Move With Grace: Opening TODAY!

Move With Grace, the yoga/dance studio owned by Grace Tappin (sister to Karen of KBB) opened this morning at 6:30am! Most adult classes (several types of yoga, dance classes including jazz, samba, African and hip hop) are 90 minutes. There are several children's class options, in addition to pilates, stretch, couples' dance nights, self-defense and other special events. I had hoped to teach a tap class, but I have enough on my plate right now. Maybe eventually...

Hope to see you there! Meanwhile, you can purchase class cards and register online here.

The class schedule will be updated regularly. Check that here.

High-End Hair #1

(burzh-wa) is open on Myrtle! (352 Myrtle bt Carlton and Adelphi)

Looks like this is the African-hair high-end salon, and Joseph Tyler will be the Caucasian hair chi-chi spot.

A quick Google search proves fruitless, so I guess they don't have a website yet. Looks nice -- I like the signage and the lighting. Anyone been yet? Care to review?

"Boiling Kettle, LLC"

I heard the Gardens on Myrtle between Hall and Ryerson was a pretty cool dive bar, but I never paid it a visit. And now it's closed. Opening in its place is something called Boiling Kettle. A kind reader sent me these photos:

Intriguing garden statue...

Anyone have more information?  I swore I was going to spend all week scoping the 'hood, but laziness and a cold have impeded my goals...

Little House on Clinton

Little House on Clinton150 Clinton Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 (718) 237-7780

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Chicken and Waffles.An odd combination that's oh so right.

And oh so good.

I was first exposed to them in California at the famous Roscoe's House of Chicken' n Waffles. It was love at first bite.

So obviously I was SUPER EXCITED when Little House on Clinton advertised that they would be serving Chicken and Waffles. When they finally opened I couldn't wait to give them a try. So plans were made with my friend 1UP and, of course, Lesterhead, and off to dinner at Little House we went.

Upon entering you are very warmly and robustly greeted making you feel immediately at home and comfortable. As Little House is quite small, 3 booths and 2 small tables, we had a bit of a wait but was treated to a couple of mini waffles for our troubles. Mmmmm...

We decided to look over the menu and order our food in hopes that we'll be seated by the time the food arrives. (We were.) The menu consists mainly of breakfast type fair, some burger selections, Quesadillas (???) and, of course, Chicken and Waffles - all at pretty reasonable prices.

1UP ordered Little House Meal number 2 (4 mini waffles, 1 chicken leg and 1 chicken thigh for $7.49) while Lesterhead ordered the Little House Meal number 1 (4 mini waffles, 4 chicken wings at $6.99). I opted for 12 wings at $7.49 so that I could try serveral of the sauce choices. I chose Jerk, Buffalo and Teriyaki leaving House BBQ and Honey BBQ for next time.

(I know, I know. I didn't order any waffles. BUT I knew 1UP was gonna hook me up with some of her's so that I could write up a fair evaluation. Food Review 101: Rule 153 - you've got to know your dining companions.)

And, of course, we had to get a side order of (Freedom) Fries.

The Waffles were light, golden brown and DE-licious! A nice fluffy interior with a crisp exterior that holds up to the syrup so that it doesn't get soggy before it's time.

The chicken wings were extremely crispy, well breaded and seasoned and very flavorful plain and as is. As for the sauces the Teriyaki was good, the Buffalo was good, the Jerk was better but the best sauce was...maple syrup.

Really.

Maple syrup. Squeeze a little on...oh my. Crunchy, sweet, salty...yum!

It's honestly the best way to eat them and probably what makes Chicken and Waffles such an awesome combination.

The regular chicken pieces were just larger versions of the wings.

The only disappointment was the fries. They were just eh. I think they could've been a bit crispier and SALTED. I've gripped about this before but I hate it when they don't salt the fries while they are HOT. Ugh. Salting after the fact...the salt just never sticks to it. Who's with me on this? Another minor grip is the lack of an easily accessable bathroom.  After eating sticky waffles and greasy chicken you wanna be able to easily wash your hands and...you can't.  I hope they clear that up soon.

So, overall, an awesome addition to the nabe.  Good fair at a good price.  If you go and plan on eating there plan on waiting a bit as it's pretty small inside but as a place for delivery or pickup - AWESOME.

