Author Archives: Chad Purkey

SONYA Art Walk in Brooklyn

Did you know that the SONYA Art Walk is coming to Brooklyn this month? Over 60 local artists are being exhibited throughout the four vibrant neighborhoods of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Wallabout, and Bedford- Stuyvesant for the 15th Annual SONYA Art Walk (formerly The SONYA Stroll).  The self-guided tour of fine arts studios and alternative art venues is taking place on Saturday, May 17th and Sunday, May 18th.  Come view paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography and ceramics in elegant brownstones, warehouses and lofts around the Brooklyn Navy Yard and the energy-filled streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant.  It is all FREE and open to the public.

Download the Art Walk Map HERE and get the unique opportunity to meet some Brooklyn’s based artists and discover art works.

Art is being exhibited at nine Home Grown & Locally owned businesses on Myrtle Avenue (Zone A & Zone B). Swing by and see some art and then use our dining guide to help you find some of Fort Greene & Clinton Hill’s best food.

Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi
DC Optics, 390 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Vanderbilt Avenues
Owl & Pussy Cat, 154 Vanderbilt Avenue near Myrtle Avenue
Green in Bklyn, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly
Corkscrew Wines, 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall & Ryerson
Hadas Gallery, 541 Myrtle Avenue between Steuben & Emerson
The Emerson, 561 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenue
Tipsy, 584 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenue

The neighborhoods in the SONYA Art Walk are accessible via the C train between Lafayette and Franklin Avenue stations, the G line between Clinton-Washington and Bedford-Nostrand stations, the B, Q and R lines at Dekalb Avenue station, and all lines stopping at Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center.

The event is from noon-6pm and is rain or shine.
For more information check out: www.SONYAonline.org

Free Neighborhood Tours Planned for May

Woodframe homes in the Wallabout Historic District on Vanderbilt Avenue. Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Woodframe homes in the Wallabout Historic District on Vanderbilt Avenue.

There is so much to see around Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Wallabout and May’s warmer weather offers many opportunities to get out in the neighborhood and explore.  A host of guided walks, tours and open houses are slated to take place, highlighting the area’s beautiful architecture and history.

May 17 – And Ongoing: Guided Historic Walking Tour through Wallabout
Every 3rd Saturday of the month during the summer, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership will host a FREE guided walking tour through the historic Wallabout neighborhood.  The area, most of which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as  historic district, has a beautiful mix of pre-Civil War homes and late 19th century industrial buildings.  The walk will discuss how the neighborhood developed from when the Dutch first arrived in the early 1600’s and highlight notable residents, such as Walt Whitman and Walt Whitman.  The tour begins in Fort Greene Park at 11am, includes a 1.5 mile walk, and concludes at 99 Ryerson St.  The event is free, but space is limited.  Please register here.

May 3: Jane’s Walk: Walking Wallabout Brooklyn
The annual international Jane’s Walk event is again featuring a stroll through the historic Wallabout section of the neighborhood north of Myrtle Avenue.  The guided walk, hosted by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, will meet in Fort Greene Park and wind its way through the Wallabout Historic District and the industrial section near the Navy Yard, and conclude at 99 Ryerson Street, the former home of Walt Whitman.  Find full details on the walk on the event’s website, which is sponsored by The Municipal Art Society (MAS).  The event is free and registration is not required.

May 4: Fort Greene Association Annual House Tour
This annual house tour offers a full-schedule for 2014 which emphasizes this year’s theme: At Home with the Arts.  The self-guided tour will allow you access into some of the neighborhood’s most beautiful homes, including a brownstone featured in the hit show Girls.  In addition to residences, tour takers will have access inside local art institutions, including: Mark Morris Dance Center, BRIC’s TV Studios, BLDG 92 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and the Net’s Practice Court inside Barclay’s Center.  Find full details on ticket prices and where the tours begin on the House Tour’s website.

 

This blog post was originally published on May 3, 2014.

