Friends of Clinton Hill Library

For those of you looking to volunteer in the neighborhood, there's a brand-new opportunity!  The Friends of Clinton Hill Library are a newly-formed group who hope to make some small improvements at the library (which is on Washington bt Lafayette and Greene), including starting a featured section of local authors, organizing readings, landscaping and maintenance, and organizing after school tutors. This Sunday, they will be working in conjunction with the Hollenback Community Garden to landscape the front of the library.  They didn't give me a time, but if interested, stop by with some tools and enthusiasm.

Stay tuned for more info on the group and upcoming meeting information!

(For more info, contact elizabethdreyfuss@yahoo.com )

Friday Photo

(Waverly Ave)

Third Annual Brooklyn Blogfest!

Find out why Brooklyn is the bloggiest place in the United States at the Third Annual Brooklyn Blogfest on May 8th at 8 pm at the Brooklyn Lyceum at 227 Fourth Avenue (at President Street) in Park Slope.

“Where better to take the pulse of this rapidly growing community of writers, thinkers and observers than the Brooklyn Blogfest?” wrote Sewell Chan in the New York Times last year.

The blogfest is an event for bloggers, blog readers, those interested in blogging and those passionate about Brooklyn. It brings together citizen journalists, place bloggers, photo bloggers, special interest bloggers, and the creative, quirky, and personal bloggers that make the Brooklyn Blogosphere such a fascinating place to be.

Come hear: Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn, Creative Times, Bed-Stuy Blog, Gowanus Lounge, New York Shitty, Flatbush Gardener, and Luna Park Gazette and MORE. Special features include a video by Blue Barn Pictures, a salute to Brooklyn’s photo bloggers, Top Ten Tips for New Bloggers plus a special message from WNYC radio talk show host Brian Lehrer and promo for Brooklyn Independent Televisions, A Walk Around the Blog.

Learn about blogging; be inspired to blog. Best of all, participate in the annual SHOUT-OUT: A chance to share YOUR blog with the world! Go to the Blogfest's blog for more details.

(I am horribly sad to say that I can't attend this year's blogade :(  )

Atlantic Yards Rally: Saturday

From SCH: Recent conditions have caused Forest City Ratner to put an indefinite hold on the signature buildings (like "Miss Brooklyn" and the "Urban Room") and the public housing at Atlantic Yards.

People are asking ever more loudly, where are the benefits and why is he knocking down buildings when he is not planning to build for decades?

The Council of Brooklyn Neighborhoods (of which SCH is a member), Brooklyn Speaks, and Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn (of which SCH is a supporter), along with various elected officials are holding a rally to call on Governor Patterson to take a Time Out and put a hold on demolitions, unnecessary changes to infrastructure, huge public subsidies and the displacement of residents and businesses. There has to be a better way!

Join everyone at a Rally next weekend, May 3rd, Pacific Street between Carlton and Vanderbilt at 2 PM.

As you may know, Council members James, Yassky and DeBlasio have written requesting a hold on further public monies being spent and Council member DeBlasio has called for a moratorium on demolitions.

So, whatever you are doing on May 3rd, there's time to join the Rally. Make this one count. Our neighborhoods need you.

First Friday at RePop: May 2

The boys have told me this will be one of their best shows yet, and I believe it based on the gorgeous postcard!

RePOP is pleased to announce the May exhibition featuring the fine art of R.A. McBride. McBride is a photographer who recently relocated and settled to Brooklyn from San Francisco. She is heartbroken that Polaroid will no longer produce instant film and that Coney Island will be redeveloped after the summer of 2008. She is currently seeking a publisher for "Left in the Dark: Portraits of San Francisco Movie Theatres."

Artist reception is 7:30 - 11pm this First Friday, May 2. So Come on down to the Navy Yard, grab a glass of wine and check out the desgner Littel + Kelley T- Chairs currently gracing the back room!

DATE: May 2 TIME: 7:30 - 11pm LOCATION: RePOP 95% Recycled MORE: 68 Washington Ave., Brooklyn NY 11205

Other RePop Announcements:

• Stop by the shop each week after the Brooklyn Flea to receive up to 10% off all merchandise!
• New RePop website coming soon

Fort Greene House Tour: SUNDAY

Each year, Clinton Hill and Fort Greene alternate to host a spectacular house tour. I haven't yet done the Fort Greene tour, but I'm planning on it this year!

