Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand Fresh Produce Update

Don’t forget to come by the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand at the corner of North Portland and Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn today between 8am-3pm. Today’s fresh produce includes cherry tomatoes, potatoes, red and white onions, tomatillos, tomatoes, peppers, collard greens, turnips, swiss chard, kale, cilantro, parsley, eggplant, radishes, herbs and more. The special item today is watermelon. While you are here you can also grab some fresh ciabatta and French rolls from Le Petit Bakery.

Every week you can purchase: produce, herb plants, and flowers from Nolasco Farm, New Jersey; Honey from Kutik’s Honey Farm Farm, NY; Maple Syrup from Poorfarm Farms, Vermont; Beth’s Farm Kitchen Jams, NY; and Red Jacket Orchard Fruit Juices, NY.

El Cofre Restaurant Installs New Storefront

El Cofre restaurant on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill has just wrapped up a new storefront project, which includes larger windows and new signage. The restaurant, which has served the neighborhood Dominican cuisine for more than a decade, has upgraded their storefront with a more inviting design and improved lighting. While the restaurant’s look may be new, their menu, which features $4.99 lunch specials and notoriously delicious baked chicken, still remains.

El Cofre, 454 Myrtle Ave, between Waverly and Washington Avenues. Open 8am-10pm every day.

Final Week Myrtle Summer Apprentice Program

Can’t believe that this is the final week of this year’s summer apprentice program! We will certainly miss the twenty-one local teens, ages 15-18 who worked for seven weeks with local businesses.

Our Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (YEMP) partnered this year with the Alice Mann Center’s Teens That Mean Business Program in a pilot, which on both sides, helped to expand program and other offerings: ability to hire additional teens and to offer weekly classes on entrepreneurship. Ms. Toni Coston of the Brooklyn Community Arts & Media High School taught the weekly classes and Marcus Littles was our close contact at the Alice Mann Center.

The summer apprentice closing reception was held last week, Thursday, September 22nd at Dee & Ricky’s restaurant located at 503 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson and Grand. Being a retired high school principal himself, Dee & Ricky’s owner, Alvin Wray enthusiastically offered his restaurant for the closing reception packed with students and their family and friends.

The students presented their business plan ideas in groups of 4. Ideas included an image consulting business, a pet rescue business, a healthy food delivery program and a pet bakery.

This summer’s participating teens and businesses include:

Alfred Porter III (Sandbox Pack & Ship)
April Simmons (Polish Bar of Brooklyn)
April Smith (Joseph Tyler Salon)
Alexandra Johnson (Urban Vintage)
Brandon Wilson (Clinton Hill Animal Clinic)
Chinue Ellis (Green in BKLYN)
Christopher Covington (Luz Restaurant)
Christopher Jerome (Leisure Life)
DeVante Carolina (Dee & Ricky’s)
Essence Stevens (Soketah Salon)
Herold St. Louis (Five Spot)
Jenna Nash (CKO Kickboxing)
Jordan Oliver (Green Pets Spa)
Juanita Brown (Move With Grace Yoga, Dance and Pilates)
Latryce Gause (Emmanuel Daycare)
Monique White (Huey’s Chueys)
Quentin Felton (Le Petit Bakery)
Rhys-Gregory Henry (Mark’s Gourmet Burgers)
Sean Gordon (Neighborhood Housing Services)
Shicora McGriff (CakeJoy Bakery)

Local Event – Back to School Health & Fitness Day

Who: North Brooklyn Asthma Action Alliance
What: Back to School Health & Fitness Day (Facepainting, Music,Games & more)
Where: 100 N. Portland Avenue between Myrtle & Park Avenues
When: Tuesday, August 27th, 2013 1-4:30pm
Fee: FREE
Information: (718)260-7890

*The Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand Outreach Coordinator, Dominique Bryant, and Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef, Beryl Benbow, will be sharing info on the Farm Stand and cooking up a healthy, affordable recipe. Don’t miss out on the food demonstration.

Visit Myrtle Eats Fresh Chefs at Two Locations This Saturday!

