Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Summer Wednesdays!


Tomorrow is the beginning of Summer Wednesdays at Char No 4. What does this entail? Well, BBQ, beer, and whiskey of course! We love it when restaurants in the area have special events, Char No 4 hosts these a lot, except this one happens weekly. For $22 you get 3 smoked meats and 2 sides as well as a beer, aptly named Pork Slab Pale Ale, and a 1 oz taste of JW Dant Bourbon. Details about the menu are below. This event is every Wednesday from 6pm-midnight. Reservations are accepted, 718-643-2106.

Menu
Smoked pulled lamb shoulder
Smoked beef-cheddar sausage
Ancho chile marinated barbecue drumsticks
Coleslaw
Baked beans

Friday, May 27, 2011

Columbia Street Farmer's Market and Flea Tomorrow!

We are all very excited by the news we just received. Columbia Street is getting it's very own farmer's and flea market! It's a summer event, open May 28th- October 30th and will be open Wednesdays-Sundays. They are still looking for local artists, farmers and vendors right now so if you're interested give them a call, 646-481-2589, or email tupptenn@yahoo.com. The grand opening is tomorrow so come out and show your support!

Fundraiser in the Park


What's a better way to kick off the summer than listening to great music and eating Caribbean food while soaking up the warmth of an evening outdoors. We're taking about Sunset Soca! This fundraising event takes place on Thursday, June 2nd from 6pm-9pm at Pier 1 of the Brooklyn Bridge Park. It's meant to raise money to support free programming in the park. So, if you have some to give click here to get tickets and enjoy the festivities listed below.

  • Sure to get everyone on their feet, JahPan, an authentic Caribbean steel drum band, will provide the Soca, calypso, and reggae tunes. JahPan is based in New York City, but most of its musicians hail from Trinidad and Tobago, the country that created the steel drum!

  • Soca darling Lima Calbio will also perform a special musical set. Miss Calbio's dazzling vocal talent has made her one of the world's most popular Soca performers, performing alongside David Rudder, Arrow, Kassav, and many other artists. She won the Vocalist of the Year award at the International Soca Awards with her 2004 song "Di Garden." Most recently, she has been touring extensively with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.

  • The moko jumbies are sure to amaze guests with their gravity-defying dance moves. These traditional stilt walkers, popular at Carnival, will tower over the event in spectactular costumes and masks, all while dancing to the Caribbean beats!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

241 Smith Soon To Be...


The space at 241 Smith Street has been vacant for years now. Every time we walk by we see the sign to the old restaurant, Porchetta, hanging there and wonder "what's to become of this place?" Porchetta was actually the second to last restaurant to open at 241. It went out with a bit of a scandal. Here's a snip from the NY Times report on that.

What began as a falling-out between the owner of an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn and its chef has moved from the kitchen to the courthouse, with the owner filing theft charges against the chef and the chef surrendering at a police station.The police said the chef, Jason Neroni, 30, had forged two checks to himself from the restaurant, Porchetta, on Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, as he was leaving there for good.

Mr. Neroni would not comment yesterday, but a spokesman for the chef said that he had simply written out a check for his own pay, as he had done in the past without complaint from the owner, Marco Rivero. He paid himself $900, signing Mr. Rivero’s name to the checks, said the spokesman, Steven Hall.


And the last restaurant, Carniceria, was very short lived. But now the doors will be reopening, only this new place isn't exactly new. Jolie, now on Atlantic Ave, will be taking over. Hopefully they'll have more luck than their predecessors. They already have the experience in the neighborhood so they may do well there.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Shelsky's Smoked Fish

(Picture obtained from Shelsky's facebook page)
Here's an interesting new place that will hopefully be opening any day now, Shelsky's Smoked Fish. Owner, Peter Shelsky, also own's a company called Pete's Eats that does catering, as well as cooking lessons. The new place, opening at 251 Smith, will be "a Brooklyn nod to a traditional Lower East Side smoked fish place." Sharing an address with Oaxaca, it should be a cozy spot. What can we expect from the menu? Although Shelsky is said to be putting a spin on some of the traditional Jewish Delicatessen foods they will have all your favorites as well including "smoked salmon, house-pickled herring, house-cured herring, bagels, bialys and rugelach." Looking forward to this new arrival. It'll be great addition to Smith street!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

3rdEye(Sol)ation group show! JUNE 3, 7PM

brooklyn-street-art-3rd-eye-solation-gallery
3rdEye(Sol)ation group show! June 3, 7pm in Bushwick, NY.