Chicken and Waffles.  Yum. Who would've Thunk It?

Myrtle Ave Update from MARP

Just received a very comprehensive and exciting email from MARP about new openings and developments on Myrtle. Sweeeeeeet. *** Just wanted to drop some pre-holiday news and let everyone know that our shiny new Bank of America branch at Myrtle & Waverly opened its doors to customers yesterday morning. Stay tuned for a grand opening celebration in January.

There are also a number of locally-owned small businesses that have just opened, or are opening soon. Please be sure to pay them a visit and show them your support.

As always, updates on openings, store hours, and store contact info are available as we receive them.

BANK OF AMERICA 449 Myrtle Avenue Between Waverly Avenue & Washington Avenue Tel: (718) 852-1548 Hours: M-Th 9a-4p; F 9a-6p; Sa 9a-4p

RECENTLY OPENED:

SHALENA'S JEWELRY 384 Myrtle Avenue Between Clermont Avenue & Vanderbilt Avenue Local residents, George and Blanca Shiwbaran, offer a huge selection of costume jewelry at low prices.

LITTLE HOUSE ON CLINTON 150 Clinton Avenue Between Myrtle Avenue & Park Avenue Tel: (718) 237-7780 Offering hearty breakfast and lunchtime fare—specializing in wings, burgers, & waffles.

OPENING SOON:

Move with Grace – new yoga and dance studio opening January 8th. 469 Myrtle Avenue (Washington/Hall) http://www.movewithgracestudio.com Classes for kids and adults

Burzh-wa – high-end hair salon, opening before the end of the year 352 Myrtle Avenue (Carlton/Adelphi) Expected opening date: December 21st

Ruthie’s Sunrise – new breakfast joint by Ruthie’s Soul Food 570 Myrtle Avenue (Emerson/Classon) Expected opening date: January 15th

Joseph Tyler Salon – high-end beauty salon 456 Myrtle Avenue (Waverly/Washington) Expected opening: early January

Gnarly Vines – wine shop 350 Myrtle Avenue (Carlton/Adelphi) Expected opening: early next year

***

Lots of good stuff here. I'll be doing a more comprehensive post on the dance/yoga studio, but do check out their new site. If interested, register online. Class schedules are up, and you can also purchase class cards online. Additionally, student discounts will be availavle.

Next: I forsee a post comparing the TWO new high-end hair salons. Stay tuned...

gourmet kitchen: get it while you can

gourmet kitchen/402 myrtle ave. (corner of vanderbilt)/718-643-9423 i have been meaning to eat at the gourmet kitchen for, oh, about four years now. why it took me so long to make my way to a place that boasts of "pastrami and corned beef" on its awning, i have absolutely no idea. then a couple of weeks ago there was a post on our local parents' listserve about how gourmet kitchen was about to lose their lease. finally, i had the kick in the butt that i needed!

we traipsed in today, one loud small child and one harried mother and one rather large red wagon (we were out running errands), and nobody blinked an eye. in fact, they all smiled at us. i took one look around and instantly felt like i was back at the local lunch-counter spot that my grndma used to take me for lunch when i was a kid: formica tables, formica counter with stools, a couple of men sitting at the counter reading the paper and drinking coffee, and a stooped, white-haired guy behind the counter who looked like he'd been filling the same sugar containers for the past 50 years. it's the kind of place where all the customers get called "baby" or "hon". when someone comes in and places a to-go order, the waitress writes it down and then, without moving an inch, repeats it back to the kitchen at top volume.

we parked our wagon and took a couple of seats at the counter. i perused the menu, even though i knew that i was going for the pastrami. it's your fairly standard diner fare: burgers, gyros, big breakfast selection, sandwiches, salads. but a few things stood out: 1) grits! you can get them as a side with most of the breakfast dishes. i do love grits. 2) the hot pastrami/corned beef/roast beef selection, of course; besides the basic "on rye" variety, you can also get a reuben (mmmmmm), club sandwiches, and a combo sandwich with all three meats, which doesn't really appeal to me but i know it would make my husbands' eyes light up. 3) crab and salmon cakes, which are also touted on the awning outside.

