New Map of Cobble Hill

Right outside of Trader Joes, which is on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Court Street for the two people out there that don't know that, there is new sign at the edge of the sidewalk. It's a map of Cobble Hill and it's pretty big too (about the height of a person). The top half is actually a map of the area between Atlantic and Degraw and Columbia to Smith going the other way. It highlights what would be considered Cobble Hill and tells you where you are standing in all of this. The bottom half of the sign states a few facts, some history of the area and has a few pictures of landmarks around town. Makes our neighborhood feel like a real tourist attraction doesn't it? It's good to know that people must come to view the beauty that is our hood. Beauty we get to see everyday!

TV show shoot.

A good part of Cobble Hill has these signs posted for the filming of Pan Am. This is a new show for ABC set in the 1960's that follows the lives of flight attendants. We saw these around Clinton and Baltic noriginally but have seen them other places around the neighborhood as well. Maybe a car scene? The show, which is shooting tomorrow, looks pretty big budget and stars Christina Ricci and Kelli Garner. Here's a synopsis from IMDB. "Period drama about the pilots and flight attendants who once made Pan Am the most glamorous way to fly". Perhaps like when Men in Black was shooting, the streets will be filled with vintage cars and whatnot. That should be fun!

Music Festival in Red Hook!

The first annual Red Hook Star-Revue Music Festival is happening this weekend. The location, Urban Meadow at Van Brunt and President Street, is ideal for a festival. It's a nice open space with a breeze (hopefully!) coming off the water and a shady park next door with a sprinkler for cooling off if you have children with you (or even if you don't, who cares). The fest is this Sunday August 28th from noon-6pm. Expect blues, rock, and country tunes! A $10 donation will get you free food and refreshments (sponsors include The House of Pizza and Calzone and Fort Defiance). For tickets in advance you can call 718-624-5568. See you there!

Lobster Pound Deal

• The Red Hook Lobster Pound has a deal running on Gilt City right now. Actually 3 deals, although one is an expensive catered lobster meal and one is sold out. The deal that is available and a really awesome deal is a steamed Maine lobster dinner for up to four people with sides and a drink for only $72. This would regularly be $120. Unfortunately the lobster rolls for two ( Choose two lobster rolls—one Maine-style, with homemade mayo, and one Connecticut-style, hold the mayo; bring on the drawn butter—plus a shrimp roll, two sodas and two servings of chips) for $30 instead of $50 is already sold out but they do have a wait list you can get on for that. The third deal, $525 for a catered feast worth $875, is still available. Go to this Gilt City Deal if you'd like to buy this coupon.

New Diner on Columbia.

We've got a scoop about the goings on at 214 Columbia street. This case has been dead for a while now but the tipster, our very own Mary Gaglio, told us that the spot has finally been leased after years and years of being on and off the market. The new tenants will be opening a diner that will be called Ricky's. The space, which was previously known as Waterfront Family Restaurant, has needed a lot of work. So, we don't expect the new tenants to open so soon because they'll have their hands full with renovations and whatnot. We are thrilled that there will be new life at this spot and a diner will be a great addition to the Columbia Waterfront District!

BK Swappers is coming to town!

The next venue for the BK Swappers, an event we've blogged about a couple of times already but it's just such a great idea we can't get enough, will be our very own neighborhood bar Local 61 on Bergen street near Smith! Tickets for this event, which will take place on Thursday September 8th at 6:30 pm, will be available tomorrow on Eventbrite starting at 2pm. In case you haven't read our other blogs about the meet up or heard of it here's a simple explanation. You get a spot (only 40 available this time and they will go fast so get on it), you show up with something homemade that you can swap (ex; granola, marshmallows, jams, cookies), and then you barter with others. Sounds awesome right!? Well, you don't have to go far this time to fill your cupboards with homemade swapped goodies so go on Eventbrite tomorrow at 2pm and sign up!

NYC Century Bike Tour

The Century Bike Tour is coming up, September 18th, and we know of a cycling team that's looking for recruits if anyone's interested. You can contact the "Coasting is not a Crime" crew at agentmule@gmail.com if you'd like to join up. Here's what they have to say about the 100-mile bike tour. "This is a casual hump of a bike ride, not a race or a gear parade, and much easier than running the marathon so give it some thought. You have a month to get a bike. haha." More details about the tour are below. For more info go to their website.

The ride has two different start locations. Pick the location most convenient to you. If you register before the day of the ride, you will have to commit to your start location. The Central Park starting location is at the north end of Central Park, in Manhattan. Riders should enter the start area at 110th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard. There will be an express start area for riders who already have their bibs.

The Prospect Park starting location is at Willink Drive, near the Prospect Park Carousel, adjacent to the intersection of Empire Boulevard and Flatbush Avenue, in Brooklyn. Riders should enter the start area by entering Prospect Park at Grand Army Plaza and following the direction of traffic on the Loop Drive until reaching the Prospect Park Carousel. There will be an express start area for riders who already have their bibs.

