Author Archives: Chad Purkey

Support Us During Construction: Hard Hat Specials

Specials for Construction Workers _ Myrtle Avenue PlazaIf you are a construction worker and are looking for a place to grab a bite on Myrtle Ave, look no further and head over to our eating & drinking establishments located in the footprint of the Myrtle Avenue Plaza construction (between Hall Street & Classon Avenue). Here you will find over 20+ discounts only for you!

Come dressed in your hard hat or present a DDC ID to receive these special hard hat deals!

Share the link with co-workers: myrtleave.org/hardhat

Brooklyn’s First Cat Cafe to Open on Myrtle Avenue

Image Credit: Brooklyn Bridge Animal Rescue Coalition

Image Credit: Brooklyn Bridge Animal Rescue Coalition

The Cat’s Meow, Brooklyn’s first cat cafe, will open its doors on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene on Saturday, September 19.  The cafe, which will be a pop-up business, will stay open until October 24, as reported by the Fort Greene Focus.

Located at 354 Myrtle Avenue, the shop will be stocked with cute, furry friends for customers to play with.  Many of the cats and kittens will be available for adoption, which you can do for just a $100 fee.  This fee provides you with spaying/neutering, microchipping and vaccinating your new pet.

Go-to drinks and snacks will be available in the new cafe, and the are sourced from nearby businesses Red Lantern Bikes and Cafe and Brooklyn Sweet Spot.  A percentage of sales will support the Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition.

Once the pop-up cafe closes, pet supply and grooming store Who’s Your Doggy will open in its place.  Who’s Your Doggy will be moving from its currently location, just one block away on Willoughby Avenue.

Cat’s Meow, 354 Myrtle Avenue, between Carlton and Adelphi.

Fresh Juices & Smoothies Now at Myrtle Bagel

juice-freshMyrtle Bagel, now offers fruit smoothies and fresh fruit and vegetable juices. The small (10 ounces) or large (16 ounces) options are available for $4.99 and $5.99 respectively. Fruit and vegetable choices are quite extensive with mangoes, bananas, cantaloupes, oranges, apples, honeydew, carrots, watermelon, spinach, kale and lettuce.

Choose any one of Myrtle Bagels suggested juice or veggie combinations or choose any of your own for a custom combination.

Myrtle Bagel, 410 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt and Clinton Avenues. 
(718) 858-4916.

Anchor & Plow Opens in Fort Greene

Anchor & Plow in Fort Greene

Charlotta Janssen, an accomplished artist and pioneer in the Fort Greene restaurant landscape (Chez Oskar and Lola Bklyn), teamed up with Monir Gamany, a seasoned general manager to bring a new vision to the space at 387 Myrtle Avenue. Monir has worked with well known chefs and restaurateurs in New York City and together, with Charlotta, they are introducing a new farm and sea to table concept with a Mediterranean slant to a newly reshaped menu that unites a variety of palates.

We saw the opportunity and necessity to cultivate and bring a full dining experience where herbivores, carnivores, pescaterians and omnivores can sit down in a unique and shared connection of fresh refined and locally sourced wholesome fair. With Mediterranean flavors and spices in mind we wanted to bringing diverse palettes to the same table sharing charismatic cocktails and delicious wines.”

Staying true to our commitment of bringing fresh locally grown ingredients, Monir also designed a cocktail menu true to the spices and seasoning of the Mediterranean region. They chose small wine producers and expertly paired wines that compliment the Mediterranean flavors found on the menu. Anchor and Plow’s newest addition, Executive Chef Lazlo Beregszaszi, is a seasoned talent who will bring unique specials and new menu items regularly.

Anchor and Plow will be holding their grand opening on Thursday, September 10th, at 5pm and will be open 7 days a week for lunch, brunch and dinner.  They invite local carnivores, herbivores, pescatarians or omnivores to please come, to bring their critical taste buds and share thoughts on the new menu.  With the fresh addition of a seasoned team, this dynamic space with its romantic garden, not only provides a new staple restaurant to the neighborhood, but also a great event space that can host your next celebration or event.

