 875-6845/6

SPAS

Brownstone Spa, 473 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue & Hall, (718) 398-1968

Swedish, deep tissue, Ashiatsu back walk, and hot stone massages – 50% discount for first timers

JL Wellness, 370 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont, (347) 987-4538

Reiki and massage to aromatherapy and acupuncture

EXTENDED DEADLINE: Open Call For Tree Guard Designs

If you’ve ever walked down Myrtle Avenue, you probably noticed the custom guards and benches lining most of the street’s trees. We are looking to install even more tree guards and are holding an open call for panel designs! New tree guards and benches will be installed in 2016 along Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street and Emerson Place, north of the new Myrtle Pedestrian Plaza.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR DESIGN: Please click here to view the full call for artwork, which includes design parameters and submission requirements. The deadline to submit your design is January 12th, 2016. To download the tree guard template (in Adobe Illustrator), please click here (To use this file, you will need to download the file from Dropbox and open in Adobe Illustrator).

The tree guards provide a ‘canvas’ that reflects local creativity while protecting our street trees – which are valuable in providing shade and filtering fresh air. Since 2011, we’ve selected designs from 40 local artists – from pre-schoolers to professional artists – and installed these designs on more than 80 tree guards and benches along Myrtle Avenue.

The Myrtle Avenue custom tree guard and bench program is supported by a New York Main Street grant program from New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR DESIGN.

Myrtle Avenue Holiday Gift Guide!

The Myrtle Avenue Holiday Gift Guide is here! Grab one at any of our gift shops or on Myrtle Avenue between Hall & Washington Avenue near Zaytoons!

WARM MITTENS
$24 Assortment of gloves and mittens, for men and women
Barking Brown, 468 Myrtle Avenue, (718) 638-3757

COFFEE
$18 Three 6 oz. bag sample of single origin coffee, roasted to order
Brewklyn Grind, 557 Myrtle Avenue (347) 452-8866

BROOKLYN THEMED MUGS
$14.95 Variety of Brooklyn themed mugs and cups available
Green in Bklyn, 432 Myrtle Avenue, (718) 855-4383

BODY CLEANSER & BODY CREAM
$28-48 Grown Alchemist body cleanser and body cream, 16.7oz bottles
Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Avenue, (347) 987-4538

HANDCRAFTED LEATHER WALLETS
$62 Handcrafted leather wallets, four colors available
Leisure Life NYC, 559 Myrtle Avenue, (347) 725-3167

HAND CARVED SOAPS
$8.99 Hand carved Kenyan soapstone elephants
Owa Afrikan Market, 434 Myrtle Avenue, (718) 643-8487

PERFUMES
$8.99 All natural, solid perfumes from India in a variety of scents.
21 Tara, 388 Myrtle Avenue, (347) 916-0045

DINNER PARTY GIFTS

$35-80 Seasonal 2 and 4 packs are available. Contact the store for specific wine availability.
Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle Avenue (718) 230-9463

‘Best Holiday Ever’ 4 and 6 gift packs available. Contact the store for specific wine availability.
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue (718) 797-3183, $86-125

$75 Kings County Distillery 3-bottle box set of bourbon whiskey, chocolate whiskey and moonshine
Tipsy, 584 Myrtle Avenue (347) 599-1672

Can’t find the perfect gift? A Gift Certificate to a favorite Myrtle Avenue restaurant or shop is always a great option!

Gift ideas for Kids: Scooters, Dollhouses & More

Looking for Gifts for Kids? We have some popular options from Myrtle Avenue retailers below, from the teeniest kids to toddlers and up.

Dollhouses from Green in Bklyn.

If you are looking for creative gifts for little one that will support the planet, Green in Bklyn is the store for you! The popular eco-friendly gift shop carries build-your-own doll houses (Victorian homes & cottages), tooth fairy satchels, puzzles, and a variety of stacking blocks that can be used for generations. Find gifts from $10 & up!
Green in Bklyn, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly, (718) 855-4383

Children’s sweaters from Jill Lindsey.

Jill Lindsey, the unique boutique with designer clothing with an in-house coffee and wine bar, is hosting a trunk show that has special hand knit sweaters for babies. The one-of-a-kind pieces are from South Africa and England and range from $65-150.
Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Ave between Adelphi & Clermont, (347)987-4538

Biking gloves from Red Lantern.

