Author Archives: Chad Purkey

Future of Food in NYC Mayoral Forum this Wednesday

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MARP is one of 76 organizations and groups that have signed-on to support the Mayoral Forum for the Future of Food in NYC to be held on Wednesday, July 17 from 6:00-8:00 at Tishman Auditorium at The New School NY, NY.

Forum host Food Systems Network NYC has worked to accommodate an overwhelming demand of people interested in attending. Everyone can view the forum via live-stream by visiting here .

“This year is an important election year for food. The election is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made, but also to recognize what is left undone”.

Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef at the Fort Greene Greenmarket!

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Stop by the Fort Greene Greenmarket today between 11AM- 1PM to have a taste of Myrtle Eats Fresh Chef Roisin’s farm fresh, healthy recipe – Zucchini and Carrot Ribbon Salad! If you like what you taste (which we know you will!) you can take a recipe and purchase the ingredients right there at the market!

The Fort Greene Greenmarket is located along the southeast corner of Fort Greene Park on Washington Park between Dekalb and Willoughby from 8AM – 5PM year-round every Saturday.

The Greenmarket accepts EBT/Food Stamps, Debit/Credit, and WIC & FMNP checks accepted. EBT/Debit/Credit accepted 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. In addition, Health Bucks are now available – for every $5 spent in EBT, customers receive a $2 Health Buck coupon to purchase additional fruits and vegetables!

The Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Program includes a diverse group of 15 local residentswho share the goal of improving the health of their neighbors by providing easy, nutritious, and affordable recipes. All chefs have completed 20+ hours of training and have conducted cooking demos at local farmer’s markets, community events, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) distribution sites. If you are interested in having a Community Chef at your event, please contact us at 718-230-1689 or kassy@myrtleavenue.org!

Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Darrell to Compete in Seafood Throwdown this Saturday!

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Slow Food NYC and the Brooklyn Food Coalition will compete against each other in a Seafood Throwdown competition where the challenge will be to “transform a secret seafood ingredient with other foods from the farmers market vendors into culinary delights!” Come out and support Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Darrell Robinson while he, alongside Mukti Banerjee, represent the Brooklyn Food Coalition in this high energy race that highlights the importance of local seafood in restoring a healthy ocean ecosystem.

Judging the event will be:
Blue Moon Fish’s Stephanie Villani
GrowNYC Executive Director Marcel Van Ooyen
Cheryl Smith of Cheryl’s Global Soul & reigning champion

Matt Timms of The Takedown will emcee the event giving the play-by-play of all the action!

Where: Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
When: THIS SATURDAY, July 13, 2013
Time: 11am to 1pm

Peck’s Homemade Delicacies: August Opening!

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Peck’s, the eponymously named fresh, prepared food business is set for a soft opening on Myrtle Avenue in August and a grand opening in September. Peck’s will be located at 455 Myrtle between Washington and Waverly.

Peck’s will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and include a variety of fresh, delicious food selections, including prepared foods, charcuterie, artisanal cheese, salads, rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, baked goods, vegetables, preserves, wines and growlers of craft beer. Prepared food selections will vary daily. Some prepared dishes on the menu lineup are: roasted carrots with salsa verde and buttermilk dressing, white beans with chorizo emulsion, mashed potatoes with chicken fat fried onions, kasha varnishkes, braised fennel with sharp provolone, and salmon rillettes. Also forthcoming: a backyard space where neighbors can enjoy family-style dining.

 

Owner, Theo Peck, is no stranger to good food, having started out at the age of three at his great grandfather’s famous Lower East Side establishment, Ratner’s Restaurant. He later opened Lansky Lounge, a successful Lower East Side restaurant and bar. Theo is also is the creator of The Food Experiments, a leading national tour of amateur food competitions.

“Living in the area with my wife and son, I wanted a place for locals to go to grab a quick bite to eat without having to worry about high prices and lack of quality,” stated Theo. “Whether people are picking up food for their families, entertaining guests, going on a picnic or need something convenient after working late, we hope the shop will become a neighborhood staple,” he added.

