This week kicks off with the Chocolate Day so we decided that our pic of the day would be the extra chocolate-y Mocha Pillow Shake from Pillow Cafe-Lounge. This delightful smoothie is made with mocha, bananas and milk.
Pillow Cafe, 505 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand Avenues
It’s hard to track THE most popular dish at Wray’s Caribbean and Seafood Cuisine, owned by brothers, Alvin and Jelani Wray, because there are quite a few favorites. The mac and cheese balls are said to be melt-in-your mouth delicious. The codfish fritters and lump crab meat rolls are very fresh and delicious.
These siblings, though a different level of dining, get their food preparation gene from their dad, who was the first African-American head chef at the Waldorf Astoria in the 1960s. Having gone through a bit of a branding change since the restaurant’s earlier life at Dee & Ricky’s Restaurant, the eatery still has maintained some of the favorites on the menu, but has expanded to include a lot of more seafood and Caribbean options.
Wray’s is located at 503 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson and Grand and can be contacted at 347.619.6930.
You won’t want to miss this year’s AFROPUNK Fest here in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The2014 lineup includes D’Angelo, Lianne La Havas, Body Count, Trash Talk, Meshell Ndegeocello, Straight Line Stitch, Shabazz Palaces, SZA, The Internet, Fishbone, Valerie June, Alice Smith, Cold Specks, Unlocking The Truth, Cakes Da Killa, Denitia and Sene, Gordon Voidwell, The Tontons, Clipping, BLXPLTN, Cipher, HO9909 as well as DJ Sets by DJ SLiiNK, MikeQ, Uniique, Jasmine Solano + Melo-X, Mista Selecta + Mane Squeeze A Tribe Called Red, Theesatisfaction, Oscan Nñand Adam R. This year’s festival will feature dance music from local scenes such as Jersey Club, Baltimore Club, NYC Ballroom, as well as underground DJ sounds from Washington D.C. and Seattle. More artists will be announced soon. Visit afropunkfest.com for more information.
AFROPUNK Fest is a celebration of the all of the diverse communities populating the modern DIY landscape. Along with the 4 stages of music including the more traditional heavy punk Black Stage music, attendees will be in the presence of pop-up shops, a Speaker’s corner where the politically minded can speak theirs, a slew of Food Trucks making a variety of cuisine, the Spin Thrift Market with it’s 100 vendors selling various goods and crafts, and the ever present Art Wall where selected visual artists produce original works of art within the park grounds. There will also be skaters, food trucks, performance artists and future runway models all accelerating/shifting culture and style right before your very eyes, in one unique setting. A look around AFROPUNK FEST will give credence as to why the New York Times described it as “the most multicultural festival in the US”.
Attendees can skip the line while supporting the AFROPUNK community by making a small donation that will go towards furthering AFROPUNK’s efforts and culture. As a thank you, your advanced donation will guarantee your entry and fast track you through the check in process at the festival. Click HERE to make a donation and get the fast check-in.
The festival takes place at Commodore Barry Park on Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th.
Traveling this summer? If so, check out our pic this week, Leisure Life‘s Box Bag. This olive and black bag is made from military issued canvas and calfskin leather. It has large interior space with a small interior zip pocket and is hand made in NYC.
Leisure Life, 559 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenues
Yesterday afternoon, elected officials, community members, our staff, and local merchants were joined by Pratt Institute President Dr. Thomas Schutte to dedicate one of Myrtle Avenue’s custom tree benches to current Public Advocate and former Council Member Letitia “Tish” James.
New York State Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, Current 35th District Council Member Laurie Cumbo, New York State Assemblymember Walter T. Mosely, Acting Executive Director Meredith Phillips Almeida, and Pratt Institute President Dr. Thomas Schutte spoke about Tish’s dedication to the neighborhood and Myrtle Avenue.
The dedicated bench is located at 482 Myrtle Avenue, on the corner of Hall Street. Before and after the speeches, attendees enjoyed fresh slices from Liberty Pizza.
For tree bench sponsorship opportunities, please contact Dan at (718) 230-1689.
Liberty Pizza is located at 482 Myrtle Avenue, on the corner of Hall Street
This week’s pic of the week is the Spinach salad from The Runner. This salad is made with spinach, spiced nuts, red onion, goat cheese, and honey vinaigrette.
