Happy New Year's Eve

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone! In case you missed our posts last week on what's happening tonight, here's a recap:

-Fireworks in Prospect Park

-Lots of Fifth Avenue Dinner and Drink Specials

-Jay-Z and Coldplay at the Barclay's Center

If that isn't enough, you can try to get $5 tickets to the Union Hall and Karaoke Killed the Cat New Year's Eve Spectacular, although it appears you'll need to try your luck at the door:

MON 12/31: 8pm / $5 - ADVANCE TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT, TICKETS MAY BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR

UNION HALL AND KKTC $5 NYE SPECTACULAR COME HELP US WELCOME BABY NEW YEAR (NO STROLLER!) featuring KARAOKE KILLED THE CAT 

Celebrating the new year with $5 entry and champagne and drink specials all night! We already know KKTC brings the biggest party to Brooklyn every Friday night, so we couldn't think of a more epic way we'd rather bring in the New Year than with you and our trusty party hosts Chris Goldteeth and Lord Easy. Come early for the hot party.

Even More About New Year's Eve

The Barclay's Center really brings Brooklyn's New Year's Eve celebration to a whole new, interesting level. Coming up this weekend:

Sunday, December 30th: Coldplay 

Monday, December 31st: Coldplay and... Jay-Z?

Sounds like an interesting way to spend the last night of the year, although we're kind-of scratching our heads, trying to figure out what a Jay-Z/Coldplay show will be like.

Oh, by the way, yesterday we neglected to mention the 30+ bars along the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, all of which will be celebrating New Year's Eve in some way or another. We already know that High Dive (243 Fifth Avenue) and The Monro Pub (481 Fifth Avenue) will be having free champagne toasts to ring in the New Year. More to come as we hear about it.

Make sure to drop by for a drink after the big Coldplay/Jay-Z show.

New Year's Eve on Fifth

For some, 2012 was a banner year. Others are ready to kick it hard to the curb and start fresh. But no matter how you feel about the year that was, if you decide to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Park Slope, there are plenty of options along Fifth Avenue to bubbly it up. Here are some great places to ring in 2013!

Sidecar (560 Fifth Avenue): serving a special holiday menu from 6 to midnight.

Palo Santo (652 Union Street) has an early bird prix fixe for $45 from 5 – 7 and a $115 chef’s tasting menu with a 9pm seating. Fabulous specials include Lobster Ceviche, Warm Beet Salad, Chorizo Casero, Beef Tenderloin and a dessert tasting menu, with South American and NY State wine pairings. Reservations strongly encouraged 718-636-6311.

Terroir (284 Fifth Avenue): Hosting Auld Lang Wine starting at 5pm – a special $45 tasting menu featuring selected wine and sparkling pairings in addition to their regular menu.

Backyard (388 Fifth Avenue) has a $50 all-you-can-eat and drink prix fixe for New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Day happy hour starting at 4pm.

Aperitivo (279 Fifth Avenue): throwing a New Year’s Eve party starting at 9pm, with a four-course prix fixe chef’s dinner for $95. In addition, they are serving specials during regular dinner hours and open for brunch on New Year’s Day.

Blueprint Bar (196 Fifth Avenue): open 4pm to 4am New Year’s Eve with a special menu served till 2am. Open New Year’s Day for brunch at noon till 2am.

Pork Slope (247 Fifth Avenue): from 10 –1am, a $60 all-you-can-eat-and-drink special – includes canned and tap beers, well spirits, and two signature cocktails. But come early for your reveling real estate, as there are no reservations accepted.

Blue Ribbon (280 Fifth Avenue): serving a New Year’s Eve menu in addition to their regular menu.

Melt (440 Bergen Street): serving a $65 four-course menu including glass of wine.

Baluchi’s (310 Fifth Avenue): serving a $35 dinner for two, $16.00 dinner box and $9.00 lunch in addition to their regular menu all through the holiday.

Surfish Bistro (351 Fifth Avenue): open New Year’s Eve with reservations accepted on Open Table.

Lobo (188 Fifth Avenue): open later on New Year’s Eve serving Tex Mex goodness till close, open all day starting at brunch the next morning.

Brooklyn Fish Camp (162 Fifth Avenue): For revelers who want to make it an early night, serving dinner New Year’s Eve, but closing at 9pm.

Time to Start Planning for New Year's Eve

We hope you enjoyed your Christmas. Now, it's time to start planning your New Year's Eve in Park Slope! Come on, we know you haven't made any plans, yet. It's a holiday tradition to leave New Year's Eve plans till the last minute. To help you out, we'll have a post later this week, detailing all of the places to hang out on Fifth Avenue for the big night.

