Last Minute: New Year's Eve

Happy New Year's Eve! In case you missed it, earlier this week we posted a whole list of things to do on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue, tonight. If you are just looking for a simple bar to hang out in, though, fear not because the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID is home to more than 30 bars from Dean to 18th Street. 

Whatever you have planned, we hope you enjoy the evening!

News Round-Up

Local Businesses Saw a Boost in Holiday Sales This Year [PS Patch]

Food Gossip for the New Year! [Brooklyn Paper]

Donations Rolling in for First Reformed Church Repair [PS Patch]

Brooklyn’s Top Commercial Real Estate Sales in 2011 [Brownstoner]

Bird's Winter Sale; The Best Fashion Dance Videos [NY Racked]

Winter CSA Comes to Gowanus [PS Patch]

A Look Back at 2011

As we like to say, the one thing you can count on, on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue, is change.

This year saw explosive growth in the number of restaurants and bars on the Avenue, along with the amazing emergence of a vintage and antique district, of sorts, from Dean to 18th Street. Our own monthly, unscientific survey shows that the commercial vacancy rate shrunk from about 11% in January to under 8% in December. Not bad, given the state of the economy!

Yet there is another side to the story, as Fifth Avenue lost an amazing number of businesses (all of them chronicled by Here's Park Slope yesterday). It will also soon lose two long-time community anchors, Aunt Suzie's and Timboo's.

While we hope for the best, the beginning of 2012 could be bumpy, as businesses assess their holiday sales numbers and battle the winter weather (if the winter ever arrives). Still, a great number of long-time vacant spots are under construction, the economy is slowly improving, the sidewalks are cleaner than ever and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID keeps working hard to make Fifth a better place.

Overall, things are looking up for Park Slope's Fifth Avenue. Here's to a great 2012!

New Year's Eve 2011

We're working hard to find the best places to hang out on Fifth Avenue for New Year's Eve. Here are some of the special events we know about. We'll add to the list as we hear more.

Kappa Sake House (388 Fifth Avenue): New Year's Eve Dinner, Goodbye 2011 & Hello 2012 Dec, 31st 2011 6:00pm~12:30am 5 courses of Prix Fixe Tokyo style home cooking dishes $40 per person. This is going to be Kappa's last New Year's eve event that please make a reservation ASAP.

South (629 Fifth Avenue): NYE PARTY! Party favors, free toast at midnight and best of all...NO COVER. Come welcome in 2012: South Style.

Miriam (79 Fifth Avenue): Special New Year's Eve menu opentable.com or by phone 718 622 2250. Download the amazing menu here.

Stone Park Cafe (324 Fifth Avenue): From 6 to 11pm, will be offering a three course prix fixe menu for $75. Some spots available. Reservations can be made at 718.369.0082. Menu available here.

Palo Santo (652 Union Street): An extravagant chef's tasting menu has be come a New Year's tradition at Palo Santo. Make reservations to celebrate with us on December 31st and enjoy a seven course meal complete with wine pairings and a champagne toast at midnight! - one seating only 9pm - $150 per person. Looking for a place to have an early New Year's Eve dinner before the main event? They are also ffering a special three course prix fixe with reservations available at 5pm or 6pm. $55 per person includes Fish, Meat or Vegetarian options. Aperitivo (279 Fifth Avenue): New Year's Eve Specials, Prix Fixe ($65) or Alle Carte. Download the menu here. Brunch Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11am to 4pm. Also, check out the menu of their sister restaurant, Sotto Voce (it's on 7th Avenue, but we'll forgive them).

Canaille Bistro Francais (78 Fifth Avenue): Traditional French four course menu for New Year's Eve. Serving for 3 seatings by reservation. lst seating - 5:30 to 7:30 is $55 2nd seating 7:30 to 9:30 is $60 3rd seating 9:30 thru Midnight is $65 Download the menu here.

Rachel's Taqueria (408 Fifth Avenue): $4 margaritas serving food till 1:am Thur - Sat.

Campo De' Fiori (187 Fifth Avenue): $45 per person, $25 wine pairing. Download the menu here.

Bogota Latin Bistro (141 Fifth Avenue): Brunch from 11 am - 4 pm, Dinner from 4 pm - 3 am. There is a Prix Fixe dinner menu from 6PM - 1AM with an optional 2 hour open bar for $50.00 per person. The New Year's Eve Prix Fixe menu will include (1) one appetizer, (1) entrée & (1) dessert from an option of 10 appetizers, 10 entrées & 5 desserts. There's something for everyone - vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, etc. Details and reservations at bogotabistro.com

Melt (440 Bergen Street): Having a New Year's Eve Dinner Prix fixe $55 and open on New Year's Day for brunch and dinner.

The Fifth Estate (506 Fifth Avenue): New Year's Eve Bonanza. Free entrance! Cheap booze! Chili dogs! DJ's, bands and more!

Freddy's Bar (627 Fifth Avenue): Art Opening & Free bands, No reservations! Party ALL NIGHT!

Union Hall (702 Union Street): THE 5/5/5 NYE SPECTACULAR! Celebrating 5 years with $5 entry and $5 drink specials (giving away a FREE IPAD2)! Featuring:DJ LORD EASY Spinning the goods that will make you want to get down, both upstairs and down from 10-12!

