Author Archives: Chad Purkey

CakeJoy Bakery is now The Brooklyn Sweet Spot

Cake Joy Brooklyn Sweet Spot

’The Brooklyn Sweet Spot’ will be opening at 366 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Adelphi in the next 4 weeks. The delicious cupcakes and other confections will continue to tantalize the tastebuds, melt in your mouth and make you scream for more — seriously! You’ll also say the new shop is reminiscent of CakeJoy Bakery on Myrtle Avenue. That’s because it IS CakeJoy Bakery, but with a brand new look, location (they make it real easy, it’s just moving next door to 366) and name, the Brooklyn Sweet Spot.

According to Kym Rodgers, Brooklyn SweetSpot owner, the change is all about new branding which will display a “bolder presentation.” Expect bold pops of the new shop colors of deep orange, brown, burgundy, yellow all on display in the shop’s interior. As for the delicious confections–never fear, still here on Myrtle. In fact, you will see more of your favorites as the proportion of more popular items will expand.

Stop in and choose from a variety of mouthwatering cupcake flavors such as Rosalie (vanilla), red velvet, orange dreamsicle, raspberry, poppin’ pistachio, chocolate grand marnier seduction, strawberry lemonade, coconut rum punch, mojito madness, pineapple kiss and strawberry pineapple rum punch.

Brooklyn Sweet Spot will be located at 366 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Adelphi. While the Brooklyn Sweet Spot goes through its buildout in the new space, continue to stop in at the old location at 364 as they will be open for business throughout. Call 718.624.CAKE (2253) for further information.

FREE Family Event at Fort Greene Park on Sunday

tomorrow farewell photo

Looking for something to do this weekend with family and friends? Come out to Fort Greene Park’s Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park corner on Sunday, September 15, from 2-4pm for an afternoon of fun with the Tomorrow sculpture. We’re throwing a family-friendly‘ Farewell Party’ with free eco-friendly activities for all ages:
• Fruity Pop Workshop: Make healthy soda using farm-fresh fruit
• Postcards to Tomorrow: Using recycled cards, send an art-inspired message to tomorrow with SONYA (South of the Navy Yard Artists)
• Keepsake family Polaroids with the Tomorrow sculpture
• Eco-Friendly Craft Fun with Weaving Hand
• Facepainting
• Snacks with Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs

Akihiro Ito’s Tomorrow sculpture has been a well-loved community fixture for the past year, and will be removed on September 19th after a year-long installation at the park.

For more info contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

Support the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand

Photo Credit: American Farmland Trust

Photo Credit: American Farmland Trust

Support your Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand, Brooklyn through the American Farmland Trust Celebration.

Today is your last day to pledge that you will support the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand through American Farmland Trust’s I Love My Farmers Market Celebration. The celebration is raising national awareness about local farmers markets and putting money directly in the pockets of family farmers.

Your pledge is a commitment to spend $10 at your Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand. Make your pledge and in turn, you’ll receive a No Farms No Food sticker from the American Farmland Trust (pictured above). Pledge now!

The Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand is open every Wednesday NOW – October 30th, 8AM-3PM on the NE corner of Myrtle & N. Portland Avenues. You can pick up fresh produce from Nolasco Farm; local Honey from Kutik’s Honey Farm, NY; Maple Syrup from Poorfarm Farms, Vermont; Beth’s Farm Kitchen Jams, NY; and fresh baked bread from La Petite Bakery at 354 Myrtle Ave.

New Ornamental Plantings on Myrtle Avenue

Photo Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Photo Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Myrtle Avenue’s tree guards are receiving a fresh influx of ornamental plants. 25 tree beds are getting new perennials, including liriope, hostas, creeping thyme, and fountain grass (pictured).

Finding the right plants for urban tree beds is challenging. Not only are plants subjected to harsh conditions, but the microclimates are different from tree bed to tree bed. Moreover, a building can shade a tree bed in spring and fall but allow full sun in the summer – in effect creating multiple climates in the same tree bed.

We hope you enjoy the new plants as you stroll down the Avenue.

Purchase Paint at Clinton Hill Hardware & Support a Myrtle Mural Project

Clinton Hill Hardware_ paint
From now through the end of September, Clinton Hill Hardware located at 450 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenues is participating in Benjamin Moore’s Main Street revitalization initiative, ‘Revitalize Our Town,’ and will donate $1 from the purchase of any gallon Benjamin Moore paint or stain to a MARP-sponsored mural project. MARP plans to use the funds to paint a portion of the fence at the site of the Silverstone development in partnership with South of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA), helping to beautify the site during construction for residents and customers of nearby businesses. If you are contemplating a fall renovation project, stop by Clinton Hill Hardware for your paint supplies and support a great community project.