i ordered up the pastrami from brenda, our fantastic waitress. you can get it on a roll or on rye; i opted for rye since brenda assured me it was free of caraway seeds, and said yes to mustard. brenda slid it on to the counter about two minutes after i ordered:

it tasted just as good as it looks. the pastrami is cut on the thicker side, as you can see. not what i'm used to in a pastrami sandwich, but i liked it, it made it more like a steak sandwich. the meat was tender and flavorful with just the right amount of fat. the bread was fresh and soft but held together till the last bite. absolutley just as great as anything i've had at katz's.

i asked brenda what the deal was with them losing their lease, and she said that the business had been there for 30 years, she's not sure when the end is coming, and that they were being forced out because "they want to knock down the building". when we walked out after lunch, i realized that gourmet kitchen was in a one-story building. ah-ha. yes, can't let that sit there when a 10-story condo tower could fill the space just as easily!

Jewelry on Myrtle

A few weeks ago, I noticed this storefront on Myrtle. Now it's a jewelry shop! I took a peek in the window and was surprised to find the space shockingly small. What are they doing with the rest of the space?

Could this be a front for something?

bodega cats: fourth in a series

in a comment on the last bodega cat, reader kathryn told us about another local litter-sleeping feline, so we were off to the corner of clinton and myrtle to investigate....

we went straight for the litter, but it was unoccupied. but then, in the back, by the storeroom, we found her:

her name is rita. she seemed to be a little more reserved than her lookalike over on franklin ave—she never once uncurled from her position—but she was just as friendly, letting us pet her head and back.

Update on Myrtle Storefront

Last week, I posted about a mysterious storefront. Many of you said you'd heard it would either be a hair salon or an Italian Restaurant. I have the answer! While walking by, the door opened and I got a peek and spoke with the owners. The space will be a high-end hair salon, called either Jonathan Adler Hair, or Jonathan Taylor Hair (I can't remember which). No fear, ladies and gents- this is going to be a modern, stylish place and not another repeat of what's already there. The space looks amazing- gold patterned wallpaper, dark wood-framed mirrors in the West Elm vein and pretty chandeliers. They hope to be open by the end of the month!

They suspect the Italian restaurant might be opening next door, in one of the two empty storefronts there:

????

Friday's Photos (with Commentary)

I love this house on Hall Street by Myrtle Avenue. It seems they have inflatable dolls for every holiday.

It's here!

Looks like BOA is a few days away from officially opening.

I read on Brooklynian that Pillow Cafe's moving closer to the Associate on Myrtle. Could this be the new home for Pillow Cafe?

What's This?

Not sure if this is the spot Jay posted about a few weeks ago, but it looks intriguing. It's on Myrtle between Washington and Hall.

Tree Hunt

On Saturday, I began my hunt for a Christmas tree. I had hoped for a Scotch Pine, but none were to be found. Instead, I settled for a lovely short-needle tree from the lot at the church on Clinton and Lafayette:

They also have gorgeous wreaths, starting at $20:

I also spied a tree lot on Myrtle between Washington and Hall:

Their selection didn't look as robust, but it was early in the morning.

There is also a lot on Washington just north of Myrtle, but their trees were locked up early in the day behind a fence-thing, so I can't speak to the selection.

Need a GIANT tree? Try Gardel's Garden on South Portland. Last year, Bishop Laughlin HS also set up an enormous lot on Lafayette. The workers were super friendly, and even gave me a free bag of pine branches towards the end of the month. Haven't seen them set up yet this year.

All the lots I've seen so far have a wide range of tree-heights, and they've all included the mini Charley Brown size.

Do you spy a particularly good (or bad) tree lot in the nabe? Email me!

Just Wondering...

Did anyone wait on line for a Jive Turkey turkey last week?  I saw a fairly long queue both Monday and Tuesday before I left town.  Can you not preorder or something?  And were those people just waiting for a fresh bird?  It seemed the boxes being unloaded from the truck were not-yet-prepared. I may order a fried turkey for Christmas...

(PS- I AM SO EXCITED TO BE BACK IN TOWN!)

Kinera II Review!