Southpaw (125 Fifth Avenue): The Rub New Year’s Eve DJ Ayres, Cosmo Baker, DJ Eleven and special guest DJ Moma. 9 PM – 4 AM Complimentary champagne toast at midnight, The Rub is a classics & hip-hop party held on the first Saturday of every month at Southpaw. We do it Brooklyn style: great dance music mixed well, affordable drinks, and real people; no dress code, no bottle service, no VIPs and no celebrity DJs. The Rub has been widely recognized as the best monthly club night in New York City for the last seven years by The Village Voice, The New York Press, The New York Times and countless other local press and blogs. DJ’s Ayres, Eleven & Cosmo Baker have also been also featured on MTV Mixtape Mondays and in magazines such as Spin, Vice, XLR8R, Urb, The Wire, Hip-Hop Connection (UK) and more. 21+ w/ IDadmission: 40.00 door time: 9

Gingers Bar (363 Fifth Avenue): Fun and Fabulous Dance ParTay with music mixtress, DJ LINDZ!! Ginger’s free champagne toast brings in the prosperous 2012 New Year. Come ring in The Happy New Years like only BKLYN G-style could ever drop the BALL Yall'!!! More info on Facebook.

Also, don't forget that this is the last week for Aunt Suzie's Restaurant. They are celebrating a great 25 year run. Seating folks until 10 PM. Will open New Year's Day at 4 PM. Call (718) 788-2868 for reservations and details. This is also the last New Year's Eve for Timboos (477 Fifth Avenue) so drop by for a drink!

Be Careful Out There

According to local news and Weather.com, the entire East Coast is going to get pummeled today with heavy rain and wind. Things are expected to kick off in the late afternoon through the early evening, so get your Fifth Avenue activities in before it starts.

Hey, wasn't it just one year ago that we were digging out from one of the worst snow storms in decades? Here are the photos, just to remind you.

Happy Mega Monday

In some countries, today is called "Boxing Day." In American, the media is calling today "Mega Monday" although tens of billions of dollars worth of merchandise are expected to be returned.

Either way, we hope you will drop by Fifth Avenue's stores, bars and restaurants for a truly enjoyable Mega Monday experience.

Stay tuned, we'll have a list of places to spend New Year's Eve on Fifth Avenue later in the week.

Merry Christmas

-from the gang at All About Fifth and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID. Above is a video montage that we put together, featuring photos from Christmas events along the avenue. Music by Electric Campfire (Mark Caserta, Kevin Hodge, Brad Petrella)

Last Chance

Christmas Eve is here, folks. Last chance to grab last-minute gifts at one of Fifth Avenue's amazing shops! If you are in a panic, don't worry, we are here to help. Some of our previous posts had some good ideas that we will re-share here. Perhaps they'll give you ideas.

• Our Shopping Blogger Caitlin O'Connell has been busy this month, visiting some of Fifth Avenue's clothing and gift boutiques. Check out her posts on Scaredy Kat, Flirt, Lucia and Pink Olive.
• Here are some cool ideas from last week. Better hurry, though, it's getting late to take advantage of these deals.
• We found some good Fifth Avenue gift ideas on local blogs and shared them here.

Don't forget to check out the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID's online Business Directory to help you find what you need. It's also available in a mobile-optimized format to help you when you are on-the-go today. Simply visit parkslopefifthavenuebid.com with your mobile browser. The entire directory is available at your finger tips.

Good luck!

News Round-Up

Damaged Ceiling at Old First Reformed Church, Services Moved [PS Patch]

Brooklyn's Top 25 News Stories Of 2011 [L Magazine]

Fans Mourn Demise of ‘Bored to Death’ [Brooklyn Paper]

I Heart My City: Annemarie’s Brooklyn [National Geographic]

Shopping With Caitlin: Scaredy Kat

Scaredy Kat | 232 Fifth Avenue | 718-623-1839 | www.scaredykatstore.com

I’ve returned to Scaredy Kat several times over the course of my holiday shopping on Fifth, most recently in that pre-Christmas panic. Before I felt overwhelmed by the enormity of my gift list, the shop was an obvious choice for finding the perfect office-appropriate holiday card (I settled on these alligator holiday cards by Egg Press, six cards for $16). Now that the holidays are in full swing, I’ve come to appreciate Scaredy Kat as an excellent resource for quality and novel gift decorations, stocking stuffers, and party accessories.

I usually find holiday wrapping paper to be a total bore—reams and reams of predictable patterns—so I was thrilled to find these individual sheets of paper ($3.75) during my last visit. Though not holiday-specific, the prints are wonderfully vintage and excellent quality. I picked up a sheet featuring a print of an early New York City transit map to wrap one of my Christmas gifts (one sheet perfectly covers your standard-sized retail gift box). To give the gift more of a holiday touch, I made some paper snowflakes to glue over the paper. At least in decoration, Brooklyn will have a white Christmas!

These miniature ornaments caught my eye as a fun and easy holiday gift for a younger member of the family. I picked up the Hello Kitty set ($13.95) for my sister, who will enjoy using the ornaments as decorations even after the holidays have passed.

Seeing these Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer party crackers ($14.95) made me wish so badly that I was hosting a holiday party of my own. Add silly paper hats and an activity that pops to a boozy soiree, and you’re got yourself a memorable night.

And a little something extra, if you’re still not feeling the holiday spirit amidst this new onset of uncomfortably warm weather, visit their blog, Kat Treats, to download their free holiday mix.


-Caitlin O'Connell

Tonight: Unsilent Night

Celebrate the first night of winter tonight at Grand Army Plaza.  Starting at 6:30pm, gather at the plaza and join an interactive music parade which will make its way to Washington Park at 4th Street and Fifth Avenue.  If you have one, bring a boombox and join in the fun. Don't have one? Don't worry, boomboxes and cassette tapes will be distributed on site.


If you can't get to Grand Army Plaza, gather at Dean & Fifth or 18th Street & Fifth and join a parade of carolers as they make their way to Washington Park. Either way, free hot chocolate, cookies and Santa await!