Show opens 6/3/11 in conjunction with the Arts in Bushwick Art Walk of 6/3-6/5, at 3rdEye(Sol)ation Gallery ((3rdEye(Sol)ation non-profit arts collective.

Venue: 1501 Broadway Ave. Bushwick, Brooklyn.
J train to Halsey St.

Featuring: Billi Kid, Peru Ana Ana Peru, ASVP, Mike Die, Jos-L, dint wooer krsna, Quel Beast, Septerhed, Choice Royce, Kosbe, QRST, Trixtr Rabbit, Bankrupt Slut, CCB, Wisher 914, ZamArt

More infos: http://www.brooklynstreetart.com/theblog/?p=20970

Van Brunt Stillhouse


Red Hook already has hand-crafted beer, Sixpoint Craft Ales , and wine, Red Hook Winery and we're feeling pretty good so bring on the spirits! Van Brunt Still House is ready to do just that, well, almost ready. Hopefully opening soon, the Van Brunt Stillhouse is a new artisanal distillery on Coffey Street. They predicted an opening in early 2011, which has pretty much already passed but their website does say "coming soon!". Created by a self-proclaimed (or at least website proclaimed) do-it-yourself obsessed craftsman, Daric Schlesselman, the distillery will be crafting rum, gin, and whiskey. Check out their website. There's a lot of love there.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Court Street Grocers Revisited


Alright we've already blogged about the delicious Court Street Grocers, but we really can't get enough. If you haven't gone over their for a sandwich you really need to. Although they have a lot of veggie options, including two veggie loafs (one made of chick peas and one made of lentils and grains) it's they're meat that's really worth the trip over there. The last couple of Sundays they've had special sandwiches. On May 12th they tweeted "Secret 'eat in only' sandwich coming this Sunday! Ask for it!" and posted the picture linked below. If you're squeamish or vegetarian, I wouldn't click on it. Turns out they made a suckling pig porchetta sandwich. Yesterday's special? "The H, D, L: Braised shredded duck leg, duck liver pate, honey roasted duck breast, cukes, pickled ginger and carrots, and some cilantro on baguette!" Special is right! Check out there facebook page for future specials announcements.
Suckling Pig Pic

Friday, May 20, 2011

Sicilian Bakery & Cafe on Atlantic


A new Sicilian bakery and cafe, Catania, has replaced Reginella pizzeria at 193 Atlantic. The space, right next door to Sahadi's, has the same owners as before. It's just had a face lift,new menu and of course new name. It's not a surprise the the pizzeria wasn't really working considering the amount of pizza in the neighborhood. They still have pizza on the menu, however, it's not their focus. It didn't take long for this revamp. It seems there was a sign up only weeks ago announcing that they were reworking the concept and now they're open. We wish them well!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Chili Cook Off!


Whether you like it spicy or sweet, veggie or meaty, chili is an American staple. If you think you cook a mean pot of chili enter it in Moonshine's (317 Columbia) 2nd Annual Chili Cook-off this Sunday, May 22nd from 6-9pm. You can win bar memorabilia, t-shirts, and more. It's $5 for those that just want to taste test. That will get you more than a taste, though, it'll get you a bottomless bowl. Check out Moonshine bar's facebook page dedicated to the cook-off to enter the contest. All proceeds go to Falconworks, an artists group located in Red Hook that works with local youth. Do your part for the community and fill your belly with some delicious while doing it.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Wednesday's at MikNic.


Wondering what to do tonight? Want to shake up your usual Wednesday night of doing the same old same old? Well, Bingo we've got it! That's right Wednesday night is Bingo night at MikNic Lounge. There's a ton of pub trivia but pub Bingo? Now that's pretty unique. Sounds like fun, though. You can play for free and win prizes.