 

Le Petit Bakery Book Signing

Trafford Publishing

Don’t miss the book signing at Le Petit Bakery taking place on Saturday May 3rd.  Mother-son owners of Le Petit Bakery, Christopher and Susan have penned the new book titled, Child Baker to Culinary Chef (Trafford Press).  The book is must-read, filled with reflections and recipes. Susan shared, “The book offers resources to use in the kitchen, and it follows from Christopher’s beginning recipes as a child to some of the current recipes used in the bakery. I hope teachers and parents find this book helpful as I use the method of baking as a tool in teaching my students.  In fact there is a photo of two of my students in the book!” Child Baker to Culinary Chef is a 60 page book which might be of particular interest to book lovers, foodies and those who love to bake, cook or create and families. Please stop in at Le Petit Bakery today to pick up a signed copy of the book.  And meet Ms. New York Teen, who will make an appearance at the event.

Le Petit Bakery , 354 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton.
(718) 875-6500.

 

 

Bike Month on Myrtle Avenue

May is Bike Month and we are celebrating it here on Myrtle Avenue. We like to see our Brooklyn-based bikers healthy, active and exploring transportation alternatives.  Here is some bike business news & information for cyclists and for those interested in becoming active by bike…

Sustainable Architecture and Industry Bike Tour- Saturday May 3rd
Get a “handle” on sustainable architecture and industry on this bicycle tour of Yard. You’ll learn about many of the Yard’s green initiatives. Get an up-close look at the nation’s first green multi-story industrial building, see wind-and-solar-powered lamps built and installed at the Yard, and peer down into a 19th-century dry dock that is still in use today. Along the way, we will enjoy stunning waterfront views and learn how the Yard has been transformed from the world’s busiest shipyard into a center of green innovation.
What: Sustainable Architecture and Industry Bike Tour
When: Saturday, May 3rd, 3pm – 5pm & Saturday, June 21st 12pm – 2pm
Where: Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92
How Much: $24 per person; 10% discount for members of BLDG 92, register here: BLDG 92

Cyclist Movie Nights- Thursdays in May
Red Lantern Bikes, the eclectic bike shop customizing commuter rides & offering repair classes, also offers coffee & beer. This month they are holdingMovie Nights, screenings of bike-specific films every Thursday in May. They will be showing Triplets of Belleville this month along with others. Past screenings have included Pedal, a documentary about bike messengers, and Hell on Wheels.
What: Red Lantern Cyclist Movie Nights
When: Thursdays in May (8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th)
Where: Red Lantern Bicycles & Cafe , 345 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Carlton

Bike the Branches
Bike the Branches is part of the Brooklyn Public Library’s annual Support the Branches spring campaign. All proceeds from Support the Branches and Bike the Branches help fund Brooklyn Public Library’s work to bring vital services, resources and programs to every neighborhood in Brooklyn.
What: Bike to all of the Brooklyn Public Libraries on your bike
When: Saturday, May 17th 10am-7pm
Where: Live Music, entertainment, and prizes take place at the finish line at the Plaza at Central Library
Info: Brooklyn Public Library or contact bikethebranches@brooklynpubliclibrary.org

Register Your Bike Event
Come grab a FREE coffee (provided by Myrtle Bagel) and register your bike with the 88th Police Precinct to help prevent bike theft.
What: FREE Bike Registration Event
When: Thursday, May 29th 7:30am-9:30am
Where: Meet at the corner of Vanderbilt and Myrtle Avenues
Info: Call (718) 230-1689

More Bike Events HERE.

NYPD Event to Prevent Identity Theft

The NYPD will host a document shredding event on Sunday, May 4th.   The goal of the event is help to combat identity theft.  Bring any document containing personal or sensitive information that you would like to be shredded.  Electronic device registration through the NYPD’s Operation ID will also be available at this event.

This FREE event will take place at Fort Greene Park entrance (at the corner of Washington Park & Myrtle Avenue), 11am-2pm.

Two Businesses Open on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill

Storefront - Copy

Myrtle Avenue’s two newest businesses are open for business.

Enjoy fresh hand-rolled bagels, eggs, fresh coffee and a myriad of breakfast and lunch menu items at Myrtle Bagel at 410 Myrtle between Clinton and Vanderbilt.

Urban Cycles at 478 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue is sleek, shiny, rebranded and ready available with a wide array of bicycles including Bianchi, Schwinn and GT as well as a wide variety of bike accessories, also opened two weeks ago.   Stop in.

