Category Archives: Merchant News

LOVE on Myrtle Ave: Sweets, Restaurants & Moving and Shaking Things Up

For the gourmands and the fitness buffs in your life, Myrtle Avenue is where you’ll find something for each of them.

RESTAURANTS

Soco, 509 Myrtle Ave, (718) 783-1936

Surf & Turf (oh yes!) Chef’s Special, Chocolate Cherry Drop Martinis

Saturday & Sunday Brunch Seatings: 12PM – 2PM – 4 PM

Friday – Sunday Dinner Seatings: 6PM – 8PM – 10PM – 12PM

Reserve online at OpenTable or call the the restaurant

The Emerson , 561 Myrtle Ave, (347) 763-1310

Monthly Mini-Market on Saturday, February 13th (Valentines Day gift shopping): more than a few local Artists with lots of cute goodies, jewelry and more. Valentine’s Day greeting cards. Market goes from 2-7pm with happy hour during that time.

2-for-1 Cocktail special with 3 different Valentine drinks to chose from.

COUPLES AND SOLO FITNESS & MOVEMENT

Move with Grace Yoga, Dance Fitness and Juice Bar, 469 Myrtle Ave, (718) 783-1936

2-for-1 yoga February 10-14th; Memberships for two (swoon swoon): $175 for unlimited yoga and Pilates; 15% Discount on Juice Cleanses for V-Day

Lucky Lotus Yoga & Cafe, 334 Myrtle Ave, (718) 858-5758

V-Day Specials: All day Sat, Feb 13

Heart Opening Yoga 10-11:30w/Ximena

Home made dark chocolate goji bark – hibiscus tea & rasberry chocolate muffins all day

Find out if love in the cards?

Destiny Card Reading w/ Ernest Smith 2-4pm $20

email lotusyoga@gmail.com for appointment

Sound Bath with Katie Down

4-6pm

www.luckylotusyoga.com for more info and sign up

Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 412 Myrtle Ave, (718) 403-0067

Valentine’s Special: 4 – pack kickboxing classes plus free gloves ($45 value), only $9.99

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

For a full list of V-Day specials on the Avenue, click any of the three category links below:

LOVE on Myrtle Avenue: Valentine’s Day Gifts

Looking for gifts for Valentine’s Day? Check out our wonderful list.

FLOWERS, CARDS & GIFTS MADE BY LOCAL ARTISANS
Find long stemmed roses, starting at $25 for a dozen, in any available color!
Bella Rosa Flowers & Gifts, 566 Myrtle Ave, (347) 763-6006

Valentine’s Day cards made from recycled paper or printed with soy inks, produced locally and/or hand letter pressed.
Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Ave, (718) 855-4383

The Emerson Bar’s Monthly Mini-Market is selling one of a kind Valentine cards made by local artists on Saturday, February 13th 2-7pm.
The Emerson, 561 Myrtle Ave, (347) 763-1310

Valentine’s day shopping & making gifts happening all weekend at Jill Lindsey Store. Zaskun Zabala Jewelry sale & Vintage Pop up shop on Saturday, February 13th. Or you can make your Valentine some cookies in a cookie decorating workshop. Flower dying workshop with UPSTATE, Love and Couple Tarot readings taking place 12-6pm.
Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Ave, (347) 987-4538

CUPCAKES
Custom made cakes, banana pudding, and cupcakes including red velvet, vanilla bean, coconut and special liquor infused, fruited selections too.
Brooklyn Sweet Spot, 366 Myrtle, (718) 522-2577

WINES & SPIRITS
In addition to featuring a lot of bubbly this Valentine’s Day, Tipsy is featuring their “Ours” Spirit Decanter Set ($118) made by Love & Victory. It includes an etched decanter that says “ours” and then a choice of two glasses, either: his & hers, his & his or hers & hers!
Tipsy, 584 Myrtle Ave, (347) 599-1672

From February 12-14th take an additional 15% off all pink wines and Amarone. Amarone is a premium wine made with love in Valpolicella, Italy. Each grape is dried on straw mate then pressed into wine. The result is a deep, seductive, rich flavor of chocolate covered raisins = Perfect Valentines Wine!
Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle Ave, (718) 230-WINE (9463)