MikNic Lounge is located at 200 Columbia Street (corner of Sackett) and games begin at 8:30 PM every Wednesday.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Intro to Scotch Class Tonight!


Char No. 4 is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. They are known for their delicious meat-centric menu and, of course, their Whiskey selections. And they would like to school you on some of these whiskeys, particularly of the Scotch variety. Tonight they are offering a class to do just that for all of you whiskey novices out there. The info is below. Call soon to reserve a spot since they only have 20 seats available.

Join us on Tuesday, May 17th at 7:30pm in our back room for an introductory Scotch class led by our bartender, and whiskey expert, Craig Bridger. You will taste the four major styles of Scotch which will be the departure point for a discussion on Scotch’s history, distillation, regions, aging, laws and other points of interest about this complex and diverse whiskey. An assortment of snacks from our kitchen will be served as well to help you maintain an equilibrium that is at least slightly conducive to learning.

Admission is $45 per person including tax and gratuity.

Char No.4
196 Smith St. (btw Baltic & Warren)
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718.643.2106 - www.charno4.com
Subway - F or G Train to Bergen

Monday, May 16, 2011

It's My Park!


It's My Park Day is coming up on May 21st. The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation started the "It's My Park Day" in order for communities to coordinate activities and take charge of the well being of their parks. Carroll Park's activities, which include volunteer painting, weeding, planting, and mulching, will begin at 11AM and last until 3PM. After you've put in your time to beautify Carroll Park cool off and have some refreshments in the Park House. It's a great way to meet people in your community. Check out what's happening at your local park!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Children's Book Reading/Signing


Melanie Hope Greenberg, award winning children's picture book author and illustrator, will be at Book Court this Sunday reading her book Mermaids on Parade. This, of course, is in preparation and anticipation of the yearly Coney Island Mermaid Parade, which will take place Saturday June, 18th at 2pm this year. The book reading will take place at 11AM and Melanie will also be signing books.

For more information on Melanie Hope Greenberg and her work, visit her website. Book Court is at 163 Court street (btwn Dean and Pacific). The reading/signing will take place from 11AM-12pm this Sunday, May 15th.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

TJ's





We passed by a restaurant at 221 Smith Street last week called TJ's, which we have probably passed by a dozen or so times. Our first thought was "Is this place new?". It looks familiar but we couldn't quite figure it out. We spoke with the owner and he informed us that TJ's has been at this spot, formerly Caserta Vecchia, for about four months now. TJ's looks very similar to it's predessesor so it makes sense that passers-by might overlook it. They have a wide variety of casual fare items on the menu but they specialize in pizza. The owner was so nice and indicated that they've had a slow start. They got really good reviews on yelp so everyone should check it out.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

F&M Bagels has a new roomie.


What's better than a fresh bagel with cream cheese on a lazy weekend morning? A fresh bagel with cream cheese and an Italian ice! F&M bagels on 383 Van Brunt (between Coffey St and Wolcott St) is now sharing a space with Uncle Louie Gees. The Italian ice chain used to be located at 414 Van Brunt so it's not a far move. It's still a great spot for ice cream and Italian ice. You can grab a bagel and an ice cup and walk down to the Valentino pier. Picnic season!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Shoe and Watch Repair Shop


Here are the before (see below) and after (above) shots of the new shoe and watch repair shop at 178 Smith Street. In addition to the repairs they sell items such as socks (of course if you just got your shoes all fixed up you'll need some nice new socks to go with them!), umbrellas, and more. A little blurb about the store and store owner from the website is also below. It's so sweet and makes us want to get all our shoes and watches repaired right now!

My name is Joseph and I’m the operator of Joseph’s Shoe and Watch Repair. I am a third generation cobbler who practically grew up in his fathers shoe store. Btw. my father still owns and operates Michael’s Shoe Repair in Carroll Gardens. He does great work and his loyal customerslove him!
Joseph’s Shoe & Watch Repair opened to fill the void left by the previous owner of the location, who served the neighborhood for many years, lost his shoe repair business in a fire and retired. I will be providing quality Shoe and Watch repair service as well as Shoe and Watch related Accessories.