Happy Winter!

Sponsored by the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID and Make Music NY.

Happy Hanukkah

-from the gang at All About Fifth and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID.

Photo via Flickr [ianandval]

One More Week

This is it, folks, the last week until Christmas (and one day till Hanukkah). Where did the time go?

We're sure that we don't have to remind you to come out and do your last-minute shopping on Fifth Avenue. To give you some help during crunch time, we posted some interesting tips last week. This week we have some additional tips for shopping and some specials to help you look good for the holiday season (the list will grow as we hear more):

* Le Chandelier Salon (264 5th Ave): offering a "buy one product and get 50% off the second one" special. Also having a special on hair straightening treatments. $200.00...reg. $300.00

* Dhaga Full Service Salon (294 Fifth Ave): Eyebrow threading $7, Lip threading $5, Offering a $75 gift certificate for $50 (valid on all services). 20% off hair services. New and old clients are welcomed!

*Picada y Vino (327 5th Ave): open from 10am till 8pm on Christmas Eve! Great for last-minute pick-ups!

*Zuzu's Petals (374 5th Ave): will be open Christmas Eve day until 2. Will be taking orders for pick up on the 24th. They can deliver as late as the evening of the 23rd.

*Eidolon (233 5th Ave): Offering 20% off all hats, scarves and neckware through the week. Also all shoes and boots are 20% off. Giving away a coupon for 25% off anything from Jan-March with $100 or higher purchase.

*Baluchis (310 5th Ave): Happy Hour daily this month! Bottled beer $3, draft beer $4 rack cocktail $6 wine $5

* Brooklyn Mercantile (335 5th Ave): Open all this week through Saturday, Christmas Eve. Will close around 3pm on Christmas Eve. Great spot for gifts: Gorgeous hour glasses, cool gifts for men, mercury glass votives, unusual coffee table books, sewing baskets and supplies, embroidery books and supplies, great transfer ware trays and much much more.

Also, FIPS has some good Hanukkah gift ideas, in case you are in a full gift-buying panic.

News Round-Up

Fifth Avenue Ozzie's Re-Opens with New Look, New Name: Kos Kaffe [Here’s Park SLope]

Who Gives a Sh*# [FIPS]

Fifth Annual Snowflake Celebration on Seventh Avenue [PS Patch]

The Brooklyn Cigar Shop That Never Was [WSJ]

Park Slope’s ‘Batman’ Responds to Crime Wave [Brooklyn Eagle]

Shopping with Caitlin: Flirt

This past weekend marked the arrival of much anticipated winter weather, meaning it was time to finally break out my favorite mitten and hat set. A few minutes outside, and I realized that my fingers felt a bit drafty. As I quickly discovered, the moths that had surreptitiously plagued our closets for months, not satisfied with my wooly winter sweaters, had feasted on my mittens as well. With cold weather and chunky knits initially on my mind, I strolled along Fifth to see what warm things I could find.

 Flirt | 93 Fifth Avenue | 718-783-0364 | flirt-brooklyn.com

 What first strikes you about Flirt—after the light red benches outside—is its décor. The boutique’s vibrant and floral wallpaper and collection of antique furniture demand your attention as much as their assortment of playful, girly accessories and unique apparel. The items here can be pricey, but for good reason: the products are high quality, and you’re supporting independent designers. Flirt also offers basic sewing, knitting and craft classes at their studio space. Visit their website for more information.

Flirt has a wonderful selection of hats and mittens, but these convertible fingerless owl mittens ($40) from Wooden Ships by Paola Buendia were my pick. I’m a sucker for critter designs, and the owl decoration is subtle enough that I wouldn’t feel silly wearing them out and about. The knit owl cap ($64), also from Wooden Ships, is the perfect complement to the mittens. Hats can be a tough sell for some ladies (myself included) but this one fits wonderfully, snugly and attractively.

Unlike the quatrefoil studs at another shop on a certain Fifth Avenue, these clover earrings ($36) are classy and fabulous without the unpalatable price tag. They’d make a lovely present, for someone you know or just yourself.

Cooking has quickly developed into a new hobby of mine, just in time for the holidays. On Thanksgiving I baked sugar cookies with my sister, and as the flour diffused all over our darkly colored dinner clothes I lamented not having covered up before we embarked on such a messy project. This poppy apron by Funktion ($48) is cute, fun, and great for throwing on over your holiday dress while you’re get getting ready for a dinner party.

-Caitlin O'Connell

Unsilent Night

Make Music New York, the annual celebration with over 1,000 free outdoor concerts on the first day of summer, is launching a dozen participatory musical parades on the first night of winter (December 21st) which will be open to all.

 A full list of events is available here, but Park Slope residents can participate locally by dropping by Grand Army Plaza, 18th Street and Fifth Avenue or Dean Street and Fifth Avenue at 6:30 PM. Each group will walk and converge on 4th Street and Fifth Avenue by 7:15ish and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with Santa Claus.

Sound like fun? Be there!

Holiday Shopping

Well, there is still some time left to shop until Christmas and Hanukkah, but you'd better hurry!

When you head out to shop on Fifth, don't forget to pick up one of our handy All About Fifth Guides to help you find what you need. You can also view it online here.

Also, keep checking Brooklyn blogs like Brokelyn and FIPS for local gift ideas like:

* These Tattoos for Commitment-Phobes from Cog and Pearl.

