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 :(

Meetings Tonight

1. Cases to be heard on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006 by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Everyone welcome. Sign in to testify. 1 Center St., Municipal Building, Manhattan, 9th floor. Go to www.nyc.gov/html/lpc to see complete schedule. 12 noon 447-449 Clinton Ave. Application to add extension to Waverly Ave. Carriage House, excavate back yard and add iron work on roof of carriage house.

12:30 pm 173 St. James Place Application to demolish existing 2-story 1850 house damaged by fire and replace it with a large 4-story building.

2:15 pm 473 Clinton Ave. Application to modify work done without permits. Addition at top to be modified. Facade to be modified. Front yard/area way to be excavated to expose cellar door and wall.

2. Next 88th Precinct Council Meeting - Everyone welcome to meet with the police to discuss issues of crime and areas that need attention.

Tuesday, November 21, 7:30 pm, Seventh Day Adventist Church, 88 Hanson Place.

67burger review....finally

67burger67 lafayette avenue at fulton (LAFU), ft. greene, brooklyn 11am-11pm daily 718.797.7150 www.67burger.com

after our thwarted first attempt, we headed back to 67burger on thursday (calling first to make sure they were actually open). my only problem was that my husband had nabbed our digital camera for the day, but i just picked up a disposable and we were on our way. and i took a bunch of lovely photos and didn't think i needed the flash...but turns out maybe i did...so i don't have as many as i would have liked, and the ones i do have are a little art-house-y. enjoy!

so all in all, 67burger gets a thumbs up. they are clearly still ironing out the kinks, but there were enough positives that i would gladly go back again. in fact, my lunch date already has.

first of all, the space: it's long and narrow, with a minimalist garage thing happening—blue and gray striped cement walls, garage doors at the front and back, stainless steel accents, and very stylish ceiling fans.

the very open kitchen takes up the majority of the western wall, with the counter to the front of it and the restrooms to the rear, and the tables line the eastern wall.

there are some drawbacks. when you're standing at the counter ordering, you're pretty much blocking the only aisle in the place, so anyone who needs to get to the rest of the restaurant—to a table, to the restroom—has to squeeze past you. not too comfortable for anyone. and when we first sat down, it was LOUD in there. the front garge door was open and the street noise was pouring in and bouncing off the concrete walls and floor.... but as more tables filled up, the bodies muffled the din and it was fine.

so, the food: my lunch date ordered the cheeseburger, with cheddar cheese and avocado (they were out of avocado, alas) and a chocolate shake.

we split an order of curly fries, which came in a cool metal wire basket lined with butcher paper.

the kids got the hot dog kids meal and the grilled cheese kids meal, both of which came with regular fries.

then i ordered. okay, tell me what you think: the burger portion of the menu starts with "beef burger", then "cheeseburger", then a few specialty burgers; i.e. the parisian burger, whose description reads "sauteed mushrooms, onions, and dijon mustard." then "turkey burger", then "veggie burger", then the "greek garden", whose description reads "artichokes, feta, olives." this is what i order. when it arrives, it is artichokes, feta, and olives...on a veggie burger. i thought it was going to be artichokes, feta, and olives on a beef burger. was that crazy of me? if it had said "greek veggie", there would have been no question what it was. but as it was....

in any case, they should offer the "greek garden" on a beef burger, because it was one of the best burgers i've ever eaten. the burger itself was exactly how i like them, relatively thin rather than so fat you can't get a comfortable bite. and as my lunch date pointed out, the burgers were crumbly and roughly shaped, so definitely not from pre-formed patties. they were cooked well too—the medium rare was nice and crispy/charred on the outside and pink in the middle. the buns are soft but not airy or tasteless.

the curly fries seems to have possibly come from the freezer, but that didn't make them any less tasty. the regular fries could have been hand-cut, though; they were slightly irregularly shaped and had bits of skin on them. and a big plus: the ketchup comes in big red platic squeeze bottles, which are so much easier to deal with than glass bottles. if they would only put squeeze bottles of mustard on the tables too, it would be a perfect world.

