The Gefilteria are Picklers-in -Residence on Myrtle Avenue

pickles at peck's on myrtle avenue

The Gefilteria was founded by a trio of New York foodies, one of whom is a Fort Greene resident. The Gefilteria “reimagines Old World Jewish foods, adapting Ashkenazi classics to the values and tastes of a new generation.” They are currently the  in-house picklers at Peck’s, 455A Myrtle Ave.  With pickling barrels in the basement you get the freshest picks each time you purchase their sours and half-sours.  Also, keep a look out for Pickling Workshops led by team member Jeffery where you’ll learn “the value of pickling and fermentation in Ashkenazi food culture, and how to make your own pickles at home.”

Visit The Gefilteria to learn more about their products – gourmet gefilte fish, horseradishes, beet kvass and a new line of pickled products – and purchase on-line or find a store near you.

Peck’s , 455A Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Waverly Avenues

CVS/Pharmacy Will Stop Carrying all Tobacco Products in October 2014

CVS/pharmacy has announced that starting October 1, 2014 they will no longer carry tobacco products.  The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and World Health Organization have both reported that Tobacco use is the leading risk factor for preventable death in the United States. This action by CVS/pharmacy has made a great stride in public health advocacy.

MARP is one of hundreds of other organizations and businesses that have formed a city-wide coalition, The Partnership for a Healthier New York, to help make “healthier living easier”. The Partnership’s borough-based coalitions work with communities to plan, complete, and evaluate environmental change projects which:

  • Decrease smoking rates and exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Provide more places and opportunities for people to be active
  • Increase access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Decrease promotion of unhealthy foods and sugary drinks
  • Increase awareness of the harms of underage and excessive alcohol use

The goal of the Partnership is for fewer New Yorkers to suffer from serious preventable diseases. This is an important action to making this goal a reality.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day on Myrtle Avenue, Local Lovin’

brownie heart3

There are so many wonderful LOCAL places to choose from, to shop, dine, pamper, enjoy live music and more this Valentine’s Day. A few love-inspired activities on the Avenue this year, whether you choose to spend the big day as a couple, solo or any myriad of ways:

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

  • Bella Rosa Flowers & Gift Shop, 566 Myrtle, (347) 763-6006   Flower bouquets of every beautiful variety.  Stop in. 

SAY It WITH GIFTS, CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

  • 21 Tara, 388 Myrtle, (718) 237-0737
  • Barking Brown, 468 Myrtle, (718) 638-3757 
  • Leisure Life NYC, 559 Myrtle, (347) 725-3167
  • Owa’s Afrikan Market, 434 Myrtle, (718) 643-8487
  • Shalena Jewelry, 384 Myrtle
  • Clinton Hill Simply Art & Framing Gallery, 583 Myrtle, (718) 857-0074     February is Couples Appreciation Month: any couple entering shop will receive $20 off any purchase (excluding books) and complimentary tote bag while supplies last.
  • Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle, (718) 855-4383 LOVE QUOTES  Come out and share or read sage love quotes on the in-store on recycled chalkboards or on the web 

OH, TO BE PAMPERED

  • Burzh-wa Salon, 507 Myrtle, (718) 237-2815 
  • Joseph Tyler Salon, 456 Myrtle, (718) 802-9900 Special V-Day gift cards available for your sweet to use on a variety of products and services at the salon, from hair color to cuts.
  • Just Because Salon, 141 Carlton, (718) 722-7810 
  • Owl & the Pussycat 154 Vanderbilt, (718) 522-5697
  • Polish Bar of Brooklyn, 470 Myrtle, (718) 622-5363 Babeland Bash on Friday, 2/14.  Hourly toy raffles, kinky spritzer, desserts, brown sugar upgrade for all manis.  Mac Young Rapunzel Lipstick, $15.  NYX Deep Violet Lip Liner, $13, Mac Mineralize Foundation, $34, L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes in Backest Black, $9.  Get the look revamped.  Book early! 
  • Shic  564 Myrtle (718) 875-6845
  • Shic by Soketah, 564 Myrtle, (718) 875-0845/6

SWEETS FOR THE SWEET

  • Brooklyn Sweet Spot* (718) 624-CAKE (2253) & Corkscrew Wines* (718) 230-WINE (9463    Valentine’s Basket featuring Champagne truffles, Chocolate covered strawberries, Gourmet-sized cupcakes, Heart shaped brownies, Chocolate dipped pretzels, Champagne flutes, Bottle of pink proseco 
  • Huey’s Chueys Café & Xotic Edibles, 378 Myrtle, (347) 985-0333   Gift baskets, and flower and fruit bouquet arrangements
  • Le Petit Bakery, 354 Myrtle, (718) 875-6500

