Head Over Heels Cafe: Does It Actually Exist??

/

Back in September, Jay and I attempted to try out a new cafe in Bed-Stuy called Head Over Heels Cafe. When we arrived at the alleged location, we couldn't find it. Now five months later, we found ourselves wandering one morning and decided to see if it was actually there. This is what we saw:

snb11244-copy.jpg This "cafe" is allegedly located where that gate is pulled down and there is NO SIGN. The website's still up, and claims that they open at 10am. This photo was taken around 11:30 am on a Sunday morning.

Seriously, this is SO unprofessional! Even opening 10 minutes late isn't cool. That was my second attempt to check them out. NOT good business practice.

(Allegedly located at 525 DeKalb Ave.)

SCH Newcomers' Party!

/

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.

Intriguing Bakery

/

I can't believe no one's written about this yet, but it appears there's already a new business ready to open in the old Blimpie's location. (LaFu, Lafayette and S. Elliott. And while I'm at it, I am NOT using the term LaFu to describe a trendy mini-nabe. I KNOW this is Fort Greene. But the streets here DO create an interesting triangle and a lot has been going on there. So I am using "LaFu" to denote the location. I would not say this is "in" LaFu, but rather "AT" LaFu, before more people get annoyed. Just saying.) So, anyway, there's a new place that looks kind of like a bakery (a chain bakery??)snb11232.jpg

snb11233.jpg

I'm confused by this. Since there's a sign inside that says "pan plus," I assumed "pan" referred to the Spanish word for bread, which would make sense if the sign outside said "PAN & MAS (bread & more)," but it says PAM & MAS.

What is going on here?

Clinton Hill Valentine Plans

/

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

Bagel World is OPEN

/

YES! Jay texted me Saturday morning to let me know BW was open for business, so we made plans to check it out first thing Sunday morning. snb11224.jpg We arrived around 10am, so it was fairly quiet (with regular flow of patrons in and out). First impressions: good layout (register near the back, avoiding weird line congestion a la Bergen Bagel). Also, good selection of cream cheeses.

snb11227.jpg snb11225.jpg

The guy in charge told us to check out the heated outdoor-ish back room, so we did.

snb11226.jpg

Cool! Ample seating, and out of the way of other people in line and ordering.

Another bonus: TONS of pastries and cookies, in case you're not up for a bagel or sandwich.

snb11230.jpg

Our order: I had a toasted sesame with olive cream cheese, and Jay had a toasted everything with regular cc.

toasted sesame at bagel world jay's breakfast

Jay felt that Bagel World's (BW) bagels are better than Bergen Bagel (BB), but I myself prefer Bergen taste-wise (and I think Bergen has better olive cc). BW's bagels were very crispy and ARE made on-site (bonus). The guys working at BW also seemed far more cordial than those at BB. The main guy behind the counter (manager? owner?) was exceptionally friendly and eager to serve. Let's hope that's the standard and not just opening @sskissing.

BW is localed on DeKalb Ave between Clermont and Adelphi.

FROM BROOKLYNJAY:

Bagel World. Stupid name, good bagels.

The first thing I noticed was how well stocked, neat and organized this place was which, I guess it's to be expected since this is their second location. The staff really had thier act together too. Attentive, pleasant and there when you needed them but not in a pushy sort of way.

I ordered my favorite - an everything bagel, toasted, with regular cream cheese and a small coffee, light and sweet.

Mmmm...good bagel.

First thing I noticed is how well the bagel was topped and how it did indeed have a little bit of everything. The bagel was crunchy from the toasting on the outside and still soft and chewy on the inside - just perfect. The cream cheese was good too with just the right amount to perfectly compliment the bagel's coating. You can taste a little bit of everything but the salt was the most predominant flavor - not that I'm complaining as I like salt. (But a salt bagel on it's own always makes me feel like my blood pressure's just increased by 300%.)

Mmmm...good bagel.

The coffee was eh but I wasn't expecting it to be amazing - just passable enough to go with my bagel in the morning which it is.

Overall I'd have to say Bagel World has a slightly better bagel than Bergen, which is my local, and Le Bagel Delight and I would rank them currently in that order.

Heavenly Crumbs: Yes, Indeed

/

heymama recently posted about a new bakery she discovered on Franklin called Heavenly Crumbs.  Being a sucker for sweets, I needed to try it myself. She. Was. Right.