Valentine’s Day Pack: A lovely apertif white, a fantastic pink sparkler, a beautiful Rhone red, and our choice of King’s County’s Chocolate Whisky or their Moonshine. 10%-off Regularly $86.50 – now $77.85.
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Ave, (718) 797-3183

FASHION & ACCESSORY GIFTS
I only have eyes for you! I see you! I’ve got my eye on you! Eye (LOL) love you!
Up to 25% off on sunglasses and designer frames.
Optical Gallery, 446B Myrtle Ave, (718) 246-2020

Up to 50% off selected clothing and accessories.
Barking Brown, 468 Myrtle, (718) 638-3757

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

For a full list of V-Day specials on the Avenue, click any of the three category links below:

New Year Salon Talk Series Kick Off at [Salon] 718

Are you ready to reduce your stress, take control of your thoughts, and get more of what you want? RSVP now for [Salon] 718 workshop: ‘Your Most Mindful Year Yet.’ Light appetizers and drinks will be available. $15 event.

Life Coach Russ Terry and Wellness Specialist Lisa Cappiello invite you to join them on Monday, January 25, at 7:00pm for [Salon] 718’s first series of salon talks for the new year.

In this workshop you will learn what it means to be mindful as well as specific tips and techniques to apply when you feel stuck, stressed, or unhappy (including meditations and chair yoga!). You will also participate in exercises that will help you get clearer on what makes you happy, and you’ll create goals as well as a specific action plan, so you can begin to live the life you’ve dreamed about!

Lisa Cappiello is a teacher, writer, wellness coach and speaker, and certified yoga/meditation instructor. Serving New York City for over a decade, Lisa is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who strives to help and inspire others by sharing her truth as well as the tools she used to transform her life. In addition to her work as a learning specialist, she currently teaches poetry and fiction writing classes, leads meditation workshops, writes a monthly lifestyle blog, and is the editor of the acclaimed memoir, Leaving Footprints Behind. For more information, visit her website: www.LisaCappiello.com.

Russ Terry is a seasoned Coach who has worked with more than 100 clients from companies such as Microsoft, Google and PwC, plus emerging leaders in MBA Programs at Cornell University and New York University. As an entrepreneur, Russ hones his Leadership skills as Founder/CEO of Life Coach Radio Networks. Since it went on air in 2013, this podcast network has featured more than 110 coach hosts from all over the world. Russ has assembled a team of talented Executive Producers to help him run the network. When he is not coaching people or growing the radio networks, Russ is writing a series of books on Gratitude. His first book – My Gratitude Journal – came out in 2014. His next two books are Our Gratitude Mission and Our Gratitude Mission 2. A fourth gratitude book is planned for 2018.

[Salon] 718, 456 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington and Waverly Avenues, (718) 802-9200.

Spice & Grill Expands to Clinton Hill

A Grand Opening event is planned on this coming Wednesday, February 3rd for the new Nepalese and Indian restaurant Spice & Grill, which is located at 441 Myrtle Avenue on the corner of Myrtle and Waverly Avenues. The grand opening celebration begins promptly at 6pm and will continue until the generous spread of food runs out. Afterwards and for the entire grand opening week, customers can enjoy discounts on meals, 20% off on the day of and 10% off on the other days of the week. Local elected officials and the community will be invited to join in on the celebration with words of welcome.

The new Clinton Hill eatery is not the first enterprise for father-son entrepreneurs, Bed and Bikash Karel, as they have successfully operated a Nepalese Indian Restaurant in Ridgewood, Queens at Seneca and Myrtle Avenues for three years.

The primary difference between the two restaurants is that while the Queens location boasts a large 120 menu items, the Myrtle and Waverly location has a markedly more laid back vibe and a smaller, more select menu with emphasis on grilled Indian menu items and Nepalese street food, such as mini samosa chat (tangy samosas with freshly cut sweet red onions, chili and coriander), momos (bitesize dumplings served with spicy tomato and sesame sauce), chatamari (rice crepes topped with lamb and spicy sauce) and sekuwa (chicken skewers with peppers, nutmeg, lime zest and yogurt). The grand opening event will feature many of the finger foods from the restaurant’s menu.

