Author Archives: Chad Purkey

Five Spot’s Weekly Events Calendar, Purlie Victorious this week

Five Spot on Myrtle Avenue

A veritable who’s who of film and stage stars have performed in the play Purlie Victorious since famed actor Ossie Davis penned it in the 1960s, including Davis himself, his wife, actress, Ruby Dee, Melba Moore, Beah Richards, Cleavon Little, Godfrey Cambridge, Sherman Helmsley, Alan Alda, Denise Nicholas, John O’Neal and Helen Martin.  Set in 1960s rural Georgia, Purlie Victorious reflects powerful themes of the Civil Rights Era.  Davis skillfully wrapped his political messages in raucous comedy.

The Brooklyn Performing Arts Center will perform the award-winning Purlie Victorious for 4 days this month at Five Spot Soul Food:  March 14, 15, 21, and 22.    $40 will get you a 5-course meal plus the performance.  Call (347)433-6518 or email purlievictorious2014@gmail.com for tickets.

Five  Spot Soul Food & Supper Club is located at 459 Myrtle Avenue, at the corner of Washington Avenue.

Check out the website for daily lunch, dinner, happy hour and other specials, including $3 beers, Bud bottles and drafts everyday plus other upcoming events: www.fivespotsoulfood.com.

Owa Afrikan Market at 434 Myrtle Avenue

Owa's Afrikan Market

We love that Owa’s Afrikan Market on Myrtle Avenue is part of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum‘s fun, educational permanent exhibit, World Brooklyn. The World Brooklyn exhibit consists of a maze of kid-sized shops, modeled after real Brooklyn businesses, each containing a fun activity.  At the Owa exhibit, kids learn about adinkra symbols, pretend to tally the cost of items at the cash register and use paper and pencil to explore the shapes of wooden mask carvings.

The real Owa Afrikan Market store is located at 434 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly Avenues.  The store is a go-to haven for textiles, gifts, art and crafts, imported food, musical instruments, music, books, movies (DVDs), wood carvings and so much more from West Africa.  Stop in to pick up any number of wonderful items, including a wonderful collection of Nollywood (film from Nigeria) and Gollywood (film from Ghana) film on DVD, t-shirts and palm wine to accompany a lovely meal at home.  Owa Afrikan Market opened its doors on Myrtle Avenue 20 years ago to address the needs of customers living in New York City seeking authentic clothing and crafts from Africa.  In fact, the word ‘Owa’ means home in the Edo language.

Owa Afrikan Market is located at 434 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly Avenues.

photo credit: Brooklyn Children's Museum

photo credit: Brooklyn Children’s Museum

International Women’s Day Celebration at Corkscrew Brooklyn

corkscrew rosie the riveter-a
Join Corkscrew Brooklyn on Saturday, March 8th beginning at 5pm for an International Women’s Day Celebration which will feature lecture and guided tasting.
5pm sharp –20-minute discussion with Katell Pleven, founder of the Vine Collective (discusses her long-time work as an entrepreneur and wine purveyor)
Q&A and guided tasting of two wines specially selected for the evening by Katell of two female-produced wine she imports:   Brouhaha Pinot Gris, Winemaker: Kim Butler, Pasa Robles, CA and Les Graviers Chinon, Winemaker: Anne Claire Valle-Mercier, Loire Valley, France

Corkscrew Brooklyn is located at 489 Myrtle Ave, Clinton Hill between Hall & Ryerson.  Please RSVP at imbibe@corkscrewbk.com or call the store at (718) 230-WINE  with questions.

 

The Runner Officially Opens with Ribbon Cutting Cermony

The Runner in Clinton Hill- Storefront

Myrtle Avenue’s newest bar and restaurant, The Runner, led by head chef Andrew Burman, will be holding the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Grand Opening reception tomorrow, Thursday, March 6, at 4pm in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.  Come join us to celebrate and welcome the new business to the neighborhood.

The food and drinks at The Runner are inspired by menus of the late-19th and early-20th centuries, a time when America sought to define its own style of cooking to individualize itself from French and British traditions, and when “local, seasonal” was not a trend, but a way of life. The ethos of the cuisine and concept is American Heritage and The Runner aims to provide a relaxed yet inspired neighborhood experience. “Everything at The Runner is purposeful, informed and considered,” says Andrew Burman, “but the result is a down-to-earth hospitality experience meant for everyone to enjoy.” Andrew Burman also co-owns the Carroll Gardens brewery, Other Half Brewing Company, and he founded Court Street Grocers.  For more information on the menu offerings and The Runner’s cooking philosophy click here. The 40-seat dining room includes chef counter seats, and the attached bar area offers additional bar seating where guests can order from the bar menu that features pared-down but similarly-inspired American Heritage small plates.