The Runner is now offering lunch daily from 11am-3pm and brunch on weekends. They will continue to serve dinner seven days a week. The lunch menu is also perfectly timed for soccer fans, they are showing all World Cup games in the bar.
The Runner, 458 Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Waverly Avenues
(718)643-6500
Every 3rd Saturday of the month during the summer, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership will host a FREE guided walking tour through the historic Wallabout neighborhood. The walks are being offered in partnership with the Fort Greene Park Conservancy, and with additional support from the Walt Whitman Project.
The area, most of which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as historic district, has a beautiful mix of pre-Civil War homes and late 19th century industrial buildings.
The walk will discuss how the neighborhood developed from when the Dutch first arrived in the early 1600’s and highlight notable residents, such as Walt Whitman and Walt Whitman. The tour begins in Fort Greene Park at 11am, includes a 1.5 mile walk, and concludes at 99 Ryerson St. The event is free, but space is limited and registration is required.
Spaces are still available on the July, August and September tours. Click on the month you wish to attend to reserve your spot today!
This week’s pic of the week is the Badlands Benedict from Splitty. The benedict includes two heaps of smoked ham, poached eggs on english muffins topped with hollandaise sauce, home fries and salad.
Splitty is now offering brunch on weekends from 9:30am to 4pm, with last orders at 3:15pm.
Splitty, 415 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Vanderbilt Avenues
(718) 643-2867
Make Music New York will take place for the 8th year in a row this Saturday, June 21st in Clinton Hill and Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The homegrown and locally owned businesses of the area have participated in Make Music New York since its inception in New York City.
Make Music New York takes place each year on the summer solstice, June 21st, the longest day of the year. On that day, hundreds of public spaces throughout the five boroughs – sidewalks, parks, community gardens, and more – become impromptu stages for over 1,000 free concerts. From 10am to 8pm fifteen Myrtle Avenue area businesses, including restaurants, cafes, shops, boutiques and the Fort Greene Park (entrance at southeast corner of Washington Park & Myrtle Avenue) will be hosting live music. Over 30 musicians will represent various music genres, including soul, Latin, R&B, folk, bluegrass, jazz, pop and neo-soul. Come out and groove to the music and stroll the Avenue.
Schedule details are below:
CLINTON HILL
Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street & Ryerson
4pm Columbus, classic folk and blues
5pm Sara Rachele, folktales
6pm Elisa Flynn, broodingly nuanced vocals
7:15pm De Rosa, clever 60s/70s blues
Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly Avenues
12pm Tiffany Wilson, fun and sassy blues
3pm El Chico Blanco, instrumental rock, jazz and experimental
6pm James Marpolis, with a loop pedal
Mojito Cuban Cuisine, 62 Washington Avenue
12pm – 8pm Open Mic
Soco, 509 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand Avenues
12pm -8pm Chocolatt Jared & Friends
Tipsy, 584 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenues
2pm Rosko Taint, tasteful and catchy
6pm Noise & Rhythm, avant-indie
7:30pm Deborah Latz Group, wide-ranging jazz singer
FORT GREENE
Brooklyn Sweet Spot, 366 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Adelphi
12pm Lamayah, Mariah Carey vocals, Michael Jackson moves
1:30pm Lakule, singer/songwriter MUNY artist
2pm Kiirstin Marilyn, not afraid of audience interaction
4pm Aleksandra Denda, Serbian songstress
6pm The Visions, real raw, real funk, real cool
Energy Fuel, 386 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt & Clermont Avenues
12pm Mano, multilingual rapper, producer
3pm Sangha Tierra, 10-piece “world community”
6pm Mano, multi-lingual rapper, producer
Fort Greene Park at Prison Martyrs Monument
2pm-6pm DJ CEO, spinning since 1997
2pm African Americana, electronic duo
2:30pm Red Sahara, influenced by soul, jazz
3pm The MisUndersanding, trio of old friends
3:30pm Fresh Daily, native hip-hop from BK
4pm Maritri Garrett & Friends, songwriters rooted in rock, jazz, folk
4:30pm (I am isis) rock and soul, in your face
5pm Meridian, like putting breath strips on your eyes
Fort Greene Park at Myrtle Avenue & Washington Park
12pm PATH-P, fresh young BK lyricist
1pm Jacob Schaffer, vocal looping and original instrumentalist
3pm Lakule, singer/songwriter, MUNY artist
5pm Iampopula, hip-hop and rock fun
6pm Thomas Piper digital creator has worked with The Last Poets, Public Enemy
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Carlton Avenues
2pm Kenn Lowy, Elliott Smith meets Rod Serling
3:30pm HooP, bluesy folk rock
5pm Eric Contractor, bel-canto, cinematic songwriting
Brooklyn Public Library (Walt Whitman Branch), 93 St. Edwards Street between Myrtle & Park Avenues
12pm Jessy Tomsko, light-hearted indie folk, catchy lyrics
2pm Geremy Grant, alt and pop covers
3pm Family Productions Entertainment, inspirational hip-hop, R&B
ConEdison generously sponsored two tree benches along Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Pictured above is the tree bench in front of the Ingersoll Garden, on Myrtle Avenue between Fleet and Navy. Below is the tree bench in front of Humo Smokehouse, 336 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park and Carlton. ConEdison’s support will help the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership care for the Avenue’s trees and custom tree guards.
