Ping Pong Wednesdays!

Walking by Alma recently and this sign just popped out!  The sign has been up for a while since it says "starts in November".  But somehow we just noticed it though, it sounds awesome, so we thought we'd share for anyone else who didn't know.  Ping pong tournaments??!! Yes please!! Even if just to watch.  It's the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month and sign up begins at 7pm.  Bar tab prizes! Sorry for all the exclamation points...we're pretty psyched.

The People of Alma Bring Brooklyn Crab to Red Hook

The next time you have a craving for fresh crab you won't have to go far to find it.  The people who brought you mouth watering Mexican fare at Alma now have a delicious new project in the hood.  Brooklyn Crab is located in Red Hook on Reed St. and is built on two decks overlooking magnificent views of the harbor.  Their website promises a tempting menu with something for everyone whether you want fresh sea food, salads, soups, steaks or sandwiches.  This may also become your kid's favorite spot, as a banner outside says there are plans to build an 18-hole mini golf course.  Though the restaurant is currently under construction, they expect their grand opening to come just in time for summer.

Greenway Party at Alma

The Brooklyn Greenway Initiative will be having a "Rooftop Reception" in support of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway. The party will take place on Monday, November 7th from 6:30pm-9:30pm at one Columbia Waterfront's favorite restaurants, Alma (187 Columbia at the corner of Degraw). What to expect. Well drinks, mingling with members of the community, delicious food, of course, and great views. If you've never been on Alma's rooftop you need to check it out. It's got a great view of the Manhattan skyline. Also, you'll get a sneak peek of the plans for Columbia Waterfront Park. Everyone else will have to wait until the mid-November meeting to see the conceptual design rendering for the future site. Sponsors of the event are Alma Viva Restaurant, Brooklyn Brewery, Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies and Waterfront Wines & Spirits. Click here for more info and tickets.

5 Burro

Yes, it's true! Columbia Street has a third Mexican restaurant to add to it's resume, 5 Burro is open in the old Pit Stop locale, just a few blocks from the trendy food-truck-turned-restaurant Calexico and the sophisticated panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline favorite, Alma. 5 Burro has been a Forest Hills institution for twenty years and now its owners, Marla and Jorge Cornejo, have opened a sister restaurant in Brooklyn. The space boasts a large outdoor seating area in the backyard (rumor has it they will cover it and heat it for the winter months) and the large menu includes aperitivos, sopas, ensaladas, quesadillas, nachos, fajitas, entradas, and especialidades like the Chuleta en Salsa Verde for $18: 2 Grilled Pork Chops Topped with Spicy Green Sauce with Mexican Rice and Vegetables, and the Camarónes Veracruz for $18: 8 Jumbo Shrimp Sautéed with Tomatoes, Onions, Mixed Peppers, Olives and Capers.

I went with some Realty Collective friends last week and I have to say I was less than impressed. The quesadillas were bland and un-inventive, the Peños Rellenos were greasy and just tasted "fried," the salsa was mediocre and the entrees were extremely overpriced. My assessment? Better food at Calexico, better atmosphere at Alma, better prices at both of the neighborhood's more senior establishments. What I will go back for? The bar special. 2 for 1 drinks every day and night if you sit at the bar. And the bartenders are pretty entertaining, not to metion easy on the eyes. The bottom line: go to get your drink on, eat if you're drunk or if you have a groupon. What do the rest of our readers think? Have you tried 5 Burro yet? Let's get the conversation started, please comment away!