Best Selling Author at Library Tonight

Patrick Taylor, author of the "Irish Country" Novels and New York Times best seller, will be appearing at the Carroll Gardens Library (Union and Clinton) tonight at 7pm. There will be a reading, discussion, and book signing at this exclusive New York appearance. You can reserve your tickets at www.patricktaylorinbrooklyn.eventbrite.com. There is a $10 suggested donation per ticket. It's so wonderful to have these events available through our library so come out and take advantage of them!

Realty Collective at The Brainery

Our classes went fast but you can still sign up for the wait list! We're sharing tips on "How to Find the Perfect Rental" on Thursday March 1st from 6:30-8pm and "First Time Home Buying" on March 15th from 6:30-8pm. Both classes are very reasonably priced, as the always are at The Brooklyn Brainery. The first is $12 total and the second is $15 total. A $3 "Save the Brainery" fee has already been tacked on to both classes. They are trying to expand their space in order to give everyone the opportunity to take these classes. They always fill up so quickly. Get on the waitlist for our classes! We're so excited to have the opportunity share our expertise!

Save Mary A. Whalen Meeting Tonight!

There will be a public meeting tonight at 6:30 pm in an effort to save the oil tanker, Mary A. Whalen. They'd like you to please come by and give your ideas, endorsements, and support to help them save NYC's favorite oil tanker. More info below. If you miss the meeting they will also be accross the street at Montero's Bar until around 10:30. You can also forward a flyer about the meeting, download it here.

Mon 2/27/12 6:30-8:30pm

LICH (Long Island College Hospital)
Conference Rooms A & B

339 Hicks Street, Brooklyn NY 11201

Corner of Atlantic Avenue & Hicks Street, Brooklyn

Enter from Hicks Street (some raised steps)

RHI's Red Hook Story

Check this out! The Red Hook Initiative, at 767 Hicks, brings you their "Red Hook Story". If you don't already know, RHI is a non profit organization set up to improve the lives of Red Hook Residents struggling with poverty through programs in education, health, employment, and community development. They realize that many supporters haven't been down to see what they do or how they work so they've decided to bring RHI to them. Here's a bit about the project and a link to it.

For many years, photographer Kamau Ware has been a friend, collaborator, and inspiration for our staff and participants. In his most recent work, he uses his gift behind the lens to capture the spirit of life at RHI.

We hope you enjoy our

Red Hook Story

Free Wine and Spirit Tasting Tomorrow!

To support the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy there will be a wine and spirit tasting tomorrow showcasing new Brooklyn-based businesses. The list of guest pourers is below.

• BROOKLYN REPUBLIC VODKA, Kary Laskin
• BREUCKELEN DISTILLING, Brad Estabrooke
• NEW YORK DISTILLING COMPANY, Tom Potter
• BROOKLYN OENOLOGY WINES, Alie Sharper
  

Although the tastings are free, any proceeds from the sales of these products will benefit the Conservancy. So head out tomorrow night and taste the future of Brooklyn wine and spirits and support the future of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. Details as follows.

What: Drink Local, a tasting of Brooklyn's best wine and spirits

When: Friday, February 24, 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Where: Waterfront Wines and Spirits, 360 Furman Street

Why: To support the Conservancy's free programs in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Correction about Refinery

Arielle at Brooklyn Basement commented on our last post, New Faces on Smith. We stand corrected, extremely corrected. Refinery, at 248 Smith, is not new at all. Perhaps the window display is new and it was as though we were seeing it for the first time. Or perhaps we just had a temporary mental block. Between that and the fact that their website says this:

"REFINERY has moved ! please visit the new store at 248 Smith Street"

Well, you can see the confusion. Nonetheless. It's a beautiful little boutique and if you have walked past and hadn't noticed it their before you should really stop and take it in next time, go inside and take a look at their beautiful handbags and accessories!

New Faces on Smith

Smith Street has changed so much in the last decade and it is constantly evolving into something new. We are never surprised to see a unique new store open here and there. Two places we noticed on our last stroll down Smith, which are both fairly new (opened in the last couple of months) are Soon Beauty Lab (above) and Refinery (below). The storefront at Refinery, 248 Smith, is just gorgeous. They sell a little bit of everything it looks like, clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry. The items are super cute and the design of the window front itself is very inviting. Soon Beauty Lab, at 290 Smith, is a hair salon with a very retro look. They have two other locations, both in Manhattan. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Arthur on Smith

Formerly Bino and shortly before that Po, 276 Smith Street has a new occupant. Arthur on Smith. Although we couldn't see inside, the storefront is revamped and they are fast at work on the interior. Opening is set for late March. Chef Joe Isidori has a sustainable seafood restaurant in Long Island called Southfork Kitchen and the menu for Arthur on Smith will have a similar feel with local and sustainable fare. You can see their menu here. Also, you can check out their facebook for pictures of the interior (they have a little ways to go but you can see the progress). It looks pretty delicious and we're definitely looking forward to trying this place out.

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

Burger on Smith

209 Smith Street used to be a restaurant called Faan. We noticed that they had closed a while back but hadn't realized until last Friday that the spot had reopened as Burger on Smith. Walking by we decided to check it out. To our surprise they were out of beef!! And it wasn't late. Maybe 8:30 or so. Weird huh? I guess they weren't expecting the rush they got, which is both good and bad. They have been getting good reviews on yelp though and they were pretty crowded regardless of the fact that they were out of the main ingredient they needed, so maybe it's delicious. We'll definitely go back and try it another day.

Meeting about car safety.

Walking by the corner of Kane and Henry Streets you can't help but notice a striking scene. A car that's been hit pretty hard from behind (windows broken, huge dents and glass all over the street) with a big sign on it. Well of course we had to check it out. Was it a sign from the person who hit this car? Or maybe from the car owner looking for the person responsible. Well, it was neither. It was a note announcing a community meeting, time and date pending, to discuss car safety. A very good idea that came out of an unfortunate accident. Check out the note below but in case you can't see the contact info to find out about it, here it is. maureen.hogan@elliman.com or jblock@elliman.com

Kane Street Synagogue Auction

February 12th, which falls on a Sunday, the Kane Street Synagogue is holding an auction event called "Midnight at the Oasis". It begins at 5pm and, along with the auction, they'll have food, drinks, music, and prizes. All proceeds benefit the synagogue. They're located at 236 Kane, between Court and Clinton. For more info, to buy tickets, and check out the auction items see below.

To preview our exciting offerings for 2012, click here Advance ticket sales and online bidding will begin on January 24th! Please click here to purchase your tickets now! Tickets purchased online will be picked up at the door.

Work It Brooklyn at 3rd Ward

We all know that networking is a very good way to forward or even start your career. In today's economy especially when so many people are out of work or looking for better pay or to switch careers it is a really important ingredient to success. Work It Brooklyn knows this too and plans events to help you network with creative types from all fields. And they'll be at 3rd Ward in Bushwick next week with their first event fo the year. Read more below.

Join us at 3rd Ward on February 8th from 7-10pm for our first event of 2012, designed to connect independent creatives of all stripes - graphic designers, dancers, musicians, tech gurus, painters, writers, etc... - in a fun collaborative and productive environment. Arrive early to ensure your spot in our revolutionary, and much-loved, speed-networking and stick around to mingle. We’ll have PBR and wine on hand, free, to help ease those networking nerves.

Register now for this free networking mixer. You never know, you might just meet your next collaborator, business partner, or employee.