FOOD FOR THE SWEET

  • Five Spot Soul Food, 459 Myrtle, (718) 852-0202.  Stop in for a very special Valentine’s Day titled, ‘Live at the Five Spot starring the Brazilionaires,’ performing samba / pop music. In addition, there will be a special samba performance by Diana Scott and Mike Hinchman. $12 admission.  Special 4-course dinner for members of the Contemporary Art Center.  Call the restaurant for details. 
  • Lola BKLYN, 387 Myrtle, (718) 858-1484    Three course menu $35 per person.  First Course (select one:  Oyster Chowder, Romaine Heart, Grilled and served warm with poached rock shrimp, parmesan, and a spicy vinaigrette, Bartlet Pear, stuffed with Gorgonzola and topped with proscuitto and pear balsamic.  Second Course (Select one: Tuna Steak crusted with black pepper and seared to order. Served with rice pilaf and a mixed pepper, saffron escabeche, Lamb Top Round, Oven roasted, and served with rosemary grits, brussel sprouts and a goat cheese white wine sauce, Roasted Pork Loin Glazed with an ancho chile barbecue sauce and served with warm potato salad, Vegetable Lasagna: Homemade lasagna layered with spinach, zucchini, mushrooms and eggplant.  Dessert   Chocolate Mousse and Key Lime Pie 
  • Lulu & Po*, 154 Carlton, (917) 435-3745. Only a $5.00 corkage fee on any bottle of wine that you purchase from Gnarly Vines when you have dinner at Lulu & Po between 6-8pm, Monday thru Wednesday. Don’t forget to bring your receipt! 
  • Maggie Brown, 455 Myrtle, (718) 643-7001   Call and make your Valentine’s Day reservations!
  • Peck’s*, 455A Myrtle, (347) 689-4969 Satisfy your foodie Valentine with a gift basket full of local food goodies at Peck’s      
  • Putnam’s Pub*, 419 Myrtle, (347) 799-2382.  Valentine’s Day Menu  Option—prix fixe  $50/person or $75 with wine pairing  –first course—  Duck Rillette w/blood orange jam and country bread Oysters on the ½ shell for two Creamy lobster bisque served w/garlic ribbed crouton  –second course—  Roasted baby back of lamb & merguez sausage w/fregola & caramelized winter vegetables homemade tagatelli w/Alaskan lobster & black truffle cumin dusted scallops w/pomegranate glaze & pomme frites potatoes –third course— Strawberry panacotta Homemade cream puffs w/salted caramel Option 2–$75 Dry aged axe handle ribeye for two w/bone marrow butter, truffled mash & creamed spinach    
  • Soco, 509 Myrtle (718) 783-1936.  Valentine’s Day.  Chef Dinner Special Appetizers & Entrees  Unlimited Champagne Dinner  $25 Per person (1Hr. Per Person)  Early Bird Seating  12PM – 2PM – 4 PM  Dinner Seating  6PM – 8PM – 10PM – 12PM  Reserve Now ! 718.783.1936
  • Splitty, 415 Myrtle, (718) 643-BUNS (2868)  Live music:  Raye Six ‘Love Potion #9’ Valentine’s Night.  Fri, Feb. 14th — DJ Hi Maintenance / DJ Devanity / Raye 6 ‘I Like’ Video Premiere & Performance Giveaways from: – Brooklyn Roasting Company @BklynRoasting   – Spotted Glam and more–with Brandi Mitchell, Niki Zoe Vickers and Devan Townsend

LET’S TOAST TO THAT

  • Corkscrew Brooklyn*, 489 Myrtle, (718) 230-WINE (9463):  offering a special sale on Thursday and Friday calling it : Local Love which 10% off all out local wines firm the finger Lakes: 

Hermann J Wiemer Late Harvest Riesling 2012 reg $28 sale $25.20

Hermann J Wiemer Dry Riesling 2012 reg $19 sale $17.10

Hermann J Wiemer Gewurztramminer 2012 reg $22 sale $19.80

Red Newt Cellars Merlot 2011 reg $29 sale $26.10

Fox Run Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2010 reg $18.75 sale $16.88

Red Tail Ridge Estate Riesling 2012 reg $17 sale $15.30

Red Tail Ridge Blaufrankisch 2010 reg $18.50 sale $16.65

Sheldrake Point Luckystone red blend 2011 reg $16.50 sale $14.85

Or drop in this week for cupcakes from Brooklyn Sweet Spot. Corkscrew and Brooklyn Sweet Spot collaborated a great Valentines’ Basket of Ombra Pink Prosecco and chocolate treats. Stop in for samples on Thursday from 6pm to 8pm and Friday 5:30pm to 8:30pm. 

