New York Century Bike Tour.

Less than two weeks away, the New York Century Bike Tour is sweetening the pot.  They are now entering new registered participants into a contest to win prizes.  The giveaway includes a couple of pretty awesome bikes and more (see below for giveaway details).  Just like the last two years there is an added starting spot in Prospect Park.  To learn more about this multiple route and level bike tour check out this site.  To register for the tour and to possibly win swag click here 

" Proceeds from the NYC Century Tour benefit the bicycling advocacy of Transportation Alternatives...For better bicycling, walking and public transit in New York City"

PROCEEDS FROM THE NYC CENTURY BIKE TOUR BENEFIT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, FOR BETTER BICYCLING, WALKING AND PUBLIC TRANSIT IN NEW YORK CITY. - See more at: http://nyccentury.org/event_info/about_the_ride#sthash.8rbN9ZCp.dpu

PROCEEDS FROM THE NYC CENTURY BIKE TOUR BENEFIT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, FOR BETTER BICYCLING, WALKING AND PUBLIC TRANSIT IN NEW YORK CITY. - See more at: http://nyccentury.org/event_info/about_the_ride#sthash.8rbN9ZCp.dpuf

PROCEEDS FROM THE NYC CENTURY BIKE TOUR BENEFIT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, FOR BETTER BICYCLING, WALKING AND PUBLIC TRANSIT IN NEW YORK CITY. - See more at: http://nyccentury.org/event_info/about_the_ride#sthash.8rbN9ZCp.dpuf

PROCEEDS FROM THE NYC CENTURY BIKE TOUR BENEFIT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, FOR BETTER BICYCLING, WALKING AND PUBLIC TRANSIT IN NEW YORK CITY. - See more at: http://nyccentury.org/event_info/about_the_ride#sthash.8rbN9ZCp.dpuf

PROCEEDS FROM THE NYC CENTURY BIKE TOUR BENEFIT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, FOR BETTER BICYCLING, WALKING AND PUBLIC TRANSIT IN NEW YORK CITY. - See more at: http://nyccentury.org/event_info/about_the_ride#sthash.8rbN9ZCp.dpuf

PROCEEDS FROM THE NYC CENTURY BIKE TOUR BENEFIT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, FOR BETTER BICYCLING, WALKING AND PUBLIC TRANSIT IN NEW YORK CITY. - See more at: http://nyccentury.org/event_info/about_the_ride#sthash.8rbN9ZCp.dpuf

PROCEEDS FROM THE NYC CENTURY BIKE TOUR BENEFIT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, FOR BETTER BICYCLING, WALKING AND PUBLIC TRANSIT IN NEW YORK CITY. - See more at: http://nyccentury.org/event_info/about_the_ride#sthash.8rbN9ZCp.dpuf

PROCEEDS FROM THE NYC CENTURY BIKE TOUR BENEFIT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, FOR BETTER BICYCLING, WALKING AND PUBLIC TRANSIT IN NEW YORK CITY. - See more at: http://nyccentury.org/event_info/about_the_ride#sthash.8rbN9ZCp.dpuf

PROCEEDS FROM THE NYC CENTURY BIKE TOUR BENEFIT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, FOR BETTER BICYCLING, WALKING AND PUBLIC TRANSIT IN NEW YORK CITY. - See more at: http://nyccentury.org/event_info/about_the_ride#sthash.8rbN9ZCp.dpuf

PROCEEDS FROM THE NYC CENTURY BIKE TOUR BENEFIT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, FOR BETTER BICYCLING, WALKING AND PUBLIC TRANSIT IN NEW YORK CITY. - See more at: http://nyccentury.org/event_info/about_the_ride#sthash.8rbN9ZCp.dpuf

Syfy Movie Winner.

Ok, so we were wrong.  Sharknado is not the big winner of the "you vote" Syfy movies with a view night.  Perhaps instead of an actual guess it was just wishful thinking? Haha.  The real winner is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, starring Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro.  Check their Twitter and Facebook for updates on how to win free food and more.  The film will show tonight at Brooklyn Bridge Park at sundown (music at 6pm) and will be the very last film of the season.  See ya summer.  Catch you next year. 