Does your kid love riding bikes? If so, head to Red Lantern Bicycles and pick up a safety helmet and a set of biking gloves. It’s a good idea to pile on the protection and this gear might motivate them to ride better.
Red Lantern Cycles, 345 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi, (347) 889-5338

UrbanCycles_Kick Monster_2015 (400 X 533)

Scooters from Urban Cycles.

Looking for a fun gift for kids ages 1-5? If so, consider a scooter! The Ride-On (ages 1-2), the Toddler Scooter (ages 2-3) and the Micro Mini-Scooter (3-5) all give a smooth, quiet ride with non-marking wheels! These are perfect for large indoor spaces as well as outdoors. Kids love curving and carving on these while their weight transfers easily. For kids that are Ages 8+ take a look at the strong, light and easy to carry Kickboard Monster. The monster comes in many colors! Scooter prices range from $45-300.
Urban Cycles, 478 Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Hall Street, (347) 685-4478

Looking for eyewear for your little ones? If so, swing by dc optics and Optical gallery to check out their selection of eye glasses for kids.
Optical Gallery, 446B Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Waverly, (718) 246-2020 and dc optics, 390 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt & Clermont, (347) 504-1121

Help Us Make a Local Difference

“The Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry is a triumph in itself. Before this, residents would travel outside of our neighborhood because we have only one supermarket with one aisle of poor quality produce. Thank you for making our need for fresh food a priority”- Ms. Andrews, Farragut Resident Association President

Here in Fort Greene, many residents face a significant lack of access to fresh, affordable food. Even as new food retail options continue to arrive, some residents with limited budgets are finding it difficult to feed their families, and many have to travel outside of the neighborhood to find affordable options.

Since 2007, MARP has examined the local food system and explored new initiatives that improve access to fresh, affordable food for all residents. From creating a Community Supported Agriculture program, to providing nutrition education at community events, to expanding community gardens on public housing grounds and launching a local Farm Stand – MARP has worked year after year to creatively address this neighborhood challenge in partnership with community leaders and residents.

This year MARP brought together local partners and City Harvest to launch the Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry, a new fresh produce pantry to help fight high levels of food insecurity here in Fort Greene.

Since the opening of the Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry this September, we have:

delivered nearly 30,000 lbs. of produce – FREE of charge – to residents of Farragut, Ingersoll and Whitman Houses
placed nutritious food directly into the hands of over 1,000 households, many including seniors and children
built community relationships with local organizations that want to prioritize the food-related needs of our community
provided on site cooking demonstrations by our community chefs, using available produce and easy affordable, recipes

We’re very proud of our work to address the food access challenges some of our neighbors continue to face. Won’t you please consider an end-of-the-year contribution to ensure the continuation of this initiative? DONATE TODAY!

Your Guide to Fashion Gifts

Myrtle Avenue is for fashionistas. Stop in this holiday season and purchase a gift for the style mavens in your life, even if that means you. Below is a round-up of where to find gifts for your fashion forward friends from local Myrtle Avenue businesses:

Bracelets from 21 Tara.

21 Tara

Dresses, scarves, hats, rings and bracelets with semi-precious stones, shoulder bags, wallets and decorative masks are just a few of the wonderful items available at 21 Tara. Placed around the store on racks, shelves and colorful baskets. 21 Tara, 388 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Vanderbilt, (347) 916-0045.

Winter looks from Barking Brown.

Barking Brown

Barking Brown is a clothing and accessories store that carries clothing, including a range of t-shirts and dresses, bags, jewelry and from local designers and others. The extensive collection of winter hats, gloves and scarves will make you winter-ready for sure. Barking Brown, 468 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue & Hall, (718) 638-3757.

Jill Lindsey offers fashions for both men and women.

Jill Lindsey

Jill Lindsey, the eponymously named store is at once a gift shop (greeting cards, candles and more), clothing boutique (including dresses, men’s suits and bridal wear) and a cafe/lounge. With so many wonderful things under one roof, it’s a “mini-department store,” as owner, Jill, refers to it. Jill Lindsey’s designs have been featured in many fashion publications, including Lucky, Racked, NW Source and Daily Candy. She is known for her “feminine, pretty and fun” designs and special occasion, “party-ready looks.” Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont, (347) 987-4583.