“We’ve already gotten a lot of positive feedback in the nearly 4 weeks since we’ve been open and we are overjoyed to be here,” enthusiastically shared Bikash. “I was raised on Myrtle Avenue (Queens) and my dad’s roots are in Khatmandu — we are excited to bring our cuisine to Clinton Hill.” The restaurant also boasts what Bikash and his dad describe as “the best chai in New York City.” It is delish – stop in and try it.

Spice & Grill is located in the former home of Mark’s Gourmet Burgers. The scaffolding which currently covers much of the storefront will be deinstalled soon. The building’s property owner is current is currently doing work in the upper floors.

The business has a beer and wine license.

Their chef has more than 30 years’ experience at national and international venues, including former work in Japan and Brazil.

Help Us Make a Local Difference

“The Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry is a triumph in itself. Before this, residents would travel outside of our neighborhood because we have only one supermarket with one aisle of poor quality produce. Thank you for making our need for fresh food a priority”- Ms. Andrews, Farragut Resident Association President

Here in Fort Greene, many residents face a significant lack of access to fresh, affordable food. Even as new food retail options continue to arrive, some residents with limited budgets are finding it difficult to feed their families, and many have to travel outside of the neighborhood to find affordable options.

Since 2007, MARP has examined the local food system and explored new initiatives that improve access to fresh, affordable food for all residents. From creating a Community Supported Agriculture program, to providing nutrition education at community events, to expanding community gardens on public housing grounds and launching a local Farm Stand – MARP has worked year after year to creatively address this neighborhood challenge in partnership with community leaders and residents.

This year MARP brought together local partners and City Harvest to launch the Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry, a new fresh produce pantry to help fight high levels of food insecurity here in Fort Greene.

Since the opening of the Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry this September, we have:

delivered nearly 30,000 lbs. of produce – FREE of charge – to residents of Farragut, Ingersoll and Whitman Houses
placed nutritious food directly into the hands of over 1,000 households, many including seniors and children
built community relationships with local organizations that want to prioritize the food-related needs of our community
provided on site cooking demonstrations by our community chefs, using available produce and easy affordable, recipes

We’re very proud of our work to address the food access challenges some of our neighbors continue to face. Won’t you please consider an end-of-the-year contribution to ensure the continuation of this initiative? DONATE TODAY!

December Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry

The Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry will be held this Saturday, December 19th, at a new indoor location, the Navy Yard Boys and Girls Club at 240 Nassau Street, between Navy and Gold Streets.

The Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry, operated by the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC in partnership with City Harvest, will provide nearly 10,000 pounds of FREE fresh produce and recipes to residents of Farragut, Ingersoll and Whitman Houses on the third Saturday of each month throughout the year.

Where does the produce come from? City Harvest provides all of the fresh produce to the Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry. With a fleet of 22 refrigerated trucks, City Harvest collects excess food from all segments of the food industry, including restaurants, grocers, bakeries, farmers markets, corporate cafeterias, manufacturers, and farms. City Harvest has nearly 2,000 generous food donors!

We are indoors beginning in December!

When: Third Saturday of each month

Upcoming indoor Dates: December 19th, January 16th February 20^th & March 19th

Where: Navy Yard Boys & Girls Club, 240 Nassau Street, between Navy & Gold Streets

Time: 9:30am – 11:30am

Registration: Starts at 9am on site at the Navy Yard Boys and Girls Club. Only residents of Farragut, Whitman or Ingersoll Houses are eligible to register. Please bring proof of address with matching photo ID & plastic bags for your produce!

Have Questions or Want to Volunteer? Please contact Shaquana Boykin, (718) 230-1689 Ext. 5# or Shaquana@myrtleavenue.org or Shadonae Stanley, Shadonae@myrtleavenue.org

Project Partners: Fresh Pantry is made possible thanks to a partnership with the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporationand Forest City Ratner Companies with help & support from Whitman. Ingersoll & Farragut Resident Association Presidents.

Who’s Your Doggy Now Open on Myrtle Avenue

Sending a big welcome to Who’s Your Doggy, Myrtle Avenue’s newest business. The pet food, grooming, walking and animal rescue store opened exactly one week ago in its new Fort Greene location at 354 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton.

Though love and care for dogs are certainly a major focus of the business, do not let the name fool you, the store offers a wide variety of food, toys and accessories and services for cats too.

