Dine In Brooklyn.

The 10th annual Dine In Brooklyn, our hood's restaurant week, has begun!  There are a handful of restaurants in our area on the list and now is a great time to try those you haven't.  Also a good time to venture outside of our general vicinity (yes I said it) and explore other neighborhoods in this awesome borough.  You have until March 21st to make plans for either lunch ($20.13) or dinner ($28).  Dine in!

Caramel Tasting at By Brooklyn.

Spoonable is a Brooklyn-based company that sells caramel sauce...Excuse us a moment while we wipe the drool from my chin...Okay we're back.  By Brooklyn, at 261 Smith Street, will be having a tasting of all the different types of caramels Spoonable has to offer. Aside from their classic salty caramel, they also have spicy chili, chewy sesame, peppered orange, and flowery lavender. March 23rd 2-5pm. Mark it on your calendar!

Red Hook Crit.

We came across this bike race that will be happening in our neighborhood on March 30th. It starts at the cruise terminal in Red Hook and involves racing between "world class road racers, track specialists, bike messengers, and urban athletes competing over multiple laps around a short, technical circuit". It says there will also be a 5K running race on the same day and place. Here's some more info about this. Should be fun to watch!

We were informed (via comment below) that this race in no longer unsanctioned like we had previously  reported.  Good to know.  Thanks!

Name That Lawn Contest.

Here's a fun contest being put on by Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy! They're asking folks to name a lawn on Pier 6.  It doesn't say what you'll win but just having a lawn named after your idea seems pretty cool in itself.  (There will no doubt be some sort of prize as well).  You have until March 20th to think of a name.  For more info visit their site.

Bring Speed Cameras to NYC!

We've signed this form encouraging state legislators to install speed cameras throughout the city and we'd like to share the info.  Go to the transportation alternatives website and simply fill in the form.  After you've hit "send message" it will go directly to a donations page, which you can exit or choose to donate to this organization dedicated to NYC's bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders, you're call.  This campaign is so important and can save lives while making money for the city...everyone wins! (except for the speeders). 

Levant on Lucky Ant.

Middle Eastern restaurant Levant, on Court Street near Degraw, has a posting on Lucky Ant, a website similar to Kickstarter.  They are trying to raise funds to make some repairs to their facade and interior.  They also would like to fix their gazebo that was damaged during hurricane Sandy.  They are offering some pretty great gifts, including a "Private Party for 30 with Belly Dance" with a $1,500 donation.  In the next 20 days they are hoping to raise $3500, which is very likely.  Last Exit on Atlantic recently raised almost twice that amount to revamp their interior and add some arcade games.  Check out this website for more projects.

15th Eileen C. Dugan Memorial 5K

 Photo: Ken Brown

The 15th Eileen C. Dugan Memorial 5K is now open for registration.  This 5K was held at Brooklyn Bridge Park last year and it's back! It will be held on Saturday, April 6th at 9:00 am this year and although they've added 100 more spots for participants this year it's still going to fill up fast so if you'd like to join do it now and register here today. The proceeds will go back into the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and all it's wonderful free events and programs!

Dinner at Karloff.

We wanted to share our experience at a delicious local restaurant, Karloff.  We've always passed this Court street restaurant during dinner hours and it's usually pretty empty and like most passers by, we are attracted to the neighboring more lively establishments.  The other day, wanting something quieter we decided to try their dinner menu.  We were sort of blown away.  Everything was delicious, from the latke appetizers to the salmon with white beans, roasted tomatoes and arugula.  Fresh, perfectly cooked, and wonderfully flavorful.  My friend got a burger and even this simple dish was really impressive and sooo tasty.  We just wanted to share our experience.  We were pleasantly surprised and kept thinking, this place should be packed!  If you've wanted to try it, go for dinner. 

Tell Your Story Today!

We want to remind everyone that the Tell Your Story Campaign in Red Hook has begun and the center is open and anyone can drop in during open hours (below).  The first 200 participants will get a $20 gift card to Fairway.

Where: Kentler International Drawing Space, 353 Van Brunt Street

When: March 2 – 5 and March 7-8, from 10am to 6pm

                Saturday March 9 is by appointment only from 9am to 12pm

Who: Anyone with a story to tell about life in Red Hook before, during and after Hurricane Sandy

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.