(I'm headed upstate early Wednesday morning for the holiday, so things'll be a bit quiet around here until Monday. Anyone wait on line at Jive Turkey today?) I haven't gotten around to checking out Kinera II on Myrtle yet, and have been slightly dissuaded by a less-than-favorable review I read on www.Clintonhill.us.

However, one of our neighborhood readers loves it, and typed up a superb review with a very positive spin. Thanks to "mizbrooklyn" for this contribution: KINARA. 368 Myrtle Ave / Corner of Adelphi Street

It isn't flashy, and it doesn't have an interior decorator, but my husband and I were eagerly anticipating Kinara's arrival anyway. We'd first discovered this tiny, design-challenged storefront when it opened up deep in Park Slope: it looked a bit gritty, but the Village Voice review taped to the window convinced us to give it a try ...in the middle of summer...with no airconditioning. We loved it, and left with bellies full of chickpeas and samosa. So we literally counted the days until Kinara's arrival in our neighborhood and ordered take-out that very week.

I'm happy to report that the wizardry in the kitchen hasn't suffered under expansion. The best deal, doubtless, is the $11.95 dinner special, which includes an appetizer, an entree, naan, rice, and assorted raita and chutney. One order is really quite enough for two, but we always end up ordering a couple of combinations, for variety's sake. I'm especially partial to the Aloo Papri ("snack w/ potatoes, chic peas, yogurt & chutney"): imagine a spicy chickpea salad...with fried, crispy potato-flour croutons...and two different dressings (a sweet/sour dressing, and a yogurt dressing). There's a lot going on in a dish like that, and it tastes especially good in winter, when you want a "salad" that sticks to your ribs. As an entree, the Tikka Masala is the real winner: super-tender spiced chicken dunked in a decadent sauce that a more modest restaurant might drizzle. In the post-e. coli world I hesitate to recommend spinach, but the Saag Panir is another good standby. Unlike many other Indian places, Kinara uses fresh spinach in their recipe, making for a brighter, tastier dish. A word of caution: Kinara's sweet and sour eggplant (an appetizer) may tempt you with the promise that "if you like eggplant - try this" -- but, well, don't. It is heavy and gooey and all around disappointing, both in Park Slope and Clinton Hill.

Sadly, when I walk down Myrtle, I often find Kinara mostly empty. I'm hoping business perks up soon - if not for sit-down service, than at least for Wednesday night takeout. Don't expect reduction sauces or artful presentation - just bring your appetite.

Have a restful holiday! We have LOTS of cool stuff in the works, and I am psyched.

PS- Why can I not figure out how to edit font and color of text in this post?? Sorry it looks crappy :(

What's New On Myrtle (Small Update)

Just made a quick stop into Castro's on Myrtle and notice that they've been redecorating and it's starting to look really nice inside. Much better atmosphere now for dining in. Also noticed that this sign:

Where the Gardens use to be. Boiling Kettle LLC?? Hmmm...another bar or a restuarant? Boiling Kettle doesn't sound very "bar-like" does it? Anyone got any info on this?

Saw a new store front and new apartments (?) next to El Cofre (Good Cubanos too).

Wonder what's going to open up in there.

And last but not least, a sneak peek at the Bank of America.

Looks very "bank-ish". (And I should know - I work for a bank.)

Brooklyn Jay

Chez Lola Revisited

Chez Lola

387 Myrtle Avenue

Ft. Greene, Brooklyn

(718) 858-1484

www.bistrolola.com

cash only

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(link to the original review is here.)

LOOK! A BAR!

The Vegetable Parcel

Steamed Manila Clams

Macadamia Nut Crusted Red Snapper

Grilled Pork Chops

Guitarra Pasta

Libby Hillmans Crunchy Meringue Pie

White Chocolate Lavender Bread Pudding

Chocolate Tart

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I had such a wonderful meal and experience at Chez Lola last time that I'm actually surprised that I haven't been back sooner. I always wanted to go back but with so many new places opening up, so many old places I haven't reviewed, I just never really had the time.

Well, luckily, I had some time this Friday and had another wonderful meal and enjoyable dining experience.

The first thing I noticed was the bar. FINALLY. Which means a brunch will be starting up soon.