Actually, Jay and I had planned on doing a little baked-goods-tasting-comparison in the area, and we started at Cake Man Raven. They had nothing out, and the woman at the register was less than engaging.  So after rolling our eyes, off we went to HC.

I really don't think I've ever had a tastier cupcake.  Seriously.  I've already eaten a chocolate with coconut frosting and the signature "passion fruit" cupcake.  The cake is supermoist, and the frosting is PERFECT.  I'm personally not a fan of ultra sweet, texture-y frosting, and Shannon's frosting is just perfect.

I have the red velvet and the triple-berry left.  They're enormous, so I am saving two for tomorrow :)

snb11267.jpg The info, once again:

heavenly crumbs 355 franklin ave. @ greene and lexington 718-623-6271 heavenlycrumbs.com

Cheesy Love at Olivino

/

From Olivino: Who says love is cheesy? We do! You know what we mean: Love is rich, love is gooey, sometimes it's hard, and sometimes it's melt-in-your-mouth smooth. And sometimes it just plain stinks - still, we can't seem to get enough of it.

And that's why we've joined up with Formaggio Essex, purveyors of fine cheeses on the Lower East Side, to bring you a very special pre-Valentine's Day wine and cheese love fest next Tuesday, February 13, from 8 to 10 pm. Come get it on with a selection of FE's exclusive cheeses from around the world, cheeses made on small farms, in Old World, traditional methods. Cheeses like the Mil Ovejas, a smooth, slightly fruity sheep's milk cheese from Spain and Couronne Lochoise, a creamy, ash-coated chevre from France's Loire Valley.

Each cheese will be carefully paired with wines from our shop by neighborhood sommelier, Bill Powers. Bill will be on hand all evening to guide us all through the sensory process of properly pairing food and wine. And because love is best when it's bitter-sweet, we'll also be sampling scrumptious handmade chocolates by Durand, a boutique chocolatier from Rennes, France. Yummy. Titilate your senses and maybe even find that perfect gift for your Valentine at the very same time.

This event is $40 per person, and space is limited to ten people, so please RSVP soon!

Cheers (and, of course, love),

Olivino

construction

/

i know i should be immune to all of the ugly/shoddy buildings going up in our neighborhood, but this latest one intrigues me:

greenebuilding1.jpg

it's on greene avenue, between grand ave. and classon ave., closer to classon, on the south side of the street.

it caught my interest because it looks like it might not be residential. and what exactly is going on with the opening (window?) on the bottom right? it looks like it spans two floors...

greenebuilding2.jpg

...but what would be the purpose of that? and if it's not residential, what is it?

anybody know anything about this?

(UPDATE: The following photos are from commenter David6of7, taken on his block on Waverly showing very similar construction:)

dscn0997.jpg

dsc00012.JPG

Photography in the Nabe

/

Just received word on TWO photography events presented by local artists in the area: 1. Fort Greene Photography Org:

fgpomagnolia_feb9.jpg

On display will be a variety of photographic interpretations of how humans relate to each other and the environment. Images will showcase the talent of these artists by presenting images that are imaginative, emotional, as well as thought provoking. The dedication demonstrated by the photographers in this exhibit continues to show that FPGO is one of the premier community based artists organizations. Fort Greene Photography Organization is a photography-inspired membership organization that was founded in January of 2001. With a membership of thirty individuals, FGPO’s mission is to advance public interest in photography, to expose the public to the works of emerging photographers through exhibitions and other events, and to provide emerging photographers with a forum to expose their work to the public. FGPO aims to organize, sponsor, and present exhibitions, forums, lectures and discussions related to photography in order to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of photography by the general public to make it accessible to all. For further information, please contact: The Washington Carver Gallery at The Magnolia Tree Earth Center 677 Lafayette Avenue Brooklyn, NY Empress Modupe Olufunmi 347-351-3882 or Pavan Carter 718-986-9496

2. Celebrating Black History Month:

The Seventies and the Eighties: A Digital Presentation of Photographs by Marilyn Nance

Saturday February 17, 2007 at 7:30 PM

85 S. Oxford Street at Lafayette Avenue, Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY

$5 Admission

A benefit for Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, a neighborhood landmark whose legacy of community service & activism stretches from the Underground Railroad to today’s social justice issues. www.lapcbrooklyn.org

Ten Years of Tillie's!