It’s a busy weekend for the Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs! You can stop by and taste their healthy, affordable recipes at the following locations:

Chef Roisin – noon-2 – Making up corn pancakes
NYCHA Raymond V. Ingersoll Family Day
Approximate address is 120 Navy Walk, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Chef Yvonne – 12:30-2:30 – Making a Fresh Veggie Saute
NYCHA Walt Whitman Family Day
Approximate address is 131 Cumberland Walk, Brooklyn, NY 11205

When you visit you can also learn more about all Myrtle Eats Fresh programming and sign-up to get involved in the many community food projects going on now!

For more information or to hire a Community Chef for your event please contact Kassy Nystrom at 718-230-1689 or Kassy@myrtleavenue.org.

Picture credit goes to Chef Roisin; her corn pancakes and in action at the Fort Greene Greenmarket!

#TBT Myrtle Ave in Clinton Hill

According to this 1940 photo, not much has changed at 471 Myrtle, home now to The Joint on Myrtle. The space, which has a luncheonette sign in the photo, still serves great lunches and has a beautiful historic storefront 73 years later.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @MyrtleAveBklyn to catch more #ThrowBackThursday posts and other neighborhood news throughout the week.

Wine Tasting at Gnarly Vines

Ahhh, just when you were starting to pen epitaphs to the summer of 2013…

The mid-summer might tasting on Thursday, Aug. 22 demonstrates that , oh, no, my dear, Myrtle’s still in the glorious summer groove.

Four sustainably-produced wines that are equally perfect for winding down after a long workday, sipping throughout a lazy afternoon, a picnic in the park or an evening under the stars. Cheers!

2012 Chateau Valcombe Rose – Ventoux, Rhone Valley, France – $14

2012 Chateau Soucherie Cuvee L’Astree Rose de Loire – France – $16

2011 Castello di Monastero Coenobium – Lazio, Italy – $24

2011 Domaine de la Chapelle des Bois Chiroubles – Beaujolais, France – $20

As usual, 15% off all wines featured at the tasting. Order by phone or online if you cannot make it!

Gnarly Vines is located at 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi and can be reached by phone at 718.797.3183.

AfroPunk After Dark Events on Myrtle

Are you coming out to the AfroPunk Fest on Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th (12pm to 9pm each day) at Commodore Barry Park? You won’t want to miss it! Described by the New York Times as “the most multicultural festival in the US,” Brooklyn’s AfroPunk Fest, is celebrating its 9th year!

And guess what? The Park may close…but Afro Punk continues…

New for AfroPunk 2013: AfroPunk After Dark.

AfroPunk After Dark turns select venues in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill into captivating playgrounds of music, art, comedy, entertainment and culture — with drink specials courtesy Absolut and Grolsch.

Eight (count ’em!) 8 opportunities to enjoy after dark fun on Myrtle Avenue:

– SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 –

August 24 — Cielo Bar, 474 Myrtle Avenue, 9pm – until

a celebration of natural beauty. book signing, party and exhibition. Book: Afros by Michael July; music by DJ Hard “Hittin” Harry

August 24 — The Emerson, 561 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

Afrobeats, Funk & Soul music by Mickey Perez

August 24 — Putnam’s Pub, 419 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

Sesac presents acoustic performances by Adam Falcon, Shelley Nicole, Shea Rose, created by Trevor Gale

August 24 — Brooklyn Tap House, 590 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

Connecting Africa & Latin America thru musical exploration. Africa Latina presented by Chief Boima and Geko Jones

– SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 –

August 25 — Putnam’s Pub, 419 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

live the hype life. Vortex w/music by ManChildBlack. AfroFuturistic, ElectroFunk & Soul

August 25 — Dee & Ricky’s, 503 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

Pull Up! Pepper Pot Sunday. Reggae & Dancehall music by DJ Gravy of Rice and Peas

August 25 — Lola’s, 387 Myrtle Avenue, 11pm – until

Purple Ferdinand Live, music by Siobhan Bell, acoustic performance by Purple Ferdinand

The Park may close…but AfroPunk continues…

BCF Features Farm Stand Outreach Coordinator

Brooklyn Community Foundation featured Dominique Bryant, our Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand Outreach Coordinator, in their “Doing Good Update”! Check it out and learn more about the mission of the Farm Stand and the awesome work that Dominique does for MARP and beyond!