Alex Mendez, one of the owners of the family-owned and operated local hardware store stated, “we’ve been here a long time and witnessed firsthand many of the improvements to Myrtle Avenue since MARP has been around. We feel confident that they will use it in a way which generally benefits the neighborhood and that further improves the quality of life for all who are here.” Clinton Hill Hardware opened nearly a decade ago, but their commitment to community started much earlier. The owners (the patriarch of the family) previously served as manager of the Avenue’s former Adami Hardware store, and raised his sons (also owners of the business) right here on Myrtle Avenue.

Silverstone, the developer of the one story site which housed the Avenue’s Associated Supermarket will be built up to 7 floors. The construction has already begun and developers will also contribute funds to support beautification during construction.

Clinton Hill Hardware is located at 450 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenues and can be reached by phone at: 718.237.7827.

 

Artwork by PS20 Students at Le Petit Bakery

Le Petit Bakery Fort Greene Croissant

Looking for a place in Fort Greene to satisfy your sweet tooth and see some savory art? Swing by Le Petit Bakery,354 Myrtle Avenue, to grab a home made croissant and see the art exhibit collaboration between PS 20 Arts and PS 20 Farms.

Students from the 2nd grade practiced their drawing skills by sitting outside and closely observing the raised beds around the school. They were able to discover and reflect on the different physical properties of the crops they had planted, while working to capture them in colored pastel. The resulting artwork is rich and unique, highlighting nature through a child’s perspective. The exhibit is curated by teacher Magin Schantz and proceeds from sale of the pieces, which range from $15 to $40, will benefit the PS 20 Farm initiative, a PTA-run urban agriculture program that teaches students about gardening, healthy eating, and sustainability. Works will be there through the end of September. To purchase any of these works, please contact Meredith Phillips Almeida at meredith@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

PS 20 Art Exhibit at Le Petit Bakery

Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand Fresh Produce Update

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Don’t forget to come by the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand at the corner of North Portland and Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn today between 8am-3pm. Today’s fresh produce includes plum tomatoes, potatoes, red and white onions, tomatillos, tomatoes, peppers, collard greens, watercress, swiss chard, kale, cilantro, parsley, eggplant, radishes, herbs, and more. The special item today is cantelope! While you are here you can also grab some fresh ciabatta and potato rolls from Le Petit Bakery.

Every week you can purchase: produce, herb plants, and flowers from Nolasco Farm, New Jersey; Honey from Kutik’s Honey Farm Farm, NY; Maple Syrup from Poorfarm Farms, Vermont; Beth’s Farm Kitchen Jams, NY; and Red Jacket Orchard Fruit Juices, NY.

Farewell Party for ‘Tomorrow’ Sculpture

tomorrow_lg3

We’re throwing a family-friendly ‘Farewell Party’ for the Tomorrow sculpture, a symbol of future generations, before she journeys on to her next home.

When: Sunday, September 15 from 2-4pm
Where: Fort Greene Park (Myrtle and Washington Park)

Free, family-friendly activities include:
• Fruity Pop Workshop: Make healthy soda using farm-fresh fruit
• Postcards to Tomorrow: Using recycled cards, send an art-inspired message to tomorrow with SONYA (South of the Navy Yard Artists)
• Keepsake family Polaroids with the Tomorrow sculpture
• Facepainting
• Snacks with Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs

The Tomorrow sculpture has been a well-loved community fixture for the past year, at times serving as host to events like the Sing for Hope pianos and the P.S. 20 jazz band during Make Music NY. The sculpture, created by artist Akihiro Ito, will be removed on September 19th after a year-long installation at the park.

For more info contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

photo credit: NYC Parks Department

Myrtle Avenue Plaza Construction Will Begin in Late Summer or Early Fall

DDC Plaza Construction Announcement August 2013

We’ve received many inquiries about when construction of Myrtle Avenue Plaza will start. According the NYC Department of Design and Construction, the construction will begin in late summer or early fall, 2014. Previously, construction was scheduled to begin in the fall of 2013. Contractors will start with work on water mains and catch basins before moving on to the plaza area itself. Estimated time to completion is 18 months. The official competitive bid documents were recently released and can be downloaded from this page.

The Myrtle Avenue Plaza will create approximately 25,000 square feet of new pedestrian space by reconfiguring two blocks of the four-block service road and the southeast corner of Myrtle at Hall. Enhancements include: improved crossings, new bus stops, dozens of new trees, large planters with ornamentals, game tables, a water fountain, a permanent art installation, moveable tables and chairs, and more. The plaza will also provide space for community programming. The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Business Improvement District will be the city’s maintenance partner and will be responsible for upkeep and programming.