Come welcome our new comers to our small business community, try homemade cocktails, and taste food cooked from The Runner’s wood-burning oven. Please RSVP here.

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

 

Throwback to 1986 on Myrtle Avenue

334 & 336 Myrtle Avenue, between Carlton and Washington Park, as seen in 1986.

334 & 336 Myrtle Avenue, between Carlton and Washington Park, as seen in 1986.

Throwback to 1986 at 336 Myrtle, between Carlton & Washington Park.  The buildings look quite a bit different today than they did 28 years ago.  Today, the fully restored buildings, which have apartments upstairs, is now home to the new Humo Smokehouse at 336 and Dr. Jan’s medical office at 334.  Chung Chun Kitchen, seen in the photo, can still be found on the block.  They’ve moved next door to 338 Myrtle Avenue and have called that block home for more than 30 years.

Both buildings pictured above underwent facade restorations back in 2009.  The restoration project received support from the New York Main Street Grant program.  This program has assisted with the rehabilitation more than 30 historic buildings on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.

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

Artwalk Coming to a Close

Artwalk on Myrtle Avenue
Black Artstory Month is coming to an end, however, visitors to Myrtle Avenue can still see the diverse artwork from close to 20 local artists in the Artwalk at the following Myrtle Avenue businesses until Sunday, March 2nd.  The Avenue-wide Artwalk is self-guided.

Feel free to stop by these locations during regular business hours to view the works. Artwalk Map. Please note that the artwork at Corkscrew Brooklyn will not be on view past Saturday, March 1st.

Black Artstory Artwalk locations:

Gnarly Vines  350 Myrtle Ave
Climate Change featuring Try Harder NYC artists Steven Mosley and Jose Baez

Brooklyn Sweet Spot  366 Myrtle Avenue
Sophia Dawson, Ify Chiejina

DC Optics   390 Myrtle Ave
Local Heroes: Works by youth from PS 20

Joseph Tyler Salon  458 Myrtle Avenue (window)
Ibou Ndoye

Miracle’s  473A Myrtle Avenue (window)
Ibou Ndoye

Artwork at Gnarly Vines, Fort Greene

Dee and Rickys 503 Myrtle Avenue
Laolu Senbanjo, Jabari Jefferson, Ify Chiejina, Patrick Dougher, Chanel Kennebrew

Pillow Cafe 505 Myrtle Avenue
Teri Sanders

The Emerson   561 Myrtle Avenue
Lissa Rivera, Angel Garcia, Ellie Balk, Chanel Kennebrew, Mirland Terlonge, Amber Doe

Soketah  563 Myrtle Avenue (window)
Ibou Ndoye

Mini-Department Shop Coming to Fort Greene

jill lindsey_blog2

Jill Lindsey, the eponymously named store which will be at once a gift shop (greeting cards, candles and more), clothing boutique (including dresses, men’s suits and bridal wear) and cafe/lounge is scheduled to open on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene in May.  With so many wonderful things under one roof, it’s a “mini-department store,” as Jill often refers to it.  The store, located between Adelphi and Clermont, will have an inviting backyard for events or just relaxing.

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 “party-ready looks.”  One designer said of Jill’s designs, “(she) makes some of the most gorgeous and interesting special occasion dresses I have encountered.”

But don’t try to box Jill in.  As expertly as she designs and sews the dresses which bear her name, the store will also be an important stop for handmade, custom bridal wear and men’s suits, which she also expertly designs.  Stop in for clothing, gifts or to grab a bite or drink.

Jill Lindsey will be located at 370 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Clermont.  In the meantime, check out Jill’s website at:  jilllindsey.com.

#TBT to 2007 at Duncan’s Fish Market

Mr. Gurvan Duncan, owner of Duncan's Fish Market at 385 Myrtle Avenue.

Mr. Gurvan Duncan, owner of Duncan’s Fish Market at 385 Myrtle Avenue, as seen in a 2007 photo from the Myrtle Avenue Home Grown and Locally Owned campaign.

Duncan’s Fish Market, owned by Gurvan Duncan, has called Myrtle Avenue home for over 15 years. The local institution offers fresh daily catches as well as prepared food, such as sandwiches, fish and chips, mac and cheese, and rice and beans. Stop by to grab a prepared lunch or pick up fresh fish or shrimp to use in your homemade dinner.

Most of the employees you find in Duncan’s have been working in the shop since its original opening. In addition to fresh fish and homemade sides, you can always find a friendly smile from Mr. Duncan.