Expect a continuation of many of the great ‘pup and people’ events that Who’s Your Doggy is known for as well as a grand opening sometime in January (we’ll keep you posted!).

In the meantime, stop through any weekend in December for pet treat samples which will be given out from the store.

Who’s Your Doggy, 354 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton, (718) 522-5244.

Pic of the Week: Festive Cards at Green in Bklyn

Our pic of the week is of the festive cards at Green in BKLYN! This year the shop has a full line of holiday gift cards. Find cards made from recycled or FSC paper with unique messages like “I want to Believe“, “Merry Chrismukkah” and “Feliz Navidad!” Say ’happy holidays’ in just the right way!

You can also check out the hundreds of other wonderful eco-friendly gifts and household items, including Brooklyn-based mugs, cook books, wine totes, hand bags, quilts, solar backpacks, cool toys for kids, chocolates and more.

Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Clinton Avenues
(718) 855-4383

Where to Shop for Holiday Trees?

We are glad that you asked! Here’s a rundown of the vendors that you’ll find on Myrtle Avenue selling holiday trees, wreaths, and live garland.

Myrtle & Hall (in front of John’s Coffee & Donut Shop at 481 Myrtle Avenue)
Myrtle & Vanderbilt (along the Vanderbilt side of Chase Bank at 402 Myrtle Avenue)
Myrtle, between Clermont & Adelphi (in front of Greene-Ville Garden at 373 Myrtle Avenue)

Not interested in having a tree at home? Come enjoy the lighting of the community tree in Fort Greene Park at the corner of Myrtle Avenue & Washington Park. The lighting event will take place on Sunday, December 6, from 4-5pm. Enjoy FREE hot chocolate, cookies from local bakeries, carolers, Santa Claus, and donate to the toy drive which will benefit children right here in Fort Greene through the Whitman Resident Association and Fort Greene SNAP toy drives.

Rich and delicious ‘hot and sweet special’ at Brooklyn Sweet Spot, $5

Heads up that there will be an upcoming ‘hot and sweet special’ at Brooklyn Sweet Spot, starting next week. A cup of hot, rich, delicious homemade chocolate (made from real melted dark chocolate and homemade marshmallows) will be paired with a savory scone (different varieties offered on different days, including blueberries, currants, raisins and pumpkin) for a $5 dollar special. Yes, you heard correct. Stop in.

Brooklyn Sweet Spot is located at 366 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton. Call (718) 522-2577 for information.

Small Business Saturday is Nov 28: Check Out the Video

Have you seen the new Small Business Saturday commercial on television?

We love it! It definitely brings home the #shopsmall message.

Nov. 28th is Small Business Saturday, and our small biz merchants are ready for you.

Unique gifts, check. Delicious food items, check. Friendly customer service, check. Needed local services, check. Gift certificates ready for gifting, check.

Small Business Saturday is dedicated to helping small businesses do more business because when small businesses thrive, communities thrive, too.

Check out the video here.

Please remember to #shopsmall.

Pic of the Week: Gnarly Vines Holiday Six Pack

Our Pic of the Week is the Gnarly Vines Holiday Six Pack. The wine shop has three different packs for that thanksgiving meal that always calls for a special pairing.

The wine shop delivers and also has extended hours on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving from 10am-10pm and Thankgiving Day from 10am-4pm.

2015 Gnarly Vines All-Red American Dream Thanksgiving Four-Pack is available for $145
(15% off the $172 Regular Price!) and includes some of the shop’s favorites including:
2012 Montebruno Kathken Vineyard Pinot Noir – Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
2013 L’Ecole No. 41 Frenchtown Red – Columbia Valley, Washington
2010 Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon – Santa Barbara, California
2010 Banknote Wine Company ‘The Vault’ Cab/Zin Blend – Napa Valley, California
All-Red American Dream Thanksgiving Four-Pack

The 2015 Gnarly Franco-American Thanksgiving Six-Pack for the worldliest of Holiday tables is available for $112 (15% off the $131.50 Regular Price!) and includes:
2014 Domaine Pelaquie Tavel Rose – Rhone Valley, France
2011 Pascal Granger Chenas – Beaujolais, France
2013 Pull Eighty Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Oregon
2013 Domaine Denis Berthaut Hautes-Cotes de Nuits – Burgundy, France
2013 Fritz Zinfandel – Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California
NV Gruet Blanc de Noirs Methode Champenoise Brut – Albuquerque, NM