Would you like to sponsor a tree bench along Myrtle Avenue? Would you like to dedicate a Myrtle Avenue tree bench to a loved one? Please call Dan at (718) 230-1689 for details.
Do you have a Fort Greene based food access, open space or physical activity project that needs funding? We can help!
The Healthy Communities Initiative, a program of the Brooklyn Community Foundation is connecting innovative efforts around food, open space, and fitness in 3 neighborhoods – Red Hook, Fort Greene, and Brownsville – to share resources and empower residents to enrich their environments and strengthen their communities, while developing new ways for nonprofits and city agencies to work together to improve public health.
Five residents, along with MARP, have formed the Fort Greene Community Grants Committee. We are seeking local projects to recommend to the Foundation for funding – $10k is available and up to 5 Fort Greene projects that meet the qualifications and are selected through a competitive application process by the Brooklyn Community Foundation will be awarded! Application deadline is June 30th, apply today!
To learn more and download the application visit here. You can send the application to Kassy Nystrom, Director, Healthy Communities, fax (718) 230-3674 or drop off at the MARP office.
We encourage you to join us for an in-person Q&A session on Tuesday, June 24th at the MARP office, 472 Myrtle Avenue, 2nd floor above Zaytoon’s restaurant at 6:30PM. You will have the chance to ask questions and we can help get your application completed.
Our featured father’s gift of the day is the Neck’s Tuesday handmade vintage bow ties selling now at Leisure Life NYC. They are contrasting fabric hand selected and paired specifically to create distinct color contrasts and patterns. Neck’s Tuesday’s ties sell for $125. Leisure Life NYC also carries canvas and calfskin leather bags for men, accessories and more.
Shop local this Father’s Day and help support our homegrown and locally owned businesses on Myrtle Avenue.
Leisure Life NYC is located at 432 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenues.
Optical Gallery is opening on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. The 900 square foot store at 446B Myrtle Avenue, which has been vacant for half a decade, is reopening later this month as a state of the art vision and eye care center. Staffed by both licensed and certified opticians and optometrists, the new store will offer a colorful, playful and exciting selection of designer eyewear. Services for children and adults will be offered, including laser vision correction surgery, care for eye emergencies, comprehensive vision exams and treatment for a range of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, cataracts and macular degeneration. Most major insurances accepted. Optical Gallery, 446B Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenues. (718) 246-2020
Green in Bklyn is offering a wide selection of letterpress cards for Father’s Day. This letterpress card is made locally and sells for $5.95.
Shop local this Father’s Day and help support our homegrown and locally owned businesses on Myrtle Avenue.
Green in Bklyn is located at 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly Avenues.
If you are on the search for a Myrtle Avenue venue to check out the World Cup games, many are offering viewing opps, drink specials and more, here’s a bit of a round up (stay tuned for possible additions).
Putnam’s Pub & Cooker All World Cup games will be shown here. Two large TVs plus a brand new projector. Most games will take place during happy hour, so expect beer and cocktail specials galore.
Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, 419 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt and Clinton
(347) 799-2382
Five Spot Soul Food & Supper Club Stop in for early bird drink specials before catching the games. Flat screen TV plus happy hour specials.