  • Gnarly Vines*, 350 Myrtle, (718) 797-3183  Also, dont forget to take advantage of our everyday cross-promotion! Only a $5.00 corkage fee on any bottle of wine that you purchase from Gnarly Vines when you have dinner at Lulu & Po between 6-8pm, Monday thru Wednesday. Don’t forget to bring your receipt! We’ll see you there
  • Tipsy*, 584 Myrtle, (347) 599-1672.  Splurge on a treat. Whether you’ve got a honey or hanging with friends on Friday or at a later time, here are two bottles of bubbly that will make it extra special:

Veuve Clicquot (this week $45, regularly $55) We all know that orange-labeled bottle: it impresses, it makes a statement and it tastes damn delicious.

Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial (this week $50, regularly $60)

Something slightly sweet for your sweet, with undertones of vanilla and pear.

 

* Indicates that business is a “Farm to Neighborhood” participant, carrying local foods and products. When you support these businesses, purchases benefit both regional farms and the local economy

Valentine’s Day Wine & Treats on Myrtle Avenue

Valentine's day in Brooklyn (Corkscrew)Don’t let the snowstorm get to you, get in the Valentine’s Day mood and swing by Corkscrew Wines today, February 13th from 6-8pm to taste delicious sweets from Brooklyn Sweet Spot paired with Ombra Pink Prosecco. You can leave with special items for a gift basket for your honey with Cupcakes, Strawberries, Brownies, Truffles, and Pink Prosecco for $65. If you miss the tasting tomorrow you can also stop by on Friday, February 14th from 5:30-8:30pm.

Check our website and networks today and tomorrow for more local shopping ideas.  Myrtle Avenue businesses are offering some great deals for your Valentine!

Corkscrew Wines, 489 Myrtle Avenue, between Hall & Ryerson

Brooklyn Sweet Spot, 364 Myrtle Avenue, between Adelphi & Carlton

 

Local Black History Spotlight: Dr. Susan McKinney

Dr. Susan McKinney (1847-1918) and the Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary High School of the Arts at Park Ave and N. Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Dr. Susan McKinney (1847-1918) and the Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary High School of the Arts at Park Ave and N. Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Dr. Susan McKinney, a local Fort Greene doctor, demonstrated incredible passion and drive throughout her life.  Born on a pig farm in 1846, Susan went on to graduate as valedictorian from medical school in 1870 and became the 1st Black female doctor in NY state, and the third in the entire country. The doctor led a very active life in Brooklyn by founding hospitals, opening up a private practice on DeKalb Avenue in Fort Greene, raising two children and serving as an active suffragette.  Her activism and life’s work were renowned and led to many honors, including a eulogy from W.E.B. Du Bois in 1918 and the naming of a local middle school in Fort Greene in her honor.

Interested in more local history?  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to catch our weekly #ThrowbackThursday posts.

Take Michelle Obama to Work for Black History Month

Aisha Cousins- Michelle Obama at Work I (620)Performance artist Aisha Cousins asks you to ‘Take Michelle Obama to Work’ for Black Herstory Month. By taking your Michelle Obama doll to work, you can help raise this question: Why did electing the USA’s first black president require Michelle Obama to give up her career?

Inspired by Take Our Daughters to Work, this community performance art project asks you to take fabric dolls of a young Michelle Obama to work with you for Black Women’s Herstory Month (February 15 – March 15). This is the latest in series of performance art scores composed by artist Aisha Cousins to document black women’s experiences during the Obama era.

By taking your doll to work and posting about it on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with hashtag #TakeMichelletoWork, you can draw attention to the dreams Michelle sacrificed. You can also remind people of the many other ways black women are asked to choose between what is best for themselves and what is best for the race. Just as importantly, you can encourage your co-workers to imagine a nation where our daughters are no longer asked to choose, because it is understood that helping every woman pursue her dreams is in fact what’s best for all of us. heather hart build a brother 291

About the faces: The doll faces were carefully designed to reference artist Heather Hart’s Build a Brother Workshop (photo: left) which asked participants to build black male dolls as a methaphor for “building” up and nurturing real black men. Cousins learned about Build a Brother when she saw the dolls in the homes of two black women friends. The Take Michelle to Work dolls were designed with similar faces to spark conversations about how black women’s immense desire to nurture the black men in our lives can, at times, cause us to forget that nurturing our own development is just as important.

Meet the artist & get your free Michelle Obama doll:
Saturday  2/15: 1-4PM @ The Brooklyn Sweet Spot: 366 Myrtle Ave
Sunday 2/23: 1-4PM @ Polish Bar of Brooklyn: 470 Myrtle Ave

Share photos of your Michelle Obama doll’s journey: @MyrtleAveBklyn (Twitter and Instagram) @MyrtleAveBrooklyn (Facebook)
#BlackArtstory #TakeMichelletoWork

This project was commissioned for Black Artstory Month by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.