Anchor & Plow, 387 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt & Clermont Avenues.

 

 

Back to School Welcome to Our Local Schools

SONY DSC

SONY DSC

Sending a big hearty welcome and welcome back to all students who will be starting the school year tomorrow as well as those who have returned a week and two weeks ago. Wishing you the very best for the school year.

If there is anything we can help with here on Myrtle Avenue, please call or email to let us know. In the meantime, we think you’ll find our handy website student guide to Myrtle Avenue helpful. It’s chock full of information about student discounts, local job listings and more.

Connect with us on our social media networks @MyrtleAveBklyn for the most up-to-date Avenue news, discounts and opportunities.

Polish Bar of Brooklyn Offers Monthly Beauty Memberships

Polish Bar of Brooklyn New SpaceCalling All Fashionistas, Budgetnistas and Self-Care Mavens: The Polish Bar of Brooklyn kicked off its monthly subscription services last month, offering some of the beauty boutique’s most popular services at an up to 45% savings. This exciting new monthly membership initiative gets you unlimited monthly services at bargain prices. $45 per month will get you unlimited manicures and $75 per month will get you unlimited waxing services or unlimited manis and pedis.

What’s more, signing up for the monthly membership subscription gets you access to bonus savings and VIP booking status (priority in and out service).

Through this new service, Polish Bar has helped to up your nail game. Try new designs and polishes and be ready for a quick change from work to the theater to a party at the drop of a dime, or at the least the time it will take you to get to the salon and back.

Inquire in-store on how to get started today.

Polish Bar of Brooklyn, 475 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Hall
(718) 622-5363
polish bar

Now is the Time to Open Your Business on Myrtle Avenue

Open Sign (2)

If you are looking to open a business, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is here to help you find the perfect location.  Currently, along Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, there are ten available retail spaces, and with a growing population and number of retail spaces available within new construction buildings, it’s the perfect time to explore opening your businesses right here.

To begin to see if Myrtle Avenue is right for your business, review the Summer 2015 Quarterly Real Estate Report, which has a list of available spaces and provides an overview of what types of businesses Myrtle Avenue consumers are currently looking for.  The report also highlights new shops and restaurants who have signed leases and are slated to open soon.

What’s in Demand

After conducting a retail assessment and consumer survey in 2014, we found that there are several types of businesses that are both under-represented and ones local consumers have the dollars to support (but are choosing to spend elsewhere due to a lack of availability on Myrtle Avenue).  These business types include:

  • Specialty Food Retail (particularly a full service butcher)
  • Casual Dining (particularly quality, grab-n-go or counter service, restaurants)
  • Full service gyms
  • Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt

Humo Smokehouse-Ribbon Cutting-Kathryn Kirk (5)

Where to Open Your Business

With ten spaces currently available to lease, there’s a variety of locations, sizes and amenities available for you to choose from.  A couple of highlights include:

  • 364 Myrtle Avenue: This newer construction building offers 1,500 square feet on the ground floor with a large basement.  Located just two blocks from Fort Greene Park, the storefront is on a bustling block that is dominated by locally-owned businesses (Jill Lindsey boutique, Brooklyn Sweet Spot cupcakes and the new Gentleman Farmer restaurant.)  Across the street, Walgreen’s provides a major anchor that further draws out many customers to this block.
  • 81 Fleet Place: Located at the corner of Fleet and Myrtle, this newly constructed building has over 11,600 square feet retail space currently available for lease and is divisible up to seven storefronts.  This building is one of three currently rising along Myrtle Avenue near Flatbush Avenue Extension, adjacent to Fort Greene Park, Downtown Brooklyn and Metrotech.  Leasing is currently underway, with the building slated to be available for occupancy in late 2015.