Regular Registration:	July 24 – Aug 28	$60 non-members, $45 members
Late Registration:	Aug 29 – Sept. 16	$65 non-members, $50 members
Office Registration:	Sept. 17, 10am – 2pm	$75 non-members, $60 members
Morning of the Ride Registration:	Sept. 18	$75 non-members, $60 members

Music Fest!

This has been a week full of blogs about awesome festivals and events! Why stop now? Here's another cool festival happening on August 29th at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1. This unique festival will bring together a combination of Austrian music, food and film all with a beautiful view of the New York skyline! Festivities begin at 7pm and the film will screen at 8:30. The night ends at 11pm. Details are still to be announced concerning the film program but check out the website closer to the date to find out more. In addition to eating delicious food samples, watching a film, and listening to classical music all for free, you can even win a trip to Austria! Details below taken from their website.

In cooperation with the Vienna Tourist Board, the Vienna Music Film Festival NY will offer a prize drawing to win a six-night trip for two to Vienna; to enter, click here before August 28, 2011 to answer a trivia question about Vienna and be in attendance at the Brooklyn Bridge Park drawing to win.

Flick at Carroll Park.

Men in Black will be showing at Carroll Park next Thursday at 8pm. Is it an ironic coincidence that the sequel to this very film was shooting in the park earlier this summer or is the events coordinator giving the film a nod? We don't know but we do know it'll be especially cool for those who saw some of the shooting in the park to some out and see this film. The viewing is, as always, free and will be shown in front of the Robert Acito Park House (seen above). In case of rain the film is still going on but will be held inside the park house.

Big News for Downtown.

We recently read in the Carroll Gardens Patch that Downtown Brooklyn will be seeing a major change in the future, along with all the other changes that have been happening in the growing area. Mayor Bloomberg recently announced that the first floor of the Municipal Building, at the corner of Joralemon and Court Streets, is set to be sold to developers for 10 million dollars and made into a restaurant and shops. Developer, Albert Laboz says the restaurant will be cool and hip with a mid-level price range and that construction will begin next year.This is exciting news for residents since there will be new businesses opening up and good news for the economy of New York City. According to Mayor Bloomberg "the project will create 64 construction jobs and 114 permanent jobs for people all across the five boroughs". Bring it on!

Jam On!

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Jam on Dumbo, a kid's concert and music series, will be having a festival at The Archway under the Manhattan Bridge this Saturday August 20th! Between 10AM and 5pm there will be several childrens bands playing (the line up is listed below) as well as other family activities. Face painting, balloon twisting, arts and crafts, and family yoga to name a few. Local vendors will also be there to, we assume, quench your thirst and fill your bellies. Not only does this sound like a good time for all but it's free too!

• 10am: Bonga! Afro-Haitian Drum and Songs – an all-ages interactive family performance
• 11am: The Itty Biddies
• 12:05pm: P for Puppets presents: “One, Two, Tres”
• 1pm: Rolie Polie Guacamole
• 2:05pm: Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band
• 3:10pm: Still Saffire
• 4:15pm: The Mini Max Players

Film Festival in Brooklyn Heights.

Between August 20th and the 27th a brand new film festival will be taking place in Brooklyn Heights featuring both feature and short independent films. According to their website, which is where you can buy daily passes for $12, festival passes at $65 or check out the schedule of events, "THE ART OF BROOKLYN is about more than just great films. We will also have pre-show receptions in the theater lobby featuring food and drinks from local merchants, as well as live music and exhibits from local artists. Certain nights will have after-parties where filmmakers and fans can meet, greet and socialize". The festival will take place at Saint Francis College Theater, 180 Remsen Street between Court and Clinton.

Paint Store.

It's been in the works for quite some time now but it's finally opened up. Mazzone hardware, over on Court and 4th place, has some new digs on Smith Street. 211 Smith used to be Starting Artists, a nonprofit organization offering classes for middle and high school youth teaching business and the arts. The new occupants have been renovating for a while and now it's reopened as the Benjamin Moore Mazzone Paint Center. I guess you'd say it's a spin-off of the hardware store. Mazzone has always had great service. The employees are extremely helpful and informative, so we can only hope they'll bring that same great service over to this new space.

Commercial Shoot

Remember Jordache jeans? They always gave you that ultimate flat butt look that all the 80's hotties had. Well, they are actually still around and if you need some proof they'll be shooting a commercial for them in our neighborhood tomorrow and Saturday so you could go check it out for yourself. We saw the "No Parking" sign posted at Court Street and Warren. It also says on the sing post that Nigel Baker, a fashion photographer that you may know from America's Next Top Model, will be involved. So it may be a photographer shoot and not a commercial? Or maybe he's in the commercial? If anyone see their way over there in the next couple of days let us know.

Rock Event at Library.