/

snb11184.jpg Patricia Mulcahy opened Tillie's on DeKalb Avenue on February 25, 1997. A true pioneer on the now thriving DeKalb strip, Tillie's was one of the first locales in the neighborhood to cater to the neighborhood's thriving arts scene. These days, Tillie's still hosts open mic nights and art installations.

I just received the following press release, detailing the coffee shop's inception and listing a number of special events to celebrate this BIG anniversary:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TILLIE’S OF BROOKLYN CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY, 2/07 On February 25th, 1997, editor and publisher Patricia Mulcahy opened Tillie’s of Brooklyn on what was then a forlorn strip of DeKalb Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The new coffee house was a turning point for the neighborhood. Ten years later, with Fort Greene considered one of the most vibrant areas in New York City and the controversial Atlantic Yards project certain to transform the neighborhood even further, Tillie’s is celebrating its anniversary with a month-long calendar of events showcasing Brooklyn-based music, art, and writing.

“Tillie's is my favorite watering hole,” says City Councilwoman Letitia James, “A place where everyone knows my name, and everyone else's as well. A place where artists, writers, students, politicians, seniors and children of every persuasion gather to get the local gossip. But it is a place in a neighborhood that is being threatened by economic forces and chain stores. It is the reason that I raise my voice so loudly against development and luxury coops. We must all do what we can to preserve the character, diversity and soul of this community. I salute Tillie's, and raise my coffee cup in its honor.”

Housed in an 1888 landmark building in what was formerly an antiques store, Tillie’s was named to honor Tillie Asnis, whose family for decades ran businesses on the site and lived above the store. Mulcahy, former editor in chief of Doubleday and executive editor of Hyperion, designed Tillie’s to function as both a contemporary update on the corner hangout and an arts and community-oriented coffee house in the Greenwich Village tradition. In addition to art shows, Open Mic nights, and music and spoken word events, Tillie’s features a well-used community bulletin board and a rack of free publications—from The Onion and The Village Voice to The Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Courier.

“The most rewarding thing about being in business for ten years,” says Mulcahy, “is seeing the neighborhood realize its potential. It has always had amazing people—and beautiful architecture, too—but economically, it took a while for Fort Greene-Clinton Hill’s diversity and artistic flavor to be recognized and celebrated citywide. Now we are struggling to hold on to these features as change swirls around us.”

Once a lonely outpost, Tillie’s has been joined by a raft of new stores and restaurants on DeKalb Avenue as the street develops into an increasingly lively commercial strip in a burgeoning neighborhood. Over the years, Tillie’s offerings have branched out from typical coffee shop fare to include a full range of sandwiches, salads, and other light meals.

Carl Hancock Rux, poet, playwright, novelist and performer, is a longtime Fort Greene resident and Tillie’s regular. “The soup of a neighborhood is in the stock of its watering holes,” says Rux, whose Talk was labeled “a dazzling play” by The New York Times. “At Tillie’s,” he continues, “African drumming circles drown out polite business conversations; would-be iconoclasts plan their mercurial rise to fame; post-emancipation vegan hip-hopsters mingle freely with expatriate bohemes, their toddlers and their terriers. New York hasn’t seen anything like this in a looooong time.”

Tillie’s is located at 248 DeKalb Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. For directions see “Getting Here” at www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com. For more information, see Calendar of Events, below, or contact Patricia Mulcahy at (718) 783-6140 or mail@tilliesofbrooklyn.com.

snb11186.jpg Calendar of Events at Tillie’s, Tenth Anniversary 2/07 (Please note: there is no cover charge for events unless specifically noted.)

1/16/07 – 2/17/07 Prints and Paintings by Richard Lebenson A professional illustrator for over 30 years, Lebenson shows his moody, atmospheric etchings, drawings, and paintings.

