Friday Photo
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This is what I'm craving.
(taken during last year's record-breaking storm, I think on Vanderbilt)
Boutique in LaFu
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Finally! The empty yet appealing space above Academy Diner has been filled! The new boutique is called Fitted by the Best.
Looks like there's a turntable up in the space, and they also offer personal shopping services. Could be cool, but where does one enter the store? Through the door next to the diner? The problem with second-floor boutiques is that they seem intimidating.
Fitted by the Best 69 Lafayette Avenue 718-858-0050 http://fittedbythebest.com/
NY's "Other" Park Avenue
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Park Avenue in Clinton Hill runs along, and under, the BQE. It looks like it's been abandoned for 50 years or more, with all of the trash, fenced up lots and crumbling buildings. No one walks along the sidewalks there.
No one except ClintonHillBlog, that is.
I couldn't believe this gorgeous renovation on the corner of Steuben and Park!
Anyone know what this is used for? I want to live in here. Seriously.
Around the corner, a lone chair sits outside a scraggly building that looks like it might have life inside.
The most intriguing find? This interesting structure made out of an abandoned street sign post.
I wonder who made this, and how many people have come across it? It's hidden secrets like this that make me love exploring the less beaten paths in the neighborhood.
The obvious drawback to this area is the lack of transportation. With all the new developments going up nearby, I wonder how all the new residents will get around. Maybe they can all hop on the B61, which runs down Park, and ride over to Red Hook, another area with no transportation.
Xmas Tree Reuse
/Still have your tree around at home? This weekend, you can drop it off at Ft. Greene Park, where it will be turned into mulch for the park. You can even bring your own bag to bring some mulch back home. I wish the park would offer to do a tree pickup, as it would be kind of a pain to drag the prickly tree for several blocks. There are SO many trees on the street now waiting for the trash pickup (though I do think the city mulches them anyway). Anyway, if you're interested in donating your tree to the park, here's the info I received from them:
MulchFest Drop off in Fort Greene Park is Saturday January 6 and Sunday January 7. Sunday January 7, 2007, 12 noon to 4 PM, a Chipper machine will be in the park making the mulch. PLEASE NOTE: All lights, ornaments, and decorations must be removed from the trees prior to drop-off. Participants will be able to take wood chips and/or mulch home from chipping site. Jeff Sandgrund, Park Manager will have staff in the park Saturday and Sunday to ensure that people are dropping off their trees in the right spot.
Ten reasons to participate in MulchFest: 1) recycling is good for the environment 2) contribute your tree and help maintain the park 3) keep your holiday decorations working for you and the community by mulching 4) get free mulch for your own garden (bring bags) 5) get to know more about the park and the FGPC 6) introduce kids to the ecological systems in nature 7) get exercise by hauling your tree to the park 8) meet neighbors 9) get free hot chocolate on Sunday during the Chipper session. 10) see how big your neighbor's tree was
Biggie's House
/Thanks to the commenters on Brownstoner who were able to identify the exact address where the Notorious B.I.G. grew up: 226 St. James Place, Apartment 3L.
Looks like a well-kept building, at least today.
Anyone remember him from back in the day?
I bet there weren't any little white dogs dressed in fleece coats back then...
Maybe he hung out in Bed-Stuy, but this address is clearly in the Hill. Holla!
High-End Hair #1
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(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?
Friday Photo
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Someone is missing his shoes.
(Washington at DeKalb)
"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...
Year-End Donations
/There's less than a week left to sneak in tax deductions, and I myself have a whole bag full of clothing to donate. You know, making room for all the new pants I need post-cookie binging.A few years ago when I first came to Clinton Hill, I tried to find a local charity looking for clothing donations. At the time, I also hoped to find something walkable due to my lack of a car. I had a very difficult time finding something. I started by emailing Leticia James, who gave me the contact info for someone at S.N.A.P. That woman unenthusiastically referred me to a local organization that provides housing and education for teen mothers. THAT contact was even more difficult to get a hold of, and then couldn't provide a pick-up for the goods. This is one of the most frustrating aspects of material donation in NYC -- getting the stuff there!
Since inheriting a car, I've been dropping off clothing donations at the Goodwill at 1100 Fulton (bt Classon and Franklin). They have a huge collection bin and a donation desk right inside for easy receipt pickup. There's also a Salvation Army near Broken Angel, but I've never been inside.
Aside from these two standbys, are there any neighborhood-specific organizations accepting clothing (or furniture/housewares) donations?
Merry Christmas...
/...Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, Happy Winter Solstice. I noticed yesterday morning that someone hung up several origami ornaments on the trees of St. James Place. Most of them looked like this:
Pratt student? Religious group? Random neighbor? No matter -- I really like them. Thanks to whoever hung these beauties.
I'll be posting this week, though on a lighter schedule.
Hope whatever you're celebrating is merry.
xoxo, CHB
Not Me?
/Merry Christmas Eve, dear neighbors. My Xmas Wish: If you are not me, do not post as me and enter an email address that is not mine but looks like it should be. The worst part is the fact that my impostor has mixed up "your" and "you're," and posted it under my moniker.