Park Ave Gets New Street Lights

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

The New York City Department of Transportation installed 9 new street lights along Park Avenue in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Wallabout, Brooklyn.  This was a direct result of the research and advocacy efforts of our Park Avenue Pedestrian Safety Project.

Four street lights are completely brand new installations:

  • North Portland, just south of Park Ave
  • Carlton, just south of Park Ave
  • Adelphi, just north of Park Ave
  • Park Ave, just west of Steuben

Four street light arms were added to existing lamp posts:

  • Park Ave at Carlton
  • Park Ave at Clinton
  • Park Ave at Ryerson (pictured above)
  • Park Ave at Grand

The ninth new light, on Washington at Park Ave, was added to an existing traffic light.

FREE Film Screening: The Wonder Year

On the Black Artstory Month calendar this week: a free screening of The Wonder Year and light refreshments at the Ingersoll Community Center. This event is co-sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and Act Now Foundation. The screening is this Wednesday, February 12, at 7pm.

The Wonder Year – Trailer from LRG Clothing on Vimeo.

About the film: A year in the life of CEO, NAACP ambassador, Duke University professor, husband, father, son and Grammy Award winning producer 9th Wonder. The Wonder Year follows one of soul music’s most dynamic figures from his childhood home to late nights in the studio and everywhere in between.

Visit our calendar for a complete listing of all events, featured artists, programs and venues.

Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center on Myrtle Avenue

l-r: BYFC founder/director, Trayce Gardener and staff member, Zach Kangas

l-r: BYFC founder/director, Trayce Gardener and staff member, Zach Kangas

Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center (BYFC) set up shop in the back area of Huey’s Chueys Candy Boutique & Café nearly three months ago.  The film and arts cultural hub and not-for-profit offers film screenings, workshops on filmmaking, production assistance, allied film courses, including set design, voice overs, lighting and sound production.  Through its ‘People’s Hollywood’ initiative, it partners with local small businesses to market them as film shoot locations as well as catering options for film shoots of all sizes.  BYFC’s most recent program addition is ‘Skill Share,’ where local residents can sign-up to offer classes to neighbors in a one time or short series of workshops about any topic they feel competent and/or passionate about.  BYFC founder, Trayce Gardener says recently submitted Skillshare proposals have included “almost every topic under the sun, the more serious to the all about fun, including Spanish language classes, crocheting classes, political science classes, beer-making, and line dancing.”

BYFC has been a Fort Greene-based mainstay for several years but now with ground floor, walk-in access, the organization looks forward to expanding.  “We are in serious fundraising mode now,” shared Trayce, as we hope to maintain our presence on Myrtle Avenue.”  “Our hope is to grow support for Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center, to in our rich arts and culture landscape of Fort Greene and even among our much larger arts and cultural institutions, that we can maintain a walk-in presence too.  I’m confident that we serve an important purpose, a haven for filmmakers, artists and the arts and anyone who is a lover of small businesses.”

In addition to vintage candies, gourmet, hand churned ice cream and other delicious treats, Hueys’s Chueys now serves soups, salads, sandwiches and other delicious menu items.   Please stop in to enjoy.

Huey’s Chueys Candy Boutique & Café and Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center are located at 378 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Adelphi.  Please drop in to support BYFC’s fundraising efforts, to find out more, to sign up to teach or take SkillShare or other workshops, or just to say hello and check out the space.

Local Black History Spotlight: James Forten

James Forten, 1766-1842.

James Forten, 1766-1842.

During Black History Month, we will highlight a local Black historical figure in our weekly Throwback Thursday posts.

In 1780, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill were solemn places to be due to the presence of the Revolutionary War.  The war had brought British controlled prison ships to the neighborhoods’ shores in Wallabout Bay, which is now surrounded by the Brooklyn Navy Yard.  More than 11,000 American patriots died on these ships, which had horrific living conditions.  Their memories are commemorated by the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument in Fort Greene Park.

One of the imprisoned, who was part of a small number of survivors, was James Forten.  Mr. Forten, a free Black man, was only 14 when the commercial ship he was on was captured by the British.   He and his crew were taken prisoner on the infamous Jersey prison ship.  Forten spent 7 months upon the ship, until he was released through a prisoner exchange.  He then walked, still a teenager, by himself, all the way to Philadelphia to find his family.  Later on, as an adult, he continued as an American Patriot by fighting for freedom and liberty for those enslaved as a vocal and leading abolitionist. 

Learn more about the extraordinary life of James Forten in A Gentleman of Color: the Life of James Forten by Julie Winch, 2003, Oxford Press.

Interested in more local history?  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to catch our weekly #ThrowbackThursday posts.

Wallabout Bay, as seen in this 1767 map, was home to the British Prison Ships during the American Revolutionary War.

Wallabout Bay, as seen in this 1767 map, was home to the British Prison Ships during the American Revolutionary War.