Peck’s will receive a New York Main Street grant from the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, which will support the installation of a new storefront and other improvements to the retail space.

Connect with Peck’s on Facebook and Twitter for further information, including information about opening day! Peck’s website is forthcoming.

 

photo credit: Peck’s Facebook page

Gnarly Vines Hosts Artist Reception + Wine Tastings

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Stop in at Gnarly Vines this week for three consecutive days of wine tastings (Wednesday, 7/10; Thursday, 7/11 and Friday, 7/12) and an opening reception for artist and woodcutter, TJ Huff’s “Nudie Cards” series on 7/10, 6p to 8p.

Twenty eight of the 53 woodcuts from the “Nudie Cards” series will be on display for the next six weeks. These are based on studies of the human form from vintage 1940’s – 1950’s nudie playing card decks.

The prints will be on sale for $35 (payable directly and entirely to the artist), and come with a full deck of cards illustrated with a reproduction of each of the prints in the series.

And, of course, the wine tastings:

FINGER LAKES WINE TASTING, Wednesday, July 10th from 5pm to 8pm -2012 Fulkerson ‘William Vigne’ Gruner Veltliner – Finger Lakes, NY – $16

-2012 Thirsty Owl Pinot Gris – Finger Lakes, NY – $16

-2012 Tousey Rebellion Rose – Finger Lakes, NY – $18

-2010 Fox Run Vineyards Lemberger – Finger Lakes, NY – $16

FRENCH ROSÉ TASTING, Thursday, July 11th from 5pm to 8pm -2012 Domaine Grangeneuve Grignan les Adhemars rose – Rhone Valley, France – $14

-2012 Chateau Pech Celeyran “5eme Generation” rose – Loire Valley, France – $14

-2012 Chateau l’Ermitage Costieres de Nimes Rose – Rhone Valley, France – $14

-2012 Chateau de Montgueret Rose d’Anjou – Loire Valley, France – $12.50

MOUTON NOIR TASTING, Friday, July 12th from 5pm to 8pm

Mounton Noir focuses on specific terroirs in Oregon by sourcing the best fruit possible from Williamette Valley region of Oregon to produce wines which show the individuality of their respected sites.

-2012 Mouton Noir Love Drunk Rose – Oregon – $18

-2010 Mouton Noir Oregogne Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, OR – $46

-2010 Mouton Noir Horseshoes and Handgrenades American Red – Oregon – $18.50

Yo Brooklynites! 3rd Annual Exhibition @ Hadas

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Hadas Gallery is proud to present the third annual “Yo Brooklynites” community group exhibition featuring the artwork of 20 Brooklyn artists, on display now through August 1st. Reception next Thursday at the gallery at 7:30pm, more info here.

Participating artists: Joan Arbeiter, Jon Axelrod, Ellie Balk, Ramona Candy, Leah Caroline, Lucien Dulfan, Betsy Ely, Brooks Fredricks, Zalmen Glauber, Richard Lebenson, J.F Lynch, Jamillah Jennings, Melanie Kozol, V. Ken Marion, Harry Moritz, Doug Newton, Kathleen Migliore-Newton, Joshua H. Stulman, Misha Tyutyunik, Valerie Williams

You Love Your Farmers Market!

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We got inspired today by this “I Love My Farmers Market” infographic put out by the American Farmland Trust . We are so pleased to be back for our fourth season and working with New Jersey based farmer, Sergio Nolasco, and supporting, alongside all of you, our local farmers!

Show your love and support for local farmers at the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand every Wednesday NOW – October 30th, 8AM-3PM on the NE corner of Myrtle & N. Portland Avenues.

You can also pick up 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.