Bow tie from Leisure Life NYC.

Leisure Life NYC

Leisure Life NYC specializes in quality lifestyle products, from men’s clothing, leather goods, accessories to art and much more. The store is a haberdashery men’s club that is inspired in large degree by the owner’s love of vintage fashion and sports memorabilia. Leisure Life, 559 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon, (347) 725-3167.

Colorfully rich textiles from Owa Afrikan Market.

Owa’s Afrikan Market

Owa Afrikan Market was established in 1994 to address the needs of customers living in New York City seeking authentic clothing and crafts from Africa. The term, “Owa”, means ‘home’ in the Edo language. Owa is a fair trade business that buys directly from African artists and suppliers. Stop in for jewelry, ready made clothing or cloth to make your own. Owa Afrikan Market, 434 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly, (718) 643-8487.

Bracelets from Shalena’s Jewelry.

Shalena’s Jewelry

Shalena’s Jewelry offers a curated selection of costume jewelry and accessories. The store helps women discover, celebrate and even reinvent their personal styles with for fun pieces for daytime or evening. Shalena’s Jewelry, 384 Myrtle Avenue, between Clermont & Vanderbilt.

Throwback Thursday: Walt Whitman Library

Image Credit: Old NYC, NYPL.

This week’s Throwback Thursday photo shows the handsome Walt Whitman Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, as it was in the 1930s. The library, which is still open today, is currently eligible to win $20,000 through the NYC Neighborhood Library Awards. But they need your help! Click here to cast your vote for the local branch.

This library on St. Edward’s Street opened in 1908 and was funded by a grant from Andrew Carnegie, which built thousands of “Carnegie Libraries” across the nation. In 1908, when the public library opened at this location, it was known as the City Park Library, due to its proximity to City Park (which is now named Commodore Barry Park). The branch was later renamed to honor Walt Whitman, who had lived in Fort Greene. The name change occurred on Whitman’s 125^th birthday, in 1943.

Interested in more local history? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to catch our weekly #ThrowbackThursday posts.

December Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry

The Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry will be held this Saturday, December 19th, at a new indoor location, the Navy Yard Boys and Girls Club at 240 Nassau Street, between Navy and Gold Streets.

The Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry, operated by the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC in partnership with City Harvest, will provide nearly 10,000 pounds of FREE fresh produce and recipes to residents of Farragut, Ingersoll and Whitman Houses on the third Saturday of each month throughout the year.

Where does the produce come from? City Harvest provides all of the fresh produce to the Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry. With a fleet of 22 refrigerated trucks, City Harvest collects excess food from all segments of the food industry, including restaurants, grocers, bakeries, farmers markets, corporate cafeterias, manufacturers, and farms. City Harvest has nearly 2,000 generous food donors!

We are indoors beginning in December!

When: Third Saturday of each month

Upcoming indoor Dates: December 19th, January 16th February 20^th & March 19th

Where: Navy Yard Boys & Girls Club, 240 Nassau Street, between Navy & Gold Streets

Time: 9:30am – 11:30am

Registration: Starts at 9am on site at the Navy Yard Boys and Girls Club. Only residents of Farragut, Whitman or Ingersoll Houses are eligible to register. Please bring proof of address with matching photo ID & plastic bags for your produce!

Have Questions or Want to Volunteer? Please contact Shaquana Boykin, (718) 230-1689 Ext. 5# or Shaquana@myrtleavenue.org or Shadonae Stanley, Shadonae@myrtleavenue.org

Project Partners: Fresh Pantry is made possible thanks to a partnership with the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporationand Forest City Ratner Companies with help & support from Whitman. Ingersoll & Farragut Resident Association Presidents.

Who’s Your Doggy Now Open on Myrtle Avenue

Sending a big welcome to Who’s Your Doggy, Myrtle Avenue’s newest business. The pet food, grooming, walking and animal rescue store opened exactly one week ago in its new Fort Greene location at 354 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton.

Though love and care for dogs are certainly a major focus of the business, do not let the name fool you, the store offers a wide variety of food, toys and accessories and services for cats too.

Expect a continuation of many of the great ‘pup and people’ events that Who’s Your Doggy is known for as well as a grand opening sometime in January (we’ll keep you posted!).

