Author Archives: Chad Purkey

SONYA Art Walk This Weekend

The 16th annual SONYA Art Walk is taking place this weekend, May 30th and 31st. Grab a friend and do some art hopping at this self-guided tour of fine arts studios and venues here in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Wallabout, Brooklyn.

Art Walk Maps will be available at the SONYA Info Hub: Tipsy, located at 584 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon. You can also download the map HERE.

Over 50 artists in Brooklyn neighborhoods will open their studio doors and the works include paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography and ceramics. Come meet Brooklyn-based artists and immerse yourself in the local art scene.

Take time to reflect over a bite or drinks at the following locations:

Friday, May 29th
5pm-8pm:
Artist reception and Italian wine tasting at Gnarly Vines. Artists, Erica Kermaini & Brittan Blasdel discuss the inspiration behind their work on display.
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont

Saturday, May 30th
12pm-2pm:
N Carlos Jay will be painting live at dc optics.
dc optics, 390 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt & Clermont

12pm-2pm:
Live Chalk Drawing with Cesar Beltre at Green in BKLYN.
A live, free-flowing sidewalk chalk experience.
Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly

12pm-6pm:
Denae Howard‘s mixed media collages invoke images of pop culture icons at Tipsy. Stop by the shop to sip and view her new collection of artwork.
Tipsy, 584 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon

1pm-6pm:
Art Walk & Rosé at Corkscrew Wines, featuring photographs by Ken Shillingford.
Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall & Ryerson

4pm-7pm:
Artist reception and French wine tasting at Gnarly Vines. Artists, Erica Kermaini & Brittan Blasdel discuss the inspiration behind their work on display.
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont

Sunday, May 31st
3-5pm
Corkscrew Wines invites you to an Art Walk Reception Party. Come meet the artist and taste wine.
Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall & Ryerson

4pm-7pm
Artist reception and French wine tasting at Gnarly Vines. Artists, Erica Kermaini & Brittan Blasdel discuss the inspiration behind their work on display.
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont

The SONYA Art Walk is FREE, family-friendly and open to the public.

RSVP HERE.
Click HERE if you need directions to the neighborhood.

Trilok’s Annual Spring Swing Gala

The Trilok School will host its Annual Spring Swing Gala and fundraiser on Saturday, June 6th, 7P to 11p in the garden at the school, which is located at 143 Waverly Avenue, on the corner of Myrtle Avenue,

Drinks and food by Five Spice. Live music by Mississippi Cotten and Tina Kristina Band. Amazing silent auction.

Tickets are $50 per person. Please click to purchase online or call (718) 797-1700.

Pic of the Week: Pushkin’s crepes, choose savory or sweet

The delicious menu of food items at Pushkin Creperie-Bakery most certainly gives a nod to French cuisine (crepes after all), but Russian-style crepes (including smoked salmon and sour cream) and Turkish-influenced crepes are also available.

Choose from amongst the wide range of savory and sweet choices, and check out the other wonderful menu items as well.

Pushkin Creperie-Bakery is located at 541 Myrtle Avenue between Steuben & Emerson, or call (718) 783-0033 for deliveries or additional information.

Saluting Local Myrtle Avenue Heroes on Memorial Day, Roy & Jack Vanasco

(photo: courtesy Roy Venasco, as shown on Fox News)

Four of the Vanasco brothers served in the military at the same time. Mr. Roy & Jack Vanasco (2nd from left and 4th from left, respectively), two of the brothers, and owners of All Appliance Parts, located at 610 Myrtle Avenue between Taaffe & Kent, were honored today at Cadman Plaza, along with other local veterans, for their service during World War II.

Born and raised in Fort Greene, on Clermont Avenue, with a long history with the former Myrtle Avenue Merchants Association, which pre-dates the BID; and a long, distinguished career of military and civic engagement — we salute you Roy and Jack Vanasco and the countless men and women who served and are currently serving.

Happy Memorial Day.

Click here for a video about the Vanascos, including their current efforts around the reopening of the Brooklyn War Memorial at Cadman Plaza.

All Appliance Parts is located at 610 Myrtle Avenue between Taaffe and Kent. They can be reached at (718) 857-3827.