We accept WIC/EBT/Cash

No Farms No Food

Make it on Myrtle FREE Workshops End this Sunday, July 7th, 2013

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Sunday, July 7th, will be our last “Make it on Myrtle”, FREE Do-It-Yourself, workshop series for the summer. The four workshops will take place at the Citibank Parking lot at the corner of Myrtle & Clinton Avenues at 11am or 2pm. Workshops are for kids and/or adults (depending on the course). Come and spend the day with us!

Sunday, July 7th 11am-1pm How to Make Comics Mindy Indy makes custom comics and is teaching others how to do the same! Come and make a strip about you as a super hero or your favorite action sequence. Instructor: Mindy Indy (www.mindyindy.com) Ages: 7-10

Sunday, July 7th 11am-1pm Audio Jump Start: Learning the Basics of PA Systems The Audio Jump Start class will explore the basic components of a sound system and will teach the proper ways to set one up. This class will share the importance understanding sound and systems. Instructor: Elijah Vick Ages: Adults

Sunday, July 7th 2pm-4pm Found Object Art! Remember that old key you saw on your morning walk? Or the button you didn’t pick up? Bring them to the Found Object Art workshop and make it into something beautiful or wearable. Instructor: Arin Maya Ages: 7-10

Sunday, July 7th 2pm-4pm Beginner Crochet for Kids Kids will learn the basics of crocheting. Bring Instructor: Qniah Nasi, Ages:7-10

Events are organized by Masai Marketing in collaboration with the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. Comic Strip photo by Mindy Indy.

Public Design Commission Approves Designs for Myrtle Plaza


After extensive public input and multiple design iterations, the New York City Public Design Commission (PDC) approved the plans for Myrtle Plaza, a $6M capital project to reconstruct the streets and sidewalks of Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street and Emerson Place.

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. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2013 and will last over a year.

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, and NYC DOT.

 

This post was originally published on November 13, 2012.

Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand Opens for our 4th Season Next Week

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We are excited to be back on the NE corner of North Portland and Myrtle Avenues every Wednesday offering residents farm fresh produce from Nolasco Farm, New Jersey; Honey from Cascun 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.

Our new hours are 8AM – 3PM every Wednesday, July-October.

On Opening Day, July 3rd, Nolasco Farm will offer:
Beets
Bok choy
Cabbage
Cilantro
Dill
Parsley
Basil
Zucchini
Onions red, white, yellow
Cut spring flowers
Sweet peppers

Stop by for a cooking demo by Myrtle Eats Fresh Chef Oliver from 10:30-noon and again with Chef Darrell from 12:30-2:30!

In addition, everyone is welcome to come by at noon to receive a tour of the Farm Stand – meet the farmer, Farm Stand staff and learn about how to shop healthy on a budget! You’ll receive a $2 Health Buck that you can use to purchase on the spot!

We accept WIC/EBT/Cash

See you Wednesday July 3rd on the NE corner of N. Portland and Myrtle Avenues 8AM – 3PM!

Free Summer Meals Program Available Now

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers free summer meals to youth ages 18 and younger across New York City. No need to apply, simply bring your child to a registered summer meal site and enjoy a meal! The program aims to “help families save money and stretch their already tight food budgets.”

Go here for more information and to find a location in your zip code.

In zip code 11205 we have 2 nearby locations:

Commodore Barry Park
Flushing Avenue & North Elliot Place
Brooklyn, NY 11205
Summer Start Date: 6/27/2013
Summer End Date: 8/30/2013
Days Open: Sat, Sun, M, T, W, Th, Fri

P.S. 067 Charles A. Dorsey
51 SAINT EDWARDS STREET
Brooklyn, NY 11205
Summer Start Date: 7/1/2013
Summer End Date: 8/23/2013
Days Open: M,T,W,Th,Fri

Free Phone-Charging Station on Myrtle @ North Portland

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Starting yesterday, a free solar-powered phone charging station is at the North Portland entrance to Fort Greene Park (Myrtle @ North Portland).

