Category Archives: District News

Bike Meet-Up @ Red Lantern Bicycles, 10/4

Bike Meet-Up @ Red Lantern Bicycles on Tuesday, 10/4 from 7p-9p.

Okay, bikers, come out and celebrate Red Lantern Bicycles, a new local biz!

Here's more from the event page:

Celebrating the local biking community with Brooklyn By Bike at Red Lantern Bicycles, a new cafe & bike shop in Fort Greene! Join us for a free happy hour and the opportunity to reconnect with all of your cycling friends (and make some new ones!).

Plus: You could win a $50 gift card to Red Lantern Bicycles!

Details here.

Entry form here.

Red Lantern Bicycles is located at 345 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi. They can be reached by phone at 347.889.5338.

Aristo Opens on Monday, 9/26

Aristo Gourmet Deli owners purchased the biz at 497 Myrtle Avenue from TIJ market a couple of months ago, and they've been busily building out the space ever since.

They currently own the small 'New Way Myrtle Avenue Deli', adjacent Associated Supermarket, just across the street, but say this endeavour is completely different. “We'll have plenty of fruits and vegetables,” shared one staff person. There will be a small counter towards the back of the store with about 5-6 stools, where customers can sit and relax and enjoy a fresh salad or fresh sandwich from the sandwich station. WiFi is coming soon.

The owners hope to work with the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership sometime after the new year to create updated signage.

Please stop in and support this new business. Aristo Gourmet Deli is located at 497 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson and Grand. They can be reached at 718.789.8980.

Upcoming BPL Workshop on Biz Plan Presentations

Business and Computer Coach, Henrietta Koffi to teach workshop on business plans at the Brooklyn Business Library on 10/6.

From the BPL: “The way you describe your business plan to investors, lenders or judges can make all the difference in winning their support. Henrietta Koffi, a business and computer coach, will give you tips on making a presentation.”

The class will include the following:

  • What information to include
  • How to organize your presentation
  • How to present your data
  • How to use PowerPoint

Thursday, October 6th, from 6p to 7:30p.

Please register for this event online. Or call 718.623.7000 (option 4).

This event will be held at the Business Library (280 Cadman Plaza West at Tillary Street).

Henrietta Koffi is a local yokel, serving as the Fort Greene Greenmarket EBT manager, deputy director at Fort Greene SNAP, a Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef and techie and teacher extraordinaire to her students. Henrietta has a deep passion for technology and people, and LOVES to operate at that intersection. Reach her here.

Bergen Bagels To Move East in the coming months, along Myrtle that is.

Don't worry, those fresh, delicious Bergen Bagels-baked bagels, breads and pastries are still on Myrtle. You can find them at 486 Myrtle Avenue right near the Hall Street corner.

As the signs on the store window have indicated for the past couple weeks, the store will be moving east in the next 4-5 months. The store will be a new commercial tenant at Myrtle Hall, located between Khim's Millenium Market and the upcoming Utrecht Art Supplies store.

Of course we can expect the same fresh, delicious, baked on-premises food fare! Other additions to Bergen Bagels new, larger space: additional seating, wifi and several design tweeks.

Bergen Bagels can be reached at 718.789.9300. Stop in to pick up a bite at 485 Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Ryerson.

Acclaimed Illustrator, Kadir Nelson to speak at Pratt Institute tonight, 9/21 @ 7pm.

Kadir Nelson, Pratt alumnus and acclaimed illustrator of nearly 30 children's books, will speak at Pratt Institute's Higgins Hall (61 St. James Place) tonight at 7pm.

Nelson will be on hand to discuss his latest book, “Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans” (HarperCollins, 2011).

Nelson is the illustrator of Caldecott and Coretta Scott Award-winning book, 'Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom' as well as many other titles, has been commissioned to illustrate Anna Julia Cooper and Richard Wright stamps for the United States Postal Service and has recently been commissioned by the U.S. Congress to paint a portrait of Shirley Chisholm.

Nelson's work graces the cover of Michael Jackson's posthumous album, 'Michael'.

image taken from Pratt's Facebook page

Keeping the Global Sounds Pumping @ Touche Lounge

Award-winning New Zealand pop and soul singer, songwriter, Anita Prime, performed at Touche Lounge this past Saturday night to a packed house. Influenced by the sounds of Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Beyonc

Kiini Ibura owner, jewelry designer gets big nod for designs in recent Atlanta Post article

The Atlanta Post recently gave a big nod to Fort Greene-based business owner and jewelry designer, Melody Burns of Kiini Ibura Jewelry.

