Another Thing We Need

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This is my only post today, as I am home sick after a nasty bout of food poisoning/stomach flu.  You know you're a NYer when you find yourself vomiting in a nasty MTA trash can on the subway platform.  Twice.Anyway, I've recently thinking that a bike shop/bike repair would make a killing on Myrtle.  The closest place I know of is on Vanderbilt south of Atlantic, and last spring there was a line down the street on the first warm day for tuneups.

Go to it, people.

Brooklyn Restaurant Week: March 19-30

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It's that time of year again -- the perfect excuse to check out some of the many awesome restaurants in the area. Go back to your favorite place, or try something new. The price is $21.12 per person (not including drinks, tax and tip) Here's a list of all the establishments participating in our area:L = lunch D = dinner Chez Lola (D) 387 Myrtle Avenue 718-858-1484

Chez Oskar (D) 211 DeKalb Avenue 718-852-6250

Five Spot (D) 459 Myrtle Avenue 718-852-0202

iCi (L/D) 246 Dekalb Avenue 718-789-2778

June Restaurant (D) 229 Dekalb Avenue 718-222-1510

Junior's Restaurant (D) 386 Flatbush Avenue Extension 718-852-5257

Le Grand - Dakar Restaurant (L/D) 285 Grand Avenue 718-398-8900

Los Pollitos III (L/D) 499 Myrtle Avenue 718-636-6125

Loulou Restaurant (D) 222 DeKalb Avenue 718-246-0633

Luz Restaurant (D) 177 Vanderbilt Avenue 718-246-4000

Madiba Restaurant (L/D) 195 Dekalb Avenue 718-855-9190

Maggie Brown Restaurant (D) 455 Myrtle Avenue 718-643-7001

Mojito Cuban Cuisine (L/D) 82 Washington Avenue 718-797-3100

Mullanes (D) 71 Lafayette Avenue 718-797-7606

Olea Mediterranean Taverna (D) 171 Lafayette Avenue 718-643-7003

Scopello Ristorante Bar (D) 63 Lafayette Avenue 718-852-1100

Soule Restaurant (D) 920 Fulton Street 718-399-7200

Thomas Beisl (L) 25 Lafayette Avenue 718-222-5800

Veliis 773 Fulton Street 718-596-9070

...and 2 for $21.12 at:

RICE (2 for 1 L/D) 166 Dekalb Avenue 718-858-2700

The Smoke Joint (2 for 1 L/D) 87 South Elliot Place 718-797-1011

(The full list of participating Brooklyn restaurants is here.)

pillow cafe: open!

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stopped by the new incarnation of the pillow cafe today for an early lunch/snack. they're still getting things off the ground, but it's looking promising.....the food and drink are just as they were at the original pillow. we got huge hot chocolates:

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a muffin:

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and a bagel with pesto and fresh mozzarella:

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i actually wanted to order a bagel with flavored cream cheese, but they didn't have any. the very sweet counter guy apologetically told me that they didn't have everything quite in place yet, having only been open a little over a week, but that if i'd come back, they would have vegetable, artichoke, and scallion cream cheese. artichoke cream cheese? yes, thank you, i'll be back.

the muffin was chocolate chip and got high points for not having too many chips and being a teeny bit salty, a nice counterpoint to the sweet.

the hot chocolate was as good as it looks. you can get it with whipped cream too, if you're into that sort of thing.

the space, though still a work in progress, is lovely. the front area, with the bar and a bunch of cafe tables, is light-filled and feels bigger than it really is. i am a little nostalgic for the cozy feel of the old pillow cafe, but it's hard to argue with this:

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we sat in the area in back of the bar. right now it is mostly open, sparsely furnished with just a few couches and armchairs. but that was actually just fine for our purposes: it was the perfect space for two 2-year olds to run wild without disturbing the rest of the customers:

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there was a big velvet curtain over the french doors in the back, masking the disorganization in the yard that will someday house awesome outdoor seating, but one of our little monsters pulled it down.... i'm sure they'll have it fixed by the time you go in.

pillow cafe 505 myrtle ave. @ ryerson and grand

SCH Newcomers' Party!

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The details are in for the Society for Clinton Hill's Newcomers' Party. I wish I would have known about this when I moved to CH, but whatever. I may go this year and make my famous salmon toasts to share. You Are Invited

Society for Clinton Hill

New Comer's Party

Friday, February 23, 2007

7:00 to 10:00 pm

At 505 Myrtle Avenue

The new location of Robin & Biola's Pillow Cafe (between Ryerson & Grand)

The Society for Clinton Hill invites all those "new" to the neighborhood to come and be our guests for dinner and drinks. The "old timers" of Clinton Hill will bring their favorite dish. SCH will provide all beverages. Children welcome. Everyone please invite those new to the area from your block, your building, your child's school, or your gym to join us.

