Help Raise Money for PS11

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A friend of mine recently sent me a few different links detailing ways to give financial help to PS11, located on Waverly and Greene. Personally, I liked this little dog t-shirt: ps11.jpg

I've heard some good things about local families investing time and energy into the school community here to help make it a better place.

More details can be found on the PS11 website.

Fort Greene PUPS Holiday Coffee

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The weather outside may be getting frightfulBUT that's never kept PUPS members inside on a cold winter morning!

Please join us at our Annual Holiday Coffee on Saturday, December 15 during morning off leash hours (approximately 8AM-9AM). We'll be serving coffee and baked treats and will have a few t.shirts with us to sell in case you're still looking for a great gift idea.

Props for Brown Betty

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Received this amazing email about Brown Betty from a reader:I'm writing to you about Brown Betty, purely I admit, out of self interest. My boyfriend and I go there for dinner at least once a month, which is about as often as we can because we're poor. It is amazing every time and we love it, but half the time when we go, we are the only people there. I think a lot of people know that they do breakfast and lunch, and I know there are sometimes lines and reservations for weekend brunch, but I think people don't know that they do dinner every night (I think) except Sunday.

I've sort of hesitated about saying something on any of the forums or blogs because we certainly like the fact that it isn't crowded at dinner, but I'm afraid that Cynthia will stop doing dinner if business doesn't pick up.

So if you have the time or inclination, you really ought to go over there for dinner one night and when you love love love it, write it up again. They're byob, which I rather like. Last night we had the most amazing brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes, catfish, and now they do this jerk pork chop that is insane and yeah, yum - sorry, I get a little ridiculous when talking about food.

So again, sorry to shamelessly write your ear off, but I really think this is exactly the sort of business we need more of at this end of Clinton Hill and I adore her food, so I want Brown Betty to do well.

I had dinner there ages ago, and it was indeed wonderful. It's easy to forget it's there, as it's so small and just south of Fulton, but DO check it out!

(Brown Betty is located on Grand just south of Fulton)

First Friday at RePop: Dec. 7

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picture-5.png "I am not in love with decay. But I am in love with an object that has experienced some kind of existence." -Rico Lebrun

Sandra Rocha's work reveals some quiet, undeclared beauty in the mundane everyday scenery of life, to entice the viewer to contemplate what is otherwise overlooked. Whether a gritty street corner or a distressed chair, she extracts something extraordinary about the subject, emphasizing all of the imperfections and quirks that give it character.

The more recent work of urban scenery is a reaction to urban grit that is so much a part of the character of the city, however subversive and unaccepted. Given the current speed of gentrification and the erection of high-rise gleaming condos throughout the city, Rocha records these gritty pockets in the underbelly of the city.

Join us for this collection of reflective work, perfect for the holiday season. Artist reception and party is 7:30 - 11pm. Wine, refreshments and merriment served!

RePOP 95% Recycled 68 Washington Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11205 718-260-8032

*RePop is also stocked with creepy Santas, and will be offering year-end sales!

A Plea for Shoe Repair

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Received this email from a reader:Does anyone know of a good local place to get my shoes repaired (ex. re-heeled)? I've vowed never to take them back to the shoe guy on Waverly but now have a pile of shoes I can't wear until they are repaired!

I've had mixed experiences myself with the guy on Waverly, so I'm eager to hear about other options.

Vigilance Recommended!

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Received this note from a reader, reminding us all to remain aware of neighborhood crime: I live in an apartment on Lefferts Place near Grand. I wanted to let you and your readers know about an incident that took place in our building on Friday night/early Saturday morning.

I left my apartment at 7:30 am on Saturday morning and found a puddle of urine and a used condom on the landing outside my door. There was some sort of drug baggie, cigarette butts, and a coffee cup on the stairs on other floors. The front door and gate were wide open when I left in the morning. I've only lived in the building for a year but there haven't been any incidents like this so it was obviously quite disturbing. Although I've been aware that there is a certain amount of drug activity, etc. in the neighborhood, I've felt safe living here and was really shocked by how bold this was. I was home sleeping at the time and it was pretty scary to think that this happened while a building full of people were sleeping.

I guess I just wanted to let some fellow Clinton Hill residents know as a reminder to be extra vigilant of security issues. I wouldn't want anyone else to encounter to a similar situation or worse if it can be avoided. It certainly was a wake up call for me.

NOW OPEN: Autour du Monde

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With absolutely no fanfare or warning, Autour du Monde -- the new restaurant opening in the old Bodega's space -- is open! chb-02.jpg

Autout de Monde opened last Thursday. Jay and I checked it out Friday for lunch.

Inside, it still looks like Bodegas (RIP!!!!), aside from having painted the walls. I had the chicken panini, and Jay had the burger. Service was friendly, but SLOW (just like Bodegas). There were a few other diners inside, which surprised me since they don't have a sign and that huge construction arrow on Fulton is blocking much of the storefront.

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They're serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and are cash only and BYOB for now.