The August 4th article titled, '10 African-American Visual Artists You Need to Know' features many multi-talented creatives, including textile and fashion designers. Two trademarks of Melody's work is that each piece is 100% handmade and and features precious and semi-precious stones, including turquoise, Ghanaian glass, Austrian crystals, African amber and fresh water pearls.

Melody's work has been seen on the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, who donned a gorgeous Kiini Ibura necklace on an episode of The View late last year and singers, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Angie Stone.

Click here for the feature.

Kiini Ibura Jewelry is located at 388 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt and Clermont. Walk in to view the collection of jewelry and other accessories. Call the shop at 718.858.5195 with questions or to order a custom piece.

Park(ing) Day 2011 on Myrtle Avenue is this Friday, 9/16

Whew, how quickly a year zips by. It's that time again. This Friday, 9/16 is Park(ing) Day on Myrtle Avenue, and all over.

In case you aren't familiar, Park(ing) Day is an international event started by Rebar that reclaims and reimagines parking spots as mini-parks and engaging public spaces. As Transportation Alternatives describes, Park(ing) Day sparks dialogue about our valuable public space and how we choose to use it.

Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi.

Gnarly Vines Park is all about fun: inside the store: great music and wine tasting with discounts on featured wines. Outside will be face painters and sidewalk chalk. Here's more from GV: “starting at noon there will be sidewalk chalk for the kids and wine tasting for parents. Adults unaccompanied by children can let loose their inner kid on the sidewalk and join the grown-ups for a taste of wine after!” Gnarly Vines can be reached at 718.797.3183.

Red Lantern Bicycles, 345 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi

Red Lantern Bicycles Park describes their space as “all about bicycle love.” Iced coffee stand, snacks, demos and…hey, ride/walk by and get your flat fixed! Red Lantern Bicycles can be reached at 347.889.5338.

Brooklyn Stone Boutique and CakeJoy Bakery, 366 and 364 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Adelphi

Brooklyn Stone Boutique and CakeJoy Bakery Park is all about “very tasty treats, acoustic music and fashion.” On the heels of Fashion Week and celebrating a first anniversary on Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn Stone presents a fashion show, mucho fashion advice (think of it as solicited what not to wear)and sales galore. CakeJoy presents yummy tastings, other tasty bites and delicious specials on the hour. Brooklyn Stone Boutique can be reached at 347.763.2041. CakeJoy can be reached at 718.624.CAKE (2253).

Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly

Green in BKLYN Park presents Insert__Here, an interactive installation that creates community awareness around climate change. Brooklyn-based artist, Eve Mosher invites participants to post bright yellow arrows suggesting creative climate change solutions such as “Insert a tree here”, Insert a green roof here Insert solar panels here.” Read more about Eve Mosher and 350.org here. Green in BKLYN can be reached at 718.855.4383.

Pillow Cafe, Dee & Ricky's, Fork Cafe and Sapolo Restaurant, 501-507 Myrtle betweeen Ryerson and Grand

Called the 501-507 Myrtle Avenue Hot Spot, these four businesses, Pillow Cafe, Dee & Ricky's, Fork Cafe and Sapolo Restaurant have lots of great activities planned, including tastings and lunch specials. They also have an open call to acoustic musicians, spoken word artists and others, to stop by.

Dee & Ricky's will roll out what they are calling their “soft, soft opening.” If you only knew what they have in store for…er (yikes, almost let it slip), soon, you'll know that this is very very true (be ready!). Wing specials and beers on tap inside. Dee & Ricky's can be reached at 718.789.1111.

Fork Cafe has tastings on the hour, great lunch specials galore, including their “very amazing chili.” Fork Cafe can be reached at 718.622.FORK (3675).

Pillow Cafe has tastings and DE-licious sandwich, salad and smoothie specials planned. Pillow Cafe can be reached at 718.246.2711.

Sapolo Restaurant has tastings and lots of food specials planned. Sapolo Restaurant can be reached at 718.789.7788 or 718.789.7766.

Special shout out to the amazing John Rattigan from Root Stock for ALWAYS helping us (“beyond the call”) to make this happen.

**special request: Anyone available to volunteer Friday morning, 9/16 for about 1-2 hours? Could use about 4-5 volunteers to help unload sod from van and roll out into 3 parking spots. If available, please call Jennifer at 718.230.1689. Unique morning workout + a brand new MyrtleBag (eco-shopping bag) + uber gratitude + a great cause (Parking Day 2011)

pic from Park(ing) Day on Myrtle, 2007.