Duncan’s Fish Market is one of 100 businesses along Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill that have been open for 15 years or more. Mr. Duncan, and dozens of other business owners, have contributed to the success of Myrtle Avenue and the surrounding neighborhood. Learn more about Mr. Duncan, and other members of the diverse group of Myrtle Avenue business owners, in the Home Grown and Locally Owned campaign.

Duncan’s Fish Market, 385 Myrtle Avenue, between Clermont and Vanderbilt Avenue.

Sandbox Pack & Ship Opens in New Space

Sandbox_for blog Sandbox Pack & Ship is all settled into their  larger space located at 417 Myrtle Avenue.  They are excited about the new space, which will accommodate more equipment that will satisfy customer needs. Sandbox is a full service packaging and shipping center specializing in small business and individual needs. Sandbox is a one stop courier, shipping, packing and freight insurance superstore all under one roof. Sandbox offers 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 also offers mailbox rentals, computer/internet café services, printing and faxing services and packing and shipping supplies.

Sandbox Pack & Ship is located at 417 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Vanderbilt Avenues .

Now Open: El Patron in Clinton Hill

El Patron, Myrtle Avenue’s new bar and restaurant,  located at 474 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street, is primed to open as early as next week Wednesday.  The owners (l-r),  Willie Miranda and Richie Lopez are busily putting on all of the final touches.  Expect delicious cocktails, appetizers such as bandeja paisa (red beans cooked with pork, rice and other delicious ingredients), tostadas (tortillas, fresh corn and jalapenos), nachos and quesadillas and stuffed jalapenos and entrees such as churrasco (marinated skirt steak mojo served with papas bravas and salad) and vegetarian coconut paella (squash, zucchini, peppers, onions, yuca, pumpkin, raisins, sun-dried tomatoes, and portobello mushroom.

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

Local Black History Spotlight: Cumberland Hosptial

Cumberland Hospital panoramic photo collage, courtesy of New York City in 60 Seconds

Cumberland Hospital panoramic photo collage, courtesy of New York City in 60 Seconds

The imposing and stunning Cumberland Hospital building on Auburn Place, now home to the Auburn Family Shelter, opened in 1922.  Over the next few decades, it became the birthplace for many Fort Greene residents, including one of the world’s greatest athletes.  Michael Jordan was born here in 1963 (February 17th to be exact), while his parents had a quick 18-month residency in Brooklyn while his father was training at the nearby Brooklyn Navy Yard.

The hospital itself had been around downtown Brooklyn since 1852, when it originally opened as a dispensary.  It continued to move locations and grow over the 19th century and in 1917 the plans for the existing building at North Portland and Auburn Place were announced.  Due to government budget cuts and hospital consolidations, the hospital ceased operations in 1983 and patients were moved to the new and modern Woodhull Hospital.

In addition to the greatest basketball player, many other African-Americans from Brooklyn were welcomed into the world in this building.  Other people of fame include Mike Tyson, Spike Lee and pro basketball brothers Albert and Bernard King.

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

Daily Sing-A-Longs at Five Spot on Myrtle Avenue

Five Spot Singalong Artists_Myrtle Avenue

If you’re starting to feel cabin fever with your little ones in the house, perhaps a visit to Five Spot Soul Food on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill can offer a cure.  Every weekday morning, Five Spot hosts a kid sing-a-long at 11:30.  The daily event features a variety of musicians, including Hopalong Andrew, Lloyd H. Miller, and Leslie & the Flying Foxes.  The $10 cover per family will get you some entertainment for the young ones, complimentary light breakfast, and 50% off lunch entrees.

Five Spot Soul Food, 461 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenue.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day on Myrtle Avenue, Local Lovin’

brownie heart3

There are so many wonderful LOCAL places to choose from, to shop, dine, pamper, enjoy live music and more this Valentine’s Day. A few love-inspired activities on the Avenue this year, whether you choose to spend the big day as a couple, solo or any myriad of ways:

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

  • Bella Rosa Flowers & Gift Shop, 566 Myrtle, (347) 763-6006   Flower bouquets of every beautiful variety.  Stop in. 