As part of an ongoing effort to keep New Yorkers connected, AT&T and Mayor Bloomberg’s Administration unveiled AT&T Street Charge. This pilot initiative provides free solar mobile charging stations in locations across all five boroughs where the public can charge their phones, tablets and other devices.

The solar mobile charging units work day or night, in sun or shade. During the day, three monocrystaline solar panels collect the sun’s energy to charge up powerful internal batteries. This enables AT&T Street Charge to power up phones,tablets, and other devices quickly – even when the sun isn’t shining.

This Thursday: Hadas Gallery + SONYA Social!

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Here’s a arts micro-itinerary for you this Thursday: stop by the closing reception forBrooklyn Landscapes by Richard Lebenson at Hadas Gallery (543 Myrtle) at 7pm, then hit the monthly SONYA Social at The Emerson (561 Myrtle)for drink specials and local-arts-networking! Send us your pics on Instagram and Twitter @myrtleavebklyn #artonmyrtle!

Cronuts have hit Myrtle Avenue!

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Cronuts, the croissant-donut hybrids, have hit the food scene over the last month and are all the rage. If you’ve been reading the papers, you will know that the light flaky layers of croissant dough fried like donuts and then coated with sugar, cream and perhaps sprinkles, are HIGHLY desired items.

Ooooooh, and now they are at Le Petit Bakery on Myrtle Avenue. Stop in and try one!

Le Petit Bakery is located at 354 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton and can be reached at 718.875.6500.

photo credit: Le Petit Bakery

MARP Leads Tree Stewardship Volunteer Day on Washington Avenue

Washington Ave Tree Stewardship Treebed

This past Saturday, MARP led a tree stewardship volunteer day on Washington Avenue between Myrtle and Willoughby.

The NYC Parks Department donated (and delivered) 4 cubic yards of mulch. Longtime resident Mary Cole solicited volunteers. Eight neighbors pitched in approximately 16 hours of labor. Several tree beds were weeded and aerated. All the donated mulch was spread over 20 tree beds. Low hanging branches from several trees were pruned. MARP organized the mulch delivery, provided tools, gave technical assistance, and performed the pruning.

This volunteer day was supported by NYS DEC Urban and Community Forestry.

Make Music New York on Myrtle 2013 Schedule Announced!

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Be sure to visit Myrtle Avenue for Make Music New York, taking place all day on Friday, June 21st. Free music performances will be taking place all around the city, and Myrtle Avenue has performances happening at 9 different locations up and down the corridor. From jazz to blues to rock to Latin to soul, and more– it’s that time!

Come out and groove to the music and relax or eat, drink and be merry. Check out the schedule of events! Sweet music all over the neighborhood.

Live Well Event with Special Guest Ronald K. Brown/Evidence

Live Well Health Fair

All are welcome to the Live Well event hosted by University Settlement at the Ingersoll Community Center on Saturday June 22, 2013! You’ll enjoy free rides, music, workshops, performances and resources!

Be sure to look for the MARP table to pick up information about the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand opening July 3rd 8AM-3PM & get a taste of Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Beryl’s Tofu Stuffed Pita recipe!

Where: 177 Myrtle Avenue
Time: 10AM – 3PM
More info: 718-522-5051

Hillstock: Music, Comedy, Ice Cream + Myrtle deals – this weekend!

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Our favorite locally-grown music festival, Hillstock returns to the nabe this weekend! They kick off with a great lineup for Make Music NY on Friday at the Putnam Triangle in partnership with our friends at the FAB Alliance, so check them out if you’re in the Fulton Street Area. On Saturday, they’re throwing their annual block party bash right here on Emerson between Myrtle and Park! Head to 106 Emerson from 11am-8pm for some great, FREE (!!!) music and comedy for all-ages. Myrtle BONUS: Show your Hillstock wristband for food and drink deals at 25 Myrtle businesses!