the milkshakes were thick and delicious, and mine (i got a vanilla) tasted very much like it was made with breyer's ice cream, yum. speaking of beverages, 67 has a nice beer selection on tap: stella artois, sierra nevada, magic hat #9, and bass.

and while they're still definitely getting their act together, the service is great. all the employees are friendly and seem to actually care. they replaced my garden burger with a beef burger with amazing speed and apologies (and said they would reword the menu to make it clearer...). and just as the kids were about to get antsy, someone appeared with paper placemats and crayons.

at $6.25 for the cheapest burger and $2.95 for the fries, it's not a cheap lunch. but the ingredients seem fresh, everything is prepared to order, and it's delicious.

ps - when my lunch date returned with her husband, they both got bacon cheeseburgers and split the onion rings, and said that the bacon was crispy and the onion rings were thin and nicely beer-battered, and didn't suffer from that awful issue of the whole onion slipping out from the coating in the first bite....

Update on the House I WANT

Remember when I discovered this house for sale on St. James place and balked at the price back in August?Well, it's still for sale! Now it's down to $799k. Most interesting is the renovation next door that's taken place since.

THEN:

NOW:

All the houses on either side have completed this upgrade, with the tall stairway leading to a new "parlor-floor" door. I do like this new look overall, but the Buffalonian in me has a bit of an anxiety attack thinking about a long painted wooden staircase after a snow/ice storm. All I can do is picture myself slipping all the way down on my ass. (thump-thump-thump)

Anyway, I think the owners here are still smoking some of that 1980s crack with a price still that high for this one-family home in obvious need of mega-upgrades.

Bonita II we heart you

Ah, it feels good to have Bonita in the hood. We have been anxiously awaiting its opening, so it makes sense that Mike, me and fellow CHBers Lesterhead and Hey Mama would eat there as soon as they would have us (Lesterhead's friend Marina was also in attendance). Since I don't want to judge the food or service on opening night (or perhaps until the smell of fresh paint disappears) I'm really only going to comment on the decor/difference between Bonita I and II. Two words: full bar. Co-owner Mark Firth, who was tending bar, filled us in on why Bonita I doesn't have a full liquor license: midway through building, they noticed a church next door. So, only beer and wine for them, but they stuck the grill behind the bar, and made the cooks the main attraction. We'll miss watching our carnitas sizzling on the griddle before us, but the full menu of tequillas (there must be at least 20) is a sweet consolation. The house margarita was smooth and frothy, and mike's harbanero-infused sauza tequilla had a great kick. Now, I guess we'll just have to wait until they open a second Diner and Marlow + Sons. Apparently they love this hood. The feeling is mutual.

Lesterhead's Review + Photos:

Clintoncentric is right -- you can still smell the fresh paint inside, and the joint is already packed! Welcome to the 'hood.

Jay was not able to join us, so I'll do my best to do a BrooklynJay-style review.

First: I reeallly like the inside. Love the subway tiles and the mosaics. It was a lot smaller than I'd hoped though, but I suppose it's better for them to have a packed house than a lot of empty tables.

I had one gripe straightaway. I requested a table for five to three different employees, and then ended up at a table for a MAX of four. The Clintoncentric team was stuck at the bar until I weasled my way into two small tables pushed together near the back bench seating, with (barely) enough room for all of us. Thankfully, my crankiness was soothed as I already had a tasty margherita in-hand.

I've (lesterhead) actually been the only one at CHB who knows everyone else, so hey mama and Clintoncentric met one another in person for the first time last night!

Of course, we started with the guac and chips. (duh) My first taste was a little disappointing, but once I dug deeper, I could taste the fresh cilantro and citrus - tasty! Still, I think Los Pollitos has one up on the overall superiority of the guacamole.

We all ordered something different, so we could taste and compare.

All of the food took awhile to come out, but mine took really long. Like 20 minutes or so after everyone else received their dinners.