In the meantime, you might want to work this into your plans:

Prospect Park Fireworks

Start the celebrations off around 11 p.m. with entertainment and hot refreshments at Grand Army Plaza. Best locations for viewing the fireworks include: anywhere in Grand Army Plaza, inside the Park on the West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. Sponsored by Borough President Marty Markowitz.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the merchants of Fifth Avenue and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID.

Enjoy the brief video of carolers on Fifth, this past Friday night. Oh, and by the way, this is the 1,000th post on All About Fifth! Good timing!

Where To Eat Out On Fifth For Christmas

Need a last-minute place celebrate Christmas Eve/Christmas Day? Here are some hours and specials for establishments all along Fifth Avenue. *Not that we have to tell you, but please be extra kind and patient to those working to serve you during the holidays. Besides, tipping is good karma!


Aperitivo: serving a Pre-Fixe four-course menu for $55 with choice of soup or antipasto; choice of pasta (gnocchi, ravioli or ragu); fish or carne and dessert. Items can also be ordered a la carte. Also open for brunch Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Bogota Bistro: Special holiday hours can be seen here http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Happy-Holidays-from-Bogota-Latin-Bistro.html?soid=1102350576146&aid=rw-P6xhW5yg

AOC Bistro: serving French fare during regular hours and accepting reservations by phone or through Open Table.

Kiku Asian Bistro: accepting reservations by phone or through Open Table.

Kinara Link to Menu

Pork Slope: Open Christmas Day for drinks only.

Surfish Bistro: closed Christmas Eve but OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY! Accepting reservations on Open Table.

The following are open Christmas Eve only:

Benchmark: with reservations accepted on Open Table.

Alchemy: food served till 10pm.

Backyard open till 4pm, also closed on the 26th as they gear up for a great New Year’s bash (look out for our New Year’s post for more info.)

Stone Park Café: serving dinner specials. Full holiday schedule and menu can be seen here.

Lobo: open till 5pm.

Palo Santo and Fort Reno: open 5 – 9 pm. Gift certificates and t-shirts available. Fort Reno 347-227-7777 and Palo Santo 718-636-6311.

Convivium Osteria accepting reservations by phone or Open Table.

Blueprint: will be open on Christmas eve, 4pm-1am, closed Christmas day

Baluchis: $35 pre-fixe dinner special for two till 8pm. $16.00 dinner box to go. $9.95 lunch - open all through the holidays.

- Amanda Schuster, peachesplums.blogspot.com/

Caroling and Santa

If you are reading this, then the world did not end this morning. Good, because we have a busy couple of days, here on Fifth!

For example, tonight the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID invites you to sing and carol along Fifth, ending up in Washington Park (Fifth Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets), near the Old Stone House. There will be four gathering points:

6:30 pm Yayo's Latin Cuisine (36 Fifth Avenue): Carol for 8 blocks to Union Street.
6:30 pm 200 Fifth (200 Fifth Avenue): Start at 6:45 and walk to Washington Park
6:30 pm South (629 Fifth Avenue) & Freddy's (627 Fifth Avenue): Start at 6:45 and carol to 12th Street
6:30 pm Piramide (499 Fifth Avenue): Start at 6:45 and carol to Washington Park.

Hot Chocolate and Apple Cider will be served!

Then tomorrow (Saturday, December 22) from 2-5 pm, catch Santa and his helpers at El Pollito Mexicano (119 Fifth Avenue). Sit on Santa's lap, give him your wish list, have some hot chocolate and then enjoy a great day of shopping on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue! This is Santa's final visit to the Avenue before his big night, so be there!

 Then, of course, Sunday is the last weekend day to shop local at Fifth Avenue's amazing shops before Christmas. Come on down, Park Slope!

Snow is Nice!

Well, it looks like we won't be having a White Christmas this year. Bummer! Maybe if we all sing along with this video from Nora and Damond at Scaredy Kat (232 Fifth Avenue), we can somehow make the white stuff appear! Enjoy!

Habit is Forming

Ever have that moment when you search your closet for something to wear and hate everything in it, but you don’t want to throw down too much money on new clothes? Habit, at 137 Fifth Avenue, is just the place to shop to accent your wardrobe without breaking the bank. They sell everything from party dresses to office-friendly wear to pretty tops to cozy sweaters and jeans, plus unique accessories and various tchotchkes – all at very affordable price points.