* Gifts for Hippies, Dorks, Ballers, Breeders and Brooklyn Snobs via FIPS (see Fifth Avenue options on each page). *UPDATED: Design Gurus and Dog Obsessives

If, for some bizarre reason, you can't find what you are looking for on Fifth, consider keeping it local rather than hitting the nearest shopping mall. Consider:

* Brooklyn Holiday Markets: Who doesn't love a holiday market, if only to soak up the spirit of the season for a while? Plus, there's one on Fifth (Kings County General Store at SouthPaw)

* Do you like to shop online? Why not support local artisans and manufacturers like these on withlovefrombrooklyn.com?

 There, that should give you a few ideas. Oh, to help get you in the holiday mood, enjoy the photos, above, from the Fifth Avenue Holiday Tree Lighting event.

More Santa

It seems that St. Nick just can't get enough of Park Slope's Fifth Avenue!

Over the past two weeks, he has made appearances at Piramide and Alta Voce, as well as the Holiday Tree Lighting event. Next Sunday, he's scheduled at Melt (440 Bergen Street at Fifth Avenue) from 2 - 5 pm.

In addition (this just in), he's going to make a stop on Fifth Avenue's 7-11 on Saturday the 17th from 2-5. There will be Hot Chocolate and Santa will bring candy canes.

Maybe Santa should consider purchasing a Park Slope brownstone and stay awhile.

News Round-Up

Gowanus, Home of the Pop-up Cocktail [PS Patch]

Slew of Park Slope Restaurants Shuttered Due to Economic Slump [Brooklyn Ink]

Thanksgiving Day Fire Heroes Recognized [PS Patch]

One of Park Slope's Best Bars to Close [L Magazine]

Comida Hailed for Good Working Conditions [PS Patch]

BAX Holiday Party

This friday, December 9th, drop by the Brooklyn Arts Exchange for "A Night of Babysitting & Fun." Bring the kids in their jammies for a night of pizza, games, dance party, story time and lots of fun!

The event is staffed by experienced BAX Teaching Artists and the Fabulous BAXco Teens and serves as a FUNdraiser for Bax's teen dance company. Call 718-832-0018 to reserve your slot today! Admission is $40 per child. Siblings 2 for $60

 For more information, visit bax.org/holiday-pajama-party/.

Shopping with Caitlin: Lucia

Lucia | 272 Fifth Avenue | 718-788-7500 | www.shoplucia.com

Lucia is one of my favorite places to shop on Fifth. Their racks are stocked with a lovely selection of day-to-evening outfits (perfect for any upcoming office holiday parties!), not to mention some great options if you’re still searching for the perfect dress for New Years Eve. While browsing, keep an eye out for dresses by Ark & Co. I’ve found items by the brand consistently well fitting and always fabulous. At the time of posting, they still have one of these left!

The first dress I tried on was an adorable short-sleeve bird print dress by Peppermint ($68).  Lately I’ve been catching up on episodes of The New Girl, and the dress immediately reminded me something Zooey Deschanel’s character might wear. I’m a size Small, and the fit was comfortable if not a bit looser than I would normally prefer. A brown belt would pull it together nicely. 

Green is my favorite color, so I was excited to find this olive dress by Plum ($72). I loved this item because it’s nice enough to wear to the office but also fun enough that I’d be happy wearing it to a happy hour or dinner with friends after work.

I tend to avoid black dresses when I’m looking for new additions to my wardrobe, but this one by Jack ($92) is sweet enough to warrant an exception.  The capped lace sleeves and gathered waist add a touch of ladylike delicacy to the dress, while the ruched, fitted top and scooped neckline give it some sass.

-Caitlin O'Connell

Tonight: Holiday Tree Lighting

Tonight at 6 pm at S'Nice (Fifth Avenue & 3rd Street)! 

Santa and his helpers will be there with music from Rolie Polie Guacamole and the MS 51 Chorus. Be there, or you'll receive coal in your stocking. 

Recent Changes on Fifth

Well, the holiday lights are up, the banners have been installed and the Holiday Tree is up and ready to be lit.

What else is new on Fifth?

* Sai Thai Kitchen (437 Fifth Avenue) opened in the former Fatoosh space. We welcome them to Fifth Ave! Check out their website here.

* Glow Accessories (219 Fifth Avenue) opened between President and Union. This is the second outpost for Glow. Their first outpost is located on Seventh Avenue.

 * Kiku is taking the larger space formerly occupied by Babouche (2 Lincoln Place) and will close their current location when the transition is complete.

* PC Tech (337 9th Street) has closed.

 * Oko Frozen Yogurt and Tea (154 Fifth Avenue) closed this week. Details here.

* Great Lakes (284 Fifth Avenue) closed after what appeared to be a disagreement over rent.

Also, while it is not obvious from the street, there will be a big change on the avenue at the end of the month. Timboo's Bar, which has been open as a bar on the avenue for more than 60 years, will close its doors on December 31st.

We are sorry to see them go and wish the owners all the best.

News Round-Up

Dinner Partying [PS Patch]

Park Slope Boasts Booming Real Estate Market [The Brooklyn Ink]

SweetWolf's is Open! [PS Patch]

Park Slope Hosts First-Ever Jewish Wedding Expo [CBS]

Five Injured in Brooklyn Fire [NY Times]

BID Banners

If you take a stroll along Fifth Avenue between Dean and 18th Streets this week, you may notice a change if you look up at the light poles. The Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID is installing decorative banners to help mark the district and celebrate the holiday season.

Designs include artwork by Fifth Avenue artist Jonathan Blum and a series of banners depicting the 12 days of Christmas, installed near 1st through 12th streets.

Check out the designs, above.

Santa Claus is Coming to Fifth

St. Nick himself will be making three pre-Christmas stops along Park Slope's Fifth Avenue in December, starting this Sunday! Below is the schedule:

• December 4, 2-5 pm: Piramide (499 Fifth Avenue nr 12th Street)
• December 11, 2-5 pm: Alta Voce (318 Fifth Avenue nr 2nd Street)
• December 18, 2-5 pm: Melt (440 Bergen Street nr Fifth Avenue)

Oh, and there will be FREE HOT CHOCOLATE.

