Target First Saturdays @ Brooklyn Museum

This Saturday is the monthly event, which includes music, discussions, workshops, a book club, fashion showcase, and dance party all in one place. And of course you can and should check out the museum with a guided tour that starts at 8pm. The whole night is from 5-11pm and, as always, is free and open to the public. If you haven't been to this event you should really check it out. It's a fun time, especially the dance party, which is from 8pm-10pm. There's so much going on in such a short time. You can check out their website for more info, but to name a couple of performances that piqued our interest: 5-7 pm Game Rebellion plays metal, punk and hip-hop and 6:30-8pm Renegade Performance Group gives pop-up dances inspired by Question Bridge.

Super Bowlin'

If you aren't doing the traditional super bowl party at home this year we have a handful of suggestions for the best places to see the game or just hang out and eat wings and pretend like you're watching the game.

The Brazen Head, at 228 Atlantic, will be having their yearly Super Bowl party with free chili and $5 craft beer.

The Bell House has a funny twist to their football fest. Here's a blurb we found online about it.

Gotta watch the Big Game on a big screen, right? Everyone else is, and it's a good reason to party. The Bell House is making it even more fun by adding live color commentary from the funny folks at WitStream. Join Shane Mauss (Conan, Jimmy Kimmel, Comedy Central) and April Macie (Howard Stern, Last Comic Standing, Just For Laughs) as they host a live feed of Superbowl tweets from the hilarious contributors at WitStream.

So whether you're a serious fan or just along for the ride, you can get your football and funny all in one place at the Bell House! Drink specials + hot food by Urban Rustic!

BW3 at the Atlantic center is sure to be a madhouse but it'll be a madhouse with tons of televisions and an infinite flow of wings and beer.

Last but not least is PJ Hanleys on Court Street. This Carroll Gardens sports bar has plenty of space, good food, and that local neighborhood welcoming feel.

PS 29 Fundraiser.

PS 29 is having a huge fundraiser, gala and silent auction, on Friday Febuary 10th at The Invisible Dog Gallery. The auction will be gin online here and carry over to the party on Friday. They're looking for local sponsors and had this to say about it.
"This could be a great marketing opportunity for you and your business. We are offering several different options for sponsorships:

Gold: $500
Earns advertising on our online auction website with link to your business.

Silver: $1000
Earns advertising spot on online auction site and on school website (www.ps29brooklyn.org) with links to your business.

Platinum: $1,500
Earns presence on online site and school website (with links) AND any marketing materials at Gala (banners, postcards, whatever is desired) you might want."

YMCA kids event for all!

Next Thursday from 11AM-12:30 the Dodge YMCA, on Atlantic between Court and Boerum Place, will be hosting an event geared towards kids 3 yrs old and younger. It's called the Little Lions Festival and it's a celebration of the Chinese New Year with Dragon-themed arts and crafts. They'll also have music, a photo booth, and serve a light breakfast. The "Rumble and Tumble" equipment will be set up too. That's an obstacle course that toddlers will love to climb on or under, jump on, roll around on (you know anything goes when you're a toddler). Basically, it sounds like a lot of fun for the kids and it's open to members and non-members. There is a suggested donation of $3 to benefit the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, a very worthy cause that makes sure kids can have a membership no matter what they can or can't afford.

Ethikus MeetUp

We're all about supporting our local businesses and this goes beyond Brooklyn, although we are a little biased since Brooklyn is the best borough by a long shot. Heh heh. We were really interested when we heard about a meet up for a company called Ethikus, which is "an online community that connects conscientious consumers in NYC with ethical and sustainable businesses in the area." They're "launching a city-wide initiative in May called Shop Your Values Week - a celebration of the stores and restaurants all over NYC that support community, employees and the environment." They have 2 meet ups a week to talk about the event and hear input and the next one is tomorrow. Although, sadly not in Brooklyn, if you're interested in what sounds like a very cool event you should go and find out more about it and help organize it. It's January 26 at Cucina di Pesce (87 East 4th) at 6:30pm.