Resources for Prospective Businesses

In addition to reading the Quarterly Real Estate Report, we invite you to contact us to learn more insider information about the Myrtle Avenue commercial district and how your business might best succeed here.  Also, save the date to attend the next Quarterly Real Estate Breakfast on Wednesday, October 7th at 8:30am at 81 Fleet Place (on the corner of Fleet and Myrtle).  The breakfast will allow you to connect with brokers and property owners who have available commercial spaces and to learn more about doing business on Myrtle Avenue.

To learn more, please contact the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership at (718) 230-1689 ext 6#.

Sandbox’s Mobile Crew Offers Door-to-Door Mail Pickup

Sandbox van - tryingWrapped van, check. Customer friendly crew, check. Ready for your call, check, check.

Sandbox Pack & Ship, located at 417 Myrtle Avenue, now has door-to-door mail pick up service available. The mobile van is available to pick up packages and mail from local residences, including apartment buildings as well as large and small businesses.

The new mobile service is the direct result of feedback from several local seniors who expressed difficulty in getting to the post office and requested more a door-to-door service. This feedback was shared during MARP-coordinated neighborhood focus groups and an older adult forum, all held over the past year and all aimed at learning how to make the neighborhood, particularly Myrtle Avenue, friendlier to older adults. MARP has since been designated an Age-Friendly Neighborhood.

“The impetus for the van was the feedback from seniors and we are committed to doing just that. We decided to broaden the vision though, and we’ll accommodate basically any of our neighbors who reside in our local pick up zone and who give us a call,” shared Stanley Green, Sandbox owner.

The mail is brought back to Sandbox Pack & Ship where it is shipped using a wide range of land, sea or air options for worldwide shipping, including USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL, with a focus on offering the fastest and most affordable options.

Sandbox Pack & Ship is located at 417 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt and Clinton Avenue. Please call them at (347) 599-2819 with questions or to arrange mail or package pick up.

Sandbox_for blog

Become a Karaoke Star at Brooklyn Eats on Myrtle

microphone - finalMondays are karaoke nights at Brooklyn Eats on Myrtle. Step up to the mic on Monday nights from 8PM to 11PM at Brooklyn Eats on Myrtle for their weekly karaoke nights. Belt out your favorite song like you mean it.

Here’s a chance to show off your vocal prowess. Impress your friends, co-workers or strangers at the bar.

Be the star we always knew we could be.  Yes, you are a singer — regardless of what our friends say.  😉

While at Brooklyn Eats on Myrtle, enjoy delicious cocktails at the bar and dinner too, with a wide variety of scrumptious menu items, including vegetarian chili, macaroni and cheese and burgers and fries.

Brooklyn Eats on Myrtle is located at 474 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street.  They can be reached by telephone at: (718) 789-5000.

Brooklyn Eats Mac and Cheese

 

Enjoy a Labor Day Staycation at Lucky Lotus Yoga

11880405_1047686771908607_7902736144976129029_nDon’t have the energy or desire to skip out of town for the end-of-summer three day weekend?  Relax locally by escaping for a few hours at Lucky Lotus Yoga on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene.  On Monday, September 7th from 4-6pm, the yoga studio will be offering a staycation special that will allow you to relax, heal and reset.

The Staycation special with Ade will offer a two-hour session that includes a essential-oil facial steam towel, mini facial massage, a mini body massage, all followed with a personally tailored acupuncture treatment.  All of this is included for the special’s $75 price.  To enjoy, you must book an appointment ahead of time by e-mailing luckylotusyoga@gmail.com.

Lucky Lotus Yoga, 334 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Park and Carlton.

FREE Kids’ Self-Defense + Anti-Bully Class at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Capture_bullyWe love that Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offer free kids’ self defense classes.

If you missed last week’s, here’s another chance.