Here are some photos from last year's visit!

Reminder: Tree Lighting

Just a reminder that one week from today is Fifth Avenue's annual holiday tree lighting ceremony.
Hopefully, the weather will be more appropriate. Hey, we're not complaining about the warm weather this week but there's something disorienting about spring temperatures mixed with fall leaves and holiday lights. S'Nice Cafe has graciously agreed to host the tree in their corner garden space! Please Join us on Tues. Dec 6th at 6 pm at S'Nice (Fifth Avenue & 3rd Street). Santa and his helpers will be there with music from Rolie Polie Guacamole and the MS 51 Chorus. See you there!

Shopping with Caitlin

Despite an onset of unseasonably warm weather unfitting for the festive activities that accompany the end of fall, the holidays are upon us. Holiday shopping always appeals to my girly sensibilities, and I find myself unconditionally drawn to party dresses, hand crafted stationary, and I’ll-find-a-use-for-it-somehow kinds of knick-knacks. A recent trip to some of my favorite boutiques in the neighborhood left me warm and fuzzy with holiday anticipation, that unique kind of warm and fuzzy even 60-degree weather in November can’t belittle.

Beginning with Small Business Saturday, I’ll be continuing the spirit of support for our local business by highlighting my holiday gift picks at some of the lovely stores along Fifth Avenue. Happy shopping!

Pink Olive | 167 Fifth Avenue | 718-398-2016 | www.pinkolive.com

I’ve always relished window-shopping at Pink Olive for their selection of all things overwhelmingly cute. With such a collection of precious gifts, I would recommend Pink Olive as a spot for both moms and young ladies to pick up one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers.

1. Holiday Cards from Night Owl Paper Goods

The holiday spirit is already in the air at Pink Olive, with many shelves dedicated to an assortment of holiday cards from boutique stationary brands across the country. One of my favorites was the eco-friendly Santa Owl Card Set by Night Owl Paper Goods. These adorable blank cards come in a box of 10 ($22).

2. Happy Holidays Postcard Set by Rifle Paper Co.

A former Journalism student, I pine for the days when handwritten notes, no matter how simple, were the preferred method of communication amongst family members and friends. The “Happy Holidays” postcard set by Rifle Paper Co. made me smile. The cards come in packs of 10, and are perfect for sending a quick “With love from Brooklyn” ($14).

3. Ice Cream Scented Bubbles

Though I don’t have any practical use for them, I can still appreciate the fun of ice cream scented bubbles. The soft serve cone-shaped novelty bubbles come in pineapple, chocolate, strawberry, and mint scents ($3).

4. Saipua Soaps

I’ve always grouped scented soaps alongside candles in the “useless gift” category, until lingering by the store’s display of olive oil-based soaps by Saipua. Purchasing any of these craft soaps is a double-notch on the small business karma scale; not only would your business be supporting Pink Olive, but Saipua is also a small family-business based locally in Red Hook. My personal favorite is the tried and true lavender oatmeal soap ($12 each/2 for $20).

5. “Je T’aime Brooklyn” Tote by Atsuyo et Akiki

It was love at first sight with the “Je T’aime Brooklyn” tote by Atsuyo et Akiki ($24). This cotton tote is lightweight and on the smaller side, ideal for carrying your latest read and a tumbler over to your favorite neighborhood coffee spot. There is also a “Je Taime New York” tote variety, but come on; we know what you really love.  

- Caitlin O'Connell 

Small Business Saturday

Happy Black Friday, everyone. Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, THE day to shop small.

Come on down to Park Slope's Fifth Avenue! The weather is expected to be perfect (for a change) and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID has hired a bus to help shuttle you along the avenue from 2-8 PM.

Why is Small Business Saturday so important? Here's a message from President Obama that says it all:


From the mom-and-pop storefront shops that anchor Main Street to the high-tech startups that keep America on the cutting edge, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our Nation’s promise. These businesses create two out of every three new jobs in America, helping spur economic development in communities across our country and giving millions of families and individuals the opportunity to achieve the American dream. Through events such as Small Business Saturday, we keep our local economies strong and help maintain an American economy that can compete and win in the 21st century. 

More details on this important day here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from the gang at All About Fifth and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID.

If you are in the neighborhood today and you need some last-minute items or if you don't have any plans for dinner, here are some great options for you on Fifth Avenue.

Enjoy!

-------------------
Aperitivo (279 Fifth Avenue): Download the menu. (718) 369-1123

Stone Park Cafe (324 Fifth Avenue): Download the menu. (718) 369-0082

Baluchis (310 Fifth Avenue): Special Thanksgiving items including Turkey Tikka Masala,Turkey Tikka and an all day Happy Hour Bar.

200 Fifth (200 Fifth Avenue): Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner $23.95 per person, $13.50 for children under 12.  All You Can Eat! Caser Salad, Tossed Salad, Corn Chowder, Turkey (fried or roasted), Roast Beef, Ham, Smoked Brisket, Stuffing, AuGratin Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, White Rice, Cranberry Sauce, Vegetables  (718) 638-2925

Palo Santo (652 Union Street): Special Hours 2-8, Four Course Menu $60 per person, Kids $30 per person. The menu is available here.