Shake Shack Brooklyn-Style

So, most of you know that Shake Shack has been open for a little while now, since December 20th. We knew it was going to be in the Fulton Mall area but didn't know it was so close to Borough Hall, it's a Boerum Place and Fulton. We decided to swing by last week and check it out...and maybe get a shake, burger and fries while we were at it. We were so pleased to see some nice Brooklyn touches at this location. A couple of Brooklyn-centric mix-ins include Mast Bros. chocolate blend (which you can see in the picture above) and Early Bird granola (which we'll try next time!). We're so happy to have a Shake Shack in our hood and these local flavors make it all the sweeter (literally!). And the best part? The lines weren't nearly as long as their Manhattan locations so you can be sucking or spooning down a shake in no time!

MaryKate Maher at BRIC Rotunda Gallery!

Realty Collective's very own MaryKate Maher is not only involved in real estate but she's also a sculptor and will be having a show starting this week at BRIC Rotunda Gallery, which is right here in the neighborhood (Brooklyn Heights) so everyone should come out and see her work! The opening reception is this Wednesday, January 25th but you can view her pieces up until March 3rd. All the info is below. See you there!

Bric Rotunda Gallery, The Bricoleurs.
January 26- March 3rd. Opening Reception
January 25, 2012 from 7 to 9 pm.

Bric Rotunda Gallery 33 Clinton Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-683-5604
bricartsmedia.org

FEAST #12 Proposals

FEAST, which stands for Funding Emerging Art with Sustainable Tactics, is having an event tomorrow January 21st to present the ten artist projects that they chose out of many many proposals. To see their selections click here. For a donation of $20 you can feast (no pun intended) on " seasonal locally-sourced meal, curator ballot, and all the beer - lovingly provided by Brooklyn Brewery - that you can drink!" All the location and time info is below. Come out and support Brooklyn's community-based artists!

FEAST #12

Saturday, January 21, 2012, 5 - 8pm

Church of the Messiah, Greenpoint, Brooklyn

129 Russell Street (between Nassau & Driggs)

Artist Proposals

Please visit feastinbklyn.org for more information.

New Restaurant at 268 Clinton

Restaurants at 268 Clinton have had bad runs. The last, Breuckelen, has been closed for a while now and before that was Cafe on Clinton. It's such a great little space on a very cute corner. Well, that cute space will soon have another restaurant to fill it, and hopefully break the unlucky streak. La Vara is a Spanish restaurant that, according to the owner "celebrates the Jewish and Moorish legacy in Spanish cooking". Owner/chefs also own a restaurant in Chelsea called Txikito. You can check out there menu here. It may hold a key to what you can expect in the new restaurant. We don't have any further info, except they have applied for a liquor license so expect a full bar and some very original menu options.

Bourgeois Pig Now Open!

We strolled by the Bourgeois Pig the other day, which has been open for several days now. It's decor is exactly how we pictured, although unfortunately they wouldn't let us take photos of the inside (outside is above) because they weren't quite set up yet. But if you've ever been to the Manhattan location you'll be able to visualize it. In fact the small bit you can see from the drapery in the windows might help too. Picture giant chandeliers, big decorative chairs, and lots and lots of red velvet. Definitely not the type of atmosphere for casual hanging. It creates a real date night mood. It's decor mirrors the rich food on the menu, indulgent. As we walked by the smell of bacon was pouring out onto the street. Maybe they were working on a bacon and cheese fondue? One can only hope.

Suey Cleaners gone. Idlewild here.

Although there is no shortage of dry cleaners in the area, we were sad to see Suey Cleaners, at 249 Warren, go. They were very nice and inexpensive for Cobble Hill standards. Our first clue that they had closed was seeing a man with a shopping cart full of junk or treasure, depending on how you look at it, carting off with their sign. When we turned the corner we saw a new sign was up. "French, Spanish, Italian" it shouts. The new tenants are Idlewild books, which teach foreign language classes and sell books to help you learn. It will open up any day now so if you're interested you can register now or get more info here.

