Brian Robinson, owner of Gnarly Vines, the Myrtle Avenue-based wine shop, is featured in the Fall 2011 edition of edibleBrooklyn.
The article, titled, Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood, discusses Brian's non-traditional route to the world of wine, the range and depth of his experiences in the wine world, his love of Fort Greene and his customers and his suppport of local businesses.
Gnarly Vines is located at 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi and can be reached at: 718.797.3183.
Through October 31, children and teens who have fines on their library cards can ask to have them waived.
If you are a child or teen who owes fines, has long overdue material, or has lost library material, you can visit any Brooklyn Public Library location and ask for the fines to be waived.
logo from the BPL website.
The Nelson Rivas mural going up at Trilok Fusion Center for Arts & Education is almost ready. Nelson Rivas, a Brooklyn-based artist, who also goes by the name 'Cekis', is a highly sought after artist, painting murals internationally.
The Trilok Center for Arts & Education lot is located at the corner of Myrtle and Waverly.
Stay tuned for more information about the mural, the artist and the upcoming artist's recepton at Trilok.
Customer apprection day at Soketah Hair Salon! It's called 'Glam Day 2011,' and will take place on October 30!
Drop in for free styling and product advice. Discounted rates on all hairstyling services (call in advance for details).
Free makeup advice and makeovers, lashes and eyebrow services will be available all day until 4:30pm.
Jewelry vendors will be on site. Food and refreshments will be served.
Hair–check. Makeup–check. Good times–check. Glam–check, check. Come out!
Soketah Salon is located at 563 Myrtle Avenue. Please call them at 718.875.6845 to reserve your spot today.
After just one week, three Myrtle tree guards and one Myrtle bench are fully adopted! Thank you to our generous neighbors, whose donations will be recognized via bench plaques and tree guard signage. Adopt-A-Bench and Adopt-A-TreeGuard funds will go toward 5 years of caring for Myrtle's new street furniture and street trees.
And now we've launched an opportunity for small donors to contribute toward keeping Myrtle green via HelpersUnite,
a recently-launched crowd-giving community where you can raise funds for creative and cause-based projects, and sell tickets to your special events, all in one place. You can contribute as little or as much as you want, to help MARP reach its goal of getting all 20 benches and all 20 tree guards adopted.
Visit MARP's HelpersUnite project page to join the effort!
As many of you have seen by now, twenty custom-designed tree guards and twenty tree guard benches were installed on Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park and Classon Avenue. The overall design of the guards and benches is the result of a collaborative process with the Pratt Design Incubator and the local artists who submitted winning designs for the individual, laser-cut panels. Funding for the design phase, which began in 2007, and the first phase of installation came from the NY State Division of Housing & Community Renewal, the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, NY State Council for the Arts, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Business Improvement District.
Myrtle's new tree guards are both functional and durable, providing opportunities to sit for the avenue's pedestrians, and also serve as Myrtles latest public art project, offering a 'canvas' that reflects Fort Greene and Clinton Hills creative spirit. The panels for each tree guard were designed by local artists, who were selected through an open call for proposals in 2010. Designs range from graphic patterns to skylines to maps, and some even reference the former Myrtle Avenue elevated train. The guards will serve as protection for the avenues street trees, while providing much-needed intermittent seating for pedestrians and those waiting for the B54 bus. Street trees not only bring an aesthetic appeal to the commercial strip, but also play an important role in filtering the air and providing shady respite from the afternoon sun.
Through a program similar to the NYC Parks Departments adopt-a-bench initiative, we are seeking sponsors to support our greening efforts and to fund street furniture maintenance. Each adoption commitment is for 5 years, and costs $2,500 for a tree guard bench and $1,500 for a tree guard (without a bench). Sponsors will be acknowledged on bench plaques or guard signage, as well as on www.myrtleavenue.org. Resources raised through this program will provide supplemental maintenance funding for the street furniture, the tree bed, and the tree itself, including: replacement of damaged bench planks, painting of panels and posts, tree bed weeding and mulching, tree fertilizer, pruning, special tree care, as needed, and tree bed plantings.
A full project history of the Myrtle Street Furniture Design Initiative can be found here.
Adopt-A-Bench & Adopt-A-TreeGuard program details and forms can be found here.
Zaytoons, the Zagat-rated powerhouse of Middle Eastern fare is getting a nod for their expanded menu, which now includes amongst other menu items, burgers and fries.
Still very much a go-to place for delicious Middle Eastern fare like lahambajin, shish kabob, falafel, lentil soup, couscous al beit, hummus + pita, babaghanouj, fatoosh salad, the menu expanded several months ago to also include burgers and fries.
A recent Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Local article by Van Sias, lists Zaytoons fries as a neighborhood stand out. The Local article describes Zaytoons fries as a must-taste: “dusted with freshly cumin, which gives them a nice kick.”
Stop in!
Zaytoons is located at 472 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street. Please reach them at 718.623.5522.
Join MARP and Open House New York (OHNY) for a Fall walking tour of Wallabout! Two tours are being offered on Sunday, October 16th at 10am and 2pm. Space is limited, so hurry to
OHNY's website and reserve a space.