Free self-defense class at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Fri. September 4th at 4:30pm (not 5pm like the flyer says). Children 6 years of age and older are invited to participate in this FREE ‘No More Bullies’ class to learn self defense moves and prevention tips.

Class is open to girls and boys. 

Please click here for registration information.  Space is limited, so hurry.

Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is located at 412 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Vanderbilt. They can be reached at (718) 403-0067.

bully

Gentleman Farmer Opens this Week in Fort Greene

Gentleman Farmer_finalGentleman Farmer Fort Greene located at 378 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Clermont, chose a quiet opening this week, opening for dinner this past Monday night.

The much anticipated restaurant features a seasonal menu which marries French traditional and New World ingredients and has a special focus on game.

Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene is the sister restaurant to chef and owner Karim Nounouh’s other culinary location of the same name, Gentleman Farmer, which has been located on the Lower East Side since 2010.

Some of the restaurant’s menu items include: onion soup, curried snails, salmon tartar, foie gras torchon, beet salad, seared sea scallop, pheasant pate & foie gras (appetizers) and mushroom ravioli, red snapper, rack of lamb, seared codfish, venison steak, smoked duck breast and bison short ribs (entrees). Currently: the restaurant is open 7 days per week for dinner at 6pm and is BYOB. Expect lunch options within the next two weeks as well as beer and wine soon.

Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene is located at 378 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Clermont, Seats at the 20-seat restaurant are available by reservation or walk-in: contact@gentlemanfarmernyc.com or call (929) 295-0784.

Gentleman Farmer _not final

 

Open Studio for Brooklyn Weavers in September

Weaving Hand

Each month, Brooklyn Weavers Guild members enjoy open studio time at Weaving Hand. Members are welcome to weave on looms to create new projects, or can bring their own looms to develop and share projects that are underway.

This monthly session is a great time to get feedback or help from Weaving Hand staff and other guild members or,  to pursue projects independently. To find out more about Open Studio for Brooklyn Weavers’ Guild Members email info@weavinghand.com

Weaving Hand, 47 Hall Street, Section E#1, 2nd floor
(718) 855-5666

Jill Lindsey 1-Year Celebration on Myrtle Avenue

Jill Lindsey Photos (1)This Saturday, Jill Lindsey, the eponymously named boutique, which features a cafe, fashion boutique with custom clothing designs, home accessories, a gift shop and so much more, kicks off her 1-year anniversary celebration on Myrtle Avenue. The event will take place this coming Saturday, August 29th from 1pm to 9pm and will be marked by live music, “lots of smiles”, festive drinks and tarot card readings.

Please stop in!

Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Clermont
(347) 987-4583

Jill Lindsey_1 year

Three Businesses on Myrtle Ave Celebrate Anniversaries This Weekend

glitterThree Myrtle Avenue businesses are celebrating their anniversaries this weekend. What to expect: Fashion catwalks, old school hip hop great, other live music, cocktails, appetizers and tarot cards, lots of laughter and fun. Whew — stop in at all three! Big CONGRATS to our businesses for helping to make Myrtle Avenue great! Wishing you many, many more years of success.

LEISURE LIFE

Wishing you the best on your second year, Leisure Life! Grand Puba & Friends are on the mic this Friday, 8/28 at Leisure Life. Enjoy appetizers, drinks and browse the store’s very Brooklyn- and otherwise local- centric art and fashion collections while head bouncing as the Grand One spits hits like Slow Down, One For All and Wake Up (Sunshine) , 8PM – 12midnight.  Check out more details here.

JUST BECAUSE SALON

Happy 8th Anniversary Just Because Salon! Enjoy raffles, music and giveaways as models strut down Myrtle and Carlton Avenues showing off the latest in fashions featuring local designers and hairstyles courtesy Just Because Salon this Saturday, 8/29, starting at 12PM . A wonderful day of beauty for all.  Click here for details.