Sunday, May 8, 2011

6TH ANNUAL GATHERING OF BROOKLYN BLOGGERS

THURSDAY MAY 12, 7:30PM (doors open 7PM) 

6TH ANNUAL GATHERING OF BROOKLYN BLOGGERS  WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER JEFF JARVIS OF BUZZ MACHINE 

149 7th Street
between 2nd and 3rd Avenues  
in the Park Slope/Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn
718-643-6510   

 We're looking forward to seeing you this Thursday at the Brooklyn Blogfest. If you don't have your ticket yet, please buy it today at the Bell House Website.  

So what is Blogfest, anyway? It's a great show, an inspiring event, a networking extravaganza, a chance to meet your favorite bloggers, and a whole lot of fun with a cash-bar and an after-party.  

Last year we had Spike Lee, Lemon Anderson and all the flavored vodka you could drink. This year at the awesome Bell House, Blogfest features a visionary speaker, two amazing videos and Blogs Aloud, a dramatic selection of expressive and eclectic blog posts. Plus great break-out groups, an opportunity to network with others in special interest groups.  

Since it was founded in 2006, the Brooklyn Blogfest has established itself as the nexus of creativity, talent, and insight among the blogosphere's brightest lights. This year will be no different as Blogfest presents keynote speaker, Jeff Jarvis, blog visionary and author of What Would Google Do? Jarvis blogs about media and news at Buzzmachine and is director of the interactive journalism program and the new business models for news project at CUNY's Graduate School of Journalism.

Jarvis' must-see presentation will focus on new business models for bloggers (in other words: how to make money blogging!!).

Blogfest is for bloggers, social networkers, journalists, creative entrepreneurs and those who want to start a blog. Whether you live by a blog, blog to live, live to blog (or are thinking of starting a blog) you'll want to join us on May 12th.

crushable
Just announced: a stunning opening video by award-winning photographer Gabriela Herman portraying bloggers at night lit by the light of their screens (see photo above).  Also on tap: a video tribute to Brooklyn's most visionary photo bloggers (by Adrian Kinloch of Brit in Brooklyn), Blogs Aloud (directed by Elizabeth Palmer of Midnight Cowgirls), special networking sessions for like-minded bloggers (i.e. Blogs of a Feather), and a roof-raising after-party with a cash bar, food and music!

For info, interviews and sponsorship opportunities contact: Louise Crawford: louise_crawford@yahoo.com




INVENT/ONSITE: The 23rd BRIC Contemporary Art Education Exhibition



Opening Reception: Wednesday, May 18, 7-9 pm
May 18 – June 11, 2011
FREE

Curated by Hawley Hussey, Director of Contemporary Art Education.

This annual exhibition presents student work created over the course of the academic year under the auspices of BRIC Contemporary Art Education’s in-school residency program. Art works shown will reflect widely varying media and approaches, and will include individual and collaborative works.

@ BRIC Rotunda Gallery
33 Clinton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Google Map
Contact Information
Tel: 718-875-4047

Since their inception in 1979, BRIC has enriched the cultural landscape of Brooklyn by presenting, producing and enabling a wide array of quality contemporary art, performing arts and community media programs. As a non-profit arts organization, they have been a leader in innovation in the arts and media, a proud participant in the revitalization of Prospect Park and a champion of arts education through our programs.

BRIC reaches upwards of a million Brooklyn residents each year with compelling and accessible programs. Individuals, non-profits, community groups, school children, educators and artists borough-wide all benefit from our exhibitions, performances, television programs, and education programs as well as the subsidized platforms we offer for artists and community members to develop and present works!

Full program about BRIC/Celebrate Brooklyn 2011: http://www.bricartsmedia.org/about

Friday, May 6, 2011

Kumon on Smith Street


337 Smith Street used to be home to Environment 337, a home design store. Now there's a new sign up over that space for Kumon learning center. It wasn't actually open when we walked by but it looks just about ready, inside and out. Kumon is a nationwide math and reading center for kids, pre-school to 12th grade, who need or want a little extra help with their studies. Here's a statement on their website regarding this:
A Kumon Program can be tailored for advanced students who need to be challenged and for students who need help catching up. Our ultimate goal is for all students to study above their grade level, so our academic enrichment program gives them ample opportunities to achieve more.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

New Theater on Columbia.