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Green in BKLYN Celebrates Anniversary & Earth Day

Green in Bklyn_copy

Green in BKLYN celebrates 5 years in business and on Myrtle Avenue this coming Sunday, April 20th.

How fitting that the anniversary for the favorite eco-friendly store would also be a celebration of Earth Day.

Come out and celebrate.  The schedule is action-packed, full of F-U-N!

11am-1pm
Lola, the shop’s mascot and doggy to storeowner, Lola, holds court.  She hasn’t been in the shop for a little while.  So, lovable Lola returns to meet and greet in the store.

1pm-4pm
MUNY Design Pop Up Shop: Bohemian clothes and bedding beautifully designed in BKLYN and made fair trade in India will be available at the shop, and LOTS and LOTS of it.

4pm – 6pm
Reception for Wolfgang Ryan, Artist: Displaying “unusual illuminated objects cobbled together from the streets of BKLYN.”

While Supplies Last: Local Treats: Free tastes of Brooklyn Roasting Company coffee, Mister Sister vegan and kosher fudge and Raaka virgin chocolate.  And (for the reception) organic wine from Gnarly Vines.
All Day: Green in BKLYN’s Customer Raffle: Make a purchase of $5 or more (for Green in BKLYN’s Fifth Anniversary) and be entered in our raffle for all kinds of eco-friendly treats & treasures.
Stop in and let Green in BKLYN thank you personally for supporting the store and for choosing to live gently on our planet Earth.

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

Sweet Treats & Libations

peeps from Le Petit Bakery

Lots of delicious holiday treats available on Myrtle Avenue, including the homemade peeps pictures above from Le Petit Bakery.

Stop in for very yummy sweet or savory homemade treats from Le Petit Bakery, Brooklyn Sweet Spot, and Pecks.

 

GNARLY  VINES, 350 Myrtle between Carlton and Adelphi
Wine tastings from 5pm-8pm at Gnarly Vines (Friday, April 18th and Saturday, April 19th).  Lots of wines to choose from, including
2012 Domaine de La Fruitiere Les Vignes Blanches- Loire Valley, France – $12.50

Like Sancerre and Vouvray? Give the Domaine de la Fruitiere a try. A blend from the  Loire Valley made of 30% Chardonnay, 50% Melon de Bourgogne and 20% Sauvignon Blanc that definitely lives up to it’s name. Vibrant aromas of apples, peaches and melon follow through to the palate. The lovely round mouth feel and clean finish nicely compliment dishes featuring scallops, shrimp and mussels.

2013 Domaine de la Bastide Blanc ‘Figue’ – Cotes du Rhone, France – $14

One of our most-popular, crowd-pleasing whites, the Bastide ‘Figue’ is a medium-bodied blend of Viognier, Roussanne, and Bourboulenc with a silky texture, balanced acidity and delicious peach and nectarine flavors. One of the few whites that appeals to Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and even some Riesling lovers.  Pair with simple, fresh water fish or leek tart.

TIPSY, 584 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon
Happy Hour Friday (5pm-7pm): Chocolate Whiskey from King’s County Chocolate Whiskey ($23)
Bubbly For Bunny Sale Easter brunch is made for mimosas and Bellini cocktails. Tipsy is taking $10 off their fanciest bobbles from now until Sunday (in the store only): Moët & Chandon Nectar Imperial (regularly $60), Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label (regularly $55) and Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut (regularly $55).

Saturday Sipper: Kraken Rum Punch  Saturday from 3–6pm Tipsy’s friend Maggie from Empire Merchants will be making some perfect-for-your-next-party punch with dark and bold Kraken Black Spiced Caribbean Rum ($23).

NYC Transit Wine Tasting Want better transit service? On Monday the 21st from 7:30 to 8pm, Tipsy be hosting Riders Alliance for a free open forum on improving NYC transit., during which they will be pouring the  fruity yet crisp Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier ($16). RSVP here and come make your voice heard.

Tuesday Tasting Santi Pinot Grigio Sortesele ($15) has a pale yellow color with green tints that are reminiscent of new buds, while its pear and wild flower flavors are light and delicate. On the 22nd, we’ll be pouring Spring sips from 5–8pm.