(We were informed that they are finalizing the brunch menu and will begin serving brunch on Sunday, November 19th but I would call first and check before going. They will then begin opening up for lunch shortly after.)

We ordered the clams as an appetizer again and this time it didn't come with any (Freedom) Fries and the clams seemed a lot smaller. Still, it was very tasty and I remember to save some bread to dip into the broth. Good stuff.

The Vegetable Parcel appetizer was an interesting combination of eggplant, tomato, zucchini and a portobello mushroom. Very unique and also quite tasty.

I ordered the Grilled Pork Chops (*But I only got one pork chop. Shouldn't it then be called Grilled Pork Chop?) and it was really good. About an inch thick, juicy and very flavorful. I would have like a couple of more potatoes, and I could've done without the cooked tomato (cooking them makes them mushy) but overall I was happy with my selection.

(As you can see.)

I tasted the Guitarra Pasta and it was okay. Just okay. It's pasta tossed with extra virgin olive oil, garlic bread crumbs, fresh tomatoes and herbs. It's a very light dish but I felt like something was missing from it that kept it from being more than just okay.

I also tasted the Macadamia Nut Crusted Red Snapper. The little taste that I had was very good. The fish was well prepared from what I can tell. (Maybe Lesterhead can write a review on the fish since she was the one who ordered it.)

The Chocolate Tart seemed to have been made with a dark chocolate and had that dark chocolate bitterness to it. Also the crust and the creaminess of the filling seemed...off. Like two textures that didn't quit go together. It seemed very different from the last time I was there. Not a happy change in my opinion.

The Libby Hillmans Crunchy Meringue Pie was interesting. Not sure how to describe it but it's obviously not a traditional Meringue pie. I can't tell if I liked it or not. Hm. Gonna have to go back and try it again.

Overall, I'd say it was another nice dining experience at Chez Lola.

Oh, I recently read that people have been having service problems with several restuarants in the area. Our service was prompt, friendly and attentive. No problems here.

One last thing - Chez Lola is offering a Prix Fixe meal. While the choices are very limited it's still a very good 3 course meal for the price of $23 per person. At that price there's no reason not to give it a try.

Brooklyn Jay

SATURDAY: Myrtle Ave Community Workshop

From MARP: Next Myrtle Avenue Community Planning Workshop Scheduled:

On Saturday, October 28, 2006, from 10 AM to 2 PM, at PS46 (100 Clermont between Myrtle & Park), we will be hosting a community planning workshop for Myrtle Avenue stakeholders in cooperation with Project for Public Spaces (PPS). The workshop will build on findings from last year's Envisioning Myrtle Avenue (the file is 2.3 MB, and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) Charrette held in cooperation with Pratt Institute's urban planning program. This year, PPS will facilitate a workshop with a focus on improving the streetscape and public spaces along three sections of Myrtle Avenue: (1) the Hall Street to Emerson Place corridor, (2) the intersection of Clinton Avenue, and (3) the Washington Park to North Portland corridor. The workshop will begin at PS46, and involve breaking up into groups to head out into the field to note existing conditions and make recommendations. A light lunch will be provided for participants.

RSVP to vkungys@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

(Note: Next year, can FG/CH orgs spread some of this stuff out? Why is everything happening on the 28th? Ack!)

Myrtle Ave Gossip

What, praytell, is this going to be?

I've also heard that these two places are going to close, and be combined and turned into a gourmet grocery store:

Perhaps that's related to this MARP Survey.

And one more note on Myrtle...

This is why we need a flower shop:

A Great Reason to Get a Pedicure!

PBB Partners with the American Cancer Society in the fight against Breast Cancer

During the entire month of October, the Polish Bar will donate 100% of the proceeds generated from the sale of Polish Packs to continue the fight against breast cancer. Polish Packs are purchased by every client for their services. "We sell hundreds of these per week," says the owner, Tricialee of the sealed pouches containing sterilized filing tools. Funds generated will go towards awareness campaigns and the support of treatment initiatives in Brooklyn.

The Polish Bar is located at 470 Myrtle Avenue (at Washington).