Blue Ribbon (280 Fifth Avenue): 3-9 PM, Serving full menu and traditional Thanksgiving Specials. (718) 840-0404

Also:

Picada y vino (327 Fifth Avenue): will be open from 10am till 3pm for last minute wine buying needs.

and

ZuZu's Petals (374 Fifth Avenue): will be fully loaded with Thanksgiving arrangements (one is pictured, above) from Monday November 21 on. They are taking orders for pick up or delivery of flower arrangements including thursday.

Lots of Upcoming Events

As usual, the avenue's events calendar is starting to explode as we turn our attention to the holiday season. Here is a list of important upcoming events that you might be interested in:

• Park Slope Eye: is having a "Black Friday Balloon Pop" event on Friday November 25th from 8am-8pm. Balloons will hold discounts between 30% off and 100% off ! Do not miss the chance to cash in on this amazing sale ! Details via Facebook.
• Baluchi's: is celebrating its 3rd Anniversary from Thanksgiving through Sunday, November 27th. Drop by for a meal and get a free house drink as part of the celebration!
• Small Business Saturday: this Saturday, November 26th. Come down to Fifth Avenue and SHOP SMALL! The weather is supposed to be perfect and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID has hired a shuttle bus from 2 to 8 pm to help you get from one end of the BID to the other (Dean to 18th Street), so no excuses!
• Pink Olive: is open an hour early at 10am until Christmas. In addition, they are hosting a "Milk + Bookies Children's Holiday Book Drive Party" on Saturday, December 3rd from 11 am to 3 pm. Stories, milk and cookies and a chance to donate a book for a good cause! Download the event postcard for more info (.pdf).
• Gowanus Canal Conservancy: Our friends to the south are working hard to make the Gowanus Canal a better place. Join them on December 3rd from 6:30 till midnight for a fundraising event at Build It Green. Proceeds from the Winter Festival event will directly benefit the Gowanus Canal Conservancy, specifically assisting with its Clean & Green Volunteer Program, Compost Program and Rain Garden projects. Interested? Get more details and tickets here.
• Holiday Tree Lighting: Fifth Avenue's annual tree lighting will take place in a new location this year, thanks to the ongoing construction project at Washington Park. S'Nice Cafe has graciously agreed to host the tree in their corner garden space! Please Join us on Tues. Dec 6th at 6 pm at S'Nice (Fifth Avenue & 3rd Street). Santa and his helpers will be there with music from Rolie Polie Guacamole and the MS 51 Chorus. See you there!
• Finally, don't forget our list of Fifth Avenue Businesses who are open on Thanksgiving.

All About Fifth Guide 2012

Open publication - Free publishing - More brooklyn

You may remember that last fall, the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID published its first All About Fifth Guide, featuring a full listing of the Avenue's businesses, a calendar of the year's events, profiles of our community's leaders and more.

 Of course, the avenue is always changing and that's why the BID has released a new, 2012 edition. Look for it in stores, bars and restaurants along the avenue. Or, you can read it online in the above window or click here.

Save the Date: Wild Game Dinner

There are just a few days left till Thanksgiving. Hard to believe, right?

Chances are that you are going to eat way too much on Thursday. However, instead of going right into diet mode on Friday, we suggest that you use Thanksgiving as a warm-up to a decadent Wild Game Dinner at Aperitivo (next Wednesday). Interested? Here's what's on the menu:  

Wild Game Dinner And Wine Pairing

7:30pm Wednesday, 30 November 2011

Prix Fixe $75.00 pp ~ by reservation only
~ Featuring The Wines of Antinori ~

Consommé di Lepre
Clear Broth of Wild Hare Topped with Black Truffle Shavings
Pairing - Villa Antinori Bianco (Tuscana)
70% Trebbiano and Malvasia, 30% Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio

Carpaccio d’Anitra Con Vino Cotto
Carpaccio of Pecan Smoked Duck Breast with a Novello Wine Reduction
Served over a Hicama Nest and Micro Greens
Pairing - Bramito del Cervo (Umbria) 100% Chardonnay

Pappardelle al Ragu Di Cinghiale 
House Made Broad Pasta with a Wild Boar Ragu
Pairing - Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo– (Salento) 100% Primitivo

Osso Buco d’Alce
Sangiovese Braised Elk Osso Buco
Served over Toasted Polenta Pairing - Antinori Tignanello (Tuscana) 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc

Morbidezza di Mela Cotogna 
Poached Quince with Goat’s Milk Gelato and Pomegranate Arils
Pairing - Muffato della Sala (Umbria) 60% Sauvignon Blanc; 40% Grechetto, Traminer and Riesling

Download a .pdf copy of the menu here.

A Couple of Holiday Retail Items

A couple of interesting holiday/retail items related to Park Slope's Fifth Avenue:

• Odd Twin is having their annual "37 Days Till Christmas" party tomorrow night. Drop by and give thanks for your blessings while picking out x-mas gifts! There will be free beer and wine and some great live music. The party starts at 6pm, with live music from 8-11pm.
• New York Magazine has released its annual Holiday Gift Guide which includes items from Fifth Avenue's own Cog and Pearl and Goorin Brothers hat shop. There doesn't seem to be a way to link directly to their items, so check out the online guide here.

Thanksgiving 2011

Are you in town for Thanksgiving this year? If so, here is a list of restaurants and stores that will be doing a little something special for turkey day. If there is more, let us know and we'll add it to this list:

Aperitivo (279 Fifth Avenue): Download the menu. (718) 369-1123

Stone Park Cafe (324 Fifth Avenue): Download the menu. (718) 369-0082

Baluchis (310 Fifth Avenue): Special Thanksgiving items including Turkey Tikka Masala,Turkey Tikka and an all day Happy Hour Bar.