Thankfully I was on my second margherita and wasn't too concerned about it.

Plus, I tasted some of Marina's chicken enchilada and one of Mike's pork tacos while I waited. Both fresh and delicious. The side order of plantains was crusted in garlic (yum), but also seemed a tad dry. A little sauce might have done wonders.

The waitress swung by to let us know all the food would be 30% off due to the kinks of opening night. Points regained after the severe delay of my dinner for acknowledging the problem early on.

I had the fish tacos, which were soooo worth the wait. The fried fish was piping hot, and the sauce, whatever it was, was the perfect compliment. Plus, it was LOADED with fresh cilantro, my most-favorite herb ever. I seem to remembering having ordered this at the Wmsbg location, but I don't remember them being THIS GOOD.

We ordered one of each of the three desserts: rice pudding, tres leches and flan.

My personal favorite was the rice pudding, but I don't think the table shared my opinion. The problem with having all three desserts was the competing flavors. I happened to try the rice pudding first, which was cinnamon-y and mild, but it did taste kind of funny after preceding with a bite of the supersweet tres leches.

Yes, there were some major-ish service glitches, but the staff seemed to be all over it, and making sure they were attentive to at least most of the diners. Plus, for opening night, the place was packed. The food is superfresh, and it was a great night in the hood with good friends. Plus, the clientele was really mixed -- families, young people, old people. I have confidence that they'll iron out the kinks.

When we left around 9pm, there was a crowd waiting outside just to get in! I'd say the excitement rivaled the TomKat wedding/sightings of their automaton infant!

Afterwards, we debated a nightcap at either the Navy Yard Lounge or the proported new bar on Waverly south of Fulton, but in the end we called it a night. Those are adventures for other nights!

hey mama adds....

i thought about ordering a margarita too, but went with the sangria instead (am just creeping back into the world of alcohol after 3 years of pregnancy/breastfeeding, and not sure if i'm ready for tequila yet....). it was good, not outstanding. i thought the guac was excellent, really fresh and light with just the right amount of heat. and the plantains, though definitely dry, were delicious—they could even be saved by just putting a lime on the plate to squeeze on top....

i went with the chiles rellenos, which were stuffed with mild cheese and sat in a pool of tomato broth with some big chunks of potato in it. it all come together really well, letting the heat of the chiles be present but not overwhelming. yum.

oh and the three homemade salsas were great: the chipotle was smoky and rich, the tomatillo was fruity and tangy, and the supposedly "really hot" green chile wasn't mouth-searing but hot enough and with good flavor.

my favorite dessert was also the rice pudding, though it was tough to appreciate the subtlety of it after the sweeeeet tres leches cake. the flan was....eh. just eh.

i also loved the look of the space: the mosaics, the park-bench-esque banquettes, the subway tiles. just lovely. they were smart to keep the decor so simple in the small space. i also dug that they were able to create three distinct seating areas (four if you count the bar) in the small space.

can't wait to go back for a harbenero margarita when i'm back up to full speed...

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

Open House @ Kiki's -- Sunday

Greetings Pet Parents!! You are invited to Kiki's Pet Spa's Fall Open House. Come get important information and tips on keeping your furry loved ones healthy and obedient, win doggy daycare and grooming freebies, get your pet hand painted on canvas, and take advantage of our great sidewalk sale!!

Meet our in-house veterinarian Dr. Pamella Dendtler who'll be available to answer any pet health questions, take pictures with your pets, and meet our expert dog trainer who'll teach tricks as well as give you tips on training your dog. Adoptable pets will be also be available.

Sale! Sale! Sale! We'll have a sidewalk sale and Dr. Dendtler will be providing discounted Bordatella shots.

Kiki's Pet Spa & Boutique

239 DeKalb Ave

Between Clermont & Vanderbilt

Brooklyn, New York 11205

November 19, 2006

12:00PM-4:00PM

Friday Photo

Children watch pizzas being made at Graziella's on Vanderbilt

Photo by David Velez

(Vanderbilt between DeKalb and Willoughby)

Tastings @ Olivino Fri + Sat

Hello everybody!! Olivino is gearing up for a jam packed tasting weekend!