SAY It WITH GIFTS, CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

  • 21 Tara, 388 Myrtle, (718) 237-0737
  • Barking Brown, 468 Myrtle, (718) 638-3757 
  • Leisure Life NYC, 559 Myrtle, (347) 725-3167
  • Owa’s Afrikan Market, 434 Myrtle, (718) 643-8487
  • Shalena Jewelry, 384 Myrtle
  • Clinton Hill Simply Art & Framing Gallery, 583 Myrtle, (718) 857-0074     February is Couples Appreciation Month: any couple entering shop will receive $20 off any purchase (excluding books) and complimentary tote bag while supplies last.
  • Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle, (718) 855-4383 LOVE QUOTES  Come out and share or read sage love quotes on the in-store on recycled chalkboards or on the web 

OH, TO BE PAMPERED

  • Burzh-wa Salon, 507 Myrtle, (718) 237-2815 
  • Joseph Tyler Salon, 456 Myrtle, (718) 802-9900 Special V-Day gift cards available for your sweet to use on a variety of products and services at the salon, from hair color to cuts.
  • Just Because Salon, 141 Carlton, (718) 722-7810 
  • Owl & the Pussycat 154 Vanderbilt, (718) 522-5697
  • Polish Bar of Brooklyn, 470 Myrtle, (718) 622-5363 Babeland Bash on Friday, 2/14.  Hourly toy raffles, kinky spritzer, desserts, brown sugar upgrade for all manis.  Mac Young Rapunzel Lipstick, $15.  NYX Deep Violet Lip Liner, $13, Mac Mineralize Foundation, $34, L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes in Backest Black, $9.  Get the look revamped.  Book early! 
  • Shic  564 Myrtle (718) 875-6845
  • Shic by Soketah, 564 Myrtle, (718) 875-0845/6

SWEETS FOR THE SWEET

  • Brooklyn Sweet Spot* (718) 624-CAKE (2253) & Corkscrew Wines* (718) 230-WINE (9463    Valentine’s Basket featuring Champagne truffles, Chocolate covered strawberries, Gourmet-sized cupcakes, Heart shaped brownies, Chocolate dipped pretzels, Champagne flutes, Bottle of pink proseco 
  • Huey’s Chueys Café & Xotic Edibles, 378 Myrtle, (347) 985-0333   Gift baskets, and flower and fruit bouquet arrangements
  • Le Petit Bakery, 354 Myrtle, (718) 875-6500

FOOD FOR THE SWEET

  • Five Spot Soul Food, 459 Myrtle, (718) 852-0202.  Stop in for a very special Valentine’s Day titled, ‘Live at the Five Spot starring the Brazilionaires,’ performing samba / pop music. In addition, there will be a special samba performance by Diana Scott and Mike Hinchman. $12 admission.  Special 4-course dinner for members of the Contemporary Art Center.  Call the restaurant for details. 
  • Lola BKLYN, 387 Myrtle, (718) 858-1484    Three course menu $35 per person.  First Course (select one:  Oyster Chowder, Romaine Heart, Grilled and served warm with poached rock shrimp, parmesan, and a spicy vinaigrette, Bartlet Pear, stuffed with Gorgonzola and topped with proscuitto and pear balsamic.  Second Course (Select one: Tuna Steak crusted with black pepper and seared to order. Served with rice pilaf and a mixed pepper, saffron escabeche, Lamb Top Round, Oven roasted, and served with rosemary grits, brussel sprouts and a goat cheese white wine sauce, Roasted Pork Loin Glazed with an ancho chile barbecue sauce and served with warm potato salad, Vegetable Lasagna: Homemade lasagna layered with spinach, zucchini, mushrooms and eggplant.  Dessert   Chocolate Mousse and Key Lime Pie 
  • Lulu & Po*, 154 Carlton, (917) 435-3745. Only a $5.00 corkage fee on any bottle of wine that you purchase from Gnarly Vines when you have dinner at Lulu & Po between 6-8pm, Monday thru Wednesday. Don’t forget to bring your receipt! 
  • Maggie Brown, 455 Myrtle, (718) 643-7001   Call and make your Valentine’s Day reservations!
  • Peck’s*, 455A Myrtle, (347) 689-4969 Satisfy your foodie Valentine with a gift basket full of local food goodies at Peck’s      
  • Putnam’s Pub*, 419 Myrtle, (347) 799-2382.  Valentine’s Day Menu  Option—prix fixe  $50/person or $75 with wine pairing  –first course—  Duck Rillette w/blood orange jam and country bread Oysters on the ½ shell for two Creamy lobster bisque served w/garlic ribbed crouton  –second course—  Roasted baby back of lamb & merguez sausage w/fregola & caramelized winter vegetables homemade tagatelli w/Alaskan lobster & black truffle cumin dusted scallops w/pomegranate glaze & pomme frites potatoes –third course— Strawberry panacotta Homemade cream puffs w/salted caramel Option 2–$75 Dry aged axe handle ribeye for two w/bone marrow butter, truffled mash & creamed spinach    
  • Soco, 509 Myrtle (718) 783-1936.  Valentine’s Day.  Chef Dinner Special Appetizers & Entrees  Unlimited Champagne Dinner  $25 Per person (1Hr. Per Person)  Early Bird Seating  12PM – 2PM – 4 PM  Dinner Seating  6PM – 8PM – 10PM – 12PM  Reserve Now ! 718.783.1936
  • Splitty, 415 Myrtle, (718) 643-BUNS (2868)  Live music:  Raye Six ‘Love Potion #9’ Valentine’s Night.  Fri, Feb. 14th — DJ Hi Maintenance / DJ Devanity / Raye 6 ‘I Like’ Video Premiere & Performance Giveaways from: – Brooklyn Roasting Company @BklynRoasting   – Spotted Glam and more–with Brandi Mitchell, Niki Zoe Vickers and Devan Townsend