In the meantime, stop through any weekend in December for pet treat samples which will be given out from the store.

Who’s Your Doggy, 354 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton, (718) 522-5244.

Open Call for Artwork for February Exhibition

Climate Change by Try Harder NYC

For our 4th Annual Black Artstory Month: Some Assembly Required, we are seeking filmmakers, poets, musicians, spoken word artists, actors and visual artists to submit artworks, performances, text, films, or mural designs that respond to our month’s mission:

The month will reflect on the importance and the role of gatherings, groups, collaborations, assemblies and collective conversations in regards to sparking and pursuing social, cultural, political and creative breakthroughs and change within our society: historically and in the present moment.

Keywords and concepts:

Assemblage, Collage, Assemblies, Gatherings, Machines, Tool Kits, Protests, Black Lives Matter, Church, Religion, Unions, “Perfect” Unions, Identity Politics, Gender Politics, Art as a tool, Culture, Multi-Culturalism, Family, Afro-Futurism, Gentrification, Rallies, Rebellions, Intergenerational, Intersectionality, Neighborhoods, Communities, Re-appropriation, Occupy Museums, Race Relations, Police Brutality, Collective Change, Domesticity, Industrial, Collectives, Conversations, Community Action, Performance, Radicality, Machines, Labor.

For additional information and to submit, please contact Daonne Huff at daonnedaonne@gmail.com

Black Artstory Month celebrates the enduring influences and contributions made by African Americans within the visual and performing arts worlds. The month-long event will be taking place from February 1-29, 2016 at venues, storefronts and merchant spaces along Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.

Splitty to Host Weekend-Long Farewell Events

It’s often said that the gift of true comedians is that they are able to bring fun and laughter to situations that are actually not so laughable, whether it be politics or otherwise.

Splitty, the much loved watering hole and bastion of steamed buns located at 415 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Vanderbilt is closing its doors this weekend. And if you’ve gotten to know Splitty like we’ve gotten to know Splitty, you also know that they’ve gained quite a following through their regular comedy shows and live music performances, showcasing lots of new and local talent.

So what does Splitty do on this not so happy occasion of their closing? They kick off their farewell weekend with comedy and they of course bring out the live music, what else? Join Splitty in this turned all the way up, fun-focused all weekend long farewell party. Come out, enjoy and say goodbye.

Thursday, December 10: Final Comedy Show at 8P with Sean Patton, Adam Wade, JO Firestone and more + a DJ

Friday, December 11: Holiday Happy Hour from 5P to 8P plus DJs Pablo and Madeol Desar w/Filet of Funk at 10P

Saturday, December 12: Live Surf Rock by the Mankinis at 9P and DJ Brian Sears (Master of Rare Groove Soul Funk 45s) at 11P

The bright side is (1) that you can still catch owner, Andy, at his first entrepreneurial baby, Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg; (2) the address has been left in GREAT hands (more on that at a later date…we’re going to keep you in suspense!) and (3) if you want a seriously great price on a venue for a private holiday party, contact Splitty at andy@splittyny.com, as you’ll be able to book the space through the end of the month.

Splitty, 415 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Vanderbilt Avenues, (718) 643-2867.

Pic of the Week: Festive Cards at Green in Bklyn

Our pic of the week is of the festive cards at Green in BKLYN! This year the shop has a full line of holiday gift cards. Find cards made from recycled or FSC paper with unique messages like “I want to Believe“, “Merry Chrismukkah” and “Feliz Navidad!” Say ’happy holidays’ in just the right way!

You can also check out the hundreds of other wonderful eco-friendly gifts and household items, including Brooklyn-based mugs, cook books, wine totes, hand bags, quilts, solar backpacks, cool toys for kids, chocolates and more.

Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Clinton Avenues
(718) 855-4383

Where to Shop for Holiday Trees?

We are glad that you asked! Here’s a rundown of the vendors that you’ll find on Myrtle Avenue selling holiday trees, wreaths, and live garland.