Thurs. 2/1 Open Mic night 8:30 sign-up 9:00 performances Cover: $2 Host: Conquest

Fri. 2/2 8:00 p.m. theSuiteUnraveling Lily Maase, guitar Evan Smith, sax Peter Van Huffel, sax Matt Wigton, bass Fred Kennedy, drums Cover: $5

“Add modern technology, experimental compositional approaches, killer technique and a fearless sense of fun, and you’ve got some seriously remarkable new music.” – The Weekly Alibi

Tues. 2/6 7:30 p.m. A Night of Noir A reading from the popular anthology Brooklyn Noir, published by Brooklyn-based Akashic Books. Editor Tim McLoughlin, plus Nicole Blackman and Arthur Nersesian, will read original crime stories that take place in Brooklyn neighborhoods. “A stellar collection.” Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine

Thurs. 2/8 8 p.m. An Evening of Comedy Organized by Julie Miller, who graduated from Pratt with a degree in Writing for Performance and now works at Spike TV. With Sara Alloco, Brandy Barber (“Mortified,” The Kissing Booth”), Jordan Carlos (“Live at Gotham,” Montreal Comedy Festival), Andrew Condell (“The Tunafish Sandwich Story”), Matthew Guzzardo (“The Sizzle Twins”), Julie Miller, and Lindsay Nouis. Based on the weekly comedy writing workshop held in Miller’s apartment (conveniently located directly above Tillie’s).

Fri. 2/9 8 p.m. Pam Fleming and Fearless Dreamer Pam Fleming, trumpet and flugelhorn Allen Won, sax and flute Adam Klipple, keyboards Paul Frazier, bass Todd Isler, drums Cover: $5

Pam is well known for her work with Nathalie Merchant, the Indigo Girls, and Toots and the Maytals. She has recorded two CDS of her own compositions. More info here.

Sat. 2/10 8 p.m. Arthur Kell Quartet Dave Binney, also sax Gerald Cleaver, drums Arthur Kell, bass Brad Shepik, guitar Cover: $5

“Kell’s compositions are filled with melodic arrangements, spontaneous interaction, and vibrant individual performances.” All About Jazz

Tues. 2/13 7p.m. “Kick the Winter Blues” with Felicia Desrosiers, Holistic Health Counselor How to make the most out of winter – simple recipes and post-holiday detox tips Felicia was featured recently in a Village Voice cover story about breaking addictions to sugar.

Thurs. 2/15 Open Mic night 8:30 p.m. sign-up 9:00 performance Host: Conquest Cover: $2

Sat. 2/17 8 p.m. Tim Kuhl Group Tim Kuhl, drums and marimba Aggressive but melodic music from a young drummer and composer originally from Baltimore who now lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Kuhl studied drums and composition at Towson State in Maryland and performs not just jazz but also rock in a band called the Izzys, which has toured the U.S. and U.K. extensively. He cites Wayne Shorter as a particular influence.

Tues. 2/20 7 p.m. Behind the Scenes with Ted and Betsy Lewin The award winning children’s book illustrators present a special evening for both adults and school-age children in which they will show slides of their work and demonstrate elements of the writing/illustrating process.

Fri. 2/23 elastiCity Festival First 07 weekend of Brooklyn’s only ongoing new music festival, a monthly series showcasing performers and composers with a common vision and a sense of reaching out for something new. Curated by Lily Maase. 7 p.m. Nate Renner and special guests 8:30 Gerald Cleaver’s NiMbNI Jean Carla Rodea, voice Ryan Macstaller, guitar Todd Neufeld, guitar Josh Myers, bass Gerald Cleaver, drums $5 cover

Sat. 2/24 8 p.m. Tenth Anniversary party and opening for staff art show, “We Do More Than Serve Coffee,” 2/18/07 – 3/31/07 Organized by Jessie Lied, fiber artist With Bjorn Akerbloom, illustration Lani Bouwer, photographs Katie Deacon, drawings and paintings Maya Edelman, illustration and animation David Nix, photographs Sefu Solace, print Tara Stark, drawings

MTV at Brooklyn Tech

/

Looks like MTV is set to film a new reality show following the lives of Brooklyn high school students at Ft. Greene's Brooklyn Tech!  Thanks to Gowanus Lounge and Brooklyn Enthusiast for the info. Here's the info from the BTHS website.

TV is a guilty pleasure of mine (who am I kidding?  I don't feel guilty!), so I'll definitely be watching.

What Happened to Cellars?

/

I'll be honest. I never once went into Cellars, the dive-ish bar on DeKalb across from Tillie's. Yet all of a sudden, I've noticed it's closed! cellars on dekalb

I'm pretty sure the place has some interesting history, at least among neighborhood locals. In fact, my neighbor met his (now ex-) wife here for the first time, back in the day. (I wanted to insert a photo of them on the night they met, but the neighbor still hasn't given it to me to scan.) Anyone know what's to become of this place?