Five Spot, 459 Myrtle Avenue at the corner of Washington Avenue
(718) 852-0202
The Emerson will opening at noon in order to show all games. Their bringing out the big roll down screen (8 foot High Def.) and a new flat screen. All spots at the bar will have a good view. And some viewing opps in the backyard too! Stop in for the viewing and drink specials.
The Emerson, 561 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson and Classon
(347) 763-1310
Wray’s Caribbean & Seafood Cuisine 92-inch projector plus two large screen TVs are at the ready to catch all the World Cup action. Drink specials and food specials from it’s new space, complete with remodel and revamped menu.
Wray’s Caribbean & Seafood Cuisine, 503 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand
(718) 789-1111
Also, don’t forget to check out our dining guide for a full range of delicious Myrtle Avenue options.
Today we are featuring this gift option for dad’s who want to be active and disciplined. Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is offering a great introductory special for $19.95 that includes a private lesson with just you and the instructor and a complementary uniform. Call for more details (718) 403-0067.
Shop local this Father’s Day and help support our homegrown and locally owned businesses on Myrtle Avenue.
Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is located at 412 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Vanderbilt Avenue.
Image Credit: NYC Parks Department
Last week, New York Cares partnered with gardeners from the New York City Parks Department to landscape a hilly area of Fort Greene Park that is prone to erosion. Led by Kean Eng, John Vei , Matthew Morrow and Carlos Romero, 25 volunteers built terraces and planted suitable plant species on a slope near the northeast entrance at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park.
Erosion is a problem in Fort Greene Park. During heavy rains, sediment and water frequently collect on the sidewalks around the park. As the new plants get established, their roots will soak up water and reduce the amount of soil that erodes from the hill.
Image Credit: NYC Parks Department
Slope before landscaping project
Slope after landscaping project
Last week, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and New York Police Department’s 88th Precinct joined forces on Vanderbilt Avenue at Myrtle Avenue to register bicycles. NYPD registered 43 bikes during the morning commute. One of Myrtle Avenue’s newest businesses, Myrtle Bagel, generously donated delicious coffee and fresh bagels. By all accounts, the event was successful and the mood festive.
If a registered bike is stolen and then recovered by NYPD, the police can more easily return it to its rightful owner. Registration itself involves filling out a form with bike details and serial number. If the bike doesn’t have a serial number, NYPD Crime Prevention Officers can etch one. If you would like to have your bike registered, simply visit the 88th Precinct at 298 Classon at Dekalb. It’s FREE!
Myrtle Bagel is located at 410 Myrtle Avenue, between Vanderbilt and Clinton Avenues
Photo Credit: NYC Department of Transportation
It’s a busy weekend in Fort Greene this Saturday, June 7! Don’t miss these two events promoting healthy lifestyles and sharing community resources available to all:
Join us and partners, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), Citi Bike, Health First NY and Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Roisin and receive a FREE bike helmet, a sample of a healthy, fresh recipe, and information about Citi Bike membership and low-cost health insurance plans!
WHEN: Saturday, June 7
TIME: 11am – 3pm
WHERE: corner of Washington Park & Myrtle Avenue
MORE INFO: 718-230-1689
RAIN LOCATION: 177 Myrtle Avenue, Ingersoll Community Center
After visiting us make your way across the park and visit over 60 exhibitors, dozens of activities for the entire family and get free health screenings at the the Downtown Brooklyn Community Heath Expo. Visit Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Beryl in the food tent as she prepares a healthy, affordable recipe for all to sample from 11am – 1pm.
WHEN: Saturday, June 7
TIME: 11am – 3pm
WHERE: Outside The Brooklyn Hospital Center on Ashland Pl between DeKalb & Willoughby Street
MORE INFO: 718-250-8344
Plans were filled yesterday for a new 5-story mixed-use building at 533 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, which will replace the existing White Castle restaurant. The proposed building will house 27 residential units and 5,900 square feet of commercial space. The plans indicate that the development will not take advantage of the available Inclusionary Housing bonus. The building is being designed by Karl Fischer, who is currently working on other projects in the neighborhood, including 134 Vanderbilt Avenue, which will replace the Gulf Gas Station at Myrtle and Vanderbilt. He is also listed as the architect for 100 Steuben Street, a few doors down from White Castle, where a new 8-story residential building will rise.