Applications Available: Navy Green Apartments @ 40 Vanderbilt

The Pratt Area Community Council is now accepting applications for 38 studio apartments located at 40 Vanderbilt Avenue between Flushing and Park. This building is part of the Navy Green complex (applications for units in the first building were made available just two months ago).

Click herefor 40 Vanderbilt Avenue applications, income guidelines and additional information.

The housing application process for Navy Green is under the direction of the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC). All questions relating to housing at Navy Green can be directed to PACC by calling 718-522-2613.

rendering from the 40vanderbilt.org website.

Job Opportunity: Soco Open Call

Soco Restaurant at 509 Myrtle Avenue announces open call for experienced employees. Open call is Wednesday, September 14th from 2p-4p at the restaurant. Visit Soco's website for additional information.

Job seekers as well as those with jobs to advertise should also contact the Workforce 1 Job Center at 9 Bond Street (between Fulton and Livingston) for additional job opportunities.

Some Upcoming September Events for Myrtle. Stay tuned for more!

Somethings always up on Myrtle Avenue! Here are a few upcoming September events. Stay tuned for more.

Loft 73 Presents: Clinton Pill–Friday, September 9th

Friday, September 9th (10pm) to Saturday, September 10th (10am). Loft 73s Facebook invite says, End of summer blues? Take a pill. FREE live music, cheap booze, experimental art and some very special surprises. Music lineup includes Broken Code Band (11:30p), Karikatura Band (12:30a), DJ Max Power and the Non-Solo Art Collective. Loft 73 is located at 73 Washington Avenue between Park and Flushing.

Turkey Tastings at Jive Turkey–every Saturday, now til Thanksgiving Day.

Always wanted to try a particular flavor turkey at Jive Turkey before investing in the whole bird? Well, now's your chance! Jive Turkey has 15 flavors on the menu. Purchase an individual portion size on any or all of the following tasting dates: September 3 (Peking), September 10 (Vidalia Onion), September 17th (Cajun), October 1 (BBQ), October 8 (Cranberry Red Wine), October 22 (Jamaican Jerk), October 29 (Orange Zinfandel), November 5 (Fresh Herb, Mexican Mole), November 12 (Roasted Garlic), November 19 (Lemon Pepper). Jive Turkey is located at 570 Myrtle Avenue (between Emerson and Classon). Please call the store at 718.797.1688 for further detail, or just stop in!

Friends and Family Training Night at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu JitsuWednesday, September 14th

7:00pm  8:30pm. Do you know someone who trains at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Heres an opportunity to tag along with them to class to find out more about the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

ToucheNYC –Saturday, September 17th

Saturday night. Touche presents award-winning New Zealand pop-soul artist, Anita Prime. From Anita Primes website: Anita Prime has been mesmerizing her homeland of New Zealand with her solid and powerful pop-soul sounds influenced by divas such as Mary J Blige, Beyonc

Supporting Our Regional Growers

Glebocki Farms in Orange County supplies The Myrtle Farm Stand with fresh and delicious local vegetables and fruit each week. As several Upstate and regional farms, it sustained crop flooding when hit by Hurricane Irene last week.

The Myrtle Farm Stand operates this season through October 25th. We are happy at the opportunity to continue our support of Glebocki Farms and to each week offer fresh and delicious produce, like corn, onions, garlic, peppers, carrots, potatoes and so much more.

Our thoughts are of course with Glebocki Farms as well as other of our regional farms, negatively affected as they weather this impact on their land, businesses and families. Please visit the GrowNYC donation page for opportunities to assist.

The Myrtle Farm Stand is open every Tuesday, 4p to 7p at 177 Myrtle Avenue between Prince and Navy. We offer fresh, local produce from Glebocki Farms, 12 oz Summer Flower Honey Bears from Tremblay Apiaries and Maple Syrup from Poorfarm Farm in Vermont. We hope to see you at the market!

pic above from Glebocki Farms.

Let Klevor Liquors Create a Signature Cocktail for Your Next Event

Klevor Liquors, also known as 'The Liq', the liquor store located at 343 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi, is a one-stop liquor shop for events.

The Liq now also offers “signature drinks” for your next function. Here's more from the Liq: “Your reception menu is set and the cake design is picked. It's time to focus on drinks. Add a personal touch to your bar menu by choosing a signature cocktail. Pick a drink that stars your favorite liquor, matches your color scheme, or just sounds delicious. A bonus for the budget-conscious: You can save on the drink tab by offering wine, beer, champagne, and just the signature cocktail, rather than a full bar.”