Storytime Art and Free Film Screening

Black Artstory Month is in full swing, with two upcoming events hosted by the Ingersoll Community Center (177 Myrtle Avenue):  Storytime Art and Film Screening of “The Wonder Year”.

Sofie and the City - storytime art SMALLStory Time Art: A Celebration of Home and the Migrant Story
Saturday February 8th at 12:30pm
FREE

Join FOKUS at 12:30pm on Saturday, February 8th, as they take children and their families on an exciting examination of home, both ancestral and current, using the book “Sofie & The City” by Karima Grant. This arts workshop will take place at the Ingersoll Community Center.
FOKUS will have stations that examine various homes from across the world. These stations will be designed to trigger the five senses and prompt the event-goers to draw things that come to mind when they think of home using chalk and a “sidewalk.”

wonderyearFilm Screening: The Wonder Year
Wednesday, February 12 at 7pm
FREE

Join us for a free screening of The Wonder Year and light refreshments! This event is co-sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, Act Now Foundation and the Ingersoll Community Center.

About the film: A year in the life of CEO, NAACP ambassador, Duke University professor, husband, father, son and Grammy Award winning producer 9th Wonder. The Wonder Year follows one of soul music’s most dynamic figures from his childhood home to late nights in the studio and everywhere in between.

Visit our calendar for a complete listing of all events, featured artists, programs and venues.

 

Greene Harvest Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Sign-ups

Photo Credit: Habana Outpost Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Photo Credit: Habana Outpost Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Greene Harvest is amping up for their annual Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) sign ups.

CSA’s provide easy access to fresh food, direct from farmers and because members pay up-front for the entire season (typically $400-$600) it allows farmers to plan for the season, purchase seeds and equipment, and guarantees some revenue for the season.

“GHCSA is committed to providing access to healthy food for our as many families as possible in our community, and offer great subsidized member shares, open to low income community members who seek access to fresh, local, and organic produce for 22 weeks out of the year.”

For more information on the GHCSA  and how to get started send an email to:  joinup@ghcsa.org

 

The Runner Opens for Business on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Myrtle Avenue’s newest sit-down restaurant, The Runner, opens for business today in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.  The restaurant, which is named after Walt Whitman’s poem of the same name, has a wood-burning oven at the center of its cooking philosophy.  The extensive menu has many seasonal items including, wood-fired baked breads, vegetables and main dishes like lamb shoulder with plum sauce, culotte steak “Diane,” and a whole roast chicken for two; shaved brussel sprout, cabbage and kale with hazelnut dressing, and pickled and roasted beets with parsley, walnuts and a red wine vinaigrette; mashed potatoes with gruyere, whole beans with duck confit, and wild rice and kabocha squash.

Seafood will be procured fresh everyday and will include dishes such as: salt-baked trout with a caper sauce will be a mainstay, as well as freshly-shucked oysters, served raw, roasted, and in sandwiches. For dessert: a take on carrot pudding, tipsy cake, plus a variety of homemade ice creams, including fennel and molasses.

The Runner is the newest venture of former Court Street Grocers chef and current Other Half Brewing Company frontman Andrew Burman and Executive Director of Front of House Robert Honeycutt (formerly of Gilt, BLT Group, The ALEX Hotel), in partnership with Gastro Coterie (president, Art Winter).

The Runner is located at 460 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Waverly.

New Humo Smokehouse Opens with Ribbon Cutting

Owners of Humo Smokehouse, along with Council Member Cumbo, Assembly Member Lentol and MARP Executive Director Blaise Backer cutting the ribbon at the restaurant's grand opening.

Owners of Humo Smokehouse, along with Council Member Cumbo, Assembly Member Lentol and MARP Executive Director Blaise Backer cutting the ribbon at the restaurant’s grand opening.

Neighborhood residents and elected officials were on hand this past Wednesday to help the owners at Humo Smokehouse officially open their doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Additionally, the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC (MARP) presented the restaurant with a grant for $40,000 from the New York Main Street grant program.  The grant provided assistance for the build-out of the restaurant and installation of a new storefront.

Local Council Member Laurie Cumbo was on hand to congratulate the diverse team of owner’s on the opening and welcome them to Fort Greene.  Assemblyman Joseph Lentol also offered his congratulations and spoke about the tremendous economic growth that Myrtle Avenue and Fort Greene-Clinton Hill has seen over the past few years.

Humo’s owners, a team of five colleagues who met while working in the restaurant industry over the past decade, were thankful for everyone’s support and are looking forward to being part of the community.  The management team represents a diverse mixture of men and women from Central America, including Guatemala and Mexico, and the United States.

Humo Smokehouse New York Main Street Grant

The restaurant was the 31st New York Main Street grant recipient on Myrtle Avenue.  Over the past 8 years, MARP has invested $541,000 in property improvements along Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.  These grants have been matched by $1.8 Million from local property and business owners.