The timing of this campaign to raise funds in the fight against breast cancer is significant due to the fact that October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Polish Bar hopes to leverage this awareness and increased visibility to stimulate men and women, otherwise unaware, to join humanity in the fight against breast cancer.

The Polish Bar is also providing registration papers for the 'Making Strides against Breast Cancer' walk in Prospect Park on Sunday, October 15. While hanging the last poster Tricialee said, "There is nothing which garners greater nobility in life, than fighting that which threatens it."

The Polish Bar of Brooklyn, located in the heart of Clinton Hill offers a variety of beauty services such as manicures, pedicures, waxing, brows/lashes, and make-up application. Points of difference include cleanliness, professionalism, and affordability, combined with a hip and sophisticated environment.

Karen's Body Beautiful: Myrtle

When I first moved to the Hill, Karen's Body Beautiful resided in a tiny storefront on Clinton Avenue north of Myrtle. I was thrilled to see her move to an exponentially larger site on Myrtle earlier this year -- the store is spacious, peaceful and warm, and really makes sense on our ever-changing Myrtle Ave. The absolute coolest thing about Karen's store is the fact that she creates ALL of her products right there, on-site! A modern kitchen sits directly behind the front counter, allowing shoppers to watch her work her magic.

Getting to know Karen:

When did the store first open? I know it was originally in a different location. We opened the first store in February 2004 and the current location (our expansion) in Feb 2006.

How did you learn to make your own beauty products? My friends and I tried it once, and nothing turned out correctly. My husband and I spent our 2003 summer vacation (from teaching High School History) learning how to make personal care products. We bought books and ingredients and did lots of experimentation. We signed the lease on our original location on Clinton Ave in November 2003. Since we were still teaching at the time it took us 2 months to make enough products to stock the store and we opened in Feb 2004. It was very exciting because we taught at the same school in the history department, we would come home make shower gel, shampoos, body butters, etc. and drive them over to the store every day. Out of the experience making the products off site (at home) and hauling them to the store did we decided that it would be wonderful to put the kitchen in the store to streamline our production and we thought the customers would get kick out of actually seeing the products being made.

Do you live in the neighborhood? If so, how long have you been here? I live in Bed-Stuy. I've lived there for 2 years.

What have been some of the challenges in owning your own business in Brooklyn? On of the challenges is maintaining a daily production schedule to keep up the our internet and in store demands. Since we make all of our products from scratch in the store we have to be open daily making products in order to fill internet orders and keep the store stocked. It takes alot of work and time to hand-make and package thousands of soaps, lotions, candles, etc.

Favorite place to eat in the neighborhood: My favorite place to eat is ABistro* on Carlton and Myrtle. The Senegalese Fried Chicken and French Toast (on Sunday Brunch) are FABULOUS!

What would you love to see open in Clinton Hill? There are sooo many things Myrtle Ave needs! A few more restaurants (including a vegetarian one) and bars are necessary to generate more foot traffic to support businesses like a butcher shop, flower shop, clothing stores, gourmet fruit and vegetable grocery store and bakery.

Any insider info on what else will be opening on Myrtle? A new hair salon that caters to white hair will be opening soon on Myrtle between Waverly and Washington. I also know that several flower shops and a butcher are very interested in opening on Myrtle.

I see the shop is quite roomy. Do you ever offer classes, seminars or events? We have KBB Spa Days where a masseuse and an esthetician come in to do spa treatments, birthday parties, and seminars on health and beauty.

What's your most popular product? Our Body Scrubs are most popular. They are very moisturizing, they exfoliate, soften and leave you with brand new skin.

If you were a flavor of ice cream, what flavor would you be and why? Hmmm... I dont eat ice cream any more, but my favorite dessert is a mango, pineapple and strawberry home-made smoothie sweetened with agave and stevia with a dash of lemon essential oil.

KAREN'S BODY BEAUTIFUL 436 Myrtle Avenue Between Clinton Avenue & Waverly Avenue Tel: (718) 797-4808 Hours: M-Sa 12p-8p; Su 12p-5p

* When ABistro first opened, I visited several times and absolutely loved it! The service and food were both top notch. For some reason, I haven't been in awhile. Thanks, Karen, for reminding me!!