Mural Unveiling at Leisure Life NYC

Leisure Life and painter, graffiti artist, screen printer and 3D artist, Jared Weinstein (Pratt ’15) are officially unveiling the brand new 10 foot x 22 foot mural located in Leisure Life’s garden on May, 28th at Leisure Life, 559 Myrtle between Emerson Place & Classon Avenue.

The mural is titled Magic Hour, a reference to a photography term which describes a time after sunrise or before sunset where daylight is redder and softer compared to when the sun is higher in the sky, exactly what it felt like, stated artist, Jared, when the mural was complete.

Come out and celebrate the completion of this amazing work on Thursday from 6-8pm at Leisure Life, 559 Myrtle. Music by @jperiodbk. Hors d’oeuvres by @daniellethechef.

RSVP to leisurelifenyc@gmail.com to attend.

Stop in for the reception, then plan to visit the mural again during the weekend of May 30th and May 31st for the SONYA Art Walk.

Leisure Life, 559 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place & Classon Avenue.
(347) 725-3167

Teen Summer Apprenticeships- NOW Accepting Applications

Teens, if you are looking to learn new skills, learn more about entrepreneurship, earn some funds for the new school year and meet new friends, consider applying for the 2015 summer apprentice program. The summer apprentice program is a joint program of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and the Alice Mann Center of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Students will work with a Myrtle Avenue small business or other local businesses for 20 hours per week plus have classroom learning opportunities for an additional 5 hours every week.

Open to rising sophomores to those starting their first year of college in the Fall. Must reside or attend school locally.

Interested in applying? Want to know more? Please email business@myrtleavenue.org.

Completed applications must be received by Friday, June 5th.

The Runner’s Memorial Day Backyard Barbeque Party

A-L-L evening and night Memorial Day barbeque backyard party at The Runner. Join The Runner on Sunday, May 24th from 5pm – 12am in the backyard for a party, $10 burgers (classic or veggie), $15 lobster rolls, $9 kobe hot dogs and choice of potato salad, mac and cheese, corn on the cob and other food specials, and $3 beers.

15% off all evening for all veterans and military.

The Runner is located at 458 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington. They can be reached at (718) 643-6500.

New Sign up for Starbucks + Hiring Now

New sign went up for Starbucks today. The store is expected to open within the next two weeks at 394 Myrtle Avenue, near the Vanderbilt Avenue corner. In the meantime, the company announced barista and site supervisor job openings for the new location. Please click here for job descriptions and applications.

Bike Registration Event on Myrtle & Vanderbilt, 5/21

Come to our Myrtle Avenue bike registration event, grab a FREE coffee (provided by Myrtle Bagel) and register your bike with the 88th Police Precinct. When you register your bike there is a better chance that police can recover it. No need for reservations, just swing by on May 21st, 8:30am to 10:30am.

Click here for more information.

Liberty Pizza, the $5 lunch is alive and well

Oh yes, there is still such a thing as the $5 lunch. Liberty Pizza is one place you’ll find it. Located at 482 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street and with a number of piping hot, delicious menu items waiting for you, including calzones, chicken parmigiana, sausage rolls and baked ziti. Plus 2 slices plus a medium soft drink, $5, too. A variety of pizza pies, slices and squares (Sicilian-style) available from $2.50.

Liberty Pizza is located at 482 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street. The store can be reached at (718) 789-0600.

Fort Greene SNAP offers tech and other classes, most free

Fort Greene SNAP (Strategic Neighborhood Action Partnership) the education and social services not-for-profit located at 324 Myrtle Avenue, offers quite a wide range of classes and services to the community. Here are a few:

SNAP’s Free Public Access Computer Center is a 12 workstation computer lab available for use free of charge on an as available basis.

All computers have access to the internet, and have popular software: word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, games, specialty printing (like greeting cards, invitations and newsletters), instant messaging, and internet access to free email services.

SNAP’s Entrepreneurs Corner participants also have access to business plan and marketing plan software.