Clockworks

You know what this neighborhood needed that it had been missing before? No, not another pizzeria or dry cleaners. A puppet theater of course! Lucky for us one just opened at 196 Columbia Street! Unfortunately we missed last weekends big grand opening events, "The Blessing of the Wheel", a sidewalk spectacle on Saturday and a children's May Day party on Sunday. I'm sure there will me more where that came from. The new space, called The Clockworks Puppet Theatre, has an old timey magical feel to it. Check out there website, it's very interesting. One thing that especially caught our eye was that they use recycled trash for their sets and costumes. Read up on their history, their manifesto, and keep checking in to find out about their upcoming events.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Gowanus Yacht Club Open For Season!


Nothing says warm weather is finally here like cherry blossoms and tulips blooming, picnics on long meadow, and Gowanus Yacht Club opening their gates for the season! They reopened on April 29th and informed people of their reopening simply with a sign outside earlier that week saying "Beer Friday". And what a gorgeous weekend to start off the alfresco brew-drinking season! As you may be able to see in the picture above, the sign reads "Please Tell The Blogs". Consider us informed and passing it on.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Brooklyn Peace Fair!!

7th Annual Brooklyn Peace Fair
Saturday May 7, 12 noon to 5 pm

 


Location: Brooklyn College Student Center
Campus Road & E. 27th Street (near Flatbush–Nostrand Junction) (See below for how to get there)

2 pm: Keynote speaker: Juan Gonzalez, Daily News Columnist & co-host “Democracy Now”
Theme: “Peace Budget?…War Budget! How War and the Military Economy Affect YOU!!”
Workshops! Tables with information and resources by community peace and justice organizations!
4:45 pm: Peace Parade to local military recruiting station, led by Rude Mechanical Orchestra

Free admission.


Sponsor: Brooklyn For Peace
Co-Sponsors: Brooklyn College Student Center and Iraq Vets Against the War
Check out the schedule
See the Program (PDF)

How to get there:
Convenient Transportation from all over Brooklyn
Subway:
2 to Flatbush Ave/ Brooklyn College (NOTE: 5 does not run to Brooklyn College on the weekend)
Bus: B6, B103, B41, Q35, B44, B11, BM2
From 2/5 train, Flatbush Avenue Station (at Nostrand Ave)
Locate Hillel Place, direction Brooklyn College; turn right at Campus Road
Campus Road curves around to the left
Student Center is on the right, at Campus Rd & 27th Street
See a map (printable, PDF)
Learn more>>
 http://brooklynpeace.org/

New Burger Bar


There seems to be a trend of new restaurants opening in the Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens areas and this trend is beefy and between two buns. Yup, the all american burger. Whether it's on the fancier side offering up the lamb or the truffle mushroom stuffed variety, such as Dubuque, the family friendly joint, such as Vinzee's, or your traditional fast-food style sandwich, such a Five Guys, everyone's got burgers on the brain. Which burger reigns supreme? That is yet to be determined. We'll all have to restaurant hop to taste and decide. A spot to add to your list just opened last Wednesday at 282 Atlantic, aptly called two8two bar and burger. We were unable to go inside as they were still setting up when we stopped by but we did get a peek. It has a nice big bar and a simple bar and grill type look to it. If anyone's tried this place let us know what you thought. Your comments are always welcome!

Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday 5PM-12AM, Friday and Saturday 5PM-2AM

Monday, May 2, 2011

Love, Darna


An eye catching love letter to the middle eastern staple, the falafel, was posted at 200 Court Street. It's meant to announce the coming a a new falafel bar called Darna and it does a very good job of creating intrigue. Basically, it makes you go "Hmmm...I wanna try this sexy little chick pea patty". Read the letter below.

Oh my love, where have you been for the people of Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens? You have always been so goo to the people that hold you. The perfect combination you are; soft on the inside yet firm sexy brown on the outside. Being with my love always leaves us stress free and healthy. Thank you for finally coming to 200 Court St. We love you dearly...Falafel. Finally coming soon. Love, Darna.