Tickets are available at several locations:

Advance Tickets $20* In Fort Greene (cash only) BAM Box Office, 30 Lafayette Ave. Yu Interiors, 15 Greene Ave. Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Ave. The Green Market, Dekalb Ave. & Washington Park (Saturdays only, starting 4/5/08) Brooklyn Flea, Lafayette Ave. at Clermont (Sundays only, starting 4/6/08)

Day of Tour Tickets $25* In Fort Greene (cash only) BAM Garden, Fulton St. at Lafayette Ave. Brooklyn Flea, Lafayette Ave. at Clermont

Here's the info:

THE FORT GREENE HOUSE TOUR, MAY 4, 2008 This year’s 29th Fort Greene House Tour, which takes place on Sunday, May 4th, from noon to 5pm, is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable ever. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view a spectacular modern studio, designed by superstar architect David Adjaye for two well-known artists. This building is his first and only completed work in New York to date.

Other interesting stops on this exciting tour, will include an art filled Italianate Brownstone, featuring an exuberant interpretation of Victorian “Bohemian/Orientalism” inspired by Frederick Church’s Olana, several striking townhouse renovations, deftly blending period details and modern design, a charming 1850’s wood frame house and several fresh and stylish takes on modern living in 19th century spaces. Another singular home on this tour is a newly constructed residence that began in concept as an artist’s studio to occupy the expansive garden next to the owner’s home and morphed into a unique and luxurious four family residence, spanning a double lot and sharing a lushly planted, multi-level garden.

In addition to these fine private homes there will be stops at significant architectural and cultural landmarks in Fort Greene, from MoCADA [the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts] to the 1907 Masonic Temple with its fine terracotta façade and six pipe organs inside. Finally, visitors will have the chance to take in stunning views of Brooklyn and much of Manhattan from the thirtieth floor roof deck of the newly constructed Forte Condominiums.

This year the tour will commence from two locations, the main one at the BAM Garden, Fulton and Lafayette Avenue and the other at the Brooklyn Flea a new outdoor market on Lafayette and Clermont Avenues. Spend a magical afternoon in Fort Greene; enjoy a peek into some special homes, walk our beautiful tree lined streets, stroll through Fort Greene Park. Find out why Fort Greene is one of Brownstone Brooklyn’s most interesting neighborhoods.

For further information, please contact Allen Hobbs: 718-875-4110 or Ursula Hegewisch: 718-875-1996

May Events at Tillie's

May 08 EventsTillie’s of Brooklyn 248 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn NY (718) 783-6140

www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com

Music

Friday, 5/2/08 8 p.m.

The BOB Trio Oscar Penas, guitar Brian Landrus, woodwinds Bridget Kearny, bass

This drum-less jazz group was founded in Brooklyn in 2008. The members of the group met in Boston in 2005 while studying at the New England Conservatory. Their goal is to swing as hard as possible so that the listener doesn’t notice the lack of drums. The combination of three musical personalities presents a continuous flow of always-fresh musical interaction. See www.oscarpenas.com for additional information.

Friday, 5/9/08 8 p.m.

Stephan Beasley Chris Conly, guitar Ben Altman, guitar Dave Moore, percussion

A Jersey-based vocalist who swings hard and features gospel, jazz, and pop inflections. For more information see www.myspace.com/sbeasley80. Friday, 5/16/08 8 p.m.

Etan Haziza Trio Etan Haziza, guitar Frank Hauch, bass Bryan Bisordi, drums A jazz trio playing mostly original compositions by Etan Haziza, a jazz guitarist of great style and range. For more info visit www.etanhazizamusic.com

All shows have a cover of $5, $3 with student ID.

Art

Kenneth Murray Photographs

Born 1949 in Carlisle, England to an English father and Dutch mother, Ken Murray has traveled to the Greek island of Paros for the past 20 years. There he shoots pared-down images that isolate the subject from its original surroundings, transforming it into an individual object. He calls his style "graphic minimalism." Stunning in their abstract simplicity, the photographs have a beauty as timeless as the light that inspired them.

Murray has a degree in graphic design and photography from the Stadsacademie in Maastricht, the Netherlands, where he now lives. He is a frequent visitor to Brooklyn.

He has shown his photos widely:

Kunstsalon, Rijksmuseum, Sittard, Netherlands Fillenon Centre, Athens, Greece Kunst Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands Mercedes-Benz CAC, Maastricht, Netherlands Aghios Athanasios, Paros, Greece Gallery Parthenis, Mykonos, Greece Kunstcentrum Lindenbrau, Unna, Germany

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 10th 2008 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Open Mic

Thursday 5/8/08 Thursday, 5/22/08

Host: Nick Noir

No cover

8:00 p.m. sign-up

8:30 performance

All poets, writers, singers and songwriters are welcome.