Owner Laura Kleinman, who grew up on Seventh Street and also owns 4PlayBK on Seventh Avenue, wanted to make sure her new store (open since April 2012) would find a common ground that isn’t “super trendy or too conservative, a place where women ages fifteen to fifty and up can shop at the same time.”

Kleinman made the conscious decision to “support fair trade as much as possible” and carry domestic and international small production designers. Among the more notable clothing labels found on the racks are Free People, Veronica M, Dolce Vita and jeans by Big Star and Black. But it’s not just apparel. Smaller displays showcase gift items from East Coast-based crafters such as handmade paper goods, jewelry, soaps and even jams and teas. In addition, there is a wide selection of jewelry, hats, scarves, gloves, socks and tights.

Starting in 2013, the boutique will sell antiques and home furnishings. For now, the fixtures in the main floor area are for sale.

Another great reason to shop Habit is their community spirit. In its relatively short time on the Avenue, they have already held fundraising events in partnership with organizations such as the Horizons Leadership Project and Keep a Child Alive. In the wake of Sandy, they worked directly with local businesses such as Two Boots to personally deliver donations. They also held in-store fundraisers to support first responders and grass roots organizations with clean up efforts in affected areas.

During the holiday shopping countdown, take advantage of extended shopping hours and look out for pop up sales throughout the week running till New Years. You can snag deals such as 30% off dresses, 25% off accessories and buy one, get one free on select items.

Speaking of late-night shopping, throughout the year, Habit presents Glitz and Glam nights, when the shop is open later. Customers can sip something sparkly while playing dressup and shop exclusive bargains like gifts priced $30 and under.

So whether you’re a selective customer looking for inspiration or a full-blown shopaholic out on the town, Fifth Avenue now has a Habit that’s well worth getting into.

- Amanda Schuster, peachesplums.blogspot.com/

This Friday: Carol on Fifth!

This Friday, December 21, the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID invites you to sing and carol along Fifth and end up in Washington Park (Fifth Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets), near the Old Stone House.

There will be four gathering points:

6:30 pm Yayo's Latin Cuisine (36 Fifth Avenue): Carol for 8 blocks to Union Street.
6:30 pm 200 Fifth (200 Fifth Avenue): Start at 6:45 and walk to Washington Park
6:30 pm South (629 Fifth Avenue) & Freddy's (627 Fifth Avenue): Start at 6:45 and carol to 12th Street
6:30 pm Piramide (499 Fifth Avenue): Start at 6:45 and carol to Washington Park.

Hot Chocolate and Apple Cider will be served! Come on down and carol, Park Slope!

Sandy Relief at Pork Slope

Tomorrow night (December 18th) from 9 pm - 2 am, drop by Pork Slope (247 Fifth Avenue) for food, drink specials and entertainment and help raise money for the Brooklyn Recovery Fund, which will directly benefit the neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Sandy. 

Wyatt Cenac (The Daily Show) and his friends will be acting guest bartenders and Questlove and DJ Period will be providing the musical entertainment. Also, buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win Brooklyn Nets Tickets vs. the LA Lakers!

Santa on Fifth: Round Two

This Saturday, December 15 from 2-5 pm, catch Santa and his helpers at Has Beans Cafe (620 Fifth Avenue). Sit on Santa's lap, give him your wish list, have some hot chocolate and then enjoy a great day of shopping on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue!

Can't make it this Saturday? No problem! Santa will visit Fifth Avenue again on Saturday, December 22 2-5 pm on El Pollito Mexicano (119 Fifth Avenue).

To see photos from our tree lighting ceremony and Santa's first visit to Fifth (December 8th at Pork Slope), visit http://allaboutfifth.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-holiday-season-so-far.html.

Fifth Avenue Merchants Step Up Big For Red Hook

The tally is in and Fifth Avenue merchants have stepped up in a big way to help raise money for our friends in Red Hook. On Small Business Saturday (November 24), merchants collected donations from customers during Happy to Help Hour (3-7 pm). We are pleased to announce that more than $2000 was collected during those hours for victims of Sandy. The money will be donated directly to the Red Hook Initiative.

Here's a list of the contributors:

Bogota Restaurant               $250
Has Beans                           $200
La Villa                               $400
Leopoldi Hardware             $100
Irene LoRe & Pat Kelly      $500
Melt                                    $150
Stone Park Cafe                 $350
Tabeel                                $150

Also, another BIG thanks to the restaurants who donated food last month to help the Red Hook Initiative feed hurricane victims:


Al di la

Bogota Latin Bistro

Baluchi's

Bonnie's Grill

Chip Shop

Daisy's Diner

El Viejo Yayo

Fornino

La Villa

Miriam

Peppino's

Rachel's Taqueria

Sidecar

Trois Pommes

5th Avenue Diner

7-11


 

Holiday Photo Shoot at BAX

This Sunday, December 16th, come down to BAX (421 Fifth Avenue) for a fun, affordable creative photo session with a professional photographer. Family photos are perfect holiday gifts. Plus, proceeds from the photo sessions benefit the programs and events at BAX! It's a win-win, Park Slope!