Picture credit to Brooklyn Community Foundation – Dominique Bryant, Outreach Coordinator (right) with Jenetha, Farm Stand Manager.

The Andrea Sponsors Myrtle Avenue Tree Bench

The Andrea, a 95-unit mixed-use building on Myrtle @ Ashland, has sponsored the tree bench in front of Red Apple Supermarket.

The five-year sponsorship supports the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership’s efforts to beautify the public realm by providing additional funding for bench plank replacements, supplemental ornamental plants, and special tree care, as needed.

Myrtle’s tree guards are both functional and durable, and offer a ‘canvas’ that reflects local creativity. They were created with a modular design so that each set of panels can have a unique, laser-cut design, meeting the Partnership’s goal of creating more opportunities to incorporate local public art into the streetscape. The panel art on this tree bench, titled “Bridge Crossing,” was designed by Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh and his son, Liam.

To learn more about sponsoring one of Myrtle’s unique tree guards or tree benches, pleaseclick here.

PS20 Art Exhibit at Le Petit Bakery

Precious pastel drawings of garden herbs by local school children will be exhibited at our very own local French bakery, Le Petit Bakery (354 Myrtle Avenue). PS 20 2nd grade artists spent last spring sketching plants in their school garden, PS 20 Farms. This exhibition of student work features some of their best work, curated by teacher Magin Schantz. Proceeds from sale of the pieces, which range from $15 to $40, will benefit the PS 20 Farm initiative, a PTA-run urban agriculture program that teaches students about gardening, healthy eating & sustainability. Make sure to check out the works next time you’re at Le Petit for your morning coffee/cronut run! Works will be there through the end of September. To purchase any of these works, please contact Meredith Phillips Almeida at meredith@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

Free Health Screenings at Myrtle Ave Farm Stand

We have partnered with The Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center to bring FREE health screenings to the Fort Greene Community on Wednesday, August 21st from 10-2 at the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand located on Myrtle and North Portland Avenues! Mobile Medical Van Staff will provide FREE cholesterol screening, Diabetes and Blood Pressure screening, dental screening, nutritional counseling, HIV education and drug and alcohol treatment referrals to all visitors.

You can also learn more about the Greene Hill Food Co-op located at 18 Putnam Ave in Clinton Hill and taste a healthy, fresh recipe!

The Farm Stand offers fresh, farm-grown produce from NJ based farmer of Nolasco Farm, local honey, jams, syrup and bread form Le Petit Bakery every Wednesday NOW – October 8AM-3PM.

Afro Punk Fest 2013 in Brooklyn

Described by the New York Times as “the most multicultural festival in the US,” Brooklyn’s Afropunk Fest, is celebrating its’ 9th year. Chuck D & DJ Lord, Questlove(?love), DEATH, The Heavy, Trash Talk, Danny Brown, Saul Williams, Theophilus London, Vintage Trouble, The London Souls), The Coup), Mykki Blanco, K-OS, Big Freedia, Rye Rye), LE1F), Jean Grae), CX Kidtronik,The Dust Rays), The Skins),Meatloaf Muzik,Rebelmatic,Unlocking The Truth, and Sunny Gang, are all set to play in Brooklyn,New York’s Commodore Barry Park on Saturday, August 24th, and Sunday, August 25, from 12PM to 9PM, each day. This is the first wave of artists.

In addition to a killer line up of live music, vibrant art and good vibes – there will be over 26 of New York City’s best food trucks, a skate park free of cops on patrol and a custom bike show hosted by Brooklyn Rhapsody.

Come to Afropunk Fest 2013 this summer! Join for the custom bike show, the art wall, a giant canvas on which selected visual artists paint original works, the food trucks, and the Spin Thrift market featuring over 80 local artists.