Tillie’s is at the corner of DeKalb and Vanderbilt in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn. For directions see “Getting Here” on our website. For more information, call Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140.

Renovated Storefront at Move With Grace

Several readers emailed me worried that Move With Grace had closed, as the entrance was covered in scaffolding. Thankfully, they were just redoing their storefront!

Looks like I might be teaching a tap class for adults here soon.  Stay tuned...

"Mourning" the Loss of Head Over Heels

Head Over Heels Cafe was long the bane of my existence. I'd call them and they were open, but when I'd go by (I tried at least five times), there was no sign of them -- no open storefront, no signage, nothing. Finally, it seems they've thrown in the towel:

(525 DeKalb Ave at Skillman)

I really do try to patronize as many local places as possible, and even when a new business is full of problems, I try to point out the positive.

But let this be a lesson! If you say you open at X am, then BE OPEN at X am. And certainly be open two hours AFTER X am.

Friday Photo

(Classon Avenue)

Tree Planting in the 'Hood

This just in from Green Fort Greene and Clinton Hill: Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill had hoped to plant street trees this weekend but our tree donor, the Parks Department, will not get the trees until next week. Planting will be May 3 and 4. (On May 4, combine planting with the Fort Greene House Tour!)

Fun for all. Bring your friends. Bring the kids. Make a piece of Clinton Hill or Fort Greene better forever. Commemorate something or somebody. The digging is not too rigorous because the trees will be delivered bare root rather than with big balls of soil. Your tools or ours. A couple of hours will make a big difference.

If there is an empty street tree pit near your house that you would like to plant, claim it by sending a reply message. Trees also can go on private property.

Let us know if you can help organize things before next weekend, as well.

The trees will most likely be a mix of lindens and oaks. Both very stately. Lindens bloom in June and will cast a lovely scent over our early summer nights.

In addition to the city's trees, we have donations of tools from The Home Depot (Bed-Stuy) and soil supplements from Plant Health Care. Amy Bennett of Greene Grape and Justine Fasciano will provide trucks for moving our forest, etc. where we want it. Jessica Arnold is confirming planting sites in areas surveyed by Jill Rehman and Mary and Hannah Tager during Green FG & CH's comprehensive neighborhood tree survey. Steve Hurwiitz of GFI Capital arranged for us to use the parking lot at 470 Vanderbilt, at the border between Fort Greene and Clinton HIll, as our staging area. Jonathan Barth is planning the reforesting of Univesity Towers' grounds. And Yes! we will use compost made from vegetable waste deposited at the Green Market courtesy of Charlie Bayrer.

Many more Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill projects are brewing.

Together we will do great things.

Earth Day at Luz

(OK, so you only have one day left to check this out. Apologies- I just started a new job and have had no time to read my email!!!)

Luz is definitely one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. The interior is absolutely gorgeous, the food is great and the cocktails are among the best in the area.

From Myrtle Minutes:

Get ready to raise your glasses of organic beer and wine in honor of Mother Earth.

For two days, April 22nd and 23rd, Luz Restaurant will continue to serve up delicious and delectable meals with an added big time nod to our environment.

Luz is serving up special 5-course prix fixe meals which feature all natural, sustainably-grown and/or organic ingredients purchased solely from local farms and markets.

In efforts to really drive home the importance of helping to conserve our Earth, there will be no electricity, no gas, no heat lamps, no telephones, no computers, no credit card machines…

Luz owner, Pedro Munoz, shares, “we hope that at least on these two days we can promote awareness of environmental issues. We want to help spread the fact that consciousness of what we do, buy, use or dispose of has a direct impact on planet Earth.”

Live music both nights. Come out and help celebrate our Planet Earth.

RSVP info@luzrestaurant.com or 718.246.4000

($55.00 per person five courses)

Cocktail Opening at Tamboril!

Tasty Tamboril is finally getting a liquor license, and they're having a party to celebrate:

A night of cocktails as we unveil our cocktail menu. The menu features nuevo latino inspired martinis to timeless classics such as the sidecar. Best of all enjoy our mojito or a caribbean cosmo.

The celebration begins at 5:30pm with a happy hour until 7:30pm

...it's gonna be a cocktail affair...enjoy your social experience

April 26th, 2008

RSVP info@tamborilnyc.com

If you haven't been yet, the interior space is really beautiful (love those interesting lamps above the platform seating) and the last time I was there (for brunch, which was delish and even satisfied my very pregnant and picky friend visiting from Queens), the art on display was really gorgeous.