Check out the site plan and renderings here.

This project is part of the first round of NYC DOT’s capital Plaza Program . Funding was provided by Councilmember Tish James, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, the Federal Government, and NYC DOT.

Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand Fresh Produce Update

Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand11

Don’t forget to come by the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand at the corner of North Portland and Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn today between 8am-3pm. Today’s fresh produce includes cherry tomatoes, potatoes, red and white onions, tomatillos, tomatoes, peppers, collard greens, turnips, swiss chard, kale, cilantro, parsley, eggplant, radishes, herbs and more. The special item today is watermelon. While you are here you can also grab some fresh ciabatta and French rolls from Le Petit Bakery.

Every week you can purchase: produce, herb plants, and flowers from Nolasco Farm, New Jersey; Honey from Kutik’s Honey Farm Farm, NY; Maple Syrup from Poorfarm Farms, Vermont; Beth’s Farm Kitchen Jams, NY; and Red Jacket Orchard Fruit Juices, NY.

El Cofre Restaurant Installs New Storefront

El Cofre New Storefront 2013 (3) - Copy

El Cofre restaurant on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill has just wrapped up a new storefront project, which includes larger windows and new signage. The restaurant, which has served the neighborhood Dominican cuisine for more than a decade, has upgraded their storefront with a more inviting design and improved lighting. While the restaurant’s look may be new, their menu, which features $4.99 lunch specials and notoriously delicious baked chicken, still remains.

El Cofre, 454 Myrtle Ave, between Waverly and Washington Avenues. Open 8am-10pm every day.

Final Week Myrtle Summer Apprentice Program

SONY DSC

Can’t believe that this is the final week of this year’s summer apprentice program! We will certainly miss the twenty-one local teens, ages 15-18 who worked for seven weeks with local businesses.

Our Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (YEMP) partnered this year with the Alice Mann Center’s Teens That Mean Business Program in a pilot, which on both sides, helped to expand program and other offerings: ability to hire additional teens and to offer weekly classes on entrepreneurship. Ms. Toni Coston of the Brooklyn Community Arts & Media High School taught the weekly classes and Marcus Littles was our close contact at the Alice Mann Center.

The summer apprentice closing reception was held last week, Thursday, September 22nd at Dee & Ricky’s restaurant located at 503 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson and Grand. Being a retired high school principal himself, Dee & Ricky’s owner, Alvin Wray enthusiastically offered his restaurant for the closing reception packed with students and their family and friends.

The students presented their business plan ideas in groups of 4. Ideas included an image consulting business, a pet rescue business, a healthy food delivery program and a pet bakery.

This summer’s participating teens and businesses include:

  • Alfred Porter III (Sandbox Pack & Ship)
  • April Simmons (Polish Bar of Brooklyn)
  • April Smith (Joseph Tyler Salon)
  • Alexandra Johnson (Urban Vintage)
  • Brandon Wilson (Clinton Hill Animal Clinic)
  • Chinue Ellis (Green in BKLYN)
  • Christopher Covington (Luz Restaurant)
  • Christopher Jerome (Leisure Life)
  • DeVante Carolina (Dee & Ricky’s)
  • Essence Stevens (Soketah Salon)
  • Herold St. Louis (Five Spot)
  • Jenna Nash (CKO Kickboxing)
  • Jordan Oliver (Green Pets Spa)
  • Juanita Brown (Move With Grace Yoga, Dance and Pilates)
  • Latryce Gause (Emmanuel Daycare)
  • Monique White (Huey’s Chueys)
  • Quentin Felton (Le Petit Bakery)
  • Rhys-Gregory Henry (Mark’s Gourmet Burgers)
  • Sean Gordon (Neighborhood Housing Services)
  • Shicora McGriff (CakeJoy Bakery)

Local Event – Back to School Health & Fitness Day

 

Who: North Brooklyn Asthma Action Alliance
What: Back to School Health & Fitness Day (Facepainting, Music,Games & more)
Where: 100 N. Portland Avenue between Myrtle & Park Avenues
When: Tuesday, August 27th, 2013 1-4:30pm
Fee: FREE
Information: (718)260-7890

*The Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand Outreach Coordinator, Dominique Bryant, and Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef, Beryl Benbow, will be sharing info on the Farm Stand and cooking up a healthy, affordable recipe. Don’t miss out on the food demonstration.