JILL LINDSEY

First birthday blessings Jill Lindsey! Live music and drinks, fun and games, including tarot card readings at Jill Lindsey’s this Saturday, 8/29 from 1PM to 9PM as the shop celebrates year one in grand style. Enjoy delicious food at the cafe or check out the custom made and ready to wear fashions, accessories and home decor and more.  More information can be found by clicking here.

Just Because Celebrates 8th Anniversary with Annual Outdoor Catwalk

Just Because_catwalkCome out and see models strutting down Carlton and Myrtle Avenues in Just Because Salon‘s annual catwalk and hair show. The event celebrates the salon’s 8th year in business for and is the third year that they are celebrating with that the Avenue strut.

The celebration will feature models strutting down Myrtle and Carlton Avenue, just outside of the salon, showing off stylish fashions and hairdos, many of the fashions by local designers, all hair and makeup by Just Because Salon. Please stop in and support. Fashion, food, prizes and fun.

This is also a good time to stop with any makeup, hair or beauty tips or set up a consultation. Raffles and giveaways for salon hair, makeup or other beauty  services will be given away throughout the day. Don’t miss this fun, annual affair. Stop by to wish Just Because a happy 8th anniversary.

Just Because Salon is located at 141 Carlton Avenue, just north of Myrtle. They can be reached by phone at: (718) 722-7810.

catwalk_Just Because

Grand Puba Performing at Leisure Life’s 2nd Anniversary Party

LEISURELIFE PUBAIn celebration of Leisure Life’s 2nd anniversary in business on Myrtle, they’re giving you a bit of the old school and the new. Come out and celebrate at Leisure Life, 559 Myrtle Avenue on Friday, August 28th,

Is anyone as excited as we are that Grand Puba’s coming to the Ave, and mad curious at the ‘& Friends’ part of this. Is it KRS-One (faint), or some of the other Brand Nubian greats we know and love? Please stop in to enjoy Grand Puba perform some of his great hits, enjoy the music of Twilite Tone and to enjoy all of the other anniversary fun Leisure Life has planned.

Leisure Life is located at 559 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place and Classon Avenue. Please call (347) 725-3167 for further information.

Water Interruption Notice for 8/22

water interrruption advisory_8-22-15The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) released a Community Advisory Notice for Saturday, 8/22.  Water service on Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Classon will be interrupted some time from 8am to 6pm.

If you have any construction-related questions, please contact the DDC Community Construction Liaison (CCL) Chris Fields at myrtleplazaccl@gmail.com or (718) 857-3283.

If you’d like to receive updates on plaza construction and its impacts on Myrtle Avenue, please sign-up here.

FREE Kids’ Self Defense and Street Awareness Class at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Stranger Danger_kidsFree self-defense and street awareness class at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Fri. August 21st at 5pm. Children 6 years of age and older are invited to participate in this FREE ‘Stranger Danger’ class to learn street awareness tips, including how to recognize and avoid dangerous street situations.

Please click here for registration information.  Space is limited, so hurry.

Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is located at 412 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Vanderbilt. They can be reached at (718) 403-0067.

stranger danger flyer

Navy Green Townhouses and Condos Available

Navy Yard townhousesNavy Green Townhouses and condos available for sale.

Each 3,000 square foot-plus townhouse in Navy Green has three to four bedrooms, two full and two half bathrooms, a media room, large laundry room, and garden with patio. The first floor of each townhouse is open and floor-through, creating a dining area and a large living area that opens onto the patio.

Nineteen 3 BR ($1.9M) and 21 BR ($2.1M) townhouses and condos available.

Please click here for sales flyer and further information.

Please note that the contact information below should be used for further inquiries about this project, not our office:

Navy Green Sales Gallery; 130 Flushing Avneue; navygreen@hpdmny.com; (718) 878-1770.