CORKSCREW BROOKLYN, 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall & Ryerson
Corkscrew is offering a special Easter bunny 2 pack! On sale now, $35
And Saturday night, join Corkscrew for an Easter inspired Italian tasting. Saturday 19th 7pm to 9pm

Throwback Thursday: Soketah Hair Divas

406_TBT

This photo takes us back to 2006, to the previous location of Soketah Hair Divas at 406 Myrtle, between Clinton & Vanderbilt. Today, the storefront is home to Metro PCS (formerly Verizon).

The unisex hair salon has called Myrtle Avenue home for 13 years. The shop is now located at 563 Myrtle, between Emerson and Classon. They have also expanded over the years and added Shic by Soketah, a hair, nail and beauty bar, located just across the street at 564 Myrtle Avenue.

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

Bella Rosa Flowers & Gift Shop – Your Plant & Flower Haven

Bella Rosa Plants_for blog2

Bella Rosa Flowers & Gift Shop located on Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place and Classon Avenue is a beautiful plant and flower haven.  Bella Rosa boasts a wonderful selection of house plants, flowers, including roses, beautiful mixed bouquets, tropical and exotic flowers, vases, cacti and custom flowers and greeting cards, stuffed animals and balloon bouquets for any occasion.

Bella Rosa offers daily deliveries to surrounding area universities, colleges, hospitals, funeral homes, residences and more.  Call or drop by for personalized service.  Quality and customer service is Bella Rosa’s top priority.

Bella Rosa Flowers & Gift Shop is located at 566 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place and Classon Avenue.
(347) 763-6006

Brooklyn Sweet Spot Launches New Line of Homemade Beverages

Brooklyn Sweet Spot new drinks3

Brooklyn Sweet Spot launches its new and delicious line of homemade drink beverages, Fort Greene Flavors.

The popular bakery kicked off with the first five in the line:  ‘the Myrtle Muddle,’ the thirst quenching citrus mint complete with a orange, tangerine and mint infusion and sure to put a smile on a your face; the Park Avenue Pink, a tasty, clean, refreshing strawberry lemonade; and Sugar Honey Iced Tea (oooh, watch your mouth!), the caffeine-free, mildly sweet hibiscus tea with an aromatic flair and of course, simple, delicious and cold, iced tea and iced coffee.

The new drinks are a perfect complement to all of the delicious cakes, cupcakes, cookies and other sweet treats at the Brooklyn Sweet Spot.

Speaking of treats, there’s more!  Stop in at Brooklyn Sweet Spot on April 24th (Pay It Forward Day) to make a purchase–and get a free cupcake with your purchase.  Here’s the catch, you’ll have to pay it forward–offer that cupcake to someone else, preferably a stranger.  Ooooh, sweet Spring!

Brooklyn Sweet Spot is located at 366 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Adelphi.

cupcakes_CakeJoy

The Grilled Cheese Scene on Myrtle Avenue

National Grilled Cheese Day was this past Saturday, but you can still celebrate the delectable grilled cheese scene on Myrtle Avenue.  Consider this our ode to the delicious comfort food.

Pillow Café, offers a beautifully delicious grilled cheese with three assorted cheeses pressed on sourdough bread with pico de gallo and served with chips and a side salad.  Check it out below.

Pillow Cafe - grilled cheese - landscape for blog

Day & Night Deli’s grilled cheese sandwiches range from $1 to $2.75.  The one pictured below—grill toasted whole wheat with American cheese costs one dollar.  A little butter spread on each side before it hits the grill results in a fantastic bite and pure deliciousness. Customers can select from a variety of breads and cheeses, including swiss and provolone.

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El Cofre’s grilled cheese sandwiches are $2.50.  Customers can also select from a variety of cheeses and breads, including swiss, pimento and “Dominican cheese.” Pictured is a pressed roll with American cheese.  The key to the deliciousness at El Cofre—the press.  Every sandwich is heated in the sandwich press for a few minutes before it’s ready for the glorious grilled cheese finished debut.

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Other Avenue grilled cheese sandwiches to try:

The Joint on Myrtle offers a dreamy grilled cheese with three cheeses:  goat cheese, asiago and manchego and is served with cabbage slaw and a pickle.

Maggie Brown offers a grilled cheese with melted cheddar cheese on wheat bread.

Putnam’s Pub & Cooker offers a heirloom mozzarella Panini, with heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, eggplant caponata and fresh basil.