Visit Myrtle Eats Fresh Chefs at Two Locations This Saturday!

corn pancakes community chef roisin

 

It’s a busy weekend for the Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs! You can stop by and taste their healthy, affordable recipes at the following locations:

Chef Roisin – noon-2 – Making up corn pancakes
NYCHA Raymond V. Ingersoll Family Day
Approximate address is 120 Navy Walk, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Chef Yvonne – 12:30-2:30 – Making a Fresh Veggie Saute
NYCHA Walt Whitman Family Day
Approximate address is 131 Cumberland Walk, Brooklyn, NY 11205

When you visit you can also learn more about all Myrtle Eats Fresh programming and sign-up to get involved in the many community food projects going on now!

For more information or to hire a Community Chef for your event please contact Kassy Nystrom at 718-230-1689 or Kassy@myrtleavenue.org.

Picture credit goes to Chef Roisin; her corn pancakes and in action at the Fort Greene Greenmarket!

#TBT Myrtle Ave in Clinton Hill

 

According to this 1940 photo, not much has changed at 471 Myrtle, home now to The Joint on Myrtle. The space, which has a luncheonette sign in the photo, still serves great lunches and has a beautiful historic storefront 73 years later.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @MyrtleAveBklyn to catch more #ThrowBackThursday posts and other neighborhood news throughout the week.

Wine Tasting at Gnarly Vines

GnarlyVines

Ahhh, just when you were starting to pen epitaphs to the summer of 2013…

The mid-summer might tasting on Thursday, Aug. 22 demonstrates that , oh, no, my dear, Myrtle’s still in the glorious summer groove.

Four sustainably-produced wines that are equally perfect for winding down after a long workday, sipping throughout a lazy afternoon, a picnic in the park or an evening under the stars. Cheers!

2012 Chateau Valcombe Rose – Ventoux, Rhone Valley, France – $14

2012 Chateau Soucherie Cuvee L’Astree Rose de Loire – France – $16

2011 Castello di Monastero Coenobium – Lazio, Italy – $24

2011 Domaine de la Chapelle des Bois Chiroubles – Beaujolais, France – $20

 

As usual, 15% off all wines featured at the tasting. Order by phone or online if you cannot make it!

Gnarly Vines is located at 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi and can be reached by phone at 718.797.3183.

AfroPunk After Dark Events on Myrtle

AfroPunk after dark 2

Are you coming out to the AfroPunk Fest on Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th (12pm to 9pm each day) at Commodore Barry Park? You won’t want to miss it! Described by the New York Times as “the most multicultural festival in the US,” Brooklyn’s AfroPunk Fest, is celebrating its 9th year!

And guess what? The Park may close…but Afro Punk continues…

New for AfroPunk 2013: AfroPunk After Dark.

AfroPunk After Dark turns select venues in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill into captivating playgrounds of music, art, comedy, entertainment and culture — with drink specials courtesy Absolut and Grolsch.

Eight (count ’em!) 8 opportunities to enjoy after dark fun on Myrtle Avenue:

– SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 –

August 24 — Cielo Bar, 474 Myrtle Avenue, 9pm – until

a celebration of natural beauty. book signing, party and exhibition. Book: Afros by Michael July; music by DJ Hard “Hittin” Harry

August 24 — The Emerson, 561 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

Afrobeats, Funk & Soul music by Mickey Perez

August 24 — Putnam’s Pub, 419 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

Sesac presents acoustic performances by Adam Falcon, Shelley Nicole, Shea Rose, created by Trevor Gale

August 24 — Brooklyn Tap House, 590 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

Connecting Africa & Latin America thru musical exploration. Africa Latina presented by Chief Boima and Geko Jones

 

– SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 –

August 25 — Putnam’s Pub, 419 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

live the hype life. Vortex w/music by ManChildBlack. AfroFuturistic, ElectroFunk & Soul

August 25 — Dee & Ricky’s, 503 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

Pull Up! Pepper Pot Sunday. Reggae & Dancehall music by DJ Gravy of Rice and Peas

August 25 — Lola’s, 387 Myrtle Avenue, 11pm – until

Purple Ferdinand Live, music by Siobhan Bell, acoustic performance by Purple Ferdinand

 

The Park may close…but AfroPunk continues…

BCF Features Farm Stand Outreach Coordinator

Dominique & Jenetha_Farm Stand_BCF

Brooklyn Community Foundation featured Dominique Bryant, our Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand Outreach Coordinator, in their “Doing Good Update”! Check it out and learn more about the mission of the Farm Stand and the awesome work that Dominique does for MARP and beyond!

Picture credit to Brooklyn Community Foundation – Dominique Bryant, Outreach Coordinator (right) with Jenetha, Farm Stand Manager.