Friday Nov. 17th from 6-9pm:  Rudi is back- this time with his Italian portfolio.  He'll be pouring our favorite prosecco-Bellenda; two beautiful wines for your Thanksgiving dinner; an organic chianti and a ruche from Piedmont.  We'll also be tasting a gorgeous aglianico del vulture from Basilicata, and last, but definitely not least, we will be tasting a single vineyard vino nobile di montepulciano from a woman winemaker!!  Don't miss it!! Saturday the 18th from 6-9:  Kerin from Tempranillo will be pouring some delicious new Spanish wines.  First, a Txakoli from the Basque region (all zest and minerality), then a red from Toro called "G" (all cherry, smoke and earth).  We will also be tasting an amazing malbec from Argentina called Alfa Crux, an elegant priorat from Miserere, and finally an Oloroso sherry. Don't miss this one either!

See You Soon!

Olivino Wines 905 Fulton Street btwn Clinton and Vanderbilt 718 857 7952

SCH Meeting Recap

Thanks to Russell from RePop for reporting back on Wednesday's meeting.  Here's a recap, in his own words: The Society for Clinton Hill General Membership Meeting at St. Lukes was interesting  but I didn't realize we were going to have to speak so my nerves took up most of my attention span.  But, it was a fantastic opportunity for people in the hood to become acquainted with each other and the new businesses that have opened up here in the last few years, some of which I had never heard of before.  We all took turns presenting a speech about our businesses, why we chose Clinton Hill, and what we feel our responsibility is to the neighborhood.

All of the vendors listed below set up tables showcasing their wares. The restaurants offered samples of food.  We of course over did it with a crazy Victorian display providing an example of just about everything we carry, including the Frank Lloyd Wright Chairs and the large folding screen.  (why we insisted upon transporting the entire store....i'll never know)

Hakeem Jeffries, our New York State Assemblyman was the guest speaker and conducted a brief question and answer period about the changes happening to the neighborhood, specifically focusing on the positive in the gentrification of Clinton Hill, as it seems to be a community that can marry change and remain a "community."  "If we keep our dollars IN the community."

In attendance were the following new businesses (in addition to RePOP): Beezu Children's Clothing (CUTE!  I WISH THEY MADE THESE CLOTHES IN MY SIZE) Choice Market Clinton Hill Hardware Crunch Fitness (WHY?????????????????????????????) Embora Wellness & Movement Studio (you definitely HAVE to talk to these people - yoga, fitness, acupuncture, massage and personal training) Head Over Heels (hot shoes and couture) L'Epicerie du Quarter (yummy quiche!) Madiba (delicious crab cakes and to die for samosas) The Outpost  (way cute manager) Rice (not new) Tillie's (not so new either - 10 year anniversary party to be announced soon) Urban Spring (organic cafe) 4W Circle of Art & Enterprise  (one of 20 national African American based performance and exhibition venues - open to all and rental of space available for let's say - DANCE) Yu (high end midcentury modern)

Wish I could report more, but that is the gist of it.  Oddly enough, after unloading the van, we ended the evening at Reign which was hosting it's second Gay Wednesday party.  People did not start arriving at the club until well after midnight, but it actually was GAY.  Carl and I were the caucasian representatives and i was the only one who actually danced on that amazing lighted floor.  My bad ass white boy moves managed to clear the upstairs club (LOL) so we retired downstairs for one last drink and hit the hay.  (Isa was Sexxxy Back by the way in ripped fish nets and black cape!)

Thanks, Russell!

Bonita: Lo Siento!

Sorry, guys. It looks like Bonita was only open to friends + family tonight.  CRAP.  I hear the "real" opening is Friday.  Sorry to lead you astray.