AFROPUNK AFTER DARK on Myrtle Avenue

Afropunk After Dark Fort Greene on Myrtle Avenue BrooklynAFROPUNK FEST will creep into the streets, bars, and restaurants of Myrtle Avenue with a series of official after-parties. AFROPUNK AFTER DARK will take over select venues and transform Fort Greene into a captivating playground of music, art, comedy, entertainment and culture. With intimate popup performances, celebrity DJ Sets, comedy shows, film screenings, art installations, and drink specials, AFROPUNK AFTER DARK on Myrtle Avenue will ensure that the party does not end when the musicians leave the stage.

AFTER DARK ON MYRTLE AVENUE SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

Ting and Ting at Putnam’s Pub & Cooker
What:
Caribbean dance party with DJ Kellz and DJ Kitty Cash.
Where: Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, 419 Myrtle Ave
When: 10pm

The Amanda Seales: One Funny Woman After Dark at Splitty
What:
Join funny girl Amanda Seales to laugh along with a line-up of amazing women comedians, capped with highlights of Amanda’s one woman shows Mo Betta Wu, It’s Complicated, and Death of the Diva. Featuring: Rae Sanni, Sam Jay, Chloe Hilliard, Phoebe Robinson & Jessica Williams’ “Blaria” & more. DJ set by Amanda Seales to follow.
Where: Splitty, 415 Myrtle Ave
When: 10pm
How Much: $10.00 ($12.50 if purchased on Eventbrite)
RSVP: https://onefunnywoman.eventbrite.com

TOP RANK AFTER DARK at Myrtle + Gold
What: Top Rank Magazine is a Brooklyn based publication that profiles women of diverse backgrounds who are driving, shaping, and challenging the world around them. Join us for an audiovisual #blackgirlmagic experience with DJs D0UZE and Zephyr Ann and visuals by Salome Asega.
Where: Myrtle + Gold, 343 Gold St
When: 10pm

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23

Black Radical Imagination: AFROPUNK Edition at Splitty 
Black Radical Imagination curates a screening of experimental short films by Ja’tovia Gary, Cauleen Smith, Penda Diakite, and Darren Wallace. Sounds by DJ K7, presented by Dutty Artz.
Where: Splitty, 415 Myrtle Ave
When: 8pm
How Much: $5.00 ($7.24 if purchased on Eventbrite)
RSVP: https://blackradical.eventbrite.com

The full list and schedule of events is listed here and is sponsored by Coors Light, Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry, Red Bull and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.

Spice & Grill to bring Nepalese food to Myrtle Avenue

IMG_1099_sized for blog 620x354

 

Bikash Karel, along with his father who is also his business partner, is opening Spice & Grill, a Nepalese and Indian eatery at 441 Myrtle, former home of Mark’s Gourmet Burgers. They are hoping to be open no later than mid- to late November.

The two men are no strangers to the food business, having successfully operated the Nepalese Indian Restaurant in Ridgewood, Queens for just over two and a half years. Their Queens restaurant boasts 120 menu items.

Their upcoming Myrtle Avenue restaurant will have a markedly different vibe, shared Bikash, “it will be very laid back and will have much more emphasis on grilled Indian menu items and Nepalese street food, such as mini samosa chat (tangy samosas with freshly cut sweet red onions, chili and coriander), momos (bitesize dumplings served with spicy tomato and sesame sauce), chatamari (rice crepes topped with lamb and spicy sauce), sekuwa (chicken skewers with peppers, nutmeg, lime zest and yogurt) and sel roti (sweet ring-shaped doughnuts).

The father-son team is hoping to secure a beer and wine license for this endeavor.

Their chef has more than 30 years experience at national and international venues, including former work in Japan and Brazil.

The store build-out will begin as soon as possible. The building scaffolding, put up by the property owner who is doing work to the upper floors, should be down by December 1st.

“This is going to be really special,” added Bikari. “I was raised here on Myrtle Avenue and my dad’s roots are in Khatmandu — we are looking forward to bringing something here to our neighborhood.”