Humo Smokehouse, 336 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Park and Carlton.

Introducing the New www.myrtleavenue.org

Picture24

Welcome to the new www.myrtleavenue.org, our new website created specifically for our all those interested in Myrtle Avenue, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Wallabout, Brooklyn. Our newly designed website holds a slew of new features to help users connect with the assets and resources here. Your experience is important to us. Please let us know if it easy to explore and find what you are looking for at by sending us a message. Below are some tips that we think will be useful.

Are you looking for a restaurant or place to meet up for dinner? Check out our online Dining Directory.

Do you need to find a gift or supplies for your home or workplace? The Shopping Directory will quickly help you find the business that has what you are looking for.

Looking for something to-do over the weekend with friends or family? Visit our easy-to-use Calendar to find local events.

Do you want to learn more about the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and the work we do? Click around the main menu to find out more about our initiatives with local businesses, historic preservation, food and health, arts and culture, and public space.

Have fun exploring our site and check back often to find the latest neighborhood news and to explore new features.

 

A Historic #TBT at 350 Myrtle Avenue

1940's Tax Photo of 350 Myrtle Avenue. Photo purchased from the NYC Department of Records.

1940’s Tax Photo of 350 Myrtle Avenue. Photo purchased from the NYC Department of Records.

This photo of 350 Myrtle Avenue, between Carlton and Adelphi, dates from 1940.  The photo captures Tony’s Express Storage and Warehouse, the tenant at the time.  At this point, the handsome Romanesque Revival building had been around for 40 years.

Today, Gnarly Vines wine shop calls the space home.  If you pass the building now, you’ll notice the closed-up storefront and boarded-up upper floor windows have been removed.  Also missing today are the Myrtle Avenue trolley tracks in the street and the Elevated train tracks above.

Interested in more local history?  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to catch our weekly #ThrowbackThursday posts.

Black Artstory Month Art Exhibitions in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

Preparation for this Saturday’s Black Artstory Month Artwalk on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill, Brooklyn are underway! Artwork is being installed today at DC Optics, Corkscrew and Dee & Ricky’s, and is already up at Gnarly Vines.  Stop by 10 participating Myrtle businesses this Saturday from 6-8pm to view the art, meet the artists, and then join us for a celebratory toast at our Opening Reception at The Emerson at 8pm.

Here’s a spotlight on two exhibitions: Climate Change and Local Heroes.

TryHarderNYC_Climate Change (1) SMALLClimate Change featuring Try Harder NYC artists Steven Mosley and Jose Baez,  Gnarly Vines
For a brief moment in time a snowstorm allows the weathered surfaces of a Brooklyn neighborhood to reveal the layers of its past. Despite its changing appearance, Myrtle Avenue preserves its heritage in its walls and its residents. In Climate Change, the artists position Myrtle Avenue as a landscape for change, using photography and layered painting techniques to show the neighborhood in transition. Photos of Myrtle Avenue were recently taken during a heavy snowstorm.

 

PS 20 SMALLLocal Heroes, PS 20 students, DC Optics
At times, Black History Month seems to focus on the national heroes: the figures who went down in the history books for shaking up the political or social system, who were considered innovators or groundbreakers. But what about the local figures, the unsung heroes, our own community celebrities? PS 20 art teacher, Magin Schantz, encouraged students to create portraits of someone they consider to be a hero or an inspiration. They created watercolors of their music teacher, Lonnie Hampton; chalk portraits of local artist, Warren Parker; and collages of Fort Greene icons like Spike Lee and Erykah Badu.

All Exhibition locations and participating artists. Dowload the Artwalk map. 

Gnarly Vines  350 Myrtle Ave
Climate Change featuring Try Harder NYC artists Steven Mosley and Jose Baez

Brooklyn Sweet Spot  366 Myrtle Avenue
Sophia Dawson, Ify Chiejina

DC Optics   390 Myrtle Ave
Local Heroes: Works by youth from PS 20.

Joseph Tyler Salon  458 Myrtle Avenue (window)
Ibou Ndoye

Miracle’s  473A Myrtle Avenue (window)
Ibou Ndoye

Corkscrew 489 Myrtle Avenue
Justin Baldwin, Jules Joseph

Dee and Rickys 503 Myrtle Avenue
Laolu Senbanjo, Jabari Jefferson, Ify Chiejina, Patrick Dougher, Chanel Kennebrew

Pillow Cafe 505 Myrtle Avenue
Teri Sanders

The Emerson   561 Myrtle Avenue
Lissa Rivera, Angel Garcia, Ellie Balk, Chanel Kennebrew, Mirland Terlonge, Amber Doe

Soketah  563 Myrtle Avenue (window)
Ibou Ndoye

Visit our calendar for a complete listing of all events, featured artists, programs and venues.