Tamboril 527 Myrtle Ave. www.tamborilnyc.com

Quick Change at June

June's storefront has already been given a coat of primer, and the wooden sign has been scratched at. Is something in the works already?

It IS a pretty deep retail space. Possibly book store material, no?

Root Stock & Quade: Open By May 1!

(Before I started grad school, I thought maybe I'd like to open a supercute flower shop in the 'nabe. But, not having a business plan or any experience running my own store, I decided to wait for an expert to take care of it. And here they are!)

On Friday -- one of those gorgeous spring days we've had recently -- I met up with John Rattigan, co-owner of Park Slope's Root Stock & Quade along with Kerry Quade. As I reported earlier, the duo are opening a branch of their flower-gardening business on Myrtle Avenue.

As it turns out, Rattigan is actually a two-time resident of the Hill (he lived in the 'nabe twenty years ago and currently lives on Washington Avenue). He and Quade originally came upon the Myrtle Avenue space while trying to find a vase for a job they were working on. At the time, the storefront hosted a one-hour photo and chair rental service (along with other random rigmarole), and the two marveled at what poor shape the storefront was in. Soon after, Rattigan noticed a For Rent sign in the window. The landlord happened to be inside, and Rattigan signed the lease soon after. "It was the easiest thing ever," he says, in comparison to negotiating his lease for the Park Slope outpost. "A snap!"

The lease was signed on February 13, and they plan on being open by May 1.

The shop will be offering garden design, full service floral design for weddings and events, retail, indoor and outdoor plants (herbs, perennials, shrubs, etc) and flowers by the bunch and the stem. Come fall, they hope to offer the occasional class on window boxes and basic houseplant care (note: can I sign up now for the latter?).

The storefront, an ice cream parlor in the 1940s, will incorporate as many traditional elements as possible. "I really want to make the space correct for the building and the neighborhood, and fill it with cool, modern stuff," Rattigan explains. He was able to salvage the old tile flooring and hopes to frame some old photos of the building, along with some of the vintage wallpaper he came across during renovations. He tells me that the new store will be a "vibey" place with cool music.

Rattigan is a huge fan of the energy in Clinton Hill. "I love the mixed vibe," he says. "There's no malaise. People here are always doing something or fixing something. And MARP is so 'together!'

"I love Maggie Brown -- I'm always there! -- and my favorite is A Bistro. I love everything about it," he gushes. "And Castro's! I've heard people come from New Jersey to eat there!"

Rattigan is prepared for the inevitable backlash on pricepoints at the store, but stresses that high quality plants and flowers (ie non-refrigerated!) aren't inexpensive. They're also extending a 10% discount on all plant purchases to Brooklyn Botanic Gardens members. RS&Q won't be the go-to place for every day things, at least for me, but I know I'll welcome the opportunity to swing by for a small bouquet after a pedi at PBB.

Root Stock & Quade 471 Myrtle Ave (bt Washington and Hall) http://rootstockquade.com/

Nomination for Frank White

Frank White was recently nominated for Best New Coffeehouse in NYC by TimeOut Magazine! Congrats to them for pioneering a beautiful, unique space on Atlantic Ave.

Their huge back yard is now open. (Yay, spring.)

Frank White 936 Atlantic Ave (at St. James Pl.)

(A post to come soon highlighting the best outdoor spaces at local establishments!)

CHB Reviews: Kif

Finally! After so much positive reader feedback, I was able to hit up Kif on Friday evening. I know many people loved Liquors, but to be honest, I was never really that into their food or service. Though it will always have a place in my heart, as it's the very first place I ate at in the neighborhood several years ago.

I'm glad to report that Kif seems to be offering tastier food and friendlier service!

I met up with BrooklynJay, who I haven't seen in months. We were able to snag a prime spot out back (glad to say they're also utilizing the back yard!), and started with falafel and pita/hummus. The hummus was great, and the pita bread was amazing -- warm, lightly baked and yet soft. Perfect for dipping.

Jay had the burger. He was sick with a bad cold, so he wasn't his usual chipper self (or I would have made him write this review). Still, he cleaned his plate and said that the burger was tasty with a good mix of Moroccan-type spices.

I had the couscous royal, which was filled with veggies and a few kinds of meat. I normally wouldn't order couscous, but the reader comments persuaded me. It was delicious, and came with a bunch of sauces.

The best thing, though, was the dessert. We tried the orange flower creme brulee, and OMG. It really tasted like the smell of orange blossoms, and it might rival Chez Lola's lavender bread pudding as tastiest dessert in the area (though I think that's still my favorite).