Details below:

HOW IT WORKS Using a combination of natural and studio lighting, these shoots will be a creative collaboration with you. Bring yourself or your small group, a few changes of clothes (solid colors that are not black or white work best!) and your sense of adventure.

YOU WILL GET After your half-hour portrait session, a downloadable online gallery (approximately 125-150 photos) will be delivered to you within three days of the shoot. Optional framed & unframed prints and holiday cards are available with fast holiday delivery. (You will get instructions with the link to the online gallery following your session.)

Half-Hour Sessions available in the morning & afternoon. Price: $250

For more information, or to book your appointment contact VANESSA@BAX.ORG or call (718) 832-0018.

December Musical Ecologies at The Old Stone House

This Thursday at 8:00 pm at The Old Stone House, the Musical Ecologies program continues with a night of music and conversation with groundbreaking violinist and composer Tom Chiu.

Tom is perhaps best known for his work as founder of the Flux Quartet but his extensive discography is filled with recordings for the Chesky, Innova, Koch, Mode, Sombient, and Tzadik labels.

Musical Ecologies is a new monthly symposium on music and sound held every 2nd Thursday at the Old Stone House. Curated and hosted by composer Dan Joseph, each event focuses on a single artist who presents a work or project either in the form of a talk or lecture, a multimedia presentation, a performance, or combination thereof. Each presentation is preceded by a 30-minute conversation with the curator and audience. Admission is by contribution and a reception will follow. Last month's performance featured Miya Masaoka.

For more information about the performance, click here.

The Holiday Season, So Far

Well, we've had a tree lighting event and one visit from Santa, so far. Here are some photos that we took of Fifth Avenue's first holiday season week. Enjoy!

Reminder: Santa Claus is Coming to Fifth on Saturday!

Tomorrow (Saturday, December 8) from 2-5 pm, catch Santa and his helpers at Pork Slope Restaurant (247 Fifth Avenue). Sit on Santa's lap, give him your wish list, have some hot chocolate and then enjoy a great day of shopping on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue!

Can't make it tomorrow? No problem! Santa will be carving out some time in his busy schedule to visit Fifth Avenue two more times:


Saturday, December 15 2-5 pm: Has Beans Cafe (620 Fifth Avenue)

Saturday, December 22 2-5 pm: El Pollito Mexicano (119 Fifth Avenue)

Shop Brooklyn

Borough President Marty Markowitz's Shop Brooklyn initiative has launched again, for the 4th year in a row. The program works to encourage Brooklyn's residents (and visitors) to do their holiday shopping in the small mom-and-pop shops that make our borough so great.

With so many Brooklynites losing their homes, businesses and jobs to Superstorm Sandy, shopping local takes on a whole new level of importance this year:

And this holiday season, as we think of our family and friends, we also hope that you keep all of those who were affected by Hurricane Sandy in your hearts. In the aftermath of this terrible storm, many Brooklynites have lost their homes and businesses. Other still have houses or apartments that are in various states of disrepair and have a long road to recovery ahead. So as you look for that perfect gift for that special someone, also consider giving back to those who need it most by making a contribution to the Brooklyn Recovery Fund at brooklynrecoveryfund.org  

- Borough President Marty Markowitz

The list of participating businesses is still in formation, but will be available at goshopbrooklyn.com/shopnow/. For more information on Shop Brooklyn and the importance of shopping small and local this holiday season, click here.

Electronics Recycling Event This Saturday

Hey Park Slope, it's time to unclutter your home to make room for your new Chanukah/Christmas presents! This Saturday, December 8th from 10am to 4pm, bring your unwanted electronics to an electronic waste recycling event, across the street from PS 321 on the eastside of 7th Avenue between 1st and 2nd Street.

The following working and non-working items will be accepted: computers, monitors, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, cables, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, phones, audio/visual equipment, video games, cell phones and PDAs.

This program is free for residents, small businesses (max. 50 employees), and not-for-profit organizations. There is no limit to the amount of items that can be dropped off and your donations are tax deductible.

For more information, visit lesecologycenter.org or call 212.477.4022.