If you are thinking globally then think local and consider the:
2015 Gnarly ‘I Heart NY’ Thanksgiving Six-Pack is available for $107.50
(15% off the $126.50 Regular Price!) that includes:
NV Slyboro Hidden Star Hard Cider – Granville, NY
2013 Dr Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli – Finger Lakes, NY
2013 Red Newt Cellars Gewurztraminer – Finger Lakes, NY
2013 Wolffer Estate Cabernet Franc – The Hamptons, Long Island, NY
2012 Paumanok Festival Red – North Fork of Long Island
2012 Shinn Estate Wild Boar Doe – North Fork of Long Island, NY

Where to Pre-Order Favorite Thankgiving Foods

Feeling overwhelmed with the holidays coming? Take it easy and let our local Myrtle Avenue businesses help with the meal. Whether at Peck’s, Key Food, Greene-ville Garden, Khim’s Millennium, Mr. Coco or Fresh Fanatic, stop in for your produce, meats and other market selections , From turkeys to sweet potatoes, stuffing / dressing and other sides, our food shops have a variety of offerings to make your Thanksgiving memorable and delicious.

See some of the specials from Peck’s, Greene-ville Garden and Fresh Fanatic are listed below. Check this post regularly between now and the big Turkey Day for any updates:

Turkeys
Peck’s is selling local, pasture raised & organic (uncooked) turkeys from Oink & Gobble Farm at $7.49/lb.

Greene-ville Garden has Jive Turkeys for sale, starting at $3.49/lb. If you miss Jive Turkey, the fresh, delicious fried turkey cafe that used to be located at the corner of Myrtle and Clinton, here’s your chance again.

Fresh Fanatic is offering free-roaming, antibiotic, and hormone free turkeys at $3.69/lb as well as organic free-roaming birds at $5.49/lb.

If you don’t feel like cooking the bird, inquire about their Turkey Breast Roulade at Peck’s or order the Brooklyn Own Jive Turkey (deep fried) at Fresh Fanatic for $79.99. Flavor options include Cajun, Roasted Garlic, Fresh Herb, Classic and Jamaican Jerk.

Cheese & Chacuterie Boards
Peck’s is also offering a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and accompaniments. Small Boards are available for $70 (serve 8-10) and large boards are available for $140 (serve 16-20).

Sides & Soups
Soups like butternut squash, tomato and basil and turkey chili sell at Fresh Fanatic as well as a great variety of side options like mashed red potato, truffled root vegetable mash, roasted beets, turkey gravy and more for 4.99-6.99. Click HERE for the full list of offerings.

Peck’s is offering close to ten different sides ranging from $10-$12 each and portioned to serve 2 to 3 people. The variety of sides ranges from sausage & sage stuffing and no lump gravy to orange & star anise cranberry sauce and fried brussels sprouts with tahini. Breads like mini Gougere, mini corn muffins and maple biscuits range from $8-$9 for half dozen. For more options, click HERE.

Thanksgiving Dinner on Myrtle Avenue

If you and your friends did not attempt to roast a turkey check out this list of Myrtle Avenue restaurants that are serving special Thanksgiving meals this holiday.

Putnam’s Pub & Cooker Thanksgiving Dinner
2015 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu offerings include Sweet Potato & Andouille Soup
(made with maple crème fraiche, spicy pepitas) $8, Roasted Turkey (heritage turkey, garlic mashed potato, cornbread stuffing, roasted brussel sprouts, orange-cranberry sauce) $26, and Butternut Squash Farrotto (served with candied walnuts, dried cranberries, gorgonzola, crispy sage $18. Dessert options include: Pumpkin Cheesecake with pumpkin seed brittle, and cranberry coulis $8, and Blackberry Pear Crumble with housemade vanilla ice cream $8. Additional sides are sweet potato mallow, green bean casserole, and cauliflower gratin.
Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, 419 Myrtle Avenue at Clinton Ave

Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene
From 2pm-until 10pm Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene will be serving a 4 course prix-fixe menu $75. More details coming soon.
Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene, 378 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi St & Clermont Ave

‘Grand Closing Celebration’ at Polish Bar of Brooklyn

After a decade of pampering and of keeping Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Greater Brooklyn residents on point and fashion forward, the Polish Bar of Brooklyn, the popular nails and beauty boutique, located at 475 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street, has decided to close its doors.