Myrtle & Hall (in front of John’s Coffee & Donut Shop at 481 Myrtle Avenue)
Myrtle & Vanderbilt (along the Vanderbilt side of Chase Bank at 402 Myrtle Avenue)
Myrtle, between Clermont & Adelphi (in front of Greene-Ville Garden at 373 Myrtle Avenue)

Not interested in having a tree at home? Come enjoy the lighting of the community tree in Fort Greene Park at the corner of Myrtle Avenue & Washington Park. The lighting event will take place on Sunday, December 6, from 4-5pm. Enjoy FREE hot chocolate, cookies from local bakeries, carolers, Santa Claus, and donate to the toy drive which will benefit children right here in Fort Greene through the Whitman Resident Association and Fort Greene SNAP toy drives.

Rich and delicious ‘hot and sweet special’ at Brooklyn Sweet Spot, $5

Heads up that there will be an upcoming ‘hot and sweet special’ at Brooklyn Sweet Spot, starting next week. A cup of hot, rich, delicious homemade chocolate (made from real melted dark chocolate and homemade marshmallows) will be paired with a savory scone (different varieties offered on different days, including blueberries, currants, raisins and pumpkin) for a $5 dollar special. Yes, you heard correct. Stop in.

Brooklyn Sweet Spot is located at 366 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton. Call (718) 522-2577 for information.

Small Business Saturday is Nov 28: Check Out the Video

Have you seen the new Small Business Saturday commercial on television?

We love it! It definitely brings home the #shopsmall message.

Nov. 28th is Small Business Saturday, and our small biz merchants are ready for you.

Unique gifts, check. Delicious food items, check. Friendly customer service, check. Needed local services, check. Gift certificates ready for gifting, check.

Small Business Saturday is dedicated to helping small businesses do more business because when small businesses thrive, communities thrive, too.

Check out the video here.

Please remember to #shopsmall.

Bette Stoltz

Bette, on left with black shirt

Sending positive thoughts and prayers to the family and very close friends of Bette Stoltz, a long time executive director of the South Brooklyn Local Development Corporation and small business advocate.

Here’s a video Bette’s daughter put together about her career.

“When You Got It, You Got It” Art Exhibit at the Gallery House

The Gallery House is proud to present “When You Got It, You Got It,” a new art exhibition showcasing the work of queer artists. Two receptions will be held, Tuesday, December 1st and Thursday, December 7th.

Original works will be raffled off with the proceeds donated to the queer detainee empowerment project.

What: Gallery House Presents a fine art group exhibition

When: Tuesday December 1st and Thursday December 7^th 2015 from 7:30pm – 11pm

Where: Gallery House, 272 Clinton Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205

Gallery House is a unique, private gallery space that is used to host fundraising, fine art exhibitions at absolutely no cost. The only parties that financially benefit from our exhibitions are the artists and charitable organizations involved. This historical Brownstone dating back to 1877 is being meticulously restored while being graciously used by artist. Gallery House is a Clinton Hill program of the DGT Foundation, Inc.. Gallery House is dedicated to the sharing of ideas pressing our world today by giving back to the local community through hosted receptions. We aim to gather and communicate said ideas through art, music and other types of artistic expression. For more information, visit Gallery House at www.galleryhouse.org.

Help Us Continue to Create Opportunities for Local Youth

Help Us Continue to Create Opportunities for Local Youth

“If I didn’t have this entrepreneurial opportunity on Myrtle Avenue I would probably be just a kid sitting around on my couch all summer long with nothing to do. I would be without any professional experience. I also wouldn’t have all of the abilities that I now have and can take further when I graduate from high school or even college”.
-Quentin, 16 years old, Clinton Hill Resident & YEMP Participant

Nearly ten years ago we created a program that would impact the lives of local youth living in our Fort Greene & Clinton Hill neighborhoods. We wanted to connect local teens to opportunities in their neighborhood by exposing them to entrepreneurship and summer employment with local business owners.

Since it’s inception, nearly 200 teens have successfully completed our Young Entreprenuer Mentorship Program (YEMP). Overwhelmingly, the summer opportunity serves as a first time job experience for the students, who are all between the ages of 14 and 18. Students commit for 7-weeks, working with business owners for 20 hours per week. They also spend five hours per week in a classroom, learning about entrepreneurship and preparing a business plan for the final class presentation. Their salaries are paid by our organization, so there is no financial burden on businesses to participate.

In their day-to-day work with the business owners, students learn valuable skills related to running a successful business. They are being exposed to new concepts and learning valuable life lessons, including being on time, accountability, problem solving, and communications. They are meeting new friends and earning some money for the summer, in many cases easing the parental financial burden of back-to-school preparations.