 

Join the Fort Greene / Clinton Hill Community Food Council

The Fort Greene-Clinton Hill Community Food Council (FG/CH CFC) provides a framework for strengthening neighborhood efforts around food access, and encourages a more collective action and conversation. Currently 12 residents, ranging from 18-65+ and all socio-economic backgrounds, sit on the council and meet monthly to discuss the various food & health education  projects they are working on and identify points of collaboration with others in the community doing similar work.

The Council has reached approximately 850 residents through the following efforts:  a) grocery store tours that guide individuals “how to shop healthy on a budget”, b) community food & clothing drives, c) sessions where  local gardeners learn how to include their food harvests count in city-wide mapping projects, and various other projects.

All are welcome and encouraged to join!

Next meeting:
Wednesday 1/29/2014
6:30PM 

Please contact Kassy Nystrom, Director of Food & Health Programs, to RSVP and/or for more information.

The mission of the FG/CH CFC is to link and strengthen community efforts to support healthy eating.  Engaging community members is a key component of our work through collective action and conversation.  In acknowledging the complexity and potential of urban life, we honor the rich diversity of Fort Greene/Clinton Hill.  We strive to support access to affordable, nutritious and delicious food options for every community member year-round.

Have You Tried Humo Smokehouse’s Barbeque in Fort Greene?

Humo Smokehouse Food

Humo Smokehouse opened for business nearly two weeks ago in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, after a vibrant, private family and friends event sendoff.  The restaurant features delicious farm-to-table barbeque fare which they call a “true connection between the eater, grower and chef.”  The restaurant features many menu items such as yummy pork shoulder, barbeque ribs and fresh, in-season vegetables and other sides.  The six restaurant owners, who have worked together in the restaurant industry for several years, will host a ribbon cutting later this week at the store.

Humo Smokehouse is located at 336 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park and Carlton.

 

Super Bowl XLVIII on Myrtle Avenue

photo credit: NFL.com

Image Credit: NFL.com

Watch the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos go head to head at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Stop in at any of the Myrtle Avenue businesses below to check out the game, viewing opps and/or drink and food specials.  Here’s a bit of a round up (stay tuned for possible additions by Sunday). Call the businesses directly for further details.

Bamboo Lounge & Grill 527 Myrtle Avenue located between Grand and Steuben, (718) 398-2405

Doors open at 3pm. Enjoy 20 piece hot wing buckets, beer buckets, almost giveaway margaritas and sangrias and more.

Buon Gusto Italian Pizzeria and Ristorante  499 Myrtle Avenue located at Ryerson Street entrance, (718) 399-0600

Buffalo wings, fried calamari, baked clams, chicken tenders, meatballs, mozzarella sticks, pizza fries, fries, jalapeno poppers, fried zucchini sticks, pizza, calzones and more.

Castro’s 511 Myrtle Avenue located between Ryerson and Grand, (718) 398-1459

Nachos, beer and drink specials, hard and soft shell tacos, quesadillas and more

Crown Chicken & Pizza  339 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi,  (718) 222-0151

Dee & Ricky’s Home Cooking  503 Myrtle Avenue located between Ryerson and Grand, (718)789-1111

Super Bowl Watching Party—big screen, nachos, mini beef and chicken patties, beer and cocktails specials all day long

Domino’s Pizza  328 Myrtle Avenue located between Washington Park and Carlton,  (718) 522-3733

The Emerson Bar 561 Myrtle Avenue located between Emerson and Classon, (347) 763-1310

Projector screen and awesome beer specials. bring snacks–The Emerson will have free wings available. Super Bowl pool is $10 per box (must be filled before kick off). Total winning if all boxes are filled: 1st quarter prize $100; half time prize $200; 3rd quarter prize $100; final score prize $400. Happy Hour 3p-7:30 (2-for-1 draft and well) Kick-off, 6:30p. From 8p-close ($1 off all bottled beer). DJ and Dance Party after

Five Spot Soul Food and Supper Club 459 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington, ( 718) 852-0202

Large screen projector, wing specials and more

Humo Smokehouse  336 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi (347) 689-9239

One rack of ribs with any 2 choices from the side menu, $30; 1 pound of any meat with any 2 choice of sides, $25; half rack of ribs, 1/2 lb of any meat with 2 choices from the side menu, $30. For delivery, please call in order by 8pm on Saturday.

Liberty Pizza  482 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall, (718) 789-0600

Calzones, pizza  pies and single slices and squares, pastrami pinwheels, zeppolis and more

Lola BKLYN 387 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt, (718) 858-1484

Burgers, nachos, beer and drink specials

Los Pollitos III 499 Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Ryerson, (718) 636-6125

Flatscreen tv and food and drink specials

Maggie Brown  455 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenue, (718) 643-7001

Buffalo chicken, fried chicken

Palmer’s Café, Bar & Diner  343 Gold Street at Myrtle Avenue,  (718) 858-5866

Wings, pizzas, $1 draft beers starting at 10pm.