In an email from owner Tricialee Riley to Polish Bar customers on Thursday, she shared news of what she calls the “Grand Closing Celebration,” which will take place on Sunday, November 22nd 4PM to 6PM. Reasons for the store’s closing were cited as ‘personal growth and career development’ (“this celebration is particularly special to me to celebrate the end of this chapter and the start of a new. Closing this business has been a difficult, yet necessary step in personal growth and career development. I will be moving forward working privately as brand consultant and commercial/residential real estate broker.”)

Please note that the store will remain open for business until the end of day on Wednesday, November 25th, closing permanently on Thanksgiving Day. Meaning, there is still time to “polish up” for any planned Thanksgiving activities by making an appointment at the front desk or online.

More from the owner: “I cannot say enough about the love and support the community has shown me, my brand and most importantly my team. I will be forever grateful for the kind gestures, kind words and support from patrons and city agencies. When I started my business my goal was to bring something fresh and new to the beauty industry and our beautiful Brooklyn. Not only am I confident this has been achieved, I take personal pride in how Polish Bar has set the standard for beauty services in Brooklyn and inspired many of the businesses that followed behind us.”

Well stated. Polish Bar of Brooklyn, you will be missed. Thank you for helping to beautifying our lives in Brooklyn. Wishing you the very, very best in the next chapter.

Please stop in on the store’s grand closing festivities on Sunday, November 22nd, where they will celebrate rounding out 10 years in business as a pioneer neighborhood beauty bar in, what else — grand style, as only they know how. Please stop in to mix and mingle to give a toast.

Weaving Hand is Moving and They’re Holding a Sale

Photo Credit: Weaving Hand

Although we’re sad that our friends at Weaving Hand will be leaving this neighborhood at the end of the year, we’re glad they’ll still be in Brooklyn at the Pfizer Building (630 Flushing Avenue), which isn’t too far away…

To celebrate and prepare for the move, they’ll host several events in the weeks ahead, so keep a close eye on their calendar. Their moving sale from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, November 21st and Sunday, November 22nd is timed perfectly for shopping for handmade holiday gifts!

Fresh Fanatic Thanksgiving Catering Menu

Gift Shop Guide for #Small Business Saturday

We are proud when businesses find a home on Myrtle Avenue. Stop in to visit our district of 170 businesses, 87% of which are independently-owned. Show your love for our Myrtle Avenue gift shops and boutiques by shopping local on Small Business Saturday, November 28th and beyond.

Below is a guide of where you can find the perfect gift from shops, small boutiques, and wine shops on Myrtle Avenue. When shopping local, 68% of your dollar stays right here in the local economy.

Click to view the full 2015 Myrtle Avenue Holiday Gift Guide.

Gift Shops & Boutiques

21 Tara
An eclectic shop of textiles including scarves, throw overs, pillows, dresses along with jewelry, decorative masks and handmade items like winter hats and slippers. The cornucopia of items from around the world is laced throughout the store.
388 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Vanderbilt, (718) 237-0737

Barking Brown
Find fashionable items for women including dresses, bags, boots, jewelry from local designers and more. The extensive collection of winter hats during colder weather months is commendable.
468 Myrtle between Washington & Hall, (718) 638-3757

Green in BKLYN
Find an array of gift cards, chocolate, crafts, books, teas, kitchen supplies, energy savers, kid products and more at this one-stop shop for those living or wanting to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.
432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly, (718) 855-4383

Jill Lindsey
The mini-department store in Fort Greene is a gift shop, clothing boutique, and housewares store offering greeting cards, candles, dresses, hand knit sweaters, unique jewelry items, ceramic bowls, and more.
370 Myrtle Avenue, between Adelphi and Clermont, (347)987-4583

Leisure Life NYC
Leisure Life NYC specializes in quality lifestyle products, from men’s clothing, leather goods, accessories to art and much more. The store is a haberdashery men’s club that is inspired in large degree by the owner’s love of vintage fashion and sports memorabilia.
559 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon, (347) 725-3167

Owa’s Afrikan Market
Owa is a fair trade business that buys directly from African artists and suppliers. Owa’s offers items directly from Africa – such as food, fabrics, musical instruments, CDs, music videos, movies (DVDs), books, wood carvings, and more.
434 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly, (718) 643-8487

Open Call for Mystery Shoppers on Myrtle Avenue

Interested in being a mystery shopper on Myrtle Avenue?