Judgment Day at Hope and Anchor

Today is Judgement Day at Hope and Anchor in Red Hook. That is, they're screening Terminator 2: Judgement Day at 7pm tonight. They'll be showing movies now and then, which is pretty awesome. There are plenty of movie screening in the neighborhood over the spring and summer, especially, but they are few and far between during the cold winter season. You can keep even warmer with the skynet shooters they'll be serving all night long for $5 a pop. So, if you want to get some grub, drinks and watch Arnold at his very best head down to 347 Van Brunt tonight.

Idiotarod 2012!!!

We got an email announcing the NYC 2012 Idiotarod!

February 4th, 2012!

Start place Zuccotti Park!

Yeah!!

Check out:http://www.nycidiotarod2012.com/

https://twitter.com/#!/NYIdiotarod2012

Store Closing Sale in Red Hook.

Everbrite Mercantile Company, or as many may know the cute little store next to Hope and Anchor with the pac man-esque symbol above the window, is unfortunately closing it's Red Hook location. They are planning on getting a new space sometime in the future but as for now the website and web store will still be in full effect. They are having a "final days" sale this whole weekend, with the last day being Sunday January 15th. Head down and take advantage of the discounts while also helping them clear out their merchandise, such as furniture/displays and tools that will be on mark down.

Bonnie's Grill Wings!!

After blogging about Thai restaurant Pok Pok earlier this week and sharing info about their delicious wings with you, who could help but crave chicken wings? That's why we were thrilled when we came upon this discovery. Abilene, at 442 Court Street and the corner of 3rd Pl, is now serving Bonnie's Grill wings! Albeit different from the ones at Pok Pok these are buffalo style and really delicious. Bonnie's, which is on 5th Ave around 1st Street, isn't too far but definitely a trek. Now we don't have to trek. A large portion of wings will set you back 14 bucks and small only 9. They're available in mild, medium, hot and BBQ. Be wary, though, these wings run hot and the hot option is realllllllly spicy.

Closed on Court

We saw a couple of shops closed last Friday as we strolled down Court. 236 Court, which was a Deli and Grocery is now closed. Squashed between new restaurant Brucie and Sam's, a neighborhood staple, the grocery had been in that location for a while. Just beyond Sam's is another new restaurant Mooburger. Oh, how the neighborhood continues to change everyday.

The second shop we saw closed was Sweet Melissa's. No gasping yet. We were surprised when we saw the brown paper too (below) but you'll be happy to know that they were merely renovating last Friday and are now back open for business. It couldn't have been a lot of work that needed to be done since it was just Friday, so don't expect any major changes next time you visit.

Update on Pok Pok.

Back in October we were very excited to share with you that leases had been signed for a Thai restaurant, Pok Pok, to move into the space at 127 Columbia Street. Well, things are coming along and we wanted to share a little more info, including the photo above of the new signage. Originally a critically acclaimed restaurant that still exists in Portland, Oregon, Pok Pok's cuisine is mainly Northern Thai. It's a lot different from the other Thai restaurants in the neighborhood. They're especially known for their delicious ribs and wings. You can check out the menu from their Portland Restaurant here. Along with the new storefront there was a sign in the window basically telling the neighborhood who they are and that they are happy to be here. We're happy to have you!

Opera at Christ Church Cobble Hill

The Vertical Player Repertory is back. We haven't heard from them in a while but just noticed the other day while walking down Court Street that they'll be performing 2 shows, tomorrow the 10th and the 11th both at 7:30pm. Epiphany: The Complete Canticles of Benjamin Britten will be performed at Christ Church Cobble Hill, at 326 Clinton Street and the corner of Kane. If you haven't been in there before it's a beautiful space and will compliment the opera wonderfully. Tickets are $20 and you can get them at brownpapertickets.com or at the door. Come out and support our neighborhood's only local opera company!