This year you 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 they will guarantee your entry and fast track you through the check in process at the festival – more details available HERE.

AFROPUNK
AFROPUNK FESTIVAL

#ThrowBackThursday on Myrtle Ave in Clinton Hill

This historic photo from the NYC 1940’s Tax Photo collection shows the storefronts for Maggie Brown, the under-construction Peck’s, and A-Rod Grocery. Peck’s, slated to open in September in the former Thai 101 space (now located across the street), is shown in the center of the photo with the large awning. The space to the right, now to home to A-Rod Grocery, is shown here as a restaurant, bar & grill. Although the storefronts look different today, the buildings themselves are still in great shape with beautiful brownstone facades. A support for the former Myrtle Avenue El, removed in 1969, is seen on the left side of the photo.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @MyrtleAveBklyn to catch more #ThrowBackThursday posts and other neighborhood news throughout the week.

Brooklyn Roasting Company and other New Businesses Opening in Wallabout, Brooklyn

New businesses are coming to the Washington Avenue block near Flushing Avenue in Wallabout, Brooklyn, across from the Navy Yard. Brooklyn Roasting Company moved to 200 Flushing Avenue earlier this month and the adjacent vacant spaces are quickly filling up with new commercial tenants. Other businesses on this particular side of the block include Grapeshot (check out tomorrow’s blog for more details), Ariel Dearie Flowers and Necks Tuesday. Stay tuned for more exciting news about other Brooklyn-based businesses planning to join this part of Wallabout.

Farm-grown, Fresh Veggies at Your Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand – Tomorrow, 8AM – 3PM!

Visit your Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand on the NE corner of N.Portland and Myrtle Avenues from 8AM – 3PM tomorrow and every Wednesday NOW – October!

Get all the fixings you need for a fresh, hot Salsa Verde! New Jersey based farm, Nolasco Farm, will have what you need:
Tomatillos
Serranos
Onions
Cilantro
Garlic

YUM!!

We accept CASH/FMNP/EBT(Food Stamps)

Job Opportunity: Mark’s Gourmet Burgers

Mark’s Gourmet Burgers is accepting resumes for a cashier position to be filled as soon as possible. Customer service experience is necessary. Experience working in a food establishment is a strong added bonus. If interested, please drop resumes off resumes at Mark’s between 2pm and 5pm any day.

Mark’s Gourmet Burger is located at 441 Myrtle Avenue, corner of Waverly Avenue.

photo credit: Mark’s Gourmet Burgers

Gnarly Vines’ New Loyalty Program + Wine Tasting

Gnarly Vines kicks off its brand new loyalty program today!

Oh, the places you’ll go…Italy, Spain, South Africa, France, Chile, Australia, California, the Finger Lakes, Long Island…

Earn a $7 reward every $200 you spend! If you’re already in their system, every purchase under your name is retroactive to July 1st, 2013 counts towards the rewards program. Every time you hit $200, your $7 reward will automatically appear as a credit on your account.

Spend even more and the rewards are even sweeter!

Wine tasting tonight, Friday, August 9th from 5pm to 8pm

2011 Gen5 Chardonnay – Lodi, CA – $12

Easy-drinking, tropical, sustainably farmed, refreshing CA Chard with a pleasant dose of toasty vanilla and butter.

2012 Valckenburg Gewurztraminer – Pfalz, Germany – $12.50

Off-dry and full-bodied with pretty rose petal aromas followed by Gewurz’s tell-tale lychee/orange peel flavors and some subtle spice notes.

2009 Clayhouse Adobe Red – Central Coast, CA – $15

A full-bodied, yet soft, smooth blend of 32% Zinfandel, 25% Petite Sirah, 13% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 9% Petit Verdot Rebellion 6 yr old Bourbon – Bardstown, KY (750ml) – $36 Rebellion Bourbon an amazing value 6 year old, 94 proof, small batch Bourbon made by the Willett Family. It’s distilled in a copper still and aged in oak from a mash bill of 70% corn and 30% rye and barley! Smooth and smoky!