Santa Claus is Coming to Fifth

You'd think that Santa would be too busy to do personal appearances at this time of year. Yet, he somehow manages to get around, doesn't he?

In fact, he'll be making three stops on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue, over the next three Saturdays:

Saturday, December 8 2-5 pm: Pork Slope Restaurant (247 Fifth Avenue)

Saturday, December 15 2-5 pm: Has Beans Cafe (620 Fifth Avenue)

Saturday, December 22 2-5 pm: El Pollito Mexicano (119 Fifth Avenue)

Plus, Free Hot Chocolate! See you there!

Tree Lighting: This Wednesday!

REMINDER: Join the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID for their annual tree lighting event on Wednesday, December 5th at 6 PM at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 3rd Street (S'Nice). Santa and his helpers will be there as well the MS 51 Chorus. Plus, Rolie Polie Guacamole will be on hand to keep our feet moving. See you there!

News Round-Up

Off view: Little-known vista at risk, preservationist claims [Brooklyn Paper]

Brooklyn residents pay for Xmas tree at Prospect Park [NY Daily News]

Where to Buy Christmas Trees in Brooklyn [Patch]

Buy Handcrafted Gifts at Holiday Craft Fairs in Park Slope [Park Slope Stoop]

Also, the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID is looking for someone to play "Santa" at a couple of events: Dec. 15th in the South Slope & Dec. 22 in the North Slope. Interested? Email them info@parkslopefifthavenuebid.com!

Toys for Tots Drive

The 18th Annual Park Slope Civic Council Toy Drive has begun. This is a great opportunity to share the holiday spirit with those who are less fortunate. There is an extensive list of toy drop-off sites at parkslopeciviccouncil.org/toys-for-tots/.

Within the Fifth Avenue BID, drop off toys at:

-Council Member Brad Lander’s Office (456 Fifth Avenue)
-Prospect Park YMCA (357 Ninth Street)
-Has Beans (620 Fifth Avenue)
-Tabeel (76 Fifth Avenue)

Art Opening to Benefit MS 51

Here's a chance to do a good thing for our community, while enjoying some art and refreshments.

Tomorrow, November 29, 2012 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, drop by The Old Stone House for an art exhibit opening, Creature Comforts – New Work by Andrew Hornberger

Andrew Hornberger is the art teacher at Middle School 51 and his opening will benefit the Art Program at the school. Tickets are $25 and are available on-line. Get yours now!

For more details about the evening's events, click here.

By the way, students at MS 51 created the spring and summer banners that you may have seen hung on light poles along the avenue (photo right). The school has done great things for Fifth!

A Big Thank You!

A big Thank You to everyone who came out on Small Business Saturday this past weekend and made it a big success! You really showed support for your community, Park Slope!

An especially big thanks goes out to the merchants who participated in Saturday's Happy to Help Hour, to raise money for our neighbors in Red Hook. The list of participants is below. Remember, when you Shop Local, the money stays in the community and local community groups get more support. This is a perfect example! For a the complete list of reasons to shop local (in case you aren't convinced), click here.

Alchemy (56 Fifth Avenue)
Al di la (248 Fifth Avenue)
Aperitivo (279 Fifth Avenue)
Backyard (388 Fifth Avenue)
Baluchi (310 Fifth Avenue)
Belleville (330 Fifth Street)
Benchmark (339 Second Street)
Beygl (291 Fifth Avenue)
Bhoomki Boutique (158 Fifth Avenue)
Bogota (141 Fifth Avenue)
Campo di Fiori (187 Fifth Avenue)
Coco Roco (392 Fifth Avenue)
Du Jour Bakery (365 Fifth Avenue)
El Pollito Mexicano (119 Fifth Avenue)
Ginger's Bar (363 Fifth Avenue)
HiHo Batik (184 Fifth Avenue)
La Villa (261 Fifth Avenue)
Leopoldi Hardware (415 Fifth Avenue)
Lobo (188 Fifth Avenue)
Melt (440 Bergen Street)
M&S Meats (312 Fifth Avenue)
Piramide (499 Fifth Avenue)
Peppino's (469 Fifth Avenue)
Razor (329 Fifth Avenue)
Sidecar (560 Fifth Avenue)
South (629 Fifth Avenue)
Sky Ice (63 Fifth Avenue)
Stone Park Cafe (324 Fifth Avenue)
Surfish Bistro (351 Fifth Avenue)
Tacos Nuevo Mexico (489 Fifth Avenue)
Tabeel Aromatherapy and Gift (76 Fifth Avenue)
Two Lovers (227 Fifth Avenue)

Fifth Avenue Holiday Tree Lighting Event

Join the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID for their annual tree lighting event on Wednesday, December 5th at 6 PM at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 3rd Street (S'Nice). Santa and his helpers will be there as well the MS 51 Chorus. Plus, Rolie Polie Guacamole will be on hand to keep our feet moving. See you there!