A few notes unrelated to this:

• I had no idea Kum Kau was so good and popular.  I need to go asap.
• Are you a local photographer (amateur or profesh)?  I'm going to keep up the Friday Photo posts, so if you'd like your pic featured, just email it to us with whatever credit info/link.  Make sure it's taken in CH, Wallabout, Ft Greene or the western edges of Bed-Stuy.
• Did you go to the SCH meeting tonight?  If so, email me with details.
• I personally will not be posting tomorrow because I am having Lasik.  Hopefully one of my compadres will come up with something witty in my place.
• Glad you liked David's interview.  There will be more long-term-resident interviews coming as soon as my eyes heal.

CHB Interviews: David Velez (Photographer and Life-Long Clinton Hill-er)

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a neighbor who had a unique story -- he's been living in the same brownstone since he was three years old, on Waverly between Park and Myrtle. I couldn't resist asking him some questions about all his years here. 1. How did you end up in the same house all of these years? How long had your family lived there? My parents bought this house and Mom told me we moved in the day before I turned three. We rented out some of the other apartments but basically it has been our family house all this time.

2. What was it like growing up in Clinton Hill? Was there a similar sense of community like there is today? Growing up in Clinton Hill........ well we never saw it as Clinton Hill as it is seen and known now.... back in the day we had the crack epidemic, empty lots, graffiti and gangs to deal with around here.

3. You worked as a Sea Cadet in the Navy Yard -- what is a Sea Cadet, and what were your responsibilities? Any memories from the Navy Yard that stick out in your memory? The Sea Cadets were like a Boys and Girls Club and we would have our drills or meets in the Navy Yard. Among the things we did as cadets were camping out, learning seamanship and drill competitions that allowed for us to compete against ROTC drill teams and march in Veterans' Parades. I can still see the buildings that were used as barracks, gyms, cafeterias, NIS, and commissary. We used to march all over.

4. How long has that church been on Waverly, where everyone dresses in white robes? The church with the people with white robes -- I think maybe seven years . I am not good with time but I know it has not been there for as long I have been here.

(note: I asked this one because that church had a huge event a few weeks ago and had so many cars on the street that they literally parked directly in the intersection blocking entry to Waverly, and that pissed me off!)

5. Tell us about some of the major changes the neighborhood has seen (openings, closings, local hangouts). The major changes are seeing the people from Billy Burg and Park Slope moving in. It has brought in bars and restaurants like Maggie Brown and Pollitos.

Where Maggies is used to be a doctors office - I went there as a kid when I had a sty on my eye. Then it was a tattoo parlor.

Where Pollitos is used to be a card store not unlike a Hallmark. The Associated used to be an A&P. The hair supply store was a pharmacy. Where the Blockbuster and now gone McD's are used to be a 5 and dime where you could buy just about anything.

The Bergen Bagels was once an ice cream store owned by John's. John owned John's Pizza (where Liberty Pizza is). John's Ice Cream shop which also sold birthday cakes.

Next to the Post Office in that empty space now used to be a Kentucky Fried Chicken. The hair salon on Myrtle between Hall and Washington used to be a cool video store - privately owned so we could always get cool movies and concerts there.

The school down Clinton used to be a Drakes Cakes factory - I used to watch the trucks pull in at night when I did my homework on my fire escape. Then it was a huge storage facility which looked more like a junk yard.

6. What's stayed the same? Kum Kau has always stayed packed - for good reason too.

7. Any scary stories from the neighborhood's "rough and tumble" past? Drugs (still evident) was and is a big issue albeit better covered now. Prostitutes as well. The home for grannies up Washington used to be a place to meet and get a "date." I'd get accosted by prostitutes on Myrtle, although it's less often than the panhandlers outside Citibank, Associated and Kum Kau.