Here's a strange event we saw a flier for the other day. Apparently the Brooklyn Public Library (Carroll Gardens Branch) on Union Street and Clinton is having a lecture?? or a class?? about the British rock band Faces. This band started in 1969 and lasted until the mid-seventies. The two well known members were Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood. This is definitely a unique event going on but we don't really know the details about what it's going to entail. The flier just says it's a program and says "learn about the Faces Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart" and "Rock Out at Carroll Gardens with the Faces". We're assuming a listening session and informational lecture? Go check it out if you're interested though. It's on August 18th from 4-5:15pm at 396 Clinton. Call 718-596-6972 if you have any further questions.

New Restaurant on Degraw.

There has been some work going on at 243 Degraw Street, formerly occupied by Ultimate Burgers and Dogs restaurant, for a little while. The new place will be called Sadie's Kitchen and, although it seemed like things weren't moving too fast, one day this new awning popped up and we realized that whatever has been going on over there is almost done, complete with a cute exterior (window boxes filled with fresh flowers and a bench to the left of the entrance). Although the windows are still soaped up we caught a quick glimpse by peeking in and saw that the inside is as adorable as the outside. It has a very 1950's diner vibe. We don't know what they'll be serving but if we had to guess by the decor and name we'd say comfort food? Has anyone seen the menu?

Five Guys moving outside?

We were walking by Five Guys Burgers and Fries, at 266 Court St, recently and noticed a sign in the front window announcing a public hearing coming up pretty soon. The hearing will be regarding the petition for an enclosed outdoor cafe for Five Guys for the length of two years to start. We'd like to hear what you have to say about the idea of a outdoor seating area at 266 Court. If you have an opinion one way or another as to whether it would be a welcome addition to the neighborhood or a nuisance please comment. And if you're interested in attending the public hearing the info is as follows.

Wednesday, August 17th at 2pm
66 John St. 11th Floor

We are Green!

And the winner of the Greenest Commercial Block contest for 2011 goes to the Mid-Atlantic Block Association for the stretch of Atlantic Avenue between Bond Street and Nevins Street in our very own Boerum Hill! The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens announced the winners a couple of days ago. The press release stated that "the contest encourages members of block associations and merchants’ associations...to cultivate window boxes, container plantings, front gardens, storefront greenery, street tree beds and more". And that's just what the business owners on this street did and not only has it given the neighborhood this wonderful title and bragging rights but it's made it a charming place to walk around and shop. If you haven't been over there yet you should check it out!

Bourgeios Pig coming soon!

In Manhattan on 7th street and first avenue sits the Bourgeois Pig, a wine bar with small plates, cheese plates and fondues. People really like this beautifully decorated fondue/cocktail/wine bar, it's a NYMag critic's pick. Inside its been said to look like a bordello with plush velvet seats and dim lighting. What does all this have to do with us are you asking? Well, according to grubstreet.com,(see picture above), the pig is coming to Carroll Gardens. It's taking the spot of the former Calpurnia Wine Bar on 387 Court st and will be pretty similar to the original. Expect luxurious atmosphere and a European influenced daily changing menu. Although we are sad to see Calpurnia go, it's always exciting to try a new place. Especially one that will be serving several melted cheese that we can dip things into!

Join GeekChicNYC!

Starting August 1st GeekChicDaily has put out a New York newsletter called GeekChicNYC. It's similar to Thrillest or Daily Candy but for the geekier individuals. Subscribers get a newsletter a day filled with events going on around our five boroughs that are geared towards a more counter culture crowd. And Brooklyn being one of the coolest/geekiest of all the boroughs we bet it'll have a good share of local happenings. You can sign up to get these event emails by going to one of the links below. The first link is if you'd also like to enter a contest to win a tauntaun sleeping bag, which ends August 12th. Check it out when you get a chance. There is a little geek in all of us, isn't there?!

http://www.geekchicdaily.com/region/national/geek-chic-new-york-events-things-to-do-geekchicny-win-tauntaun-sleeping-bag-thinkgeek-contest-giveaway-star-wars

http://www.geekchicdaily.com/region/nyc/

Funny Flyer!

There is a flyer taped up near Maybelle's on Henry Street. It says "Lost Ring", as you can see in the picture above. What you may not be able to see is the small print at the bottom which we've written below.

Last Seen: On a chain around my neck

Description: Gold inscription written in the elvish language, causes invisibility when worn, amy cause malevolence.

If found, please call Frodo Baggins 190-326-9620

Will be rewarded with greater essence of Atheias.

Pretty funny prank. Or is it a prank?

Snack Shop Closed or Renovating?

The good-sized space at 414 Court street in Carroll Gardens has recently put brown paper in the windows. It used to be Snack Shop, which was a shop that sold exactly that...snacks. From sushi to bagels to cupcakes, they had a little of everything. We're assuming that they have closed up since they were fairly new and didn't seem to need renovations. Plus, according to brownstoner.com, their phone number isn't working either. Not only that but the sign is down and the once bright orange exterior has now been painted black. It's always a shame to see a business close. We'll see what the space transforms into to next time around and we'll let you know as soon as we do.