The inside was lavish without looking overdone, and I hear they offer hookah service after 11pm. Service was very friendly, and I felt like the owner made a good effort to offer a warm welcome to everyone. (To be honest, I have heard more than one report that he's a bit chilly to same sex couples -- any feedback on this?)

Kif 219 DeKalb Ave.

(note: the photos are not the best, I know. It was really dark inside and out back!)

Earth Day Opening Weekend at Habana Outpost!

Guys- So sorry I sat on this all week. I was starting a new job and, you know how it goes.

Anyway, Fort Greene's eco-friendly hot spot Habana Outpost has its opening weekend Saturday and Sunday, in honor of Earth Day. They're offering a packed schedule, including kids' concerts, composting classes, movies and umbrella recycling. Now, if only they'd revise that ordering-truck situation so that diners aren't left for an hour waiting for their corn...

Earth Day Expo at Habana Outpost

Saturday, April 19th & Sunday April 20th 2008

Two days of free workshops and events for the whole family!

Kid’s Corner-Saturday& Sunday 12-6

Throughout the weekend there will be free arts & crafts, games and entertainment for children focusing on recycling and nature.

The ABC’s of Bees and Beekeeping - Saturday 2:00pm

Local beekeeper John Howe (the Brooklyn Bee) will explain how honey is made with a live observation hive and arts and crafts projects.

FINDERS KEEPERS!!!! TOSSERS WEEPERS!!! – Saturday 3-4 &Sunday 2-3

Recycling within Your Environment – This hands-on workshop will explore how to reuse what is in your home, community and environment. On this day, that environment will be Habana Outpost! Children will be asked to go on a scavenger hunt through the Habana Outpost area and use what they find to create new objects or give old objects new purpose and meaning. Brought to you by the Leadership Learning Lab

Composting With Red Worms – Sunday 1-2

Learn the basics of composting at home with live red wiggler worms! Use kitchen waste to make valuable, all natural plant food…compost.

Composting Workshops for Adults – Saturday & Sunday 2:00 & 5:00

Brought to you by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Department of Sanitation, these fun workshops will teach you how to start composting at home.

Electronic Waste Recycling – Saturday & Sunday 10:00 – 4:00pm

The Lower East Side Ecology Center (LESEC) will be collecting your unwanted electronic waste in their e-waste container.

Recycled Art Show- Awards ceremony Sunday at 4:00pm

Local high school and elementary students will create art out of trash. The work will be on display throughout the weekend and the winners will be announced on Sunday at 4:00pm

Umbrella Recycling- Saturday 12:00 – 4:00pm

Umbrella Recycling: A BYOBU (bring your own broken umbrella) Design Project

Bring your own broken umbrella (BYOBU) to recycle, rehabilitate or re imagine. Learn how to craft a reusable (grocery) bag out of a dead umbrella. All other materials provided. Meet up under the solar panels with master tailor and sewing teacher Bonnie Barton.

Shop Green- Saturday & Sunday 12-6

Local vendors and designers will showcase green products and services in an outdoor market

Featuring: Trixe and Radar, Lower East Side Girls Club and Recycle a Bicycle.

Get Involved-Saturday & Sunday 12-6

Meet local eco-minded groups and individuals to find out how you can get involved!

Participating Groups: Good Magazine, Green Home NYC, Green Brooklyn, Greenopia, Atomseco, The Society of Clinton Hill, Sunset-Ridge Waterfront Alliance

Films –

Sunday at 3:00pm

The Water Under Ground- In spring of 2006, the Lower East Side Ecology Center partnered with Center for Urban Pedagogy, City-as-School, and RECYouth to explore the Water Underground–the millions of gallons of water that enters the city, gets used in various ways and discharged to local waterways each day. The Water Underground video is a 25-minute student-led exploration of where water comes from, where it goes and what happens along the way.

Sunday at 3:00pm

Rooftop Bees - A film by Melissa Lohman Wild -John has an unusual hobby for a longtime resident of New York City. He maintains three beehives on his Brooklyn rooftop. This short doc gives a glimpse into the practice of urban beekeeping and shows how John’s bees are helping to pollinate the Big Apple.

Please visit our website for more information- www.habanaoutpost.com or call 718 858 9500

Habana Outpost - 757 Fulton Street ( corner of South Portland) Brooklyn, New York 11217

Friday Photo

(Waverly Ave.)

Spring: Definitely Here!

Spring is my favorite season in Clinton Hill. I first moved to the neighborhood during springtime, and all of the flowering trees remind me of my first walks home from the C train as I was getting to know the neighborhood.