– Free internet and computer access to all our participants

– Instructional courses and free self paced learning program in popular software

– Instructors on hand to answer questions and provide assistance

– Free workshops on computer basics, Internet, and email topics

SNAP also offers some fee based services to community members:

– Notary services are available $2 a signature

– 8 1/2 x 11 Black and white printing: .10 each

Fort Greene SNAP is located at 324 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park and Carlton Avenue. They can be reached at (718) 694-6957.

Pic of the Week: Brooklyn Sweet Spot’s weekly specials

Don’t forget to check out Brooklyn Sweet Spot’s weekly specials to enjoy the delicious, melt-in-your-mouth confections at a discounted price.

“Super Tuesdays” feature cupcakes $5.50 for two mouthwatering gourmet-sized red velvet cupcakes or mix and match any of your other mouthwatering full sized favorites for $6.50 each.

“Thirsty Thursdays” spotlights a large array of cocktail cupcakes such as chocolate grand marnier seduction or coconut rum punch.

Brooklyn Sweet Spot is located at 366 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Clermont and can be reached at (718) 522-2577.

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day at The Runner

Friday, 5/15 is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day and The Runner is giving out free samples of their salted chocolate chip cookies all day, starting at noon. Stay for dinner or dessert and choose from a selection of fresh and delicious menu items, which include salted chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich with their housemade ice cream for dessert.

The Runner is located at 458 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Waverly Avenues. They can be reached by phone at (718) 643-6500.

Pic of the Week: Brewklyn Grind Coffee – hand-picked, small batch, locally roasted

Stop in any morning, afternoon or evening to enjoy coffee, tea or pastries at Brewklyn Grind at 557 Myrtle Avenue. Brooklyn-born brothers and storeowners, Craig, Alain and James Farrelly coffee is hand-picked, small batch, and locally roasted. From Ethiopia to Brazil, you’ll be able to taste flavorful, single-origin coffees made from beans found around the globe. They sell retail and wholesale. Also, small fare and baked goods from Balthazar and Ovenly will be available

Brewklyn Grind is located at 557 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson and Classon. They can be reached by phone at: (347) 452-8866.

beauty

Just Because Salon Provides Beauty Services to Women in Need

Photo courtesy of News 12 Brooklyn

Hair care and beauty services are offered free of charge to homeless women each first Sunday of the month at Just Because Salon. The services kicked off this month in honor of Mother’s Day, but will extend well beyond.

Inspired by her participation in a mobile beauty truck to help women in need, salon owner, Carol says she was able to see the positive effects of pampering in even some small way on women going generally through very much larger issues.

Just Because Salon has created partnerships with a few local homeless shelters; women in receipt of services must be referred by these shelters.

News 12 Brooklyn recently covered the kick off in an article as well as video presentation.

If the name Just Because Salon, sounds familiar, it’s because Carol was also creator of the Prom Queen Project, which for many years supplied prom dresses and makeovers to local graduating high school seniors free of charge.

Just Because Salon provides are expert hair grooming and styling, and their award-winning “therapy approach” makes the health of the hair an integral part of the experience.

Just Because Salon is located at 141 Carlton Avenue, just north of Myrtle Avenue and can be reached by phone at 718.722.7810.

Mother’s Day Class at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Who says mom can’t guard, roll, break fall or takedown with the best of them? Or at least she can learn how to. Moms and their kids are allowed to join the junior class (kids up to pre-teens) at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu this Friday, May 8th. A fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day. No prior experience necessary.

Please call today to register for this free event. Class will feature fun activities for moms and kids.

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

Sweets, Salon & Spa Services for Mom

If you want to pamper mom, there are lots of sweet deals on Myrtle Avenue, from massages to new hair styles to custom cakes, oh yes.

SALON SERVICES

Polish Bar of Brooklyn, 475 Myrtle, (718) 622-5363 Special Mom’s Day services from 12pm to 4pm. Call to book an appointment.
Just Because Salon, 141 Carlton just north of Myrtle, (718) 722-7810 Now open on Sundays: special mom’s Day packages throughout the day: enjoy mini facial, 30 minute make up lesson, exfoliating scalp massage with shampoo style and conditioner. Plus add on extra services (eyelashes $10; 5 foil highlights $20). One hour massage $78.
Brownstone Spa, 473 Myrtle Avenue, (718) 398-1968 90-minute full body massage: $75

DESSERTS

Brooklyn Sweet Spot 366 Myrtle, (718) 522-2577 Gourmet-sized cupcakes and custom cakes for mom.