Here are some menu shots:

autour du monde

autour du monde

autour du monde

I predict it'll be a good place to stop in for a croissant and coffee before hopping on the C! Autour du Monde SE corner of Clinton and Fulton

Local Gifting

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Yes, the Union Square market is great for holiday shopping. This year, though, you can enjoy some similar gift-buying opportunities right here in the hood! Even better, and less crowded. Plus, support local artisans!
1. PEP Gallery:
Is it better to give or receive?
This holiday season PEP is transforming itself into the hippest, trendiest, most original boutique in Brooklyn. With ARTMART, PEP will be offering limited editions, multiples, and wearable art from some of our favorite artists. With tons of great pieces and prices starting at ten dollars you can do both! Runs Dec. 1-22, holiday reception Dec. 16.
2. Artisans Holiday Fair at Habana Outpost:
The Society for Clinton Hill is co-sponsoring a Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair with Habana Outpost at South Portland and Fulton Streets In Ft. Greene, Brooklyn.
Artisans will be displaying their works for sale from noon to 8 PM, Saturdays and Sundays,
December 1&2, 8&9, 15&16, and 22&23.
Come and meet and view the fare at the Fair while drinking hot chocolate! You'll find knit hats, scarves, jewelry, ceramics, and unusual gift items for everyone.
3. Still Hip Holiday Craft Fair:

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4. Brooklyn-Based Sampler:
Nicole Davis, who occasionally contributes here as Clintoncentric, is offering this unique gift sampler via Brooklyn Based, her e-newsletter of all things cool in the BK.)

Imagine a friend gave you a box filled with delicious-smelling skinnyskinny soap, ingenious holders for soft-boiled eggs called Egg Pants, gorgeous handmade jewelry by wabisabi brooklyn, a striking holiday letterpress card by Jezebel, retro buttons and magnets from Kate Black, and a cool card holder made from the sails of sail boats by Reiter8.

Nice friend right?

Now imagine that you also got at least 6 (6!) of the following in this box:

A beautiful tote bag with avalove’s hand-lithographed designs
a candy-colored diamond acrylic ring from by:AMT
copper and sterling jewelry by Joanne Tracy
a silkscreened notepad and collaged card by Fisk and Fern
a book of fabulous artwork by Robert Mars
a silkscreened onesie
a colorful kid’s skirt made by Fofolle
handmade cards that double as portraiture prints by Desira Pesta
keychains (made either by RePlayGround, 31 Corn Lane, or This is Swigg)
crocheted goods, like an Ezra’s Cousin scarflette or Alicia Kachmar’s adorable mitten ornaments
a fantastic denim clutch, bag or cuff by Wanett Clyde
pretty letterpress postcards by Erin Fae
a wire and gemstone ring from Kimmchi
hand-drawn accessories by Tilly Bloom

No you can’t pick which of those six items you get. But you know for sure you’re getting 11 awesome things… And don’t you like to be surprised? How fantastic is this friend of yours?

Now here’s the kicker: all of these items are made or designed here in Brooklyn, by artists, designers and crafters who hail from Bed-Stuy, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Ditmas Park, East New York, Fort Greene, Greenpoint, Kensington, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Sunset Park, Williamsburg, and Windsor Terrace, and whose work is available at fabulous boutiques like Spring in Dumbo, Rare Device in Park Slope, the Brooklyn Indie Market, or online at that one-stop-shop for handmade goods, Etsy.

This box is so Brooklyn, it’s even wrapped in Brooklyn maps and lined with The Brooklyn Paper (there’s also a map of the future Brooklyn Greenway and a Zagat’s guide to BK restos inside).

Here’s the other kicker: It’s $20 (plus shipping), an incredible value for one-of-a-kind work made by your gifted neighbors, curated by Brooklyn Based, and sold by The Sampler, a San Francisco company whose founder Marie Kare came up with this brilliant idea of mailing boxes filled with the wares of indie businesses to spread the word about their work. This month they began a series of Samplers called City Samplers, packed with goods native to one place. It launched with their hometown, and Brooklyn Based happened to call at the right moment and propose a box filled with goodies made by Brooklynites.

Fort Greene contributors include:
25 totes from avalove ( www.avalove.etsy.com)
25 prints and cards by Desira Pesta ( www.desirapesta.com)
100 eggpants by Liz Kinnmark (www.designglut.com)

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(more posts to come regarding gifting)

Champagne Tasting @ Greene Grape

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Kicking off the Holiday Season with a Grower Champagne Tasting Join us in Brooklyn this Thursday, November 29, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm for a rare opportunity to taste four different grower champagnes back to back! The bubblies are all from Terry Thiese, the primary importer of grower champagne, and a member of his team will be on hand to answer questions about what Terry calls “farmer-fizz”. Grower champagnes are made by small producers who have the advantage of growing their own grapes and fashioning their own style. The event is FREE and no reservations are required. The Greene Grape is located at 765 Fulton between South Oxford and South Portland (718) 797-9463.

Tree Shopping in the Hill

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It's nearly December, and that means tree shopping! I'm hoping to highlight the places to buy a tree again this year, with more detail than last year. For starters, the tree guy on Clinton and Lafayette (in front of Cadman Memorial Church) will be setting up on Thursday, Dec. 6. I always end up buying from him - always convenient and friendly.

Boat Noises?

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A reader left this question in the comments: A question for the blog: Do you hear a noise like a fog horn or a ship's horn on occasion? Is this noise from the Navy Yard, or from cruise ships coming and going from Red Hook, or from ordinary East River ship traffic?

I've never heard any boat noises personally. I don't think the Navy Yard is used for boats anymore, but I'm not positive about this. Anyone know the source?

Turkey Feedback?

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Did anyone stand in line for a Jive Turkey last week?  I was tempted to order the Jive / Greene Grape dinner and wine deal, but you could only get a dinner for a large amount of people (and I was only hosting 4).  When I called to simply order a turkey, they told me I had to wait on line for one.  This explains the long lines there every year on Thanksgiving. I'm kind of bummed that I wasn't able to try one.  Anyone have a fried turkey?