Syfy Movie Vote.

Tomorrow (or today depending on when you're reading this) voting for the final film to be shown at Brooklyn Bridge Park will come to an end at 10am so vote now! Your choices are below.  We have a feeling that out of shear ridiculousness, and because it would be fun to watch in a park at night, that Sharknado might win.  That's our prediction. What's yours?.  Vote here before it's too late!

• 8 Mile, Detroit (2002, R)
• Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Las Vegas (1998, R)
• Good Will Hunting, Boston (1997, R)
• Lost in Translation, Tokyo (2003, R)
• Roman Holiday, Rome (1953, Not Rated)
• Sharknado, Los Angeles (2013, TV-14)

Beat Festival at Waterfront.

That's beat as in "a main accent or rhythmic unit in music or poetry" not as in "Beatnik". September 22nd at 7:30 pm Marshall L. Davis Jr and friends perform at the Waterfront Museum in Red Hook. This event looks awesome and may sell out. For more info read below and to buy tickets click here.

"Crown Heights-based hoofer Marshall Davis Jr. brings his electrifying talents to the full borough of Brooklyn. Marshall, who regularly performs with Savion Glover, makes profound music in the tradition of tap.Flanked by special guests in his unique choreography, Marshall will transfer his extraordinary, organic musicality to the soul of each audience member."

Le Grand Fooding.

Red Hook has really become special event and festival central! Especially for foodies.  This year's Le Grand Fooding, on September 27th and 28th will be held at Res on 372 Columbia Street.  This year's theme is "The Time Mach'Inn", which will highlight menu options from trends staring in the early 90's to present day.  You can see a menu as well as any more info, including booking, here.

Carroll Gardens Library's New Look.

We checked out the "new and improved" Carroll Gardens Library yesterday.  You may remember that back in June/July they were getting a facelift of sorts.  We reported on it and we did get one thing wrong.  We heard, and were psyched, about them getting a book return slot.  We thought it would be outside but actually it's inside so, unfortunately, there is still no way to return books when the library is closed.  Other than that they got a brand new reference desk and new do-it-yourself check out computers, which you can see in the above pic.

Fact or Fiction Trivia Tonight.

Thought we'd share this really awesome sounding (and free!) event that's happening tonight at The Bell House, 149 7th Street.  It's called Disalmanac Fact or Fiction Night.  It's a trivia night with a twist (more on that in the description below).  It starts at 8pm but you may want to get there early and claim a spot for you and your team. 

In a truly special event, TrivWorks - NYC's corporate team building specialists and producers of the largest public trivia nights in NYC - has partnered with Disalmanac, the Web's home for fact-like facts, to present the ultimate test of trivia knowledge at The Bell House in Brooklyn!
TrivWorks founder David Jacobson leads a high-energy team trivia competition on a wide range of topics ranging from history and science to pop culture and current events, while comedienne Sharon Spell tests individual audience members' ability to discern facts from deceptively "fact-like facts." Disalmanac creator Scott Bateman will be on-hand to hand out a trove of theme-appropriate prizes, as well as talk a bit about Disalmanac: A Book of Fact-Like Facts coming out in September 2013!

Last Chance for Flicks.

Next week, August 27th, will be the last day to catch a free outdoor movie at Valentino Pier.  Summer is coming to a close and if you haven't taken advantage of this awesome event yet now is your chance.  The last film of the series is Red Hook's choice and this year Red Hook chose "Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead". This night is presented by PICKETT FURNITURE and HOME/MADE.

Free Dance Class Intros for Kids.

This is pretty cool.  Dancewave, located in Boerum Hill at 45 4th Ave, is having an open house that includes free trial classes.  This introductory period runs from September 4th-7th.  They have all different types of classes for ages between toddler and teen.  Check it out if you're looking for an extra curricular for your child.

Burgers in the Hood.

Burger joints have been popping up in the neighborhood in recent years like crazy. Some have stuck around and others have come and gone (farewell five guys).  Here's a list of our favorite neighborhood burgers. 