If you are planning an event and need to order liquor, get suggestions, arrange deliveries or have a signature drink created, please give them a call. The store can be reached at 718.875.3991.

Tillary Park Foundation Job Fair, 9/14

Tillary Park Foundation Job Fair to take place on Wednesday, September 14th from 9a-4p at Tillary Park at Tillary and Jay. For further information call 917.440.3247.

Labor Day Party @ Touche Lounge, this Saturday, 9/3.

This Saturday, September 3rd, come to Touche Lounge with your dancing shoes ON! Labor Day party! Party to soca, reggae, R&B and hiphop. Everyone with a flag gets in FREE before midnight.

Touche is a 4,000sf, bi-level venue w/a bar on each floor, a DJ booth, rich dark wood floors, a VIP seating area and a professionally-sized pool table.

This Saturday–THREE DJs–come out and enjoy the sounds of Jam Central, Mista Menace and DJ Naj.

Ample opportunities to party at Touche: call Touche for more info about their Afterwork Thursdays, First Fridays and Touche Saturdays. Text 'Touche' to 55469 for a chance to win a free bottle during First Fridays.

Touche Lounge is located at 46 Washington Avenue, between Park and Flushing. Touche can be reached at 718.643.6500.

Jive Turkey: Whats Your Flavor?

Always wanted to try a particular flavor turkey at Jive Turkey before investing in the whole bird? Well, now's your chance! Jive Turkey has 15 flavors on the menu. Purchase an individual portion size.

Tasting Schedule: every Saturday until Thanksgiving!

September

September 3 (Peking)

September 10 (Vidalia Onion)

September 17th (Cajun)

October

October 1 (BBQ)

October 8 (Cranberry Red Wine)

October 22 (Jamaican Jerk)

October 29 (Orange Zinfandel)

November

November 5 (Fresh Herb, Mexican Mole)

November 12 (Roasted Garlic)

November 19 (Lemon Pepper)

Jive Turkey is located at 570 Myrtle Avenue (between Emerson and Classon). Please call the store at 718.797.1688 for further detail, or just stop in!

Pushkin Creperie Bakery Expands Hours + New Menu Items and Specials

Have you been to Pushkin Creperie Bakery yet? If not, what are you waiting for? The flavorful, melt in your mouth savory and the sweet crepes are in high demand. Diners can't seem to get enough of the strawberry-infused and caffeine-free iced tea.

Starting today, delicious Back to School specials kick in. 20% off any of the savory crepes w/a Pratt Institute or St. Joseph's College ID. Students, faculty, administration, are you ready?

For breakfast, new to the menu: homemade maple granola with organic yogurt parfait and also a new mini crepe selection. For lunch, delicious soup has been added to the daily menu, with Mediterranean Lentil Soup up tomorrow.

Pushkin Creperie Bakery's new hours are M-F 8a-8p, Sa 10a-8p and Su 10a-6p.

Pushkin Creperie Bakery is located at 541 Myrtle Avenue between Grand and Steuben. Contact them at 718.783.0033.

photo credit: Pushkin Creperie Bakery
(the red, white and blue crepe: strawberries, blueberries and whipcream)

Fall Events at the Myrtle Avenue<br>Community-run Farm Stand

Join us for our upcoming fall events! All guests who spend $3.00 will receive 2 ears of corn FREE –

August 30th “Health Fair” 4-7PM
Facepainter extraordinaire Dumeha will paint fun and free designs! Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef and nutrition educator Ms. Singleton will cook her “Mexican Chopped Chicken Salad” featuring items from the Farm Stand and share healthy eating tips. Tentative guests include the Brooklyn Department of Health and the “Cares for the Community” Health Van from Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center

Look for more information for our September 20th “Back to School Celebration” and October 18th “Harvest Fest”.

The market is open every Tuesday, 4-7PM at 177 Myrtle Ave (Prince/Navy). We offer fresh, local produce from Glebocki Farms, 12 oz Summer Flower Honey Bears from Tremblay Apiaries and Maple Syrup from Poorfarm Farm in Vermont. We hope to see you at the market!

Move with Grace Yoga, Dance & Fitness Studio

Ommmmmmmmmmmmmmmm… is a state of mind we probably all wish we could move toward with the event of two days ago here in New York (and on thru to Virginia) and with Hurricane Irene on the horizon. With the help of Move with Grace Yoga, Dance & Fitness Studio, we actually can!

