Sweet Melissa's Gone For Good

Sweet Melissa's Cobble Hill location is no longer with us. We blogged weeks and weeks ago about apparent renovations they were having and thought they had closed. We were happy to find out that particular time that they were just renovating as we are sad to find out that they have closed for real this time. They still have the Park Slope location, on 7th Ave and 1st St. Owner/Baker Melissa says she would like to focus on that bakery and enhance her menu items (which is what is written in the note below, along with thanking her customers and promising cake delivery for loyal Cobble Hill customers). We'll let you know as soon as we find out what's to come next at 276 Court.

Mardi Gras on Union Street

We noticed yesterday, after walking by a seeing their giant sign, that Lilla Cafe, at 126 Union Street, is having a Mardi Gras party next week. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is February 21st. From 7pm to 10pm they'll be serving up a variety southern items for you to feast on and they'll have live music too! Some of the items to be included on the menu this night of indulgence and debauchery? Gumbo, crayfish etoufee, jambalaya, and blackened pork chop. Stop in to make a reservation or call 718-855-5700.

Kids Classes at the YMCA

We recently visited the Dodge YMCA for their Little Lions Festival to celebrate the Chinese New Year with children under 4. It was open to the public and they had a great showing. There was music, arts and crafts, an obstacle course set up, snacks, and lots and lots of toddlers enjoying themsleves. While we were there we checked out some of their literature on their programs. They have wonderful classes for babies and children of all ages. Some include tumbling, water or swimming, and ballet but they have many more to choose from at really modest prices, $110 for members for most once a week classes for the 8 week session or $170 if you aren't a member. Compared to similar classes in the area and that's a really good deal. We're letting you know now because registration is almost over. The sessions begin at the end of February. You can see more on their website.

Ted & Honey Google Offer

When we see a good offer for one of our local businesses on any of the usual sites, Groupon, LivingSocial, etc; we like to share it. Well, Ted and Honey has a good deal on Google Offers right now. $18 for $40 towards one dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in the hood. I guess they're trying to drum up business for their dinner hours. They do great for lunch but I think a lot of people don't even realize they're open a night as well. There's only a little over 2 days left for this deal so if you want to buy it click here. More info and rules below.

Limit 1 Offer per person; may purchase multiple as gifts. Limit 1 Offer per table per visit. Valid for dinner at Cobble Hill location only, Thurs-Sun 5-9pm. See the rules that apply to all offers »

Valentine's Day Fun!

What to do tonight? If you're a last minute planner, like a lot of others, there are plenty of place to go in the neighborhood to pick up something special. The Chocolate Room is an obvious choice. They have a new menu for v-day, chocolate covered strawberries, and special chocolates. For the singles who want to dwell in the depression this holiday brings to some (or actually just fake depression while you drink, dance, meet hotties and have way more fun than your attached friends), there's a great event at the Bell House called Unlovable with a Smiths and Morrissey cover band, of course! And if you're having a hard time getting a reservation and don't want to brave the Valentine's day mob...skip it. Go out tomorrow. Jake Walk will be having a special Valentines Day menu tonight and tomorrow too! It's $35 for 4 courses and an extra $40 with wine pairings. Menu below.

1st

Lazy Lady Farm “Oh My Heart” for Two – $15
Organic Jersey cow’s milk served warm with pears, walnuts, quince and bread
Suggested wine pairing: Domaine Agape, Cremant d’Alsace, NV – $12

2nd
Raw Beet Salad – $7
Granny smith apples, walnuts, Valdeón aïoli
Suggested wine pairing: Hugel, Pinot Gris, 2008 – $13

3rd
Roasted Hangar Steak – $12
Chimichurri, fingerling potatoes
Suggested wine pairing: Uggiano, Chianti Classico Riserva, 2004 – $14

4th
Warm Chocolate Brownie – $6
Whipped cream
Suggested wine pairing: M. Chapoutier, Banyuls – $11

BBQ in the Hood!

(Photo: Emily Holbrook)

Blogs around the Park Slope, Gowanus, and Carroll Gardens areas are blowing up about BBQ. For good reason. There is a definite shortage of this meaty, saucy genre of food in our hood. We recently lost Dallas Jones on Atlantic Ave, unfortunately. Well the first of possibly three BBQ joints opening in the Gowanus area (Union and 3rd) has just opened. It's called Fort Reno, 669 Union St, and is owned by the same owners as Palo Santo down the street. (See photo above taken from brooklynexposed). It's got mostly good reviews so far. We'll see how they do as time goes on. Another restaurant coming, scheduled for end of the year or beginning of next, is Dinosaur. This one is a chain, you may have visited their huge space up in Harlem. A lot of buzz about this one. According to eater.com "Wild Whiskey Warthog is trying to get in their own whiskey and BBQ joint" in the area. From a shortage to a bounty! We are stoked!

Update on Group Ride Vehicle

We reported on the group ride vehicle program taking the place of the B71 route a couple of days ago. We now have some new information. Unfortunately the Brooklyn Van Lines stopped running that route as recently as last week. We were really disappointed to hear this. After reading about the fact that they were still up and running, even after the May decision to cancel the service, we called about schedule info and were told the bad news. I guess they just weren't getting enough business. Probably b/c people really didn't know it was even happening. No prospects for transportation on that route in the future but we'll keep our fingers crossed.

Puppeteer classes!

There is no shortage of kids classes in the neighborhood. From ballet to karate you've got all the usual classes to choose from and plenty of options within those options. How about something a little different, like puppeteering!!! The Clockworks Puppet Theater, at 196 Columbia, is having a week long workshop for ages 7-15. Not only will your kids being learning to build puppets and perform with them, the big pay off will be a performance at the ened of the week! More info below.

Starts February 20th. Monday thru Friday 1PM -4 PM . $450 per Kid. $25 Art Supply Fee. A$$istance available, for the Student in need. Suggested Ages: 7-15

The ClockWorks Puppet Theatre

196 Columbia St # A, Brooklyn, NY

(212) 614-0001 ‎ · cosmicbicycle.com

Group Ride Vehicle Stop?

The B71 bus has been gone for a long time. Residents of the area are still upset, rightfully so. Then came the group ride vehocle program idea. A private service picking up customers from along the route for around the same price as the bus. Brooklyn Van Lines was that company and charged $2 a ride. Here's where things get confusing. Although there are still signs along Union Ave, like the one we took a pic of above, it's hard to find any information about wether they are still running and if so what is the schedule like. We read on Brooklynink as recently as November that although they had cancelled the line due to "'sporadic service they had been providing along the B71 route,' according to TLC spokesman Allan Fromberg." the line is still running along the 71 route. If anyone has any more info than this please share! We know that a lot of people would be grateful.

The Antique Phonograph Music Program

Who better to host a meetup and live broadcast of The Antique Phonograph Music Program than Brooklyn Farmacy. Michael Cumella hosts this WFMU radio show and you can see him and his antique contraption tonight from 7-9pm at our favorite neighborhood soda jerk and ice cream parlor! Michael is not just a radio host but a Phonograph DJ as well. Here's a little blurb from his website along with his contact info if you want a unique twist to your next event.

Bring sophisticated and culturally stimulating entertainment to your next event. Michael provides two period disc phonographs and plays 78âs circa 1900-1929 for a quirky and engaging musical experience. A unique alternative to the modern DJ, the music ranges from ragtime to dance bands, instrumentalists to songsters. Visually fascinating and vastly entertaining, the music is perfect for either dancing or as atmospheric ambience. Not only suitable for vintage themed events, it will thrill your guestsâ ears and eyes. Contact me@michaelcumella.com