The Obvious Choice-
Prime Meats Bacon Cheeseburger.  Adding the cheese and bacon to this already pricy burger is well worth it.  Hands down the ultimate in meaty deliciousness.

For the kids-
Mooburger is both tasty and has a great atmosphere for families.  They use organic and natural ingredients as well.

The Not-so-Obvious Choice-
Karloff, which specializes in Eastern European fare has a surprisingly amazing burger.  It's really flavorful and has that great combo of charred crispiness on the outside and juicy on the inside.

The Newbie-
Vekslers has only been around for a few weeks now and their burger has made our list because not only is it a decent burger in and of itself but the homemade cheez whiz sauce they put on top knocks it into the excellent category.

What's your favorite? Feel free to add your own fave if we haven't already!

Carnival in Red Hook!

Calling all vendors!  The Visitation Church Carnival (98 Richards Street in Red Hook) is set for September 14th and there is still time to rent a vendor table for $40. Tables will be set up on Verona St.  Call the rectory at 718-624-1572 for more info.  For those wanting to attend this event, it begins at 11:30am and it should be fun!

Here's Something to do Tonight!

Have the urge to spontaneously go out and enjoy one of Brooklyn's free summer events tonight?  Here are a couple of suggestions.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is showing the film "Rocky".  The free outdoor film series has chosen movies with iconic locations and tonight's film is set in Philly. Music begins at 6pm and the movie starts at sundown.

A little something for kids and adults.  J.J. Byrne Park, at 3rd street and 5th Avenue hosts it's music series, "Dancing Under the Stars".  Tonight's theme is square dancing! "Kids Favorite Role Polie Guacamole plays a set for kids at 5:45, dancing for adults at 7PM"

YMCA Pool Party!

Saturday August 24th between 4pm and 7pm the Dodge YMCA, at 225 Atlantic Avenue, will be having a pool party.  Now most of the special events at this facility are open to the public but the flyer we saw said "bring family and friends" so we're not sure if you have to show up with a member to get in or not.  We just gave them a call to ask but the gentleman we spoke with wasn't quite sure.  You may have better luck getting an answer, (718) 625-3136.  If you are a member or know one then you'll definitely be able to enjoy this big refreshing pool.

Pig Island in Red Hook!

Pig Island usually takes place, as you can surmise by the name, on Governors Island but this year it's coming to Red Hook! Should they now call it Pig Hook? Eh.  We are very excited to welcome this amazing and scrumptious event to our hood on September 7th from 1130am-4:30pm.  Tickets are on sale now. For more on what to expect from this food fest see below.


Event features include:
• The best chefs (25+) from all five boroughs going hog wild with locally-, pigs from Flying Pigs Farm, Møsfund Mangalitsa, and Bobolink among others (the famous “Pig Pickup” will take place on Wednesday, September 4th at Union Square Greenmarket);
• Great local craft beer by Sixpoint, providing exclusive custom beers;
• Wines from the Finger Lakes region of NY State;
• Hard ciders from the Hudson Valley;
• Special cooking demonstrations by Peter Kaminsky (author of Bacon Nation) and Grillworks Station;
• Music all day with live bands, including Sistermonk, JP Bowerstock Quintet, NYC City Slickers featuring Annie Chadwick, and The Baillen Brothers;
• Best-of-show prizes presented courtesy of our sponsor, Wüsthof;
• Free entry and ferry service for kids under 12 with paying adult;
• Vegetarian-friendly side stations.
• Chefs include Anthony Sasso (Casa Mono), Jacques Gautier (Palo Santo), Peter Giannakas (Ovelia), Jason Weiner (Almond), Sam Barbieri (Waterfront Ale House and Fuhgeddabout It BBQ), Danny Mena and Ethan Smith (Hecho en Dumbo), King Phojanakong (Kuma Inn and Umi Nom), George Weld and Evan Hanzcor (Parish Hall), Joe Dobias (JoeDoe), Jimmy Carbone of Jimmy’s No. 43, Michael Jenkins (Darby/Butter), Tyson Ho (Arrogant Swine), Justin Brunwasser (Friedman's Lunch), Doug Keiles (Ribs Within), and Bill Fletcher (Fletcher's BBQ), with more TBA.