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, along with several businesses located along Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill are curious about your shopping experiences on Myrtle Avenue.

We are looking for a few observant, honest, unbiased and courteous shoppers to make anonymous store visits, and to share feedback (by way of completed survey) with us and our merchants about your shopping experiences in the district. Local businesses may choose to incorporate some of the feedback for quality control and staff training purposes.

Interested in learning more? Please CLICK HERE to apply, or give us a call at (718) 230-1689 ext. 3# for more info.

Hair & Co BKLYN is Open for Business

Renowned hairstylist, Shannon King, and wife, Allyson King, with more than 60 years of hair styling and salon operations experience between them, are opening Hair & Co. BKLYN, which specializes in multicultural hair, a diverse range of hair types and textures (“as diverse as our community in Brooklyn,” shares Allyson).

The new salon opens with a soft launch, November 3 followed up with a grand opening on November 11^thfrom 6pm to 9pm. The grand opening celebration will include complimentary hair services using Shu Uemura products (a $90 value), which can be used on the day of or any time thru November 15^th. But hurry before the complimentary appointments are booked up.

Hair & Co. describes the salon as “a solutions-based company, one that delivers customized experiences, which includes a haircolor barista and home maintenance lessons to ensure every guest has the hair they have dreamed of every day.”

The salon, with its wide windows and brand new pine floors is a modern delight, but please excuse the scaffolding as the landlord is doing some work on the store’s exterior for now. It should be moved shortly.

Hair & Co. BKLYN, 487 Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Ryerson
(718) 789-2390

Check the store’s website for more details.

Pic of the Week: Barking Brown’s Fall Wear

Swing by Barking Brown to check out the Fall Collection that has arrived. The extensive collection includes plush scarves, warm hats, stylish flannel tops and sweaters. Stop in and check them out!

Barking Brown,468 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue & Hall Street
(718) 638-3757

Recently Opened & Opening Soon on Myrtle Avenue

There are lots of new businesses opening up on Myrtle Avenue, some which have recently opened their doors (within the last month), and three more slated to do so within the next month or two. Below is a round-up of recently opened and soon-to-be-opened business along Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill:

Recently Opened

Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene is the first Brooklyn outpost of the same name for Chef Karim Noumouh, who has operated the Lower East Side farm-to-nabe fave since 2010. With focus on serving fresh, local ingredients, menu items include onion soup, curried snails, salmon tartar, foie gras, torchon, red snapper, rack of lamb, seared codfish, venison steak, smoked duck breast and bison short ribs. Call for reservations or walk in.
Gentleman Farmer, 378 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont.

[Salon]718 is the third Brooklyn outpost for stylist and salon owner, Michaela Blissett Williams and her talented team. Coloring, styling, cuts and more as well as makeup and bridal services are available by appointment and walk-in.
[Salon]718 456 Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Waverly.

Anchor & Plow, Charlotta Janssen, an accomplished artist and pioneer in the Fort Greene restaurant landscape (Chez Oskar and Lola Bklyn), teams up with Monir Gamany, a seasoned general manager to bring a new vision to the space at 387 Myrtle Avenue. Monir has worked with well known chefs and restaurateurs in New York City and together, with Charlotta, they have introduced a new farm and sea to table concept featuring seafood (“anchor”) and meats (“plow”) dishes with a Mediterranean slant to their menu that unites a variety of palates.
Anchor & Plow, 387 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Vanderbilt.

Hair & Co. Bklyn Renowned hairstylist, Shannon King, and his wife, Allyson King, with more than 60 years hair styling and administrative/directing experience between them, are opening Hair & Co BKLYN, a salon specializing in multicultural hair.
Hair & Co BKLYN, 487 Myrtle Avenue between Hall & Ryerson.

Joining Starbuck’s (394 Myrtle), near the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Vanderbilt are Chipotle Mexican Grill, home of the popular burrito bowl and known for its organic ingredients and InVite Health (394 Myrtle), home of high quality vitamins and supplements.