This is only one of several new buildings proposed or currently under construction on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill. Across the street at 490 Myrtle Avenue, the new mixed-use building that will house the returning Associated Supermarket continues to rise. A new mixed-use building is also expected to rise next door at 504 Myrtle Avenue, where the Pratt Station Post Office currently is. The post office is set to move a few blocks east to 609 Myrtle Avenue, at the corner of Kent Avenue. Additionally, construction work is currently underway at the former Pratt Store on the corner of Emerson Place and Myrtle Avenue, which Pratt is converting into a state-of-the-art home for their Film/Video school. Combined, all of the new construction will bring 144 dwelling units and 16,000 square feet of new retail space to Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill.
All of these new buildings will face the new Myrtle Avenue pedestrian plaza which is set to begin construction this summer. The 25,000 square foot plaza will run between Grand Avenue and Emerson Place, replacing the existing service road that runs parallel to Myrtle Avenue. Additional street improvement, such as new sidewalks, curbs, benches and trees will be implemented along Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street and Emerson Place.
News12 ran a story on the Park Avenue Traffic Safety Plan that DOT proposed last week. MARP Planning and Streetscape Program Manager Daniel Scorse, and Danelle Davis, property manager for the Chocolate Factory, were both interviewed on Park Avenue at Washington Avenue, the site of recent crashes.
To view the News12 video, go the News12 Brooklyn page and click on the story labeled “Changes on the way for busy Clinton Hill road.”
Photo Credit: GrowNYC.org
NY 1 covered the story of our partnership with GrowNYC to expand the Fort Greene Park Greenmarket in Brooklyn; view video here. We are thrilled to see two of our partners and allies from the Walt Whitman Victory Garden representing this call to action! The goals of the expansion are to:
Earlier this month GrowNYC received CB 2 Transportation and Safety Committee support and next steps are in progress. We received 350 support signatures at market, nearly 100 on the on-line petition and support from multiple Elected Officials including Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Assemblyman Joseph Lentol and Assemblyman Walter Mosley and numerous Resident Associations, local businesses, and Community Based Organizations. Thank you to all who have supported this effort!
As a grantee of the Partnership for a Healthier NYC we are launching our first Physical Activity program, Let’s Move, Fort Greene: Bike with Us! in May. New Physical Activity programming complements our existing Food & Health initiatives that aim to bring awareness to local food & health issues facing many residents of Fort Greene, especially those with low-incomes.
In partnership with Bike New York, Citi Bike and the NYC Department of Transportation residents will have the opportunity to participate in free bike programming, utilizing a Citi Bike.
New to riding a bike? These workshops are especially for you! Sign-up today – registration is required and space is limited.
Bike New York Bicycling Basics REGISTER HEREA 3-hour class for adults and teens who recently learned how to ride a bike or who want to improve their cycling skills.
WHEN: Saturday May 31, 10am – 1pm
WHERE: Citibike Station, Nassau and Navy Sts
Bike Helmet Fitting & Giveaway NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) will fit you for a FREE bike helmet. All recipients must sign a waiver. All ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Available while supplies last.
WHEN: Sat June 7, 11am-3pm
WHERE: Fort Greene Park, corner of Washington Park & Myrtle
Bike New York Street Skills Class REGISTER HERELearn how to handle city cycling scenarios at this indoor class, so you can enjoy pleasant, stress-free rides. Follow up with a Street Skills Ride on June 14.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 10, 6:30 – 8:30pm
WHERE: 177 Myrtle Avenue, Ingersoll Community Center
Bike New York Street Skills Ride REGISTER HEREThis 3-hour on-bike class is designed for adults and teens who want to increase their comfort and confidence when cycling on urban streets. Bike New York Street Skills Class is strongly recommended.
WHEN: Saturday, June 14, 10am – 1pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1 Clermont Avenue
Do you shop, live and/or visit Myrtle Avenue? If so, we need your help! Every few years, we conduct a survey to help us evaluate our work, and to understand your priorities and perceptions of Myrtle Avenue. The information you provide will help us improve our programs, refine our marketing efforts, and bring new businesses that will continue to serve residents and visitors. Our survey close date is Friday, June 13, 2014
As a thank you for providing this important feedback, we will select four lucky respondents to each receive a $100 gift card for the Myrtle Avenue business of their choice! The survey takes only ten minutes to complete online:
SURVEY (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MyrtleAveBklynSURVEY)
Paper copies are also available. To request please call us at (718)230-1689.