A Night at Vekslers.

This bar and restaurant at 521 Hicks just opened up and we decided to give it a try.  The verdict? Yum!  It was a very quiet opening so we weren't surprised that there was no line at the door or people crowding the bar during our visit but we think the more people try it the busier they will get.  We ordered the two entrees pictured.  The burger with house made organic cheez whiz and fries and the Atlantic squid with fingerling potatoes.  Both were delicious.  That cheez whiz is awesome and really adds something to the burger, (maybe nostalgia?).  The squid was tender and packed with so many layers of flavor (warning: not for the spice wuss).  That stuff on top isn't lettuce it's fried onions!  So good.  Definitely give this place a try!

Hometown BBQ Preview Dinner.

Last time we checked there were only 16 tickets remaining for this preview dinner event at Hometown BBQ, which opens later this month.  There may be less by the time this posts so we wanted to get this out and spread the word before they were all gone.  You can buy tickets through Underground Eats.  This sounds awesome.  It's a first time look (and taste of course!) of this long awaited BBQ joint in Red Hook with a small group of folks as well as some BBQ education. 

There's a Snake in the Library!

Here's a great free event for children that you should put on your calendar!  It's called "Erik's Reptile Edventures", (not sure if the misspelling of that last word is supposed to mean something or is simply a typo?)  At 1:30pm on August 20th, which falls on a Tuesday, the Carroll Gardens Library will be full of reptiles and amphibians.  Children will learn about these creatures and be able to handle them also.  Some of the animals on the list are Snakes, Lizards, Turtles, Frogs and Salamanders.  Pretty cool!

Brooklyn Industries Sample Sale.

This is actually a really good sale, so we thought we should share it with you folks.  The Brooklyn Industries DUMBO store is having a sample sale today and tomorrow.  Items will be priced as low as...wait for it...ten bucks! The high end isn't bad either with prices reaching only $40.  So, if you are in need of some duds head over to 70 Front Street.

Music in Cobble Hill Park.

There are two more opportunities this summer to see performances in the Cobble Hill Park music series.  One is coming up this week, August 8th, 17-year-old folk artist Nadim Silverman.  And Adam Smale's Jazz Quartet will be performing the following Thursday, August 15th.  Both begin at 7pm.  It's a beautiful park and wonderful that they have these free summer concerts. 

Pirate Ball Save the Date!

We last blogged about something called Pirate School, which was a one man show at Waterfront Museum.  Here's more news on pirates!  We've received a Save the Date, which we've shared above, for the Pirate Ball! This is a benefit for the Waterfront Museum as well as a centennial celebration for the  Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge Number 79.  There will be music, cocktails, food, a silent auction, and more.  The date is September 19th and you can find out more info and purchase tickets here.

Pirate School at Waterfront!

This isn't actually a school for pirates, although hopefully for the kids in the audience of this one man show it will feel like it.  This Sunday, August 4th, at 1pm Waterfront Museum presents this vaudville show for kids of all ages. There's a little description below.  It sounds like a lot of fun. Click here for tickets.

During Pirate School! the bumbling professor Billy Bones teaches youngsters how to be good pirates with lessons on how to stand, talk, sing and laugh like Buccaneers; cannons boom, skulls talk, cutlasses drop and pets run amok. Ultimately Pirate School! aims to satisfy children’s universal curiosity about the briny Buccaneers of yore while subtly boosting their self-esteem and citizenship skills by prompting them to be more empathetic, responsible, courageous Corsairs.

Kings Coffee Anniversary Party.

We received this flyer from Kings Coffee and thought we'd share it.  The 4th of August will be their one year anniversary serving in their space, 37 Carroll Street.  To mark the occasion they'll be giving out complimentary refreshments with coffee purchases between 9:30am and 6:30pm.  Not sure if you can read the flyer above but the bottom says "Thank you for all your support thus far and we look forward to bonding with you over brews and extractions". Sweet.