NOT cool.
xo, Lesterhead
Another Celeb in our Midst?
/A reader thinks she may have seen actor Daniel London in and around Fort Greene Park:
Can anyone confirm or deny? Do you think he'll be invited to hang at Adrian Grenier's denim-insulated house?
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?
Inside Body By Brooklyn
/Body by Brooklyn opened months ago, and I still haven't been. I had planned on it, but I just keep forgetting it's there. I did take a tour once, and the facilities seemed amazing. Yet it does seem a bit mysterious and those who have gone say a few things seem a little "off." Thankfully, reader mizbrooklyn gives us the DL on what goes on inside:
BODY BY BROOKLYN. 275 Park Avenue
It's not that every neighorhood NEEDS a place to get a massage, but since even the pets in Clinton Hill have a spa, I was excited to notice Body By Brooklyn's ambitious opening last spring. Truth was, I missed having a local place to go when my back felt crunched-up, and if a spa can make a go of it in a building overlooking the BQE...well, it can probably make it anywhere. I've been to BBB a number of times by now, more out of neighborhood loyalty than anything else -- but I'm still convincing myself to like the place.
First, the concept. If you've ever been to a really high-end spa -- think "Ten Thousand Waves" in Santa Fe, NM or even "Juvenex" in Koreatown -- the idea behind BBB will be familiar: you're supposed to spend a couple of hours here, having a drink or a snack, getting a massage, maybe plunging in their pools or sitting in their sauna. There's a big room filled with magazines -- and a bar! -- just for lounging. If you're there for a "spa day", you're supposed to use the locker room to strip down, and pad around the building in a robe and slippers. (If you're there for just, say, a waxing, they'll show you right back to your room.) In Santa Fe, I found this idea kind of novel and fun -- in Brooklyn, I have to say, I found it a bit...weird.
It didn't help that the whole place is eerily quiet and empty, even on weekends. With every room appointed in couches and poofs from West Elm, it's a bit like being in a furniture showroom after midnight. Mostly naked.
So far I've gone for a waxing and a massage. The good news is that this place is spotlessly clean. Having gotten manicures and at places I cringe to remember, there's something great about walking into a truly pristine space in the middle of the city. Service has always been fairly friendly (spas not being known for their warmth), and the rates are reasonable. But there is definitely something a bit fishy going on that's hard to put my finger on. Despite the prominently posted signs asking patrons to keep their bathing suits on (which really make you wonder why they're there in the first place), the one time I wandered into the bath area, I was greeted by a pair of naked (male) buttcheeks. I quickly fled, not knowing if this was a cultural miscommunication -- BBB is a Russian-style spa -- or a health code violation. The naked guys definitely seemed to have more run of the place than I did.
The massage wasn't bad but definitely wasn't like any other massage I've had, featuring an unexpected neck-cracking session and lots of limb-pulling: you shouldn't go in expecting Swedish Massage, even if you say you're there for deep tissue work, like I did. Then again, the first time I went to a Korean spa and had a body-scrubbing, I was pretty weirded out, too.
Mostly, the owners of BBB seem to be just figuring out how to market themselves and get customers in -- in a way, they seem to still be figuring out what customers they WANT to get in. Are they going super-high end? For the first few months there was a whopping cover charge levied just for entering the place -- suggesting they were going for the (maybe non-existent) high-luxury client. It seems like that charge has been dropped since the summer -- but BBB is still figuring out how to get things done.
I think what this place needs, more than anything, is more local patrons to make it their own: it seems more like one person's vision of a spa than a reflection of the neighborhood growing up around it. But I may go back with friends -- there is something irresistible about having a massage - or waxing - within 10 minutes' walk.
Nabe Map!
/You asked, and we deliver: a detailed neighborhood map so you can see how far you are from everything cool and noteworthy. It's not interactive, but a reader (anonymous clinton hill fan) has really gone out of her way to create something well-designed and comprehensive. She's also included adjacent neighborhoods in case you find yourself straying across the CH borders. (I know there are still a few things missing, Tessan Boutique for example. Hopefully we can do regular updates!)
The map is linked on the right (In + Around CH, Clinton Hill Map) for easy regular access (and so you can enlarge!).
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
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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...
Coffee + Croissant Comparison
/An anonymous Clinton Hill fan recently set out on a quest to discover the best coffee/croissant combo in the nabe (based on both pricing and taste). She's kindly sent us her analysis: When I first moved to Clinton Hill in the beginning of 2001, the only café in the area was Tillie’s. Now, there are a lot more options, so I decided to venture out for my morning calories and try some of them. My goal was to procure a croissant and a large cup of coffee and compare availability, price, service and taste.
Connecticut Muffin, Friday, 9:30am Availability: Yes. Price: $3.85. Service: Friendly staff. Taste: OK croissant and very burnt-tasting coffee, which is a shame because they give lots of it (20oz). Comments: No line.
strong>Choice Market, Sunday, 10:01am Availability: Yes. Price: $3.25. Service: They are too harried to say hello or even look you in the eye. Taste: Excellent and fresh for both coffee and croissant. Comments: As always, this place is mobbed! I don’t understand it. The food (sandwiches, pastries, etc.) is good but expensive, and they have sometimes messed up my order in the past. However, I am pleasantly surprised that my croissant and large coffee (160z) comes to $3.25, which I predict will be the lowest price of all the cafés. Except for the horrid line, I am very happy.
