Dine in Brooklyn, 2008

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valentine's dishes at chez lola In 28 neighborhoods across Brooklyn, restaurants will be serving some of their best dishes during Brooklyn’s restaurant week from March 24–31, 2008.

More than 175 restaurants will offer 3-course, prix-fixe meals for just $23.00. Choose from the list of participating restaurants and call to reserve your table.

(Editorial note: Why isn't Locanda Vini e Olii participating?! Annoying.)

In the Area:

L = Serving Lunch D= Serving Dinner * = Accepts the American Express ® Card

Bedford-Stuyvesant

Solomon's Porch 307 Stuyvestant Avenue 718-919-8001

Soule Restaurant 920 Fulton Street 718-399-7200

Clinton Hill

Autour du Monde (D)* 860 Fulton Street 718-398-3500

Five Spot Restaurant (D)* 459 Myrtle Avenue 718-852-0202

Maggie Brown Restaurant (D) 455 Myrtle Avenue 718-643-7001

Mojito Cuban Cuisine (L/D)* 82 Washington Avenue 718-797-3100

Fort Greene

Caffe e Vino (L/D)* 112 Dekalb Avenue 718-855-6222

Chez Lola (D)* 387 Myrtle Avenue 718-858-1484

Chez Oskar (D)* 211 DeKalb Avenue 718-852-6250

Epoca Ristorante (L/D) 773 Fulton Street 718-596-9070

iCi (L/D)* 246 Dekalb Avenue 718-789-2778

June Restaurant (D)* 229 Dekalb Avenue 718-222-1510

Los Pollitos III (L/D) 499 Myrtle Avenue 718-636-6125

Loulou Restaurant (D)* 222 DeKalb Avenue 718-246-0633

Luz Restaurant (L/D)* 177 Vanderbilt Avenue 718-246-4000

Madiba Restaurant (L/D)* 195 Dekalb Avenue 718-855-9190

Mullanes Bar and Grill (D)* 71 Lafayette Avenue 718-797-7606

Olea Mediterranean Taverna (D)* 171 Lafayette Avenue 718-643-7003

Scopello Ristorante & Bar (D)* 63 Lafayette Avenue 718-852-1100

Thomas Beisl (L)* 25 Lafayette Avenue 718-222-5800

Easter Fun!

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When I was a kid, the local Easter Egg Hunt was one of my favorite events! Someone left a comment about egg hunts recently, so I'm glad to inform you that Cadman Church will be hosting one on March 22! Easter Egg Hunt and Craft Time!

The kids of Cadman Church will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 22nd 3-4:30 for ages 2 - 12 years (all children must be accompanied by an adult)

Cadman Memorial Church 350 Clinton Ave Brooklyn, NY 11238 (718) 638-2231

Donations?

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This has come up before, but wanted to give it another shot. Occasionally readers and local merchants will email me for suggestions on where to donate used clothing and furniture in the neighborhood.  The standard answers are the Salvation Army on Downing (I think?) near Broken Angel, and Goodwill on Fulton (near Franklin).

However, many people would prefer to donate to a local organization specific to the community.  A few years ago, I placed a few calls to no avail.

So!  Does anyone know of any locally-based organizations looking for clothing and/or furniture donations?  Preferably an organization that would pick the stuff up?  Maybe they offer some volunteer opps as well?

Discuss.

Archiculture Trailer Debuts

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The documentary currently being filmed at Pratt is having its trailer debut tomorrow evening! ARCHICULTURE TRAILER DEBUT PARTY Friday March 14 2008 5pm - 8pm Center for Architecture 536 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012

Tapping their feet and chewing pencils, five students nervously await the outcome of five tumultuous years of intense labor. In moments, they will hear from their committee of professors as to the final decision of their senior thesis projects. The documentary Archiculture follows these five students and their struggles over the course of their final semester at a university to complete their thesis projects, which are the manifestations of years of hard work, stress and, ultimately, success...

Come join us to celebrate the debut of our trailer for the feature length documentary Archiculture, which is currently being shot in New York at Pratt Institute. We will have a brief introduction to the project, a few guest speakers, and a short presentation by the film's creators and filmmakers followed by a Q&A session. Food and drink will be provided.