A-Rod, Aristo, Myrtle Express and many of the delis on the Avenue each offer grilled cheese sandwiches for $3 and under.  Choices of cheese and breads, including provolone, swiss, American and cheddar.

Stop in at Peck’s for Holiday and Daily Specials

Peck's on Myrtle Avenue, Clinton Hill

No time to cook for your seder?

Peck’s is  offering a full catering menu to satisfy every hungry seder-goer.

Stop in or call the shop for details.  Items include delicious gefilte fish, homemade matzo ball soup, the juiciest of brisket, roasted asparagus, delicious flourless chocolate cake and much more.  Also available at Peck’s:  pickles by picklers-in-residence, Jeffrey and Liz, homemade peeps and absolutely so much more.

Peck’s is located at 455A Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenues.  Please call Peck’s at 347.689.4969 to place an order or for questions — or hey, stop in!

New Building Planned for Myrtle Avenue, Fort Greene

Vanderbilt and Myrtle Avenue Fort Greene

According to plans filed with the Department of Building, a new 6-story building is set to rise at the corner of Myrtle and Vanderbilt avenues on the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill border.  The Karl Fischer designed building will hold 45 residential units, with 8,100 square feet of commercial space and 3,200 square feet for community facilities.  The building will replace the current Gulf gas station and auto repair shop, which currently sits on the 9,900 square foot lot.

According to the business owner, the auto shop is set to move to 46 Clinton Avenue, between Flushing and Park Avenue at the end of April.

Michael Blaise Backer Announces Departure

Photo Credit: Samuel Stuart
Photo Credit: Samuel Stuart

This past week, Michael Blaise Backer announced  that he will be stepping down as Executive Director of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership at the end of April to serve as a Deputy Commissioner at the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), overseeing the Neighborhood Development Division. He will also be stepping down as the co-chair of the New York City BID Association, the membership association of the 69 business improvement districts in New York City.  The Partnership’s Executive Committee will be meeting next week to begin transition planning. Read the press release here.

Join the Partnership in wishing Blaise congratulations on his new position, and to celebrate the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project’s 15th birthday, at a party on the evening of Wednesday, May 7th at the Caroline Ladd Pratt House.
Find full event details and RSVP information on our calendar.

 

Move with Grace Yoga, Dance, Pilates & Juice Bar Offers Popular 30-Day Special

yoga pic_for blog

Stop in and check out Move with Grace Yoga, Dance, Pilates & Juice Bar’s introductory special:  $40 will get you 30 days of unlimited classes.  And while you are at, treat yourself to any number of green and other yummy and healthy fresh juices and smoothies from the juice bar.

Move with Grace Studio offers a wide variety of classes, including yoga (Vinyasa, Hatha and Iyengar and a late night candlelight flow), Pilates and Zumba.  Children as well as adult classes are available.  Group and private lessons are available.

Click here for the Move with Grace weekly schedule.

Move with Grace Yoga, Dance, Pilates & Juice Bar is located at 469 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street.
(718) 230-0013

Photo Credit:  Move with Grace Yoga, Dance & Fitness Studio

March Madness: Vote Russ Smith for Naismith Award

March Madness is in full effect!  Have you been watching?  We received a couple of calls from April and Savannah Smith, both graduates of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership’s YEMP (young entrepreneur mentorship program) program and April, a graduate of the local, Academy of Arts and Letters School at Adelphi and DeKalb.  Their brother, Russ Smith, is a guard for the Louisville Cardinals.  Russ has had an amazing college basketball career, leading Louisville to three conference championships, two final Fours and a National Championship.  Born and bred in Brooklyn, Russ, is also up for the prestigious Naismith Award.  The award honors the NCAA’s ‘Player of the Year’ and the fan vote represents 25 percent of the selection process – the largest fan impact of any collegiate basketball award.  Votes allowed through Saturday, April 5th, so hurry!

From April and Savannah on behalf of their big brother:  please take a few minutes and vote for Russ!