LET’S TOAST TO THAT

  • Corkscrew Brooklyn*, 489 Myrtle, (718) 230-WINE (9463):  offering a special sale on Thursday and Friday calling it : Local Love which 10% off all out local wines firm the finger Lakes: 

Hermann J Wiemer Late Harvest Riesling 2012 reg $28 sale $25.20

Hermann J Wiemer Dry Riesling 2012 reg $19 sale $17.10

Hermann J Wiemer Gewurztramminer 2012 reg $22 sale $19.80

Red Newt Cellars Merlot 2011 reg $29 sale $26.10

Fox Run Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2010 reg $18.75 sale $16.88

Red Tail Ridge Estate Riesling 2012 reg $17 sale $15.30

Red Tail Ridge Blaufrankisch 2010 reg $18.50 sale $16.65

Sheldrake Point Luckystone red blend 2011 reg $16.50 sale $14.85

Or drop in this week for cupcakes from Brooklyn Sweet Spot. Corkscrew and Brooklyn Sweet Spot collaborated a great Valentines’ Basket of Ombra Pink Prosecco and chocolate treats. Stop in for samples on Thursday from 6pm to 8pm and Friday 5:30pm to 8:30pm. 

  • Gnarly Vines*, 350 Myrtle, (718) 797-3183  Also, dont forget to take advantage of our everyday cross-promotion! Only a $5.00 corkage fee on any bottle of wine that you purchase from Gnarly Vines when you have dinner at Lulu & Po between 6-8pm, Monday thru Wednesday. Don’t forget to bring your receipt! We’ll see you there
  • Tipsy*, 584 Myrtle, (347) 599-1672.  Splurge on a treat. Whether you’ve got a honey or hanging with friends on Friday or at a later time, here are two bottles of bubbly that will make it extra special:

Veuve Clicquot (this week $45, regularly $55) We all know that orange-labeled bottle: it impresses, it makes a statement and it tastes damn delicious.

Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial (this week $50, regularly $60)

Something slightly sweet for your sweet, with undertones of vanilla and pear.

 

* Indicates that business is a “Farm to Neighborhood” participant, carrying local foods and products. When you support these businesses, purchases benefit both regional farms and the local economy

Local Black History Spotlight: Dr. Susan McKinney

Dr. Susan McKinney (1847-1918) and the Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary High School of the Arts at Park Ave and N. Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Dr. Susan McKinney (1847-1918) and the Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary High School of the Arts at Park Ave and N. Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Dr. Susan McKinney, a local Fort Greene doctor, demonstrated incredible passion and drive throughout her life.  Born on a pig farm in 1846, Susan went on to graduate as valedictorian from medical school in 1870 and became the 1st Black female doctor in NY state, and the third in the entire country. The doctor led a very active life in Brooklyn by founding hospitals, opening up a private practice on DeKalb Avenue in Fort Greene, raising two children and serving as an active suffragette.  Her activism and life’s work were renowned and led to many honors, including a eulogy from W.E.B. Du Bois in 1918 and the naming of a local middle school in Fort Greene in her honor.

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

Park Ave Gets New Street Lights

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

The New York City Department of Transportation installed 9 new street lights along Park Avenue in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Wallabout, Brooklyn.  This was a direct result of the research and advocacy efforts of our Park Avenue Pedestrian Safety Project.

Four street lights are completely brand new installations:

  • North Portland, just south of Park Ave
  • Carlton, just south of Park Ave
  • Adelphi, just north of Park Ave
  • Park Ave, just west of Steuben

Four street light arms were added to existing lamp posts:

  • Park Ave at Carlton
  • Park Ave at Clinton
  • Park Ave at Ryerson (pictured above)
  • Park Ave at Grand

The ninth new light, on Washington at Park Ave, was added to an existing traffic light.

Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center on Myrtle Avenue

l-r: BYFC founder/director, Trayce Gardener and staff member, Zach Kangas

l-r: BYFC founder/director, Trayce Gardener and staff member, Zach Kangas

Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center (BYFC) set up shop in the back area of Huey’s Chueys Candy Boutique & Café nearly three months ago.  The film and arts cultural hub and not-for-profit offers film screenings, workshops on filmmaking, production assistance, allied film courses, including set design, voice overs, lighting and sound production.  Through its ‘People’s Hollywood’ initiative, it partners with local small businesses to market them as film shoot locations as well as catering options for film shoots of all sizes.  BYFC’s most recent program addition is ‘Skill Share,’ where local residents can sign-up to offer classes to neighbors in a one time or short series of workshops about any topic they feel competent and/or passionate about.  BYFC founder, Trayce Gardener says recently submitted Skillshare proposals have included “almost every topic under the sun, the more serious to the all about fun, including Spanish language classes, crocheting classes, political science classes, beer-making, and line dancing.”

BYFC has been a Fort Greene-based mainstay for several years but now with ground floor, walk-in access, the organization looks forward to expanding.  “We are in serious fundraising mode now,” shared Trayce, as we hope to maintain our presence on Myrtle Avenue.”  “Our hope is to grow support for Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center, to in our rich arts and culture landscape of Fort Greene and even among our much larger arts and cultural institutions, that we can maintain a walk-in presence too.  I’m confident that we serve an important purpose, a haven for filmmakers, artists and the arts and anyone who is a lover of small businesses.”

In addition to vintage candies, gourmet, hand churned ice cream and other delicious treats, Hueys’s Chueys now serves soups, salads, sandwiches and other delicious menu items.   Please stop in to enjoy.

Huey’s Chueys Candy Boutique & Café and Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center are located at 378 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Adelphi.  Please drop in to support BYFC’s fundraising efforts, to find out more, to sign up to teach or take SkillShare or other workshops, or just to say hello and check out the space.

Local Black History Spotlight: James Forten

James Forten, 1766-1842.

James Forten, 1766-1842.

During Black History Month, we will highlight a local Black historical figure in our weekly Throwback Thursday posts.

In 1780, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill were solemn places to be due to the presence of the Revolutionary War.  The war had brought British controlled prison ships to the neighborhoods’ shores in Wallabout Bay, which is now surrounded by the Brooklyn Navy Yard.  More than 11,000 American patriots died on these ships, which had horrific living conditions.  Their memories are commemorated by the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument in Fort Greene Park.

One of the imprisoned, who was part of a small number of survivors, was James Forten.  Mr. Forten, a free Black man, was only 14 when the commercial ship he was on was captured by the British.   He and his crew were taken prisoner on the infamous Jersey prison ship.  Forten spent 7 months upon the ship, until he was released through a prisoner exchange.  He then walked, still a teenager, by himself, all the way to Philadelphia to find his family.  Later on, as an adult, he continued as an American Patriot by fighting for freedom and liberty for those enslaved as a vocal and leading abolitionist. 

Learn more about the extraordinary life of James Forten in A Gentleman of Color: the Life of James Forten by Julie Winch, 2003, Oxford Press.

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

Wallabout Bay, as seen in this 1767 map, was home to the British Prison Ships during the American Revolutionary War.

Wallabout Bay, as seen in this 1767 map, was home to the British Prison Ships during the American Revolutionary War.

The Runner Opens for Business on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Myrtle Avenue’s newest sit-down restaurant, The Runner, opens for business today in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.  The restaurant, which is named after Walt Whitman’s poem of the same name, has a wood-burning oven at the center of its cooking philosophy.  The extensive menu has many seasonal items including, wood-fired baked breads, vegetables and main dishes like lamb shoulder with plum sauce, culotte steak “Diane,” and a whole roast chicken for two; shaved brussel sprout, cabbage and kale with hazelnut dressing, and pickled and roasted beets with parsley, walnuts and a red wine vinaigrette; mashed potatoes with gruyere, whole beans with duck confit, and wild rice and kabocha squash.

Seafood will be procured fresh everyday and will include dishes such as: salt-baked trout with a caper sauce will be a mainstay, as well as freshly-shucked oysters, served raw, roasted, and in sandwiches. For dessert: a take on carrot pudding, tipsy cake, plus a variety of homemade ice creams, including fennel and molasses.

The Runner is the newest venture of former Court Street Grocers chef and current Other Half Brewing Company frontman Andrew Burman and Executive Director of Front of House Robert Honeycutt (formerly of Gilt, BLT Group, The ALEX Hotel), in partnership with Gastro Coterie (president, Art Winter).