Happy to Help Hour

Happy Small Business Saturday, everyone! Today is a big day to shop small and show your support for the type of businesses that make commercial strips like Park Slope's Fifth Avenue so great.

As an added bonus, shop, eat or drink at participating merchants on Fifth today, add $10 to your bill, and 100% of it will go to helping our neighbors in Red Hook via the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID.

Below is a list of participating merchants:

Alchemy (56 Fifth Avenue)
Al di la (248 Fifth Avenue)
Aperitivo (279 Fifth Avenue)
Backyard (388 Fifth Avenue)
Baluchi (310 Fifth Avenue)
Belleville (330 Fifth Street)
Benchmark (339 Second Street)
Beygl (291 Fifth Avenue)
Bhoomki Boutique (158 Fifth Avenue)
Bogota (141 Fifth Avenue)
Campo di Fiori (187 Fifth Avenue)
Coco Roco (392 Fifth Avenue)
Du Jour Bakery (365 Fifth Avenue)
El Pollito Mexicano (119 Fifth Avenue)
Ginger's Bar (363 Fifth Avenue)
HiHo Batik (184 Fifth Avenue)
La Villa (261 Fifth Avenue)
Leopoldi Hardware (415 Fifth Avenue)
Lobo (188 Fifth Avenue)
Melt (440 Bergen Street)
M&S Meats (312 Fifth Avenue)
Piramide (499 Fifth Avenue)
Peppino's (469 Fifth Avenue)
Razor (329 Fifth Avenue)
Sidecar (560 Fifth Avenue)
South (629 Fifth Avenue)
Sky Ice (63 Fifth Avenue)
Surfish Bistro (351 Fifth Avenue)
Tacos Nuevo Mexico (489 Fifth Avenue)
Tabeel Aromatherapy & Gift (76 Fifth Avenue)
Two Lovers (227 Fifth Avenue)

Stone Park Cafe will be making a donation. Thank you!

Black Friday

Welcome to the official beginning of the holiday season. It seems like only yesterday, we were sitting outside of a restaurant or bar on Fifth Avenue and soaking in the sun's rays. Doesn't it?

Of course today is Black Friday, the traditional day for high-volume, big-deal shopping. As always, though, we encourage you to take some time today to explore what Park Slope's Fifth Avenue has to offer. If you can't make it today, though, be sure to come down tomorrow for Small Business Saturday, the big day to shop small! Participating merchants will be taking $10 donations for Red Hook Relief between 3 and 7 pm. Look for posters along the avenue or check here tomorrow for a list of participating stores, bars and restaurants.

Happy Thanksgiving

- from the merchants of Park Slope's Fifth Avenue and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID.

Remember, if you are looking for a great spot to eat today, look no further than Fifth. Here is a list of restaurants that will be serving something special.

Santa and Slurpees

Well, it's about that time to start thinking about Santa, right after we stuff our faces on Thursday. This year, though, try thinking about Santa and Slurpees for the holidays!

On Sunday, December 16th from 11am - 2pm, Puppetry Arts will host a free Meet N' Greet with Santa Clause and puppet characters from the family musical FuzzBuckets at the 7 Eleven of Park Slope (520 Fifth Avenue).

Familes are invited to meet with Santa and take photos and spend time with fuzzy characters Grizzel, Vierde, and Tuffy Tiger. There will be FREE hot chocolate and hoiday prizes.

As part of this neighborhood outreach, Puppetry Arts is asking the community to invest in their mission and to make a donation by bringing their boxes, bags, and jars of loose change. With every drop off, neighbors will be entered to win a $50 Gift Card from 7 Eleven and a Free Puppet Making Workshop for the winner's classroom/school of their choice.

7 Eleven of Park Slope is also a drop off location for Toys For Tots during the holiday season. Bring your unwrapped toys on the 16th and make this Christmas great for your family, and many others. Oh, and have a Slurpee!

Thanksgiving on Fifth

Are you sticking around for Thanksgiving but you don't want to cook? Some of Fifth Avenue's restaurants will be open and serving special meals. Check out the list, below:

Fornino (256 Fifth Avenue): 3 Course, $35 meal. The menu is available here

Backyard (388 Fifth Avenue): open for drinks and snack menu.