Putnam’s Pub & Cooker  419 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt and Clinton, (347) 799-2382

Super Bowl Watch Party. Flat screen tvs—on, with sound cranked up.  Beer specials all day, nachos, wings and other finger food specials

Ruthie’s  560 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson and Classon, (718) 399-2400

Potato salad, wings, chicken fingers and more

Soco  509 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson and Grand, (718) 783-1936

Super Bowl Watch Party

Subway  400 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt,  (718) 858-6727

Tepango Restaurant  568 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson and Classon, (718) 636-8878

Nachos, quesadillas, soft and hard-shell tacos and more.

White Castle  531 Myrtle Avenue between Grand and Steuben

New Street Banners on Myrtle Avenue

Street Banners

27 new banners now grace Myrtle Avenue’s historic streetlights, from Flatbush Extension to Classon Avenue.  These banners are the newest addition to our award-winning “Home Grown & Locally Owned” campaign.

Each banner features an image of the neighborhood assets.  Each banner also contains the name of the business or organization that sponsored the banner.  Sponsorships last for one year and help offset the costs of our many programs.

If you would like more information about sponsoring a banner, please contact Rebeca Ramirez at 718-230-1689 or rebeca@myrtleavenue.org.

Pick-up Farm Fresh Groceries at Tipsy Wineshop

New Partnership - Tipsy & Good Eggs

New Partnership – Tipsy & Good Eggs

Tipsy is partnering with Good Eggs to help customers buy groceries from local farmers and foodmakers on-line and pick-up at Tipsy wineshop.  Pick up would take place on Tuesdays & Thursdays 4-8PM and will begin the week of January 27th. Tipsy staff will help pair your wines with your groceries, creating wonderful meals to be had at home. Visit Good Eggs to learn more and start shopping today.

Tipsy, 584 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson and Classon.

#TBT at Fort Greene Houses, 1944

Image Credit: LaGuardia-Wagner Archives.

Image Credit: LaGuardia-Wagner Archives.

This photo captures Fort Greene Houses (now known as Whitman and Ingersoll Houses) exactly 70 years ago this week.  On January 19, 1944, the grounds of the recently completed development are filled with military personnel and civilians who were employed at the nearby Brooklyn Navy Yard.  During World War II, the Yard employed more than 70,000 people.  The recently complete public housing provided the much needed housing for this large surge in the neighborhood’s population.  It wasn’t until after the war that the buildings would fulfill their original purpose as affordable housing.

Visit the LaGuardia-Wagner Archies at LaGuardia Community College to learn more.

Interested in more local history?  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to catch our weekly #ThrowbackThursday posts.

Black Artstory Month Kicks Off in Brooklyn in February

Black_Artstory_2014_Postcard small

Black Artstory Month on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, begins February 1st.  Native Sons and Daughters launches with two events: an avenue-wide Artwalk and opening reception at The Emerson.

Artwalk (Visual Art): 6pm-8pm, multiple locations
Curator Daonne Huff brings together works that explore stories of migration, and of shaping identity.  While the emphasis is on the African American experience, artists from a variety of backgrounds are included in exhibitions at 10 locations along Myrtle Avenue. Stroll down Myrtle Avenue on Saturday, February 1st to view the works, meet some of the artists, and enjoy specials at select businesses.

Opening Reception: 8pm-10pm, The Emerson (561 Myrtle Avenue)
Featuring DJ Hot Hands and a live performance by Patrick Dougher.
FREE and open to the public. Drink specials.

Native Sons and Daughters brings together stories of travel, of exploring identities, of seeking to establish roots and of pursuing ownership of a space and place. While the primary focus is on the African American experiences, these journeys and pursuits are universal—crossing cultural and racial lines. Artists from diverse backgrounds will reflect on this through spoken word, storytelling, music, visual art, and more at locations across Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill throughout the month of February.

Visit our calendar for a complete listing of all events, featured artists, programs and venues.

Peck’s Holds Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate Opening in Clinton Hill

Image Credit: Jeffrey Gray Brandste

Image Credit: Jeffrey Gray Brandste

Peck’s celebrated the store opening in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn with a two-day kick off and ribbon cutting this past week on Wednesday (1/15) and Thursday (1/16).  More than 90 neighbors, friends and elected officials stopped by to help Theo Peck, the store owner, celebrate his new gourmet and prepared food business on Myrtle Avenue.

From left to right: Blaise Backer, Executive Director, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership; Assemblyman Joseph Lentol; Doug Bowen, property owner; Theodore Peck, business owner; Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna; Jordyn Buglione, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Chad Purkey, Program Manager for Historic Preservation, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.