Opening Soon

Spice & Grill is Nepalese and Indian restaurant, led by a father and son team. Bikash Karel and his father are no strangers to the food business, currently operating an Indian restaurant in Queens. Their Myrtle Avenue eatery will offer a little more than a typical Indian restaurant, with an emphasis on grilled menu items and Nepalese street food. Some of their street food offerings will include mini samosa chat (tangy samosas with freshly cut sweet red onions, chili and coriander), momos (bitesize dumplings served with spicy tomato and sesame sauce), chatamari (rice crepes topped with lamb and spicy sauce) and sel roti (sweet ring-shaped doughnuts).
Spice & Grill, 441 Myrtle Avenue, between Clinton & Waverly.

Locals, a provisions store offering sustainably raised meats, produce and provisions sources from local farm communities (NY, PA, MA, VT & CA). Offerings will include a broad selection from all-natural meats, poultry, game and fresh seafood to housemade sausages, pates, and gourmet prepared meals.
Locals, 332 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Park & Carlton

A new Latin/Cuban restaurant will be opening at 413 Myrtle Avenue. Please stay tuned for the restaurant name and further information. 413 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt & Clinton.

Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry Grand Opening

From right to left; Isabella Lee (Tenant Association President), Council Member Laurie Cumbo (District 35), Aisha Glover (Brooklyn Navy Yard), Clare Newman (Brooklyn Navy Yard), Meredith Phillips Almeida (Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project), Tony Ortiz (City Harvest), Mary Andrews (Tenant Association), Ashley Cotton (Forest City Ratner Companies), Meg Davidson (City Harvest), Keith Carr (City Harvest) and Nan Blackshear (Office of the Brooklyn Borough President).

MARP & City Harvest have joined forces to open the Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry to help fight food insecurity in our community. The Fresh Pantry will distribute nearly 10,000 pounds of produce, FREE of charge, to residents of Farragut, Whitman, and Ingersoll Houses once per month. The Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry is made possible thanks to a partnership with the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation and Forest City Ratner Companies.

When: Third Saturday of each month (November 21 & December 19)
Where: Sidewalk at the intersection of Navy and Nassau Streets
Who is Eligible: Residents living in Farragut, Whitman & Ingersoll houses

Click here to read BK Reader article about the the grand opening & celebration of the Fresh Pantry.

Hours of Operation:

Registration begins at 9:00am
Produce Distribution: 9:30am – 11:30am

Questions? Please feel free to contact Shaquana Boykin, Program Manager at healthycommunities@myrtleavenue.org or call (718) 230- 1689 5#.

Key Food (former Associated) Officially Re-opening!

Key Food Supermarket (formerly Associated) located at 490 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill will officially re-open on October 9th at 7am.

The supermarket, between Ryerson and Hall will boast added store shelves, a salad bar, bakery and expanded meats section.

Opening day will be a soft launch to work out any kinks, with grand opening activities expected at a later date.

The store name change from Associated indicates a switch in distributors. Some Brooklyn Fare items will also be on store shelves.

The supermarket, which was closed for well over a year due to redevelopment of the site (going from a one story commercial building to a 6-story mixed used building with 93 residential units and added commercial units including TD Bank), has been much missed. With the recent closure of another local supermarket on Lafayette Avenue, many have been inquiring even more about the store’s return.

Key Food on Myrtle Avenue will boast added store shelves, a salad bar, bakery and an expanded meats section.

Key Food Supermarket is located at 490 Myrtle Avenue

Grand Opening at Salon 718

[Salon]718 opened its third Brooklyn outpost approximately one month ago on Myrtle Avenue. New store signage and design are ready and salon staff is set. Please come out and celebrate the salon’s grand opening via a ribbon cutting event this Friday at 3pm and after party at 6pm. The after party will consist of a DJ station (come out and and groove to the sounds), food (catered by a local, Brooklyn-based restaurant), drinks and more.

[Salon]718 offers coloring, styling, cuts and more. They also offer bridal services and makeup services.

[Salon]718 is located at 456 Myrtle Avenue, the former location of Joseph Tyler Salon. This is the third location for [Salon]718, the first two on 80 DeKalb and 610 Vanderbilt. The salon will be closed on Sundays.

[Salon]718, 456 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenue
(718) 802-9200