Baluchis (310 Fifth Avenue): $45 dinner for 2 includes free drink. Download the menu here. Also, Baluchi's has been open in Park Slope for 4 years. As a special thanks to the neighborhood, they are offering a free drink to anyone who comes in over the whole weekend.

Alchemy (56 Fifth Avenue): has their regular menu (minus roast chicken) plus traditional Thanksgiving specials.

Miriam (79 Fifth Avenue): Organic turkey with pita stuffing! Make your reservations now at miriamrestaurant.com.

Fort Reno (669 Union Street): Smoked Heritage Turkey and more for $35. Download the menu here.

Blue Ribbon (280 Fifth Avenue): Serving their full menu, including sushi. Also offering a $42 3-course pre fix that includes butternut squash and cabbage soup, roast turkey breast and confit with chestnut black currant dressing, brussels sprouts and cranberry sauce, plus choice of pie.

Stone Park Cafe (324 Fifth Avenue): A special menu including organic free range turkey, pan roasted duck breast and more! $65. The full menu is available on their website

Palo Santo (652 Union Street): Three-course, $60 meal (kids half-price). Download the menu here.

An Educated Sip: Terroir Park Slope

Is Park Slope ready to be schooled about what they drink? Paul Grieco and Marco Canora seemed to think so when they opened the newest outpost of their beloved wine bars at 284 Fifth Avenue, in the former Great Lakes space. The ultra modern, yet comfortable establishment sets out to be the same as their other locations but with a more relaxed vibe that is distinctly Brooklyn. In other words, you are still encouraged to geek out about Riesling, but there’s more elbow-room in which to do it.

One of the distinguishing features of all the Terroirs is the carefully selected list of wines, championing small producers, lesser-known regions and eclectic styles such as vin jaune, sherry and yes, Riesling - of all levels from bone dry to sweet. Manager Allison Whittinghill explains that each location has its own focus and that Park Slope is more “communal” than the Manhattan locations. Customers have responded well to things like free glasses of sherry at happy hour (one per person) and are noticeably receptive to trying new wines. She says the neighborhood seems to have a ”built-in excitement” for going beyond their comfort zone to try new things.

When asked what she wanted to focus on for Park Slope, Whittinghill responded “Austria, Hungary and Greece” - three hot, up-and-coming regions that may not be as familiar to the average wine drinker. So far, response has been good. The selections will change as the bar gets settled. “We want to get a feel for the neighborhood, and morph into what it wants.”

One of the ways they have adapted from the get-go is to provide a back table that is lower than the others, so the strollerati crowd feels more comfortable (there is also a stroller rack to keep aisles clear.)

While they share many popular menu items with the other Terroir locations (such as fried beet risotto balls, cheeses and charcuterie), Park Slope has several unique offerings, in large thanks to having the space for their own meat smoker. Chef John LoManto has prepared new items such as grilled cheese with house smoked bacon, Brooklyn bangers hot dogs, house made terrine, house smoked pulled pork panini, Korean-style short ribs with kimchi and sweet and sour chicken wings. There are also wonderful homemade sweets such as olive oil cake, chocolate budino and panna cotta. Brunch is served on weekends from noon till 3, including pancakes that make Whittinghill (and others) swoon.

Their motto? It’s the “elitist wine bar for everyone.”

Please check the Terroir website for hours, which vary during the week and weekends.

- Amanda Schuster, peachesplums.blogspot.com/

News Round-Up

New School Zoning Plan Proposed in Brooklyn [NYT]

Rolling Stones Will Come to Barclays Center, After All [PS Patch]

City to Reinstate Alternate Side Parking Rules for Five Brooklyn Neighborhoods [NY Post]

Weekend Rails in Park Slope [PS Patch]

Rolling Stones Coming to Brooklyn

Okay, we're a little late to this story but we had to at least mention it.  The Rolling Stones have just announced that they will be playing the Barclay's Center on December 8th! The show is one of only 5 announced so far, in the world. It's a BIG deal.

This is pretty good news for Fifth Avenue Merchants near the arena. Of course, this assumes that Rolling Stones fans won't chase after the tour bus like Justin Bieber's fans recently did.

Happy to Help Hour

This year, Small Business Saturday (November 24th) is going to be morphed into a special fundraising effort on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue. Between 3pm and 7pm, merchants will be holding a "Happy to Help Hour" to collect donations of $10.00, which will be donated through the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID to help victims of Hurricane Sandy in nearby Red Hook.

In addition, look for Small Business Saturday specials, holiday treats and even a sidewalk sale! Small Business Saturday on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue is truly a big day to shop small!