Kinara II Restaurant’s Delicious Lunch Specials

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Kinara II Indian Restaurant, located at 368 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Clermont offers authentic and delicious Indian cuisine.  There are many southern India dishes on the menu, including a wide variety of vegetable, lentil, rice, seafood and chicken-based dishes.  Kinara also makes delicious dosas (crepes), idlis (savory rice cakes), vadas (chickpea or lentil-based fritters) and uttapams (pancakes) , chutneys (relish added to meals to add flavor) and curries (incorporation of complex combinations of spices and/or herbs, usually including fresh or dried hot chillies).

Kinara’s boasts superb lunch specials, $5 to $7 for heaping plates of goodness (see vegetable vindaloo (curried vegetables), chapati and samosa combo in the photo above, yum!)

Stop in, enjoy!

Kinara II Indian Restaurant is located at 368 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Clermont. 
(718) 237-4008 

Kinara II

#TBT at the Pratt Station Post Office

Image Source: Pratt Institute Library, Digital Collection.

Image Source: Pratt Institute Library, Digital Collection.

Ever wonder why the post office on Myrtle Avenue is called the “Pratt Station” post office?  The short answer: it used to be on Pratt’s campus in what is now known as Thrift Hall.

Thrift Hall, at the corner of Ryerson & DeKalb, was built in 1916 to house Pratt’s Thrift Association.  The Thrift Association was essentially a bank that promoted saving and money management among the neighborhood’s working class.

In 1940, the bank closed and the U.S. Post Office moved into their new “Pratt Station” location.  The name stuck with the post office when it made the move to its current location at 524 Myrtle Avenue in the late 1960’s. The post office is posed to move yet again and is currently looking for a new space in the neighborhood.  Learn more about their search or how you can give feedback on their move in this newsletter from Community Board 2.

There are plans to remove the building that post office currently leases and develop a multi-story building in its place.  A similar building is already under construction next door at 490 Myrtle Avenue, where Associated Supermarket will reopen, along with a TD Bank.

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

Pratt Station Post Office, January 1958. Image Credit: Brooklyn Historical Society Digital Collection.

Pratt Station Post Office, January 1958. Image Credit: Brooklyn Historical Society Online Image Gallery.

Silly Dance Contest at The Emerson

The Emerson on Myrtle Avenue
The Silly Dance Contest returns to the Emerson Bar on Saturday, March 29th. Get those moves ready! 

Maybe you were at the first Silly Dance Contest back in 2010, or maybe you’ve heard the stories that became legends that became stories again from subsequent years, or maybe you’ve never heard of it and have no clue what we’re talking about. Well listen up here are the details.

THE GOAL: The Silliest Dancer Wins a $50 Bar Tab and a $25 Bar Tab goes to the 2nd place dancer and the 3rd place dancer. Free drinks will be given away to silliest dancers after each round. There is no need to dress up to enter.

THE STRUCTURE: FOUR 20-30 minute DJ’d rounds with breaks in between.

NO ELIMINATION: Except self-elimination.

A SECRET PANEL of judges will determine the winner after round four by a scientific means of calculating silliness in each round.

The more rounds you are in the more chance you have to win and drink for FREE all night! Come down, dance, get your silly on.

Music Provided by DJ MAGGIT (John Keen, Blues Clues, Storage Wars…) and other music is provide by MAX POWER (Bloody Battle fame).

What: The Emerson’s Silly Dance Contest
When: Saturday March 29th, 10pm-2am (Registrations begin at 9:3opm)
Where: The Emerson at 561 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenue

silly dance contest 2014

A Kid’s Dream Opening in Clinton Hill

 

r-l, A Kid's Dream owner, Sharon Doldron and fiancé, Terry English

A Kid’s Dream owner, Sharon Doldron and fiancé, Terry English

A Kid’s Dream, the soon to be opened children’s salon on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, is pushing steadily towards opening in May.  The salon, which will offer $6 manicures and haircuts starting at $25 is not only as the name suggests, ‘a kid’s dream’ but also a dream come true for owner, Sharon Doldron.  Sharon will bring her many year’s experience in education to salon activities and events, including iPads with educational games available for kiddie customers and even tandem salon services geared for parent and child.

Sharon is excited to bring children-focused spa services to the neighborhood as well as an environment where salon services and conversations are geared toward children and education and pampering are the salon’s mission.

A Kid’s Dream is opening at 549 Myrtle Avenue between Steuben and Emerson.