Cinco de Mayo – Must Eats

Cindo de Mayo is this week and we don’t want you to miss out on some of the best Mexican grub in the area. Here are some of our favorites on the Avenue.

Tamales
Castro’s tamales, made of masa (a starchy dough made of corn), stuffed with mole con pollo (a dark sauce over chicken) or rajas con queso (sliced poblano peppers with Mexican cheese), are a soft and steamy corn husk-wrapped delicacy that you won’t want to miss. Unwrap them and spice them up with the red and green salsa.
Castro’s, 511 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand
(718) 398-1459

Elote con Crema
Mexican street food is one of the biggest food trends today and you will see why when you try the Elote con Crema from Los Pollitos. The chef is able to turn a simple piece of corn into the perfect antojito (a small plate to satisfy a little craving) with only cheese and Mexican mayonnaise. Grab napkins and indulge in this popular crunchy and messy food. Yes, kernels will get stuck in your teeth but it will be worth it.
Los Pollitos II I, 499 Myrtle Avenue between Hall & Ryerson
718) 636-6125

Burritos
Tepango is a fabulous spot for delicious Mexican food at a great price. We think that you should try their raved-about burrito. Tepango’s burritos have been written about in the Gothamist’s Top 10 Burritos in NYC and The Daily Meal says, “this very well might be the city’s best burrito.” Swing by and choose one of their 13 tasty filled tortillas.
Tepango, 568 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon
(718) 636-8878

Pic of the Week: Jill Lindsey’s Mother’s Day Cards

Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away! You may want to start to look for that perfect card now. Letterpress Mother’s Day are available NOW at Jill Lindsey from $4.50- $6.00. While you are in there, check out the handmade leather sandals and the calendar of artsy events. Mom may want to take a printmaking class or learn how to make a Kokedama, a hanging Japanese planter for the home.

Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont
(347) 987-4538

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Happy Mother’s Day! Don’t miss out on all of the wonderful Mommy’s Day specials on Myrtle Avenue. Whether you are buying for mommy, mommy-to-be, treating yourself, wanting to give a big thank you to a loved one for being just like a mom, you might want to stop into one of these local jaunts. Bet you will be glad you did.

FLOWERS
Flowers have long been associated with motherhood. Blooming plants and bouquets of orchids, lilies, roses, tulips and more are available at Bella Rosa Flowers & Gift Shop. Order by May 3rd to recieve 20% off of a dozen of premium long stemmed roses: $48.
Bella Rosa Flowers & Gift Shop, 566 Myrtle Avenue, (347) 763-6006

CARDS, GIFTS & CLOTHING
Find gift certificates for deep clarifying facials, letter press cards, soaps, or memorable jewelry like the yellow gold Tarin Thomas Blair Ring with a setting of black diamonds at Mini Department Store, Jill Lindsey. Also available for moms is the Maison Marie Louise Perfume that comes in 5 beautiful perfume oil scents that range from floral and fruity to musky and warm perfect for travel.
Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Avenue, (347) 987-4538

Find everything from chocolate covered pretzels, buttercrunch & truffles (Roni-Sue) to locally made chocolate (Raaka Virgin Chocolate, Li-Lac Chocolate & Mister Sister Fudge) at Fort Greene’s very own earth-friendly Green in Bklyn. Mothers will smile with any card from the selection, the assortment is clever, artsy and eco-friendly. The suede and leather selection of Baggu hangbags is simple yet high quality for the busy working mom or the mellow mother to be.
Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle, (718) 855-4383.

21 Tara’s selection of South Asian jewelry is perfect for any mom, whether trendy or sophisticated. The store also has a stunning array of homestyle items like the ornate Kantha blanket and throws, perfect for the Spring day at the park or to decorate a room. Rare dresses and scarves also sell for for a fraction of the cost.
21 Tara 388 Myrtle, (347) 916-0045

If you are looking for items for the fashion-focused mom, Barking Brown has a wonderful variety of clothing and accessory items, from dresses to scarves, socks and much more.
Barking Brown 468 Myrtle, (718) 638-3757

May is Bike Month

We won’t even get into the long history of who invented the bike, but let’s just say — we are so glad they did! Oh yes, neighbors–it’s Bike Month. And this month, it’s all about those two-wheeled beauties.