Speakers: David Krantz (co-Producer/Director); Ian Harris (co-Producer/Director); Pierce Cook (Editor) with special guest Fredric M. Bell, FAIA, Executive Director, AIA New York Chapter, and others TBA Organized by: AIA New York Chapter, Center for Architecture Foundation, Arbuckle Industries Sponsored by: Center for Architecture Foundation Location: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place Price: free More Info: www.archiculturefilm.com

archiculturetrailer_back-l.jpg

DDDB Meeting Thursday

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Come to March 13th DDDB Community Meeting Many rounds of legal and political fighting remain in the struggle against Atlantic Yards.

Find out why at our...

Community Meeting:

Update on the Struggle Against Ratner's Atlantic Yards Project and For Sensible Development

Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn Community Meeting:

Thursday, March 13, 7pm

Hanson Place United Methodist Church. Main Sanctuary

Church Address:144 Saint Felix Street at Hanson Place

*Enter at Hanson Place [Map]

Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Subways: 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, R, Q to Atlantic/Pacific

Speculation has been increasing recently that Forest City Ratner's Atlantic Yards project could be falling prey to the triple-whammy of a slowing economy, the crisis in sub-prime mortgages and the global credit crunch. Big real estate deals all around the country are being put on hold or are being shelved altogether, and Ratner's planned City Tech tower project, which would have been Brooklyn's tallest building, unraveled last week. The Atlantic Yards project is turning into the deal that couldn't get done.

All of which makes next Thursday's community meeting even more important...

Find out the latest on the community's fight against the destructive Atlantic Yards project, including news on the political and legal effort to stop the project. Find out how to get involved. Also, learn about the UNITY Plan, the community's alternative plan to develop the rail yards with truly affordable housing, community-friendly open space without the abuse of eminent domain. City and State politicians will speak and be available for Q&A.

Invited Elected Officials:

Councilmember Bill DeBlasio, Councilmember Letitia James, Councilmember David Yassky, Assemblymember Jim Brennan, Assemblymember Hakeem Jeffries, Assemblymember Joan Millman, State Senator Eric Adams, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery

The meeting is open to all. Please save the date, and bring a friend.

Sponsored by:

Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn

Society for Clinton Hill

Fort Greene Association

Park Slope Neighbors

Friends and Residents of Greater Gowanus

Bears Community Garden

South Portland Block Association

Are Spitzer's "High-End Friends" Clinton Hill-ers?

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A CH resident is reporting that a news van has been camped out next door to his building on St. James Place asking about someone named Tameka Lewis. His diligent research led him to this article, which states that this woman was involved in setting up "client appointments" for "Client No. 9." smi2-pimp-purple-copy.jpg

Read the full account here.

Missing an Engagement Ring?

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In my inbox this weekend: FOUND: engagement ring on corner of S Portland and Hanson Pl, Saturday around 8am. If you believe this may be yours, please email with description, size, etc and hopefully it is yours! I do not want to attach a picture as I don't want scammers trying to score a free ring - I just want the ring to be returned to its rightful owner. I can imagine how distraught he/she is out there, searching for this lost ring. Better yet, if you have a picture to match that would be great!

Please call Susan at (201) 803-0893 if you think it is yours and I will gladly return asap. I am in the area.

thanks!

Fulton Ave Food Survey

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(Sorry for my delay this morning!) One of CHB's readers is looking into opening a food shop on Fulton, and she'd love to know what you all think.  If you have a few minutes, please answer her survey.

This is an opportunity to express your opinions and share thoughts and ideas for the Fulton area to an entrepreneur who's willing to listen.  Please help her out!

Learn How to Grow Your Own

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Sorry this posting is so late, but this cool (FREE) event at the BK Botanic Garden is tomorrow! GreenBridge, the Community Horticulture Program of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Presents the 27th Annual Making Brooklyn Bloom:

Edible NYC: Green It! Grow It! Eat It!

Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With Featured Speakers, Panel Discussions, Workshops, and Hands-On Exhibits; Learn about Neighborhood Greening and Growing Local Fruits and Vegetables

Brooklyn Botanic Garden presents Making Brooklyn Bloom, the Garden’s annual community horticulture event and spring gardening kick-off day, Saturday, March 8, 2007. For 27 years, BBG has produced Making Brooklyn Bloom—an event that has grown more popular as it has become increasingly resonant to the borough’s citizens. The focus this year is community agriculture and the many benefits of urban greening—including growing fresh, organic food. The free event offers hands-on workshops, experienced and passionate speakers who are nationally recognized trailblazers in local food phenomena, and exhibits by regional experts who will present innovative, organic, home gardening techniques. The experts will also provide ideas and techniques for greening urban communities, so that attendees can learn how to grow their own food easily and reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. Other experts will describe the community health benefits that derive from cultivating open green space and keeping a focus on local food.

I hear there will even be a lecture on "Raising Chickens and Bees in the City." Sweet. When I lived in Hell's Kitchen our local community garden was equipped with bee hives, and the honey was sold at the garden's annual fall event. Wouldn't it be fun to have Clinton Hill Honey? Maybe those movers and shakers at the Hollenback garden can set up some hives near the composting toilet.

Full info in the Botanic event here.

Cool Happenings at Sputnik

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This weekend, at the cool bar / restaurant / venue on Taaffe Place: Comedian Paul Mooney, Musical Performer Simone, and DJ Evil Dee Saturday, March 8, 2008 Doors open at 8:00 pm Ticket Price: $25, available at www.barsputnik.com; or $30 at door

Sputnik 262 Taffee Place between Willoughby & Dekalb (G train to Classon) Brooklyn, NY 718-398-6666 www.barsputnik.com

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Comedian Paul Mooney

If you're easily offended, stay home. One of the most dangerous and brilliant comics of our time, Paul Mooney's first professional gig in comedy was with Richard Pryor. He later became the head writer for the Richard Pryor Show, and also wrote for "Sanford and Son", "Good Times", In Living Color", "Saturday Night Live", and many more.

Mooney's latest work can be seen on the Chappelle Show, in "Ask a Black Dude", and "Negrodamus".

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Musical Performer Simone

Singer, songwriter and performer Simone's ability to transcend genres echoes the tradition of her mother, musical icon and pioneer Nina Simone. Blessed with a rich vocal range, an innate skill for lyrical interpretation and a soul-deep understanding of music as a means of healing, empowerment and celebration, Simone is very much her mother’s daughter, and a multi-talented artist in her own right.

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Brooklyn's own DJ Evil Dee of the Beatminerz and Black Moon, spins through the night.

Sounds like a pretty amazing lineup for right here in the nabe!

FG-CH Food Co-op Meeting TONIGHT

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This just in from the co-op committee: There's been a big groundswell of support -- 482 signatures for our petition of support, just over 300 people who've asked to join our mailing list since we started the effort -- and we have some exciting news: We're in talks with Sean Meenan of Cafe Habana to possibly use one of the spaces he owns on Fulton as a future home. We have a meeting this Thursday (TONIGHT): 7 p.m. at the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church. We've got four committees now working on different aspects of the coop -- Business/Financing, Outreach/Membership, Location/Lease and Merchandising -- with a large group of committed, excited folks who want to make this green effort happen.

More info here.

Hidden Treasure: Sushi Okdol?

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I've heard some really great things about Sushi Okdol on Myrtle Avenue, but only tried takeout once and found it...meh. Just received this reader note: wanted to suggest that you check out sushi okdol

we go there at least once a week with our kids- and it's almost always empty. the sushi is fine- but things like bib bim bop and soon du bu jigae are very good and very authentic. they are great with the kids- always bring them soup and rice immediately - and tofu- and sushi- etc

we actually had our 5 year old's birthday party there last year- and probably will again this year.

it's the place above the deli on myrtle- across from the associated.

You may haven't even noticed this place, being that it's on the second floor of the building (497 Myrtle at Hall). I don't have children (yet), but it's nice to hear there's a place for cool parents to dine on ethnic foods that the kids can enjoy, too.

Any other reviews?