The Andrea Sponsors Myrtle Avenue Tree Bench

Blog Post Photo

The Andrea, a 95-unit mixed-use building on Myrtle @ Ashland, has sponsored the tree bench in front of Red Apple Supermarket.

The five-year sponsorship supports the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership’s efforts to beautify the public realm by providing additional funding for bench plank replacements, supplemental ornamental plants, and special tree care, as needed.

Myrtle’s tree guards are both functional and durable, and offer a ‘canvas’ that reflects local creativity. They were created with a modular design so that each set of panels can have a unique, laser-cut design, meeting the Partnership’s goal of creating more opportunities to incorporate local public art into the streetscape. The panel art on this tree bench, titled “Bridge Crossing,” was designed by Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh and his son, Liam.

To learn more about sponsoring one of Myrtle’s unique tree guards or tree benches, pleaseclick here.

PS20 Art Exhibit at Le Petit Bakery

PS20Farms Sketching1

Precious pastel drawings of garden herbs by local school children will be exhibited at our very own local French bakery, Le Petit Bakery (354 Myrtle Avenue). PS 20 2nd grade artists spent last spring sketching plants in their school garden, PS 20 Farms. This exhibition of student work features some of their best work, curated by teacher Magin Schantz. Proceeds from sale of the pieces, which range from $15 to $40, will benefit the PS 20 Farm initiative, a PTA-run urban agriculture program that teaches students about gardening, healthy eating & sustainability. Make sure to check out the works next time you’re at Le Petit for your morning coffee/cronut run! Works will be there through the end of September. To purchase any of these works, please contact Meredith Phillips Almeida at meredith@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

Free Health Screenings at Myrtle Ave Farm Stand

farmstand postcard 2013 - EDD_FRONT_blog

We have partnered with The Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center to bring FREE health screenings to the Fort Greene Community on Wednesday, August 21st from 10-2 at the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand located on Myrtle and North Portland Avenues! Mobile Medical Van Staff will provide FREE cholesterol screening, Diabetes and Blood Pressure screening, dental screening, nutritional counseling, HIV education and drug and alcohol treatment referrals to all visitors.

You can also learn more about the Greene Hill Food Co-op located at 18 Putnam Ave in Clinton Hill and taste a healthy, fresh recipe!

The Farm Stand offers fresh, farm-grown produce from NJ based farmer of Nolasco Farm, local honey, jams, syrup and bread form Le Petit Bakery every Wednesday NOW – October 8AM-3PM.

Afro Punk Fest 2013 in Brooklyn

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Described by the New York Times as “the most multicultural festival in the US,” Brooklyn’s Afropunk Fest, is celebrating its’ 9th year.  Chuck D & DJ Lord, Questlove(?love), DEATH, The Heavy, Trash Talk, Danny Brown, Saul Williams, Theophilus London, Vintage Trouble, The London Souls), The Coup), Mykki Blanco, K-OS, Big Freedia, Rye Rye), LE1F), Jean Grae), CX Kidtronik,The Dust Rays), The Skins),Meatloaf Muzik,Rebelmatic,Unlocking The Truth, and Sunny Gang, are all set to play in Brooklyn,New York’s Commodore Barry Park on Saturday, August 24th, and Sunday, August 25, from 12PM to 9PM, each day. This is the first wave of artists.

In addition to a killer line up of live music, vibrant art and good vibes – there will be over 26 of New York City’s best food trucks, a skate park free of cops on patrol and a custom bike show hosted by Brooklyn Rhapsody.

Come to Afropunk Fest 2013 this summer! Join for the custom bike show, the art wall, a giant canvas on which selected visual artists paint original works, the food trucks, and the Spin Thrift market featuring over 80 local artists.

This year you can skip the line while supporting the Afropunk community by making a small donation that will go towards furthering AFROPUNK’s efforts and culture. As a thank you, your advanced donation they will guarantee your entry and fast track you through the check in process at the festival – more details available HERE.

AFROPUNK
AFROPUNK FESTIVAL

#ThrowBackThursday on Myrtle Ave in Clinton Hill

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This historic photo from the NYC 1940’s Tax Photo collection shows the storefronts for Maggie Brown, the under-construction Peck’s, and A-Rod Grocery. Peck’s, slated to open in September in the former Thai 101 space (now located across the street), is shown in the center of the photo with the large awning. The space to the right, now to home to A-Rod Grocery, is shown here as a restaurant, bar & grill. Although the storefronts look different today, the buildings themselves are still in great shape with beautiful brownstone facades. A support for the former Myrtle Avenue El, removed in 1969, is seen on the left side of the photo.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @MyrtleAveBklyn to catch more #ThrowBackThursday posts and other neighborhood news throughout the week.