Gnarly Vines is located at 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi. Store can be reached at: 718.797.3183.

Community Chef Demo at Lafayette Gardens

Come to the Resident Association Family Day on Saturday, August 10th, from noon-2pm at Lafayette Gardens for food, fun, games, music, giveaways and more.

Spend the day there and don’t forget to grab a taste of a healthy affordable recipe from Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Darrell at our Chef Demonstration . Bring the recipe home to have again and again! You can also learn more about the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Community Food Council and the community driven food projects that aim to improve our local food environment for all residents.

Lulu & Po Opens Sidewalk Café!

Myrtle Avenue diners have another option for al fresco dining with the new sidewalk seating at Lulu & Po (154 Carlton). Yesterday, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Business Improvement District (BID) presented the restaurant’s owner, Chef Matt, with a grant of $1,000 to help offset the costs of the licensed café. The reimbursement grant is available to restaurants in the district as a 1:1 match, with a $1,000 limit, and is meant to assist with the opening of more sidewalk cafes. Outdoor seating, which requires permits from the city, brings activity out to the street, creating a more inviting and lively streetscape. Congratulations to Chef Matt on receiving the grant and for the new outdoor seating!

Free DOT Bike Helmets at Whitman Houses

Department of Transportation (DOT) will be hosting a FREE Bike Helmet Giveaway, today at the Whitman Houses on Cumberland Walk perpendicular to Carlton Avenue from 4pm-6:30pm (while supplies last). You must be present to get a helmet and you must learn how to properly fit it. Parents or a legal guardian must be present to sign a waiver for children under age 18 and adults over age 18 receiving a helmet must sign a waiver.

Society for Clinton Hill Sponsors Myrtle Avenue Tree Bench

The Society for Clinton Hill has sponsored the tree bench at 464 Myrtle Avenue, at the corner of Washington Avenue.

To learn more about sponsoring one of Myrtle’s unique tree guards or tree benches, please click here.

Visit Your Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand Tomorrow in Fort Greene

Visit your Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand on the NE corner of N.Portland and Myrtle Avenues from 8AM – 3PM tomorrow and every Wednesday NOW – October!

Le Petit Bakery will be on vacation and closed next week so come by and pick up fresh bread for the week!

New Jersey based farm, Nolasco Farm, will bring:
Tomatillos
Serranos
Onions
Cilantro
Garlic
Eggplant
Mustard Greens
Collard Greens
Radishes
Corn
Red/White Potatoes
Sweet Peppers
Tomatoes
Cantaloupe
and more!

Myrtle Eats Fresh Community chef Beryl will be cooking up a healthy meal for $10 or less highlighting Nolasco Farm produce! Come by to taste and receive a $2 Health Buck that you can spend on the spot!*

We accept CASH/WIC & FMNP/EBT(Food Stamps)

*while supplies last

National Night Out in Ft Greene Tomorrow

National Night Out Against Crime in Fort Greene Park Tomorrow!

The 88th Precinct Community & Youth Council is hosting the Annual National Night Out Against Crime to benefit the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Community.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 6th 2013
WHERE: Fort Greene Park, located on the corner of Dekalb Ave and Washington Park, Brooklyn
TIME: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM

MARP Staffer Named Care Captain of the Month by MillionTreesNYC

Daniel Scorse, MARP Program Manager of Planning and Streetscape Initiatives, was named Care Captain of the Month by MillionTreesNYC for leading a volunteer tree care event and managing the BID’s tree stewardship initiatives, which include tree watering, tree bed plantings, tree bed soil care, pruning, and tree guard installation & maintenance.

“I really enjoy this part of my job – being out on the Avenue, making the public realm nicer for everyone,” says Dan. “I love trees, but our commitment to trees comes from the top, from [MARP/BID Chairman of the Board] Thomas Shutte.”

In the photo above, Dan – a certified Citizen Pruner – is pruning one of Myrtle Avenue’s mature Honeylocust trees. He’s personally pruned 153 trees in the BID since 2011.