The Runner is located at 460 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Waverly.

New Humo Smokehouse Opens with Ribbon Cutting

Owners of Humo Smokehouse, along with Council Member Cumbo, Assembly Member Lentol and MARP Executive Director Blaise Backer cutting the ribbon at the restaurant's grand opening.

Owners of Humo Smokehouse, along with Council Member Cumbo, Assembly Member Lentol and MARP Executive Director Blaise Backer cutting the ribbon at the restaurant’s grand opening.

Neighborhood residents and elected officials were on hand this past Wednesday to help the owners at Humo Smokehouse officially open their doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Additionally, the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC (MARP) presented the restaurant with a grant for $40,000 from the New York Main Street grant program.  The grant provided assistance for the build-out of the restaurant and installation of a new storefront.

Local Council Member Laurie Cumbo was on hand to congratulate the diverse team of owner’s on the opening and welcome them to Fort Greene.  Assemblyman Joseph Lentol also offered his congratulations and spoke about the tremendous economic growth that Myrtle Avenue and Fort Greene-Clinton Hill has seen over the past few years.

Humo’s owners, a team of five colleagues who met while working in the restaurant industry over the past decade, were thankful for everyone’s support and are looking forward to being part of the community.  The management team represents a diverse mixture of men and women from Central America, including Guatemala and Mexico, and the United States.

Humo Smokehouse New York Main Street Grant

The restaurant was the 31st New York Main Street grant recipient on Myrtle Avenue.  Over the past 8 years, MARP has invested $541,000 in property improvements along Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.  These grants have been matched by $1.8 Million from local property and business owners.

Humo Smokehouse, 336 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Park and Carlton.

Introducing the New www.myrtleavenue.org

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Welcome to the new www.myrtleavenue.org, our new website created specifically for our all those interested in Myrtle Avenue, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Wallabout, Brooklyn. Our newly designed website holds a slew of new features to help users connect with the assets and resources here. Your experience is important to us. Please let us know if it easy to explore and find what you are looking for at by sending us a message. Below are some tips that we think will be useful.

Are you looking for a restaurant or place to meet up for dinner? Check out our online Dining Directory.

Do you need to find a gift or supplies for your home or workplace? The Shopping Directory will quickly help you find the business that has what you are looking for.

Looking for something to-do over the weekend with friends or family? Visit our easy-to-use Calendar to find local events.

Do you want to learn more about the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and the work we do? Click around the main menu to find out more about our initiatives with local businesses, historic preservation, food and health, arts and culture, and public space.

Have fun exploring our site and check back often to find the latest neighborhood news and to explore new features.

 

A Historic #TBT at 350 Myrtle Avenue

1940's Tax Photo of 350 Myrtle Avenue. Photo purchased from the NYC Department of Records.

1940’s Tax Photo of 350 Myrtle Avenue. Photo purchased from the NYC Department of Records.

This photo of 350 Myrtle Avenue, between Carlton and Adelphi, dates from 1940.  The photo captures Tony’s Express Storage and Warehouse, the tenant at the time.  At this point, the handsome Romanesque Revival building had been around for 40 years.

Today, Gnarly Vines wine shop calls the space home.  If you pass the building now, you’ll notice the closed-up storefront and boarded-up upper floor windows have been removed.  Also missing today are the Myrtle Avenue trolley tracks in the street and the Elevated train tracks above.

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

Have You Tried Humo Smokehouse’s Barbeque in Fort Greene?

Humo Smokehouse Food

Humo Smokehouse opened for business nearly two weeks ago in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, after a vibrant, private family and friends event sendoff.  The restaurant features delicious farm-to-table barbeque fare which they call a “true connection between the eater, grower and chef.”  The restaurant features many menu items such as yummy pork shoulder, barbeque ribs and fresh, in-season vegetables and other sides.  The six restaurant owners, who have worked together in the restaurant industry for several years, will host a ribbon cutting later this week at the store.

Humo Smokehouse is located at 336 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park and Carlton.

 

Super Bowl XLVIII on Myrtle Avenue

photo credit: NFL.com

Image Credit: NFL.com

Watch the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos go head to head at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Stop in at any of the Myrtle Avenue businesses below to check out the game, viewing opps and/or drink and food specials.  Here’s a bit of a round up (stay tuned for possible additions by Sunday). Call the businesses directly for further details.

Bamboo Lounge & Grill 527 Myrtle Avenue located between Grand and Steuben, (718) 398-2405

Doors open at 3pm. Enjoy 20 piece hot wing buckets, beer buckets, almost giveaway margaritas and sangrias and more.

