More Thai on Myrtle: Marree? Mallee?

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Yes, folks, the tips have been pouring in all week. There's a new Thai place opening on Myrtle, in the space formerly occupied by Pillow Cafe. new thai on myrtle

The sign is pretty nice overall, but that font is really misleading. Marree? Mallee?

It's actually Manee Thai, and the sign is a play on mixing Thai and English script.

Next question: Does Myrtle Ave need a third Thai restaurant? Interestingly enough, Manee is being opened by the son and current owners of Myrtle Thai. Perhaps we are witness to a Thai empire rising?

Manee should be opening early next week, but that's not yet set in stone. I've heard mixed reviews about both Thai 101 and Myrtle Thai, though myself have had nice dining-in experiences and slow-ass delivery service from both establishments. Wonder if Maree will offer something new? Send in your reviews when Manee opens its doors.

Manee 372 Myrtle Avenue Between Adelphi & Clermont 718-222-9992

Tamboril: Two Weeks and Counting!

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dsc_0087.jpg Tamboril, the nuevo latino restaurant opening in the former porn shop on Myrtle is set to open in just two weeks! I got a sneak peak inside over the weekend.

It's amazing what one can do with an old porn shop. They have a sleek bar, cool lighting and table and bench areas throughout. They owners plan to start by serving brunch and dinner, and will offer live performances such as spoken word, stand-up comedy and live music.

opening soon on myrtle!Tamboril 527 Myrtle bt Grand and Steuben www.tamborilnyc.com 718-483-2152

Il Torchio Slated to Open Aug. 18!

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Il Torchio (from NY Magazine):458 Myrtle Ave., nr. Washington Ave., Clinton Hill, Brooklyn; 718-422-1122 Cousins Peter and Frank Costabile are Brooklyn landlords and real-estate developers, and they put their own construction experience to good use at Il Torchio, the rustic Italian wine-and-tapas bar they plan to open the instant the liquor license arrives. The cousins built the brick-arched, tin-ceilinged room themselves, turning salvaged ceiling beams into the bar top and wine racks. There is a 70-seat brick patio out back, a vintage wine press that gives the place its name, and a small-plate menu executed by chef Charles Giangarra, a veteran of Brooklyn’s equally rustic Convivium Osteria. There are salads (braised duck with shaved fennel and currants), risotti (shrimp with grilled radicchio and chives), and panini named for various parts of Calabria, the original birthplace of the Costabile clan. But the highlight of the menu is the tapas section, small plates of pan-seared sea scallops with spicy chickpea purée and fried polenta, or porcini-dusted tilapia with white-bean vinaigrette. “We wanted people to say, ‘Wow!’ ” says Peter’s daughter Pamela, who will be working the floor.

(Thanks to commentor Sara for the link!)

Holy crap this sounds good!

Bittersweet

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dscf1479.jpg It seems like everywhere you look in the neighborhood now there's a new cafe/coffee shop. But that's cool with me as long as they're offering good service and tasty treats/coffee.

The latest is Bittersweet, in former home of Location-Location-Location (which has moved to S. Portland by Pequena in a very cute space), offers simple decor close to the park (this is key when walking home with the dog, right around the time you realize you need a coffee, badly). They also sell pastries from Balthazar. I've only stopped in once (the day I left for Poland), but damn, the berry scone I had was great. I also saw Keri Russell walk past me on the street that day, as an aside. A friend tells me the iced Americano is THE best coffee in the 'hood right now.

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Per the Village Voice, they also offer some interesting ice cream flavors as well...

Bittersweet DeKalb Avenue between Carlton and Cumberland

New Spa on Fulton!

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Looks like a new round of pioneers are setting out to jump-start the scene on Fulton. I caught a glimpse of this new awning over the weekend: new spa/salon salon on fultonA Google search provided this posting from craigslist:

'CURE BEAUTY BAR A Ultra Hip New Natural Nail Spa and Boutique seeking motivated, friendly, outgoing professionals, who take great pride in nail and skin care to join our team!

Manicurist/Pedicurist (waxing skills a plus) - Full time Massage Therapists Estheticians Waxer

Must be licensed. MUST BE RESPONSIBLE. Please send resumes to info@curebk.com

Looking forward to hearing from you!!