A Kid's Dream logo

 

The Runner Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Runner Clinton Hill Ribbon Cutting
Neighborhood residents and elected officials were on Myrtle Avenue earlier this month to celebrate the opening of The Runner with the father and son team, Richard & Art Winter.

Borough President Eric Adams welcomed the business to Brooklyn and spoke about the importance of creating businesses like this for special moments and sharing. Assemblyman Joseph Lentol’s office presented the business a “Welcome to the Neighborhood” plaque and Carlo Scissura, President & CEO of Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the business on behalf of their 1600 chamber members. Scissura also spoke about how reinvestment by community members has strengthened Myrtle Avenue and created great results.

In addition,  Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna was on hand congratulating the owner’s on the opening and representatives from both Assemblyman Walter Mosley’s office and Council Member Laurie Cumbo’s office came and offered their congratulations.

The owners from The Runner, and chef Andrew Burman were enthusiastic about the neighborhood and were thankful for everyone’s support. They are looking forward to being connected to the local community.

The Runner is located at 458 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenues.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations at Putnam’s Pub & Cooker

Putnam's St Paddys Day-a

It’s a St. Patrick’s Weekend-Long Celebration at Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, including Putnam’s 1st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Guinness & Oyster Festival — $30 gets you FULL and HAPPY.  Check out the weekend-long happenings:

Friday, March 14th
5pm-9pm
1st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Guinness & Oyster Festival — $30

9pm-on
DJ Misbehaviour on the turntables (downstairs) 

Saturday, March 15th
All Day: $4 (16oz) Coors Light Cans
$15 Irish Whisky Flight 

9pm-on
DJ Tim “Soul Finger” Downstairs

Sunday, March 16th
Featuring Sim Ross + The Easy Truth & Hostess, The Jack Hacketts Broken Compass Society
Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Live Music Show, FREE  7pm-on
Putnam’s Unplugged

 plus: $4 (16oz) Coors Light Cans & $15 Irish Whiskey Flight

Monday, March 17th – St. Paddy’s Day!
Enjoy the best Guinness in Brooklyn along with some very special Irish fare all day:
Dublin Cockles & Mussels, Irish Smoked Salmon on Brown Bread, Ballymaloe Irish beef stew, Corn Beef & Cabbage, Colcannon with boiled Irish bacon, Gaelic Steak with Jameson sauce.  And featuring a wide variety of delicious desserts.

Putnam’s Pub & Cooker is located at 419 Myrtle Avenue (corner of Clinton Avenue).  

Putnam's--2014 weekend

El Patron Brings Latin Cuisine to Clinton Hill

El Patron in Clinton Hill
El Patron restaurant and bar opened on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill and they are serving up an array of Latin American plates. They are serving lunch and dinner and are also open in the afternoon and evening for cocktails like caipirinhas, Colombian mojitos, martinis and milagro margaritas. The cuisine ranges from Spanish to Colombian and Mexican.

Guacamole en molcajete is a great appetizer with fresh avocado, tomatoes, jalapeno and cilantro. Other appetizers include quesadillas, mini-empanadas and chicken wings. For kids there are traditional tacos, enchiladas, mozzarella sticks, and chicken fingers.

Main dishes include breaded pork loin, grilled skirt steak in creole sauce, steak tacos, grilled shrimp and more. But don’t fret if you are vegetarian, you can find still enjoy cheese enchiladas, meatless burritos, nachos and veggie fajitas, all served with rice and beans.

El Patron is located at 474 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue & Hall Street.    

Throwback to 1915 in Fort Greene Park

Image Credit: NYC Department of Parks & Recreation

Image Credit: NYC Department of Parks & Recreation

At the beginning of the 20th century, New York City had a program where crops were grown across the city in various parks.  Fort Greene Park hosted a fairly large garden, where the city would hold organized harvesting days for local residents.  This photo, from around 1915, shows a busy harvesting day with many locals stopping by to pick fresh food.

While you won’t find a mini-farm in Fort Greene Park today, you can still enjoy local food that is grown right here in the neighborhood.  The local Farm to Neighborhood program pairs neighborhood restaurants and food shops with local farms.  And yes, some of the food is even grown in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, such as in the Brooklyn Navy Yard by Brooklyn Grange.  Click here to find a local Farm to Neighborhood business.

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