Buon Gusto Italian Pizzeria and Ristorante  499 Myrtle Avenue located at Ryerson Street entrance, (718) 399-0600

Buffalo wings, fried calamari, baked clams, chicken tenders, meatballs, mozzarella sticks, pizza fries, fries, jalapeno poppers, fried zucchini sticks, pizza, calzones and more.

Castro’s 511 Myrtle Avenue located between Ryerson and Grand, (718) 398-1459

Nachos, beer and drink specials, hard and soft shell tacos, quesadillas and more

Crown Chicken & Pizza  339 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi,  (718) 222-0151

Dee & Ricky’s Home Cooking  503 Myrtle Avenue located between Ryerson and Grand, (718)789-1111

Super Bowl Watching Party—big screen, nachos, mini beef and chicken patties, beer and cocktails specials all day long

Domino’s Pizza  328 Myrtle Avenue located between Washington Park and Carlton,  (718) 522-3733

The Emerson Bar 561 Myrtle Avenue located between Emerson and Classon, (347) 763-1310

Projector screen and awesome beer specials. bring snacks–The Emerson will have free wings available. Super Bowl pool is $10 per box (must be filled before kick off). Total winning if all boxes are filled: 1st quarter prize $100; half time prize $200; 3rd quarter prize $100; final score prize $400. Happy Hour 3p-7:30 (2-for-1 draft and well) Kick-off, 6:30p. From 8p-close ($1 off all bottled beer). DJ and Dance Party after

Five Spot Soul Food and Supper Club 459 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington, ( 718) 852-0202

Large screen projector, wing specials and more

Humo Smokehouse  336 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi (347) 689-9239

One rack of ribs with any 2 choices from the side menu, $30; 1 pound of any meat with any 2 choice of sides, $25; half rack of ribs, 1/2 lb of any meat with 2 choices from the side menu, $30. For delivery, please call in order by 8pm on Saturday.

Liberty Pizza  482 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall, (718) 789-0600

Calzones, pizza  pies and single slices and squares, pastrami pinwheels, zeppolis and more

Lola BKLYN 387 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt, (718) 858-1484

Burgers, nachos, beer and drink specials

Los Pollitos III 499 Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Ryerson, (718) 636-6125

Flatscreen tv and food and drink specials

Maggie Brown  455 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenue, (718) 643-7001

Buffalo chicken, fried chicken

Palmer’s Café, Bar & Diner  343 Gold Street at Myrtle Avenue,  (718) 858-5866

Wings, pizzas, $1 draft beers starting at 10pm.

Putnam’s Pub & Cooker  419 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt and Clinton, (347) 799-2382

Super Bowl Watch Party. Flat screen tvs—on, with sound cranked up.  Beer specials all day, nachos, wings and other finger food specials

Ruthie’s  560 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson and Classon, (718) 399-2400

Potato salad, wings, chicken fingers and more

Soco  509 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson and Grand, (718) 783-1936

Super Bowl Watch Party

Subway  400 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt,  (718) 858-6727

Tepango Restaurant  568 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson and Classon, (718) 636-8878

Nachos, quesadillas, soft and hard-shell tacos and more.

White Castle  531 Myrtle Avenue between Grand and Steuben

#TBT at Fort Greene Houses, 1944

Image Credit: LaGuardia-Wagner Archives.

Image Credit: LaGuardia-Wagner Archives.

This photo captures Fort Greene Houses (now known as Whitman and Ingersoll Houses) exactly 70 years ago this week.  On January 19, 1944, the grounds of the recently completed development are filled with military personnel and civilians who were employed at the nearby Brooklyn Navy Yard.  During World War II, the Yard employed more than 70,000 people.  The recently complete public housing provided the much needed housing for this large surge in the neighborhood’s population.  It wasn’t until after the war that the buildings would fulfill their original purpose as affordable housing.

Visit the LaGuardia-Wagner Archies at LaGuardia Community College to learn more.

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

Peck’s Holds Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate Opening in Clinton Hill

Image Credit: Jeffrey Gray Brandste

Image Credit: Jeffrey Gray Brandste

Peck’s celebrated the store opening in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn with a two-day kick off and ribbon cutting this past week on Wednesday (1/15) and Thursday (1/16).  More than 90 neighbors, friends and elected officials stopped by to help Theo Peck, the store owner, celebrate his new gourmet and prepared food business on Myrtle Avenue.

From left to right: Blaise Backer, Executive Director, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership; Assemblyman Joseph Lentol; Doug Bowen, property owner; Theodore Peck, business owner; Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna; Jordyn Buglione, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Chad Purkey, Program Manager for Historic Preservation, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.