Please RSVP to Roslyn Huebener at 718-499-8382 ext. 11, by, Tuesday, February 20th, so that we can plan the food and drinks accordingly. (There is no provision for re-heating or cooking at the party, so bring your favorite dish "ready to eat.") We look forward to greeting old and new friends alike on Friday, February 23, at the charming and lovely Pillow Café.

Clinton Hill Valentine Plans

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From the MARP blog, V-Day specials from some of our favorite places: Yes, we all know it’s a Hallmark Holiday that’s just a tad bit on the consumerist side of things, but if you’re going to spend it, feel good by spending it close to home. Valentine's Day specials are available up and down the avenue, so bring your honey out to Myrtle Avenue to enjoy a very special, local Valentine’s Day. Shop, dine, and pamper at your favorite area businesses.

SHOP

Karen’s Body Beautiful, 436 Myrtle, (718) 797-4808 Beautiful Valentine’s Day gift baskets — available in all price ranges.

Kiini Ibura Jewelry, 388 Myrtle, (718) 858-5195 10% off of all red jewelry (includes corals and garnets) 10% off of all candles

RePOP 95% Recycled, 68 Washington, (718) 260-8032 10% discounts off of all jewelry and dresses in shop for Valentine's Day.

Frosted Moon Emporium, 154 Vanderbilt, (718) 858-3161 Frosted Moon has valentine cards, valentine-themed picture frames and gift ideas for under $40 (silk purses, satin travel slippers and scented candles in keep sake glass holders).

Sarafina Art & Gift Gallery, 411 Myrtle, (718) 522-1083 10-50% off a number of selected items: -15% off Caswell-Massey aromatherapy -20% off sterling silver and amber jewelry -10-50% off contemporary art -25% off hand painted fragrance lamps and tea light holders -25% off Votive candles (Flower collection) -Also, chocolate heart-shaped lollipops in for the season

Head Over Heels, 366 Myrtle, (718) 237-8880 20% clearance on all boots, now thru Valentine’s Day.

PAMPER

Polish Bar of Brooklyn, 470 Myrtle, (718) 622-5363 Chocolate Paraffin manicure service ($20) Also, PBB is offering special V-day gift sets, starting at $30: -pampering gift set ($30) -manicure/ pedicure set ($60) -luxe manicure/pedicure gift set ($80) All sets include: gift card enclosure; PBB mint candy foot polish; PBB hand and foot repair; luxe terry cloth PBB slippers.

PBB recommends the $60 or $80 sets. Also, there will be an in-store Valentine’s Day celebration. Details here

Body By Brooklyn, 275 Park, (718) 923-9400

Enjoy LIVE JAZZ in the Lounge Wednesday, February 14th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

February 14th – 18th: Book a Couple’s Massage for you and your special someone and save $20

B3 Signature Chocolate Massage—10% off B3 Signature Chocolate Massage $175/ 90 minutes

Melt away stress, indulge your senses and warm your soul with a decadent chocolate massage. When absorbed through the skin, the natural antioxidants of pure cocoa help to flush out impurities, reduce cellulite, improve circulation and help stimulate cell regeneration. The aromas encourage serenity and mental wellness while the cocoa will soften, tone, nourish, moisturize and protect your delicate skin.

Book a chocolate massage now through February 15th and try a complimentary chocolate martini!

DINE

Luz, 177 Vanderbilt, (718) 246-4000 Special five course menu plus one drink $55.00 per person. RSVP recommended

Mojito Cuban Cuisine, 82 Washington, (718) 797-3100 Special prix fix dinner: $35/ per person; $30/ if you mention that you received e-mail from the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. Choice of champagne or white sangria and including salmon croquette appetizers, and rice and beans. Sautéed chicken in white sauce topped w/a bacon mélange. Strawberry parfait. May choose selected appetizer, entrée and dessert substitutions. RSVP recommended

Chez Lola, 387 Myrtle, (718) 858-1484 Special prix fix dinner: $35/ per person Menu: harrisa fennel soup, grilled shrimp salad, endive and watercress salad; pan roasted blue snapper, wiener schnitzel, guitarra pasta, free range chicken; w/ Lola’s ‘Be My Valentine’ chocolate crème brulee are on this special lovers’ menu. RSVP recommended

Maggie Brown, 455 Myrtle, (718) 643-7001 Special prix fix dinner: $35/ per person (Special menu still in the works) RSVP recommended

Bank of America: Grand Opening

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image001.gif I have a few things to say about this:

1. LOVE the idea for the new campaign. Hopefully MARP will provide info on the "18 local merchants" featured so I can post it here. I see Karen on the bottom right! Some of you recently posted on wanting a fish market. There's a guy on the bottom holding a fish! Let's find out what his deal is.