200 Fifth (200 Fifth Avenue): Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner $23.95 per person, $13.50 for children under 12. All You Can Eat! Caser Salad, Tossed Salad, Corn Chowder, Turkey (fried or roasted), Roast Beef, Ham, Smoked Brisket, Stuffing, AuGratin Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, White Rice, Cranberry Sauce, Vegetables  (718) 638-2925

Palo Santo (652 Union Street): Special Hours 2-8, Four Course Menu $60 per person, Kids $30 per person. The menu is available here.

Blue Ribbon (280 Fifth Avenue): 3-9 PM, Serving full menu and traditional Thanksgiving Specials. (718) 840-0404

Also:

Picada y vino (327 Fifth Avenue): will be open from 10am till 3pm for last minute wine buying needs.

and

ZuZu's Petals (374 Fifth Avenue): will be fully loaded with Thanksgiving arrangements (one is pictured, above) from Monday November 21 on. They are taking orders for pick up or delivery of flower arrangements including thursday.

4th Avenue Forum

In case you are interested, there is a town hall meeting tonight on the Future of 4th Avenue. It will take place at St. Tomas Aquinas Church’s meeting hall at 9th Street and 4th Ave at 6pm.

Joining the meeting will be a representative of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz's 4th Avenue Task Force, Community Board 2 Chair John Dew, Community Board 6 Chair Daniel Kummer, Park Slope Civic Council President Michael Cairl and more.

Drop by and give your input on how to transform 4th Avenue into a the grand, landscaped boulevard from Atlantic Avenue to the Atlantic Ocean.

Holiday Card Sale

Thanksgiving is just over a week away and with it, starts the holiday season. Time to buy your holiday cards and get them in the mail!

Don't panic! Fifth Avenue's Scaredy Kat is here to help! Drop by their store at 232 Fifth Avenue and say "Santa Sent Me" & receive 15% off all regular priced holiday cards thru November 18th!!! They also have a crazy section of holiday cards marked at $6.00 (pictured above). Get em before the winter chill sets in!

News Round-Up

Park Slope Red Sauce Institution Aunt Suzie's To Close [Gothamist]

Bottle of Write! Women Share Stories of Booze at Old Stone House [Brooklyn Paper]

Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza Gets Safety Redesign [ABC Local]

The Great Bagel Crisis [NY Post]

J. Crew President and Creative Director Jenna Lyons Selling Posh Park Slope Townhouse [Forbes]

Art for the Holidays

You know that the "holiday season" has begun when you start receiving emails about holiday shopping. Unfortunately, those emails start flooding our email box in August. :)

Anyway, this weekend, check out some original art at the newish Fifth Avenue-area Prophecies Gallery (665 President Street, just East of 5th Avenue). Art makes a great gift!

A Holiday Art Show 
Art Makes A Great Gift For The Holidays

Featured Artists: John Coffiel, Tanya Dessereau, Cassandra McGowen, Ruben Rios, Jasmine Leilani Rios, Barbara Santos, Kelly Stretesky, Frank Troy, Domingo Vega, Linda Wasylewski 

Opening: Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM 

Show runs from November 12, 2011 through January 7, 2012 

Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM 

For Information Call Lenny Gallery: 718-230-3022/ Cell: 917-597-1665

Fall Fest Tonight

Not only is there a fun Scavenger Hunt tonight at 7:00 pm, but tonight is also Fall Fest!

Participating merchants will have their own specials and deals and there will be music out in the streets (looks like another perfect night for it).

Participating Merchants

Pony - 69 5th Avenue
Two Lovers - 227 5th Avenue
Baluchis - 310 5th Avenue
Aunt Suzies - 247 5th Avenue
Los Pollitos - 148 5th Avenue
El Sito Borinquen - 341 5th Avenue
El Pollitos Mexicano - 119 5th Avenue
Culture - 331 5th Avenue
Melt - 440 Bergen Street
El Viejo - 36 5th Avenue
Black Horse Bup - 568 5th Avenue
M & S Prime Meats - 312 5th Avenue
Grills Delight - 587 5th Avenue
Gingers Bar - 363 5th Avenue
Colombia - 376 5th Avenue
200 5th - 205 5th Avenue
Sky Ice - 63 5th Avenue
Juice Master - 77 5th Avenue
Piramide - 499 5th Avenue
Nuevo Mexico - 489 5th Avenue
Park Slope Psychic - 399 5th Avene
La Rosa - 272 5th Avenue
Tabeel Gifts & Salon - 76 5th Avenue
Petland Dicounts - 512 5th Avenue
Paws in Paradise - 410 5th Avenue
Eagle Provisions - 628 5th Avenue
7-11 - 520 5th Avenue
Goorin Brothers - 195 5th Avenue

Tomorrow: Scavenger Hunt on Fifth

Wednesday, November 9th, 7-9:30 PM

The event will have a mystery "who done it" theme with more than 30 businesses from Dean to 18th Street participating. Admission is $15, which includes 2 drink chips good for any house drink at participating businesses. Scavenger teams will meet at Timboo’s Bar (477 Fifth Avenue at the corner of 11th Street) at 7 pm sharp where Hunt Lists will be distributed. Teams will finish at Piramide Restaurant (499 Fifth Avenue near 12th Street) where points will be tallied and winners will be awarded! Each member of the winning team will receive a $25 gift certificate to the participating Scavenger Hunt location of his or her choice.

