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.