I just gave them a call and the owner, Lashunda, informed me that they'll be opening on August 22 24 and are really excited to be a part of the neighborhood. Wishing them luck! So far so good with the well-designed awning...

Located between Clinton and Waverly.

Me and the Markowitz

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Sorry I didn't know in advance, but there was a Clinton Hill Street Fair on Saturday, on Clinton between Willoughby and Myrtle. Looked like some residents selling tasty food, some clothing and jewelry for sale, and a stage with live performances. And, look who I met! me and marty markowitz

Borough Prez Marty Markowitz! He was super friendly and meeting and greeting CH residents. Personally, I'm anti-Atlantic Yards, but I'll give it up for Marty for his Brooklyn spirit and his ability to be everywhere for everything Brooklyn. He also said he's proud that we're the Bloggiest neighborhood in the country!

Thanks for stopping by, Marty!

New Florist: 1001 Affairs

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Last week, I mentioned that the florist on Fulton had closed. Commentors were correct about a NEW florist taking over -- they're already open! Called 1001 Affairs, they already have a case stocked with fresh flowers (though there are some fake flowers in the front windows...eh). dsc_0040.jpg dsc_0042.jpg

They participate with Teleflora, which means they should be stocked with all the essentials, plus be able to turn out some pretty nice arrangements.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a small, but nice selection of greeting cards as well. They have plenty of granny-style traditional cards, but have one section dedicated to cool, artsy cards. I picked up two of these:

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The store owner's brother picked these up for him -- they're handmade, and I took the last ones (sorry!). But he's set to get more. Hopefully if enough of us shop there for cool cards, he'll keep a huge supply in stock.

1001 Affairs 1001 Fulton At. (at Cambridge) Brooklyn, NY 11238 718-398-2211 www.1001affairs.com

Some Posts from Curbed

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Florist Shuttered on Fulton

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Looks like the "looks-from-the-outside-but-not-on-the-inside" florist/garden shop on Fulton near St. James Place has closed.  It always looked so cute from the street, but the inside simply had a few plants and a selection of mylar balloons. I'll keep an eye on what might be happening.  Maybe a good florist will open there? (please?????)

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The Benefits of the Hill

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Clinton Hill's name isn't an accident - it's actually on a hill! That means we're spared much of the street flooding that other Brooklyn neighborhoods see during a rain storm, tornado, etc. Though Park Avenue always seems to be flooded. Anyway, hopefully you can stay home today. The trains ain't going anywhere right now.

g train flooded

When Pat Kiernan says "stay home," I listen.

Community Dining at Grub

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Several months ago, TimeOut printed a small chart highlighting various community dining opportunities in the city. One of them takes place on Flushing Ave. just past Classon. Anyone is welcome -- first come, first served -- and you "pay what you can." Here's the catch: the food is pilfered from garbage cans and dumpsters, and then cooked! I've Googled the event, and have come up with this:

Grub

A cheap, simple dinner for strangers and co-conspirators.

We are a small group of people who do a lot of other things in New York, like decorate subways and throw parties in the streets. We work with several collectives and art groups, like Toyshop, Madagascar Institute, and In Our Hearts. At Grub we're just offering dinner.

Whether you are active in other collectives, your neighborhood, your backyard garden, or just new to town, we invite you to our table. To get a little squishy, we are looking for practical ways to build community. We are particularly inspired by weekly dinners served at squats in Amsterdam and Berlin, where you can get a cheap, tasty meal and catch up with friends in a cozy room. We like parties as much as anyone, but we think there should be places to talk without a pounding sound system.

We are not gourmets or fancy cooks; we offer simple food simply prepared. We will only be able to serve 40 people, first come first serve. There will be plates for vegans and vegetarians alike. Please come early and hang out.

Rubulad home base 338 Flushing, at Classon, Brooklyn G train to Flushing or Classon stations, J,M,Z to Marcy, B61 bus to Flushing 6:30p doors, 7p dinner; $pay what you want, and bring your own booze

Never a mention of the dumpster diving.

I even walked past the space once, and found someone inside. He was really nice, and said they always get a big group of interesting folks. I'm KIND of tempted to try it out, but the whole trash thing scares me.

The interior space is pretty wacky -- filled to the brim with colorful artifacts and artsy stuff.

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Has anyone ever gone to this? Thoughts, feedback and reviews?