Participating Merchants

Baluchis - 310 5th Avenue

Bierkraft - 191 5th Avenue

Aunt Suzies - 247 5th Avenue

Los Pollitos 2 - 148 5th Avenue

Smiths Tavern - 440 5th Avenue

El Sitio Borinquen - 341 5th Avenue

O'connor's - 39 5th Avenue

Aperitivo Cafe - 279 5th Avenue

Freddy's Bar - 627 5th Avenue

South - 629 5th Avenue

El Pollito Mexicano - 119 5th Avenue

Black Sheep Pub - 428 Bergen St

Cyprus - 52 5th Avenue

Culture- 331 5th Avenue

7-11 - 520 5th Avenue

High Dive - 243 5th Avenue

Juice Masters - 77 5th Avenue

El Viejo Yayo - 36 5th Avenue

Melt - 440 Bergen Street

Black Horse Pub - 568 5th Avenue

Timboos - 477 5th Avenue

M & S Prime Meats - 312 5th Avenue

Grill's Delight & Juice Bar - 587 5th Avenue

Gingers Bar - 363 5th Avenue

Colombia - 376 5th Avenue

200 5th - 200 5th Avenue

Piramide 499 5th Avenue

Nuevo Mexico - 489 5th Avenue

Bar Reis - 375 5th Avenue

Sky Ice - 63 5th Avenue

Blue Ribbon - 280 5th Avenue

Der Kommissar - 559 5th Avenue

Aunt Suzie's Says Goodbye

We're sad to report that Aunt Suzie's restaurant will be closed at the beginning of 2012. Below is a message from Aunt Suzie's owner/Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID Director Irene Lo Re:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Aunt Suzie’s has been in Park Slope for 25 years and we feel privileged to have been a part of the neighborhood and a part of your lives.

It has been a wonderful run and it is time to say goodbye. Pat, Irene, Ginny (sister) Liz (niece) Tamara (daughter) and the staff are all sad to go. We will miss all of you but to “Everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven.”

This restaurant was inspired by my mother who was Aunt Suzie to all who knew her. She embodied the values of family, sharing and giving both emotionally and with the physical nourishment of wonderful Italian food. We hope we did some of these things for you.

We would like to give special thanks to all our current and past employees without whom Aunt Suzie’s could not have been so successful. Antonio and Michelangelo are two of the hardest working cooks I know. Tiffany loves all the customers, especially the ones with kids. We have watched Patrick grow up in our midst and it has been wonderful to work with him.

Our last day of operation will be January 1, 2012.

Arriverderci a tutti,

Irene & Pat

News Round-Up

Parking Concerns Rise Alongside New Brooklyn Arena [NY 1]

Spread 'Em [PS Patch]

Plan to Issue New Permits for Parking Is Debated [NY Times]

New Park Slope Bike Lane Project Shelved for Fear of Another Lawsuit [L Magazine]

Urban Etiquette Notes, Now With Dog Poop [Village Voice]

Park Slope, Brooklyn: A Neighborhood Growing and Changing at Each End [Urban Edge]

November Calendar

Whew! We just finished updating our Fifth Avenue events calendar. It's getting harder every month, now, with more events and new bars (with musical acts) opening all the time. Take a look and let us know if we missed something.

Look for events here, on our calendar page and via Twitter!

Photos from the Halloween Parade

Yeah, we know that we tried to move you past Halloween yesterday, but we need one more post to put Halloween 2011 to rest.

Here are some photos taken by our friends Erika Clark and Denver Klingenberg at the Park Slope Halloween Parade on Monday. Enjoy!

Save the Date: Small Business Saturday

Ok, now that Halloween is over, it's time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and the holiday season. Don't worry, we'll ease you into this. We know that it's hard to believe that it's November 1st already.

As you know, the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, is the busiest shopping day of the year. However, most of the shoppers on this day tend to go to malls and big box stores where the deals are big and the discounts are steep. Generally speaking, it's really not a great shopping day for local business districts like Park Slope's Fifth Avenue.

For the second year a row, though, American Express is working to make the next day, Saturday, November 26th, a special day for small retailers. The 2nd annual Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. On November 26, join millions of Americans to shop small at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy.

 Sounds good to us! More details on the day, later in the month.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween on a Monday kind-of stinks, doesn't it? Oh well, make the best of the day!

Don't forget, the Park Slope Halloween Parade will take place today at 6:30 pm. It will start at 14th Street and 7th Avenue, travel down 7th Avenue to 3rd Street, turn left, and end at 5th Avenue.

See you there and enjoy the night, whatever you do! Oh, and when you are down on Fifth Avenue tonight, think about dropping by one of our many bars and restaurants. Check here for specials and events (at least the ones we know about).

News Round-Up

Your Three-day Halloween Guide! [Brooklyn Paper]

Hooked on Henry, Park Slope Bar Celebrates MLS Playoffs [Brooklyn Ink]

Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company [NY Times]

Where the Lake and Stars Designer Finds Antique Dresses [NY Racked]

Halloween in Brooklyn 2011 [Brooklyn Eagle]

Upcoming October & November Restaurant Events

When we hear about special events at Fifth Avenue area restaurants, we like to pass them on. Here are a couple that we heard about this week:

• Stone Park Cafe: On Monday, Stone Park started taking reservations for Thanksgiving Dinner. Yeah, it's actually that time of year, already! Meals will be served from 1 to 7:00 pm, $65 per person. To see a menu, please click here. For reservations, call 718.369.0082. Also, don't miss their next "Meet the Winemaker" event with Aldo Rainoldi on November 8th from 6 to 9 pm. Details are available here. 
• Palo Santo: This Saturday from 5pm - 11pm Palo Santo will be hosting its annual Halloween Costume Party! Just show up for dinner in some sort of costume and get a free drink! Sangria and big bottles of Tecate for everyone who dresses up for the occasion. Traditional Dia de los Muertos dishes will be featured on the $27 three course prix fixe menu. Seating is limited. Please call for reservations: (718) 636-6311

Also, don't miss the Halloween events and specials that we highlighted earlier this week!