2. How exactly does a chain bank tie in with this campaign? Hey, I'm all for more banks nearby (though I'm annoyed at the lack of an HSBC), but just wondering.

3. Why do all these community events have to be on a weekday afternoon? It was the same with the CH Co-Ops co-generation celebration-thing. I know it's good to have local politicians on-hand and maybe it's harder to schedule them on the weekends. But if this stuff is for the community...well, it would be nice to be able to attend, that's all.

4. Tish James is scheduled to appear. I have to give her props for seemingly being everywhere at all times. I've never had a local politician be so visible.

Now's the Time to Open That New Business...

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The MARP blog just posted a call for new businesses on Myrtle, especially the services identified as being the most desired: bakery

florist

butcher

book store

cheese shop

organic grocer

gourmet grocer

ice cream parlor

MARP secures city grants to help renovate or upgrade retail space! Let this be your call to action. The demand for the things we're lacking will only grow.

Check their website for contact info.

(burzh-wa): My Review

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All the praise for (burzh-wa) sounded too good to be true, so I decided I needed to try it for myself. I made myself an 8am appt on Saturday morning with the insanely-lauded Kim. snb10921.jpg

First, Kim gave me a tour of the salon. The main room is quite expansive, and there's a washing station in the back (which will eventually become the spa space). Kim was superfriendly, and we gabbed the entire time I was there. She showed me some pics of the space before she moved in. If you go, ask her to see them so you can truly appreciate the renovation.

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I was a little nervous, so I asked for just a trim. I have odd hair. It's curly around my face, frizzy in the back and perfectly straight and smooth underneath. I am VERY picky when it comes to hair salons. A bad cut for me could spell disaster!

When my cut was almost finished, Kim convinced me to let her cut the sides short. I waffled at first, but I gave in. I wanted to see what she could really do. The result? A really hip look, cut efficiently, and which cost me a mere $35!!!! Pratt Students, get thee to Kim.

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She cuts all kinds of hair!  My cut:

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Myrtle Ave Blog!

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The Myrtle Ave Revitalization Project (MARP/Myrtle BID), has done a great job on Myrtle. They also run a really well-designed website, making it easy to support local businesses there.They've just launched a blog called Myrtle Minutes. So far, they've listed info on a Grand Opening Party @ Bank of America (Jan 30), and info on Vesper. I'm hoping the blog stays up-to-date, since the last "local happenings" event listed on the regular site was back in October!

Drama at 11205

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I'm at a loss for words right now as to how annoyed I am with the Pratt Station PO. So, I need to rent a PO box. The thought of heading to 11238 made my head spin, so I settled on the Myrtle PO. I'm on Myrtle more then I'm on Fulton anyway, and people seem to think 11205 is far superior.

I left early this morning to make sure I had time to take care of my postal business before work. I know how long the lines are at 11238 all hours of the day. So imagine my surprise when I arrived at 11205 to find NO LINE! My pleasure was short-lived once I realized window service didn't begin until 9:30. Wtf? The antithesis of convenient.

I arrived around 9 and weighed my options. What were the chances that if I left right away for 11238 and waited in line that I'd be done by 9:30? Very slim. So, I stayed in line for 30 minutes. Others joined the line and grumbled about how the staff will hide until 9:30 exactly. It's like they take pleasure in the bad service!

At 9:32, the first window opened. When it was my turn (I was second in line), I handed over the PO box rental application that I had printed online and filled out. The woman asked, "Where's the original?". Huh? "This IS the original. I printed it out online.". "Well," she responded, "We can't do anything with that. You have to fill THIS out." I took the form, which was the same as the online form but on different paper, and stormed out.

Why even have the form available online if it can't be used? I was curious, so I called USPS directly. When I finally spoke with a human (I had to babble about something not an option in the menu they provided, which finally sent me to a living person), I asked if the PO had to accept the online form. She said:

"I can't comment on that. Each post office does things differently."

Really? Is this 1904?

Who besides me thinks we need to bulldoze both existing POs, rebuild modern facilities and hire a whole new staff?