First Friday at RePop: March 7

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repopmar08.png FIRST FRIDAY MARCH 7: Paper Cut Theatre / art by CHRISTINE YOUNG

RePOP is pleased to announce the March exhibition featuring the fine art of Christine Young. Christine Young creates darkly imaginative, beautifully unusual images of placidly content characters in their imposed worlds. Suspended from chains, submerged underwater, or displayed in dollhouses, her figures are a melding of fairy tale, circus, and punk sensibilities. Her collages are detailed constructions of paper, glue, and charcoal which draw heavily on the creepy and romantic experience of the world. These aspects continually present themselves in her dreamlike images, which draw inspiration from the works of Poe, Bukowski, Tom Waits, Tim Burton, and Jan Svankmajer. Her work has been shown in London, New York, Los Angeles, and New Mexico, and has been represented by the punk-cabaret duo, The Dresden Dolls.

Join us for an evening of wine, food and art! Also enjoy a 10% discount on all RePOP goods with mention of this invitation.

68 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Missing Mailbox!

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This morning, I headed to my local blue mailbox (Clinton and Lafayette) to drop off my payment for the $60 parking ticket I received last week in BK Heights (GRRR), only to find THE MAILBOX WASN'T THERE! box-copy.jpg

Where did it go?! WTF???

UPDATE: The mailbox was taken out by two cop cars who collided at that corner Saturday morning. A reader did email me about it, but I was taking my eight-hour written exam at school, so I didn't get to see it. Back to the topic of cops pulling illegal traffic maneuvers in the 'hood, I saw one last week drive in front of a car at a red light from behind, look both ways and drive through it, no sirens. Just couldn't wait for that pesky red to change! I'm curious to know what the circumstances were on Saturday. If they were rushing to an emergency, OK. But if this happened because they were breaking traffic laws for no reason AND they ruined my mailbox, I am gonna be PISSED.

More G Service??

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Check out this article from the Daily News, Via SavetheG: Summer hike in subway, bus services

BY DONALD BERTRAND DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Tuesday, February 26th 2008, 4:00 AM

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has a message for Queens subway and bus commuters: Ride on!

It looks like the dollars are coming in faster than expected to the MTA, thanks to increased ridership, particularly in Queens.

Under a new plan, NYC Transit would begin implementing increased service - valued at approximately $46 million annually - as early as June.

The proposals will not be implemented until after the financial results for the first quarter of 2008 have been received, Transit spokesman Charles Seaton said.

Starting in June, the 7 and W lines will see increases in service to accommodate boosts in ridership on those lines.

The 7 line would increase Saturday service frequency from six to 10 minutes to five to eight minutes, and Sunday service frequency from six to 10 minutes to six to eight minutes starting in June.

W service would be extended from 9:30 to 11 p.m., and there would be an increase in peak hour service frequency from four to five minutes to four minutes.

In December, the G and R lines will see increases in service frequency.

The G would increase service frequency by 50% weekday evenings (from 12-15 minutes to eight minutes); 20% weekday middays (from 10 minutes to eight minutes); and 33% on weekends (eight-10 minutes to six minutes).

This boost will require terminating the G at the Courthouse Square station in Long Island City, because the Queens Blvd. line does not have capacity for more G service.

Extended R service would operate to Forest Hills-71st Ave. at all times; replacing the G along Queens Blvd. and allowing the N to operate via Manhattan Bridge at all times.

Queens bus lines also will see service increases, and will include a new Bx50 limited-stop bus route between Fordham Plaza in the Bronx and LaGuardia Airport, and a new Q94 super-limited service between Flushing and Fordham Plaza to reduce travel time on the route by up to 20 minutes and meet growing demand for Queens-Bronx travel.

Public hearings must be held before the Bx50 and Q94 services can be implemented. Plans call for the Bx50 to begin service in December, while the Q94 would begin in September.

Transit officials said 10 other Queens bus lines will either see increases in hours or extensions to their routes.

They include the: Q12; Q27; Q31; Q42; Q59; Q75: Q76; Q77; Q79 and Q84.

50% increase?! YES, YES, YES!

What do you think about the permanent termination at Court Square? For me, if it means way more G service, fine by me!