From their site, here’s what’s in store:
‘Saturday starts with the iconic Hillstock Block Party at 106 Emerson Place, a free all-ages event not to be missed. Expect large crowds for anti-folk progenitor Paleface, Brooklyn avant-garde legends Aa (Big A little a) and 19-piece punk-rock brass band What Cheer? Brigade. If all this weren’t enough, The Chris Gethard Show headlines the first-ever block party Comedy Stage, while Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream brings some food truck flavor to Emerson Place!

For a full schedule, visit www.neverbreakdown.hillstock.com. We are a proud supporter of this fantastic event through our Community Builders mini grant program.

Saluting Myrtle Avenue small biz owners!

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It’s Day 2 of National Small Business Week! Happy National Small Business Week to all of our Myrtle merchants! THANK YOU for all of your hard work & helping create such a great neighborhood! Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Check out President Obama’s message here.

Make Music New York on Myrtle…it’s coming!

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Let’s get ready to TAP OUR FEET and ENJOY! It’s almost that time again–Make Music New York is Friday, June 21st. We have quite a few musical performances up and down the Avenue. Stay tuned for details next week!

Soco

Fork Café (open mic, so stop in and sign up!)

Green in BKLYN

Gnarly Vines

Le Petit Bakery

Fort Greene Park (Myrtle and Washington Park entrance)

CakeJoy Bakery Fresh Fanatic

Brooklyn Public Library/Walt Whitman Branch

And Make Music New York After Dark at Putnam’s Pub & Cooker

Chef Paul of Putnam’s Pub & Cooker #farm2nabe Menu = YUM!!

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Check out the delicious menu Chef Paul of Putnam’s Pub & Cooker has created for the upcoming #farm2nabe event!

Join us on Tuesday, June 18th, 5-7PM and taste these fresh, local dishes featuring Hudson Valley Harvest and Stinky Bklyn cheeses while sampling a variety of local beers! You’ll also have the opportunity to chat with folks from Hudson Valley Harvest & Stinky Bklyn – learn about where their products come from and get to know the farmers!

Buy your tickets today!

#farm2nabe events support two local farm education programs that bring farming education and nutrition awareness to Fort Greene & Clinton Hill youth – City Growers & PS 20 Farms!

Events are sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project & St. Joseph’s College

Last Chance to Join us for #farm2nabe Dine – Support – Mingle Locally June Events!

 

The last two #farm2nabe events a farm2nabe - putnams - chef paul - 51613_blog2tMaggie Brown and LuLu & Po have been a great success – thank you to all who have celebrated with us!

If you haven’t been able to join us, or if you haven’t had enough delicious, local food and drink on Myrtle Avenue, come to our last of three events on:
Tuesday, June 18th, 5-7PM at Putnam’s Pub & Cooker

Chef Paul will create a menu featuring Hudson Valley HarvestStinky Bklyn , and local beer and spirits will be available. You’ll have the opportunity to chat with folks from Hudson Valley Harvest & Stinky Bklyn – learn about where their products come from and get to know the farmers!

Buy your ticket today!

While dining and mingling you are also supporting two local farm education programs that bring farming education and nutrition awareness to Fort Greene & Clinton Hill youth – City Growers & PS 20 Farms!

Past events:
June 4th 5-7PM
Maggie Brown – 455 Myrtle
Featuring Milk Not Jails & Brooklyn Republic Vodka

June 11th 6-9PM
LuLu & Po – 154 Carlton
Featuring Anthony Nappa WinesBrooklyn Grange

Buy your tickets today!

Free Summer Tennis Lessons for Kids!

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Free summer tennis program for kids ages 6 to 16 at Fort Greene Park. Fort Greene Park is one of 36 NYC parks offering free summer sports and fitness lessons throughout the 5 boroughs. The annual tennis program, part of the City Parks Foundation, will be offered in Fort Greene Park on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am – 12noon and culminates in a tournament on August 9th.

CityParks Tennis is open to New York City residents only. Registration takes place at each park during program hours.

Visit the City Park Foundation website for additional details as well as information on free golf, track and field, adult and senior fitness programs.

photo credit: City Parks Foundation