8. What's your favorite place to eat in Clinton Hill? Kum Kau, Castro's, El Cofre, Liberty Pizza and Graziella's

9. How did you get into photography? I got into photography when I was stationed in Pearl Harbor. I was in the Navy and fought in the first Gulf War. In this time I picked up a camera and never looked back. I was basically self taught and I also graduated from the Germain School of Photography when I came back to NYC. I have been a professional photographer since 1991 when I was first published in maritime and naval publications and books. I work with film and digital cameras from 35mm up to 11x14 inches. I also have a darkroom where I do my film processing and some printing. I love photography and I am glad I can make my living from it.

10. If you were a flavor of ice cream, what flavor would you be and why? Ice cream...... my personal favorite is coffee heath bar crunch but if I was to be I would say chocolate because I could be so many different tastes (dark or milk and variations within those). I'm crazy and I barely know what I will want to shoot next - being able to be different tastes depending on my mood would suit me - so chocolate it is.

For more info on David Velez, check out his website. He snapped this hysterical photo of an abandoned leg at Waverly and Myrtle the other night:

I'm guessing this was orchestrated by a Pratt student or the guys at RePop...

lafu lunch

brooklyn jay handed me the assignment of reviewing 67 burger (67 lafayette @ fulton, next to corcoran), since it is currently only open till 4pm, and he works a day job, whereas i lead the leisurely life of a stay-at-home-mom. so we headed over around noon today, and were greeted by this:

boo! but we were also greeted by the very nice manager whose name i can't remember (ed? sorry!), who explained the follwoing to us: the noon–4pm hours had been their soft opening, and they had found a few things that they wanted to tweak before they opened for real. they are very happy with the quality of the food, but less pleased with how service was flowing. they're paying special attention to this aspect since they know that there has been some talk lately about the low quality of service in local restaurants (ahem!). so they are switching over from waitstaff service to counter service only, which i agree makes a lot more sense for the kind of place that 67 burger seems to be. they should be open again tomorrow or friday at the latest, and we will return....

but in the meantime we had to eat lunch, and i was determined to review something, dammit, so we hoofed up the street to la bagel delight (73 lafayette, next to mullane's). and all in all, it was...really good. the moms split a grilled chicken with broccoli rabe and fresh mozarella on focaccia:

the chicken was passably moist, the broccoli rabe wasn't overcooked, and the foccacia was great, flakey yet dense. very happy. the kids split wild rice with grilled vegetables....

...and pasta salad with mozarella and tomatoes...

...which was a little too vinegar-y, but i'd rather have too much vinegar than too much oil.

but what pushed this place from "mediocre" to "really good" was the guys behind the counter who, while mindful of the fact that most people in there are on their lunch break and need to get in and out quickly, are just plain sweet. smiling, joking, genuinely nice. they even gave us free cookies for the kids (but don't tell the kids that, since they never saw one little crumb of them, no sugar high before nap, thanks).

and look—if you get a bunch of bagels to take home, they give you a handy carrying case that you can reuse the next time you need to take your cat to the vet!

my only complaint? lack of a restroom. i know it's mostly a to-go kind of joint, but if you're gonna have tables, you should have a rest room.

Broken Angel Update: 11/13

From Chris Wood:

The building Broken Angel is a unique melding of art and architecture designed by my father Arthur Wood, and located in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn. The original building was bought at a city auction in 1979, and major construction was completed in 2002.  On 10/10/06 a structure at the top of Broken Angel caught fire. Thanks to the quick action of the New York City fire department no one was harmed, and only minimal damage was done to the building. Unfortunately the fire brought the attention of the department of buildings (DOB) who vacated my parents, the owners and guardians of Broken Angel. My family is currently working with the architecture firm, Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture http://www.jpda.net/news.html, to bring the building to code, however we are still being threatened with demolition by the DOB. On Wednesday 11/15/06 the Brooklyn Supreme Court will begin hearings on whether the actions of the DOB are justified.  Additionally we will be selling photographs and paintings as a fundraiser at Artez’n (444 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn NY). These works of art can also be viewed and purchased on line at http://www.artezn.com/product/?product_id=5246 .We are attempting to raise funds to save the building and develop it in a way that will help the community. In selling our art work we are hoping to make Broken Angel a permanent art installation and fixture of Brooklyn. For those who are interested in viewing the building additional photos of Broken Angel can by seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/onebadapple/ . In closing my family would like to say thank you to all of the people who have been so gracious in their offers of help. We deeply appreciate your support.