Let's Talk Soup

Here's a round-up of our favorite soups in the neighborhood. Of course there are plenty of great local soups not mentioned so please feel free to add your own favorites in our comment section! We can't try them all, you know, although we're shooting for it.

Squash Soup at Jake Walk- We first tasted this soup at the Smith Street Soup Festival a few months ago and were pleased to hear it was on their regular menu. Squash soup was a common one to see at the festival and Jakewalk's was far superior to their competitors. Comforting and delicious. You have to try it.

Hale and Hearty- They have a location downtown but even better is the fact that Uncle Louie G's on Smith Street sells it. It's a perfect quick and inexpensive dinner to pick up a cup and some crusty bread on the way home from work. Especially when it's below freezing and you need it just to thaw out.

Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese at Farmacy- It's delicious and classic. On a cold day nothing is better and it'll really take you back to being a kid.

Chicken Soup at Cobble Hill Coffee Shop- Okay so it's not fancy or unique but it's exactly what you want sometimes. Especially to help you fight that sinus cold you feel coming on.

Cool Undead Event at The Bell House

Next Friday the 13th, of course, there will be a dance with the theme of Undead 1989 Winter Formal going on at The Bell House. This Gowanus venue always has great events and this one sounds especially fun. A band called The Engagements will be playing 80's pop hits and formal retro dress-up is a must, add a little zombie make-up and that's a definite plus. It's $12 in advance and $15 at the door, which opens at 9pm. Tickets include one drink. We'll see you there!

OccupyRedHook

Community meeting tonight at 7pm at the RHI Center, 767 Hicks and 9th St. To discuss organizing for Green Space for Learning and Industry. For more inof contact RHI at 718-858-6782.

BookCourt Events

Book Court hosts some pretty cool events. You wouldn't think it because it's such a small indie store but they get some pretty big names to come in for signings and readings. Tomorrow January 5th, they'll have Annie Leibovitz come in for her new book, Pilgrimage, which is not your usual Leibovitz photo book. Within the pages you won't find one human being but exquisite pictures of scenes and objects. The signing at the book shop, located at 163 Court Street between Dean and Pacific, will begin at 7pm. We'd get there early in case of lines.

Buschenschank Brooklyn

This recently opened restaurant seems to be doing well. We haven't yet stepped inside but have seen people going in and out of the joint. We last reported that this would be more of a tavern serving German and Italian snacks. While it may still have a tavern feel to it, as you can see in the picture above their are lots of windows but they're all frosted so you can't see in or out and the entrance is a little cave-like, they do serve more than just snacks. They have a pretty hearty menu actually, with steaks, burgers, roasted chicken and pizzas as some of the main entrees. They do have sausages, fondues, and an array of other little tidbits to snack on while enjoying a pint of German beer, as promised, but there's more as well. Has anyone tried this place yet? We really want to stop by. Any input would be great!

Brooklyn Strategist Coming Soon

Peek-A-Boo Kids, the children's shoe store that used to be located at 333 Court Street, has moved. They had a sign outside advertising a big clearance sale that went on most of last month. If you bought one pair of shoes you got another for free. This was all because they'd be leaving soon. Taking it's place? The Brooklyn Strategist, which hasn't quite moved in yet but has signs in the window introducing themselves. They are a gaming and social center and cafe. Not just for kids but they will have certain programs available for the younger set. We checked out their website and here's their mission statement of sorts below.

At The Brooklyn Strategist, we love games! Our unique atmosphere is a great place to enjoy strategy, community and competition through interactive board- and card-games. It is a place to play, learn, think creatively, socialize and strategize against an opponent or with team members. We are pleased to offer afternoon clubs to kids (7+ years old), tweens, teens and adults and look forward to providing our community with a space that promotes fun, interaction and learning.