Smooch, Monday, 9:45am Availability: Yes/No. Price: $5.75. Service: Friendly, but very slow. Just because they are slow period doesn’t mean I don’t need to rush to work. Taste: Excellent and fresh. Comments: This newcomer has an earthy collegiate ambiance, so I am shocked at my total price for a muffin (they didn’t have croissant) and a large coffee. The coffee takes a while to make (and I was the only one in line waiting for anything) and is small (12oz) for a large size. It’s good coffee, though; it’s possible I was given an Americano. Even though it’s not what I wanted, they have interesting muffin flavors; I got granola-pear. Drink card—free coffee after you buy 10.
Tillie’s, Tuesday, 10:45am Availability: Yes. Price: $4.25. Service: Fair. Taste: Not so much. Comments: It’s been years since I ventured into Tillie’s for coffee purposes, so I am looking forward to trying them again, hoping to have a better experience. I am pleased that they have a choice of coffees that appears to change daily. I go for the house blend, because the barista says it is the darkest roast of the two they are offering. The total is $4.25. The croissant is decent. The large coffee is generous (20oz) but not good. (I’m beginning to see a trend, the larger the cup, the worse the coffee). Unfortunately, it tastes like watery dirt, even when I put cream in it. This is why I stopped going to Tillie’s for coffee in the first place. Drink card—free coffee after you buy 10.
Grand 275, Wednesday, 11:00am Availability: Yes. Price: $3.48 (normally $3.85). Service: Terrific, friendly and swift. Taste: Fair. Comments: The staff is always friendly and this morning is no exception. They’re out of regular coffee (they also offer hazelnut) and offer me a large coffee—that was missing about around an ounce or two of its 16oz size—at the medium-size price. So I pay $3.48 instead of the usual $3.85 for my breakfast. The croissant is fresh but doughy. The coffee is a good, solid cup, and before I leave, they top me off with some fresh brewed coffee. That’s some neighborhood “gets-to-know-all-their-customers” service. All-in-all, another happy coffee run.
Brown Betty Café, Thursday, 11:00am Availability: Yes. Price: $3.70. Service: Gruff. Taste: Fair. Comments: This place has a very appealing interior decor, but you have to wade through our local drug trade to get there. This actually sounds worse than it is, but if you’re female, I recommend wearing a coat that covers your ass for a more enjoyable stroll. 16oz large coffee.
Marquet Patisserie, Friday, 9:45am Availability: Yes. Price: $3.15. Service: Friendly and swift. Taste: Fair. Comments: Despite this café’s quaint name, good location and nice interior atmosphere with friendly service, the croissant and coffee (16oz for a large) are only average, albeit fresh. I expected more with such a set-up. But what pushes this place into my top three is the price, the winner in that category at $3.15.
There are other places I have yet to try: Pillow Café on Myrtle and Le Gamin on Vanderbilt, for example. But for now, I feel I’ve sampled the goods within the radius where I spend most of my time.
I am shocked at who I feel is the best overall place—Choice Market (perhaps this explains the lines). When they moved into Clinton Hill, I was unhappy because I felt their Soho vibe was out of character with the neighborhood, but now I feel they are a nice addition to the neighborhood.
If you’re a coffee-fueled foodie, you’ll probably enjoy Choice or Smooch. For value, try Marquet or Choice. For quantity but not taste, try Tillie’s or Connecticut Muffin.
However, for me, Grand 275 was my favorite. It wasn’t the cheapest or the best tasting. But their solid cup of joe, super friendly atmosphere and lack of frenetic lines make it my destination of choice for a coffee, either to go or to sit and sip. Thanks! I'd add Outpost Lounge to this list as well. Hopefully our coffee/croissant fan will expand this review in the coming weeks, esp once Pillow moves to its new location.
Treasures at Tessan Boutique
/CH is now home to a teeny shop filled with affordable treasures- Tessan Boutique! I can't believe I just discovered this place on Friday! It's so close to my apartment, yet without the sidewalk sign one could easily breeze past as the shop is located on the garden level of a corner mansion/brownstone.
Inside, the space is tiny -- just one small room. Yet somehow shop owner Aissatou has filled it with an astounding amount of merchandise: clothing (for men and women), jewelry (necklaces, earrings, broaches, etc), children's knits, cosmetics and soaps. Best of all, several items for sale in the shop have been made by local residents (make sure to check out the basket of exquisite scarves-wow!). Take the time to scour every shelf.
Aissatou has lived in the neighborhood for eight years and named the shop for her mother's village in Senegal. I'll do an interview soon -- lots of good stories behind this place, I'm sure. In the meantime, check it out:
Tessan Boutique 280 Dekalb Avenue (Corner of Clinton Av) Brooklyn, NY 11205 www.Tessanboutique.com 718-230-8586