***

Looks like there are some photos of the building for sale for the fundraiser, which sounds to me like a great way to raise money.  Check it out.  I know I will!

SCH Events This Week

1. Society for Clinton HillNew Business FAIR Wednesday, November 15, 7:30 – 9:00 PM St. Luke's Church Parish House 259 Washington Ave. (between Dekalb/Willoughby)

Come meet our area merchants, hear about their businesses and view or sample their wares. It's a great opportunity to sign-up for a fitness program, get new ideas for holiday gifts, and try some special foods. Support our local merchants! Merchants include (among others):

Beezu Children's Clothing Madiba Restaurant Burger 67 Peace of Mind Books Choice Market The Outpost Clinton Hill Hardware Repop Vintage Gallery Crunch Fitness Center Rice Restaurant Embora Wellness Studio Tillie's Coffee Shop Head Over Heels Urban Spring L'Epicerie du Quarter 4W Circle of Art Yu

Word has it that there will be some interesting demonstrations of how to whittle that waist, some great discount coupons, delicious food samples and much more.

See you there!

2. COME TO THE COMMUNITY FORUM ON ATLANTIC YARDS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 7 PM HANSON PLACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (Hanson Place and Saint Felix Street)

Join your neighbors for a community meeting on the Atlantic Yards arena and high-rise development proposal.

FEATURING:

* An update on the Federal eminent domain lawsuit and other legal challenges. * City Hall and Albany update from elected leaders * A presentation by the Council of Brooklyn Neighborhoods on the environmental impacts the project would have. * Q&A session

INVITED SPEAKERS:

* Incoming 57th District Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries * 44th District Assemblyman Jim Brennan * 52nd District Assemblywoman Joan Millman * 18th District Senator Velmanette Montgomery * City Councilwoman Letitia James

SPONSORED BY: Atlantic Avenue Betterment Association • Bergen Street Block Association • Brooklyn Bears Community Garden • The Brooklyn Christian Times • Brooklyn Vision • Carroll Street Block Association (5th-6th Ave.) • Dean Street Block Association (4th-5th) • Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn • East Pacific Block Association • Fifth Avenue Committee • Fort Greene Association • Friends and Residents of Greater Gowanus • Park Slope Neighbors • Pratt Area Community Council • Prospect Place Block Association Atlantic Yards Task Force • Sierra Club • South Oxford Street Block Association • South Portland Block Association • The Society for Clinton Hill • Times Up! • Warren St. Marks Community Garden • Reverend David Dyson, Pastor of Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church

(Note: The Business Fair sounds cool. I may try to stop by before I dine at Bonita!)

Intriguing House (?)

I recently came across this awesome building on Steuben up by Park:

Nice choice of paint color and house number style. Plus, I just love that this is just hidden away, like a treasure.

Do you live here? Email me immediately.

Chez Lola Revisited

Chez Lola

387 Myrtle Avenue

Ft. Greene, Brooklyn

(718) 858-1484

www.bistrolola.com

cash only

---

(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

---

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

Friday Photo

(Fort Greene Park)

Wine Tasting @ Olivino Tonight

Good Evening Wine Fans! This Friday, November 10th, from 6:30-8:30pm, Keith from Omni Wines will pour a varied selection of wines!

First up, two lambruscos, one sweet, one dry, both sparkling and red. Next, a Dolcetto and a Barolo, reds from Terra del Barolo in Piedmont, Italy. Finally, a white from Mendoza, Argentina, Zolo Torrontés.

Come sip with us!

Cheers,

Olivino 905 Fulton Street Btwn Clinton and Vanderbilt 718/857/7952

Survey Still Up!

Don't forget to take the CHB survey - thanks!CHB SURVEY!