Move with Grace Studio offers a wide variety of classes, including yoga (Vinyasa, Bikram, 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 is located at 469 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street. The studio can be reached at 718.230.0013.

photo credit: Move with Grace Yoga, Dance & Fitness Studio

Karen's Body Beautiful's 'Haute Hair Affair', this Saturday, 8/27

There's not a single ticket left for this weekend's 'Haute Hair Affair,' the summer's hot summer cocktail affair at Karen's Body Beautiful – but we thought you might want to know about it.

Karen Tappin Saunderson, owner of Karen's Body Beautiful is celebrating 10 years with her full, healthy head of hair that she's been growing thanks to her own handmade hair products. In fact, in the decade of creating hair as well as other beauty products, she's mastered the art of custom blending natural ingredients for all hair types–from the very straight to the very curly. In the words of Karen, “The Haute Hair Affair celebrates the diversity of textures and styles in which we rock our tresses.”

The winner of the earlier Haute Hair Affair Contest will be in attendance and all attendees can expect to be wined, dined and gifted with all types of spa, hair, bath, body products and other treats.

Never fear if you don't have a ticket–you can still experience Karen's Body Beautiful. With hair products like the 'bodacious beauty bar', 'heavenly jojoba hair oil', 'sweet ambrosia', 'hair nectar' and 'the divine duo', your hair will THANK YOU.

Also, connect with Karen on Facebook to keep up-to-date on Thursday sweet spa specials (today's is $49 for a Swedish massage, facial wax and manicure) and Fabulous Freebie Fridays (tomorrow's is free juicy shampoo bar w/a $60 purchase).

The Haute Hair Affair cocktail party will take place this Saturday, August 27th from 4pm 'til 11pm.

Karen's Body Beautiful is located at 436 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly Avenues. Please call 718.797.4808 for more information.

photo credit: Karen's Body Beautiful

Job Opportunity: Soco Open Call

Soco Restaurant announces open call for experienced servers and bartenders. Open call is tomorrow, Tuesday, August 23rd from 2p-4p at the restaurant.

Soco is located at 509 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson and Grand.

Job seekers as well as those with jobs to advertise should also contact the Workforce 1 Job Center at 9 Bond Street (between Fulton and Livingston) for additional job opportunities and related information.

Polish Bar of Brooklyn's 5th Anniversary

The Polish Bar of Brooklyn celebrated 5 years in business with a swanky rooftop party on Myrtle Avenue on August 11th. Attendees receieved gift bags and there were also hourly beauty basket giveaways plus cocktails and quite a culinary spread by Pillow Cafe, Zaytoons, Jive Turkey and other local faves. Wishing the Polish Bar of Brooklyn many, many more years to come.

The Polish Bar of Brooklyn is located at 470 Myrtle Avenue and can be reached at 718.622.5363.

(pic: PBB owner, Tricialee)

Event producer: Renae Bluitt, Crush Media;
Photography: Nik Wes Photography

Trilok Artisans' Market, weekend #2 coming up!

Don't forget–the Trilok Artisans' Market will take place this weekend, 10a-6p!

The market takes place at the long-vacant lot at the corner of Myrtle and Waverly Avenues. The market will run every weekend through October. “I'd walked by this once overgrown lot for a very long time, it's thrilling that Trilok is playing a role in transforming it into vital and activated space,” shared Sudha Seetharaman, the Center's executive director.

Twenty vendors of jewelry, clothing, art, food, cosmetics and other crafts are expected this weekend. Stop in, spread the word, bring a friend!

Please call market manager, Florence Timothy at 646.643.0302 for vending opportunities or for further detail.

The Trilok Artisans Market is located at the corner of Myrtle and Waverly and will operate every Saturday and Sunday from 10a-6pm thru October 2011.

20 Year Celebration Countdown @ Clinton Hill Simply Art & Framing Gallery!

'20' is a very big deal. Clinton Hill Art & Framing Gallery celebrates 20 years in business this year.
On the 20th day of each month, leading up to 'the month it all happened'–October–savings and specials galore.

What's planned for October? a customer appreciation cocktail reception + a silent art auction + a scholarship competition + the big drawing for a $200 gift certificate are planned.

In the meantime, don't forgot the monthly specials leading up to the big day–including extra specials on the '20th' of each month. August special includes 40% off any specialty custom framing orders on vacation art.

Call or stop in at Clinton Hill Simply Art & Framing store for details. The store is located at 583 Myrtle, just east of the Classon Avenue corner. The store can be reached at 718.857.0074.