The tour will begin at the Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument in Ft. Greene Park, continue through the new Wallabout Historic District, pass the Navy Yard and industrial Wallabout area, and end at Walt Whitmans only remaining home in Brooklyn.
The 1.5 mile tour will begin in Ft. Greene Park and last approximately 2 hours.
Myrtle Avenue Restaurants & Cafes Celebrate Pratt's 125th Anniversary w/Lunch Specials on Sat., 10/1!
Pratt Institute is turning 125, and they have LOTS of activities planned to celebrate the very first day of classes that took place on October 17, 1887! This weekend, October 1st and 2nd, kickoff weekend!
Pratt has placed twelve (12) anniversary banners on Myrtle Avenue, waving and flying high in commemoration and celebration!
A number of Myrtle Avenue restaurants and cafe's are offering all kinds of very enticing lunch specials on this Saturday, 10/1. Get those Pratt IDs ready! This Saturday, it's your passport to savings on all types of delectable fare up and down the Avenue.
MYRTLE AVENUE (WASHINGTON PARK/CARLTON)
Noor Restaurant, 336 Myrtle
15% off anything on the menu, including smoothies
Sans Souci Restauant & Bar, sanssouciny.com, 330 Myrtle
Happy hour drink specials + 10% off anything on the menu
MYRTLE AVENUE (ADELPHI/CLERMONT)
Duncans Fish & Seafood, 385 Myrtle
10% off all lunch plates
MYRTLE AVENUE (VANDERBILT/CLINTON)
Falafel House, 407 Myrtle
All sandwiches and wraps $5-$6; 10% off large meat or spinach pizza pies; 2 slices + can of soda, $5
MYRTLE AVENUE (CLINTON/WAVERLY)
Karrot Health Store, 431 Myrtle
10% off everything, including smoothies (blueberry jubilee, Omega 3 [protein], Obama [peanut butter and banana]
MYRTLE AVENUE (WAVERLY/WASHINGTON)
Anima Italian Bistro, 458 Myrtle, animabistro.com
20% off food and beverages for the day
Five Spot Soul Food & Supper Club, 459 Myrtle, fivespotsoulfood.com
Platters w/2 side orders + cornbread, $7.95 (includes choice of fried chicken, meatloaf, whiting, beef brisket, jerk chicken and chopped BBQ); $2 off beer and wine
Maggie Brown, 455 Myrtle, maggiebrownrestaurant.com
Happy Hour Special: buy one, get one on all well drinks, house wine and draught beers. Available from 5p-7:30p only:
burger + beer special, $12; beer + wings special, $10 and $2 off burgers (outside of coupon)
Thai 101, 455A Myrtle
10% off any entree
Thai 101 Bistro, 448 Myrtle
10% off any entree
El Cofre, 454 Myrtle
lunch specials only $5-$6
MYRTLE AVENUE (WASHINGTON/HALL)
Kum Kau Chinese Cuisine, 463 Myrtle
10% off all day (both takeout and sit in)
Zaytoons, 472 Myrtle, zaytoonsrestaurant.com
10% off any entree
Liberty Pizza, 482 Myrtle
2 cheese pizza slices + medium fountain drink, $5
MYRTLE AVENUE (HALL/RYERSON)
Los Pollitos, 499 Myrtle between Hall and Ryerson
10% off all food items
Waza Sushi and Ramen, 485 Myrtle
10% off food and drink items all day
MYRTLE AVENUE (RYERSON/GRAND)
Fork Caf
Interested in applying for apartments at Navy Green? Come to one of Pratt Area Community Council's (PACC) info sessions to learn more about the affordable apartments available at 40 Vanderbilt Avenue:
The two (2) info sessions will take place at Sacred Heart's school cafeteria, 39 Adelphi Street between Park and Flushing Avenues.
Wednesday October 5th (6pm-8pm) or Tuesday, October 18th (6pm-8pm).
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.
RSVP to PACC by email: rsvp@prattarea.org, letting them know which date you will attend.
Click herefor 40 Vanderbilt Avenue applications, income guidelines and additional information. Application deadline for 40 Vanderbilt apartments is November 2, 2011 (postmarked by).
rendering from the 40vanderbilt.org website.
We love the fact that the word 'Hadas' means 'Myrtle' in Hebrew. Hadas Gallery is located at 541 Myrtle Avenue and its current exhibit, which is up through October 31st, is titled 'Genesis,' by artist, Ora Bialik. In Genesis, Bialik addresses the first chapter of the Torah through abstract formal collage.
Hadas Gallery is a project of the Rohr Jewish Center, please contact them for information about the current or future exhibits. Rabbi Simcha Weinstein, “invites the community to view the art as well as participate in services.” Please contact him directly (rabbi@pratt.edu) for further information.
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 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.
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:
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.
There are still a few spots available for guests to join us at the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership BID Annual Meeting, with guest speaker NY City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. The meeting is on Tuesday, September 27th, from 5-7pm at SoCo, 509 Myrtle Avenue. Drinks and light appetizers will be served. The meeting is open to the public, but RSVP is required.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 to take place on Wednesday, September 14th from 9a-4p at Tillary Park at Tillary and Jay. For further information call 917.440.3247.