At the program’s end, students are sometimes hired by the very businesses where they worked for the summer. It’s a win-win all around. Your support will help us to continue programs like this that benefit the entire community.

Will you make an end-of-the-year contribution to support summer employment opportunities for local youth? DONATE.

Pic of the Week: Gnarly Vines Holiday Six Pack

Our Pic of the Week is the Gnarly Vines Holiday Six Pack. The wine shop has three different packs for that thanksgiving meal that always calls for a special pairing.

The wine shop delivers and also has extended hours on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving from 10am-10pm and Thankgiving Day from 10am-4pm.

2015 Gnarly Vines All-Red American Dream Thanksgiving Four-Pack is available for $145
(15% off the $172 Regular Price!) and includes some of the shop’s favorites including:
2012 Montebruno Kathken Vineyard Pinot Noir – Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
2013 L’Ecole No. 41 Frenchtown Red – Columbia Valley, Washington
2010 Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon – Santa Barbara, California
2010 Banknote Wine Company ‘The Vault’ Cab/Zin Blend – Napa Valley, California
All-Red American Dream Thanksgiving Four-Pack

The 2015 Gnarly Franco-American Thanksgiving Six-Pack for the worldliest of Holiday tables is available for $112 (15% off the $131.50 Regular Price!) and includes:
2014 Domaine Pelaquie Tavel Rose – Rhone Valley, France
2011 Pascal Granger Chenas – Beaujolais, France
2013 Pull Eighty Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Oregon
2013 Domaine Denis Berthaut Hautes-Cotes de Nuits – Burgundy, France
2013 Fritz Zinfandel – Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California
NV Gruet Blanc de Noirs Methode Champenoise Brut – Albuquerque, NM

If you are thinking globally then think local and consider the:
2015 Gnarly ‘I Heart NY’ Thanksgiving Six-Pack is available for $107.50
(15% off the $126.50 Regular Price!) that includes:
NV Slyboro Hidden Star Hard Cider – Granville, NY
2013 Dr Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli – Finger Lakes, NY
2013 Red Newt Cellars Gewurztraminer – Finger Lakes, NY
2013 Wolffer Estate Cabernet Franc – The Hamptons, Long Island, NY
2012 Paumanok Festival Red – North Fork of Long Island
2012 Shinn Estate Wild Boar Doe – North Fork of Long Island, NY

Where to Pre-Order Favorite Thankgiving Foods

Feeling overwhelmed with the holidays coming? Take it easy and let our local Myrtle Avenue businesses help with the meal. Whether at Peck’s, Key Food, Greene-ville Garden, Khim’s Millennium, Mr. Coco or Fresh Fanatic, stop in for your produce, meats and other market selections , From turkeys to sweet potatoes, stuffing / dressing and other sides, our food shops have a variety of offerings to make your Thanksgiving memorable and delicious.

See some of the specials from Peck’s, Greene-ville Garden and Fresh Fanatic are listed below. Check this post regularly between now and the big Turkey Day for any updates:

Turkeys
Peck’s is selling local, pasture raised & organic (uncooked) turkeys from Oink & Gobble Farm at $7.49/lb.

Greene-ville Garden has Jive Turkeys for sale, starting at $3.49/lb. If you miss Jive Turkey, the fresh, delicious fried turkey cafe that used to be located at the corner of Myrtle and Clinton, here’s your chance again.

Fresh Fanatic is offering free-roaming, antibiotic, and hormone free turkeys at $3.69/lb as well as organic free-roaming birds at $5.49/lb.

If you don’t feel like cooking the bird, inquire about their Turkey Breast Roulade at Peck’s or order the Brooklyn Own Jive Turkey (deep fried) at Fresh Fanatic for $79.99. Flavor options include Cajun, Roasted Garlic, Fresh Herb, Classic and Jamaican Jerk.

Cheese & Chacuterie Boards
Peck’s is also offering a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and accompaniments. Small Boards are available for $70 (serve 8-10) and large boards are available for $140 (serve 16-20).

Sides & Soups
Soups like butternut squash, tomato and basil and turkey chili sell at Fresh Fanatic as well as a great variety of side options like mashed red potato, truffled root vegetable mash, roasted beets, turkey gravy and more for 4.99-6.99. Click HERE for the full list of offerings.