So stop in at our two Myrtle Avenue bicycle shops (Urban Cycles and Red Lantern Bicycles & Cafe) for discounts and events, and stop in at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Vanderbilt to register your bike at our Bike Registration event with the 88th precinct on Thursday, May 21.

Hope to see you on the Avenue!

Urban Cycles has a big sale going on for the entire month of May: Bianchi Bikes and Bern helmets. Bern helmets are 17% off for one or the more the buy, the more you save. 23% off for two. Stop to browse their other bikes and accessories and view their busy workshop too.

Urban Cycles is located at 478 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Hall, (347) 783-0478

Every 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, Red Lantern Bicycles & Cafe will host its popular Gold Sprint, competitors will ride ’til they drop. Stop in for the fun–and to grab a cold brew or smoothie from Red Lantern’s Cafe or check out their wide selection of bikes and accessories while you are at it.

Red Lantern Bicycles & Cafe is located at 345 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi, (347) 889-5338

Join the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and our local NYPD 88th precinct for a free bike registration event, Thursday, May 21 from 8:30am to 10:30am. We’ll be on the southeast corner of Myrtle and Vanderbilt, just off of the bike lane. Register your bike and get a FREE coffee. Stop by! Please email us at info@myrtleavenue.org with any questions.

Kum Kau’s General Tso’s Chicken

Kum Kau takes the fact the this dish is named for powerhouse General Tso Tsung-tang, a Qing dynasty general and statesman, quite seriously. The ingredients are put together just right. The combination of scallions, boneless chicken, chili pepper, red pepper flakes and minced garlic are cooked together in a way that makes the dish easily a neighborhood favorite.

Kum Kau, itself a powerhouse, with nearly 40 years in the neighborhood, is located at 463 Myrtle Avenue, corner of Washington Avenue. They can be reached at (718) 638-1850.

Tastings Galore at The Runner

Free tastings at The Runner this week. Blueberry pie on Tuesday. Italian wine on Wednesday.

Tuesday, April 28 — Blueberry Pie, oh my!

In honor of National Blueberry Pie Day, the Runner will be giving away free samples from 12pm to 6pm. Stop in and enjoy this mouthwatering treat.

And stop in again tonight f0r dinner–with a guess what, yumm, blueberry pie special for dessert.

Wednesday, April 29 — Italian wine, yes!

Elena Lorenzetti will be visiting from Azienda Santa Barbara, her family’s vineyard and winery in Italy.

Stop in at Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn to meet Elena and for complimentary samples from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, then visit The Runner for a 4-course dinner paired with wine from the Elena’s family’s vineyard. Seating at 7pm and 9pm.

The Runner is located at 458 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Waverly Avenues and can be reached at (718) 643-6500.

Happy 6th Birthday Green in BKLYN!

Happy 6th Birthday, Green in BKLYN! Today is indeed Earth Day, but thank you for being a daily testament that every day is a day to celebrate Mother Earth. A one-stop shop for eco-friendly goods and household items, Green in BKLYN has what you’re looking for.

Celebratory Earth Day plans in-store on Saturday, April 25th. Stop in and join the party!

From 12-5pm enjoy FREE tastes of Local Treats from Brooklyn taste makers including chocolate, coffee and dog treats. A whole bunch of local yum!

All Day Green in BKLYN’s will be hosting a customer raffle…make a purchase of $6 or more (for Green in BKLYN’s Sixth Anniversary) and be entered in an eco-raffle.

For the entire month Green in BKLYN’s is dedicating the windows to local folk. On display you will find products from local artists, writers & makers & a whole bunch of new stuff added in.

Come in and let Green in BKLYN thank you personally for supporting the store over the past 6 wonderful years and for choosing to live more gently on our planet Earth.

Green in BKLYN is located at 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly Avenues.
(718) 855-4383