Peck’s is offering close to ten different sides ranging from $10-$12 each and portioned to serve 2 to 3 people. The variety of sides ranges from sausage & sage stuffing and no lump gravy to orange & star anise cranberry sauce and fried brussels sprouts with tahini. Breads like mini Gougere, mini corn muffins and maple biscuits range from $8-$9 for half dozen. For more options, click HERE.

Thanksgiving Dinner on Myrtle Avenue

If you and your friends did not attempt to roast a turkey check out this list of Myrtle Avenue restaurants that are serving special Thanksgiving meals this holiday.

Putnam’s Pub & Cooker Thanksgiving Dinner
2015 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu offerings include Sweet Potato & Andouille Soup
(made with maple crème fraiche, spicy pepitas) $8, Roasted Turkey (heritage turkey, garlic mashed potato, cornbread stuffing, roasted brussel sprouts, orange-cranberry sauce) $26, and Butternut Squash Farrotto (served with candied walnuts, dried cranberries, gorgonzola, crispy sage $18. Dessert options include: Pumpkin Cheesecake with pumpkin seed brittle, and cranberry coulis $8, and Blackberry Pear Crumble with housemade vanilla ice cream $8. Additional sides are sweet potato mallow, green bean casserole, and cauliflower gratin.
Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, 419 Myrtle Avenue at Clinton Ave

Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene
From 2pm-until 10pm Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene will be serving a 4 course prix-fixe menu $75. More details coming soon.
Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene, 378 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi St & Clermont Ave

‘Grand Closing Celebration’ at Polish Bar of Brooklyn

After a decade of pampering and of keeping Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Greater Brooklyn residents on point and fashion forward, the Polish Bar of Brooklyn, the popular nails and beauty boutique, located at 475 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street, has decided to close its doors.

In an email from owner Tricialee Riley to Polish Bar customers on Thursday, she shared news of what she calls the “Grand Closing Celebration,” which will take place on Sunday, November 22nd 4PM to 6PM. Reasons for the store’s closing were cited as ‘personal growth and career development’ (“this celebration is particularly special to me to celebrate the end of this chapter and the start of a new. Closing this business has been a difficult, yet necessary step in personal growth and career development. I will be moving forward working privately as brand consultant and commercial/residential real estate broker.”)

Please note that the store will remain open for business until the end of day on Wednesday, November 25th, closing permanently on Thanksgiving Day. Meaning, there is still time to “polish up” for any planned Thanksgiving activities by making an appointment at the front desk or online.

More from the owner: “I cannot say enough about the love and support the community has shown me, my brand and most importantly my team. I will be forever grateful for the kind gestures, kind words and support from patrons and city agencies. When I started my business my goal was to bring something fresh and new to the beauty industry and our beautiful Brooklyn. Not only am I confident this has been achieved, I take personal pride in how Polish Bar has set the standard for beauty services in Brooklyn and inspired many of the businesses that followed behind us.”

Well stated. Polish Bar of Brooklyn, you will be missed. Thank you for helping to beautifying our lives in Brooklyn. Wishing you the very, very best in the next chapter.

Please stop in on the store’s grand closing festivities on Sunday, November 22nd, where they will celebrate rounding out 10 years in business as a pioneer neighborhood beauty bar in, what else — grand style, as only they know how. Please stop in to mix and mingle to give a toast.

11th BID Annual Meeting & Holiday Happy Hour

Please join the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership for the 11th BID Annual Meeting & Holiday Happy Hour on Monday, December 7, 2015 from 5:30pm – 8pm at SoCo, located at 509 Myrtle Avenue between Grand & Ryerson.

Join us to celebrate our achievements, look ahead to 2016, and network with fellow Myrtle Avenue property owners, merchants, and residents over festive drinks. All property and business owners, as well as residents who live or own property or a business within the BID boundaries, are eligible to register as BID members and vote in the elections. Registrations must be completed by Nov 27, 2015 in order to vote this year. The BID boundaries include all lots and buildings facing Myrtle Avenue between Flatbush and Classon Avenues. To clarify if your property, business or residence is within the BID boundaries, please call Chad Purkey at (718) 230-1689 ext. 6#.

Click to RSVP