Fifth Avenue Food for Red Hook

Fifth Avenue restaurants are stepping up to the plate to help displaced Red Hook residents get a hot, healthy meal. Organized by The Old Stone House, Park Slope Parents and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, more than a dozen restaurants will be preparing meals that will be delivered to the Red Hook Initiative at their meal distribution center located at Calvary Baptist Church (773 Hicks Street) on a daily basis.The need for high protein hot meals in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy is on-going while Red Hook residents remain without power and adequate housing.

Contributing Restaurants so far:

Sidecar
7-11
Peppino's
Daisy's Diner
5th Avenue Diner
Rachel's Taqueria
Chip Shop
Baluchi's
Bonnie's Grill
La Villa
Trois Pommes
Fornino
Al di la
Bogota Latin Bistro
Miriam
El Viejo Yayo

Veterans Day

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
-- John Fitzgerald Kennedy

A big thank you to our veterans from the merchants of Fifth Avenue and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID.

News Round-Up

Red Hook Hurricane Relief Efforts [Red Hook Initiative]

This Sandy Relief Amazon Registry is a Great Way to Get Supplies to Far Rockaway [FIPS]

Pork Slope Raffling Off Nets Tickets to Help Flooded Neighbors [Park Slope Stoop]

His and Hers Social and Athletic Club Gutted [Here's Park Slope]

 FIPS' Ultimate 5th Ave South Bar Crawl [FIPS]

Music Ecologies at The Old Stone House

Tonight at 8:00 at The Old Stone House, an evening of music and conversation with Miya Masaoka - musician, composer and sound artist. Miya has used instruments, electronics, insects and even her own body to create music, so this event is not to be missed.

Tonight's performance is part of Musical Ecologies, a new monthly symposium on music and sound held every 2nd Thursday at the Old Stone House. Each event focuses on a single artist who presents a work or project either in the form of a talk or lecture, a multimedia presentation, a performance, or combination thereof. Each presentation is preceded by a 30-minute conversation with the curator and audience. Admission is by contribution and a reception will follow.

To learn more about Miya, go to miyamasaoka.com.

New York Comedy Festival

With the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the election and today's nor'easter storm, we bet you could use a laugh, right? Well, luckily, the New York Comedy Festival begins today through November 11th.

Tonight at 8pm at Union Hall:

TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
HOSTED BY VICTOR VARNADO (Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night w/ Conan O'Brien, The Awkward Comedy Show)
WITH: JANEANE GAROFALO
LIAM MCENEANEY (from Showtime, Comedy Central, Vh1)
FRANK CONNIFF ("TV's Frank" from Mystery Science Theater 3000)
TANYA O'DEBRA (is filled with confetti AND funfetti )
 and House Band: AM TO AM

Tickets are only $10, so get them before they run out! If you miss this show, though, you can still catch a couple of New York Comedy Festival Shows at Union Hall this week:

Tomorrow, 11/8: Dark Lords of Comedy and 11/11 The Party Machine.

For a full list of New York Comedy Festival shows, go to nycomedyfestival.com/schedule/.

Happy Election Day

Alright, Park Slope. The day has come! It’s your civic duty to vote on Election Day, so get out there and get it done!

While you are out, though, don't forget to support local businesses on the Avenue! Here are a couple of specials you should be aware of (two of which directly benefit Hurricane Sandy victims):

Lobo Park Slope (at 188 5th Ave) is donating a portion of all their proceeds to the Red Cross from 11am to 11pm to support those affected by Hurricane Sandy. They serve Tex Mex brunch (including some fabulous migas!) till 3pm, and a menu that offers favorites such as tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fried chicken and burgers all day. A house specialty is their fresh juice margaritas, which are also available in flavors such as blood orange and passion fruit, and can be mixed with infused tequilas such as ginger and chipoltle chili. In addition, there’s beer on tap, wine, sangria and a whole back bar to choose from. Kid friendly at the tables too! Follow them on Twitter @Lobobrooklyn

If you don’t have time to shop in person, or you just prefer buying clothing and accessories online, Teddy(89 5th Avenue) is generously donating 10% of all online profits from shopteddy.com plus an equal company match to the American Red Cross relief efforts for the rest of this year. Follow them on Twitter @shopteddy

Finally, there are lots of great Fifth Avenue bars to watch the election results in. However, if you are looking for something more substantial/sophisticated, drop by Melt (440 Bergen Street) for a prix fixe Election Day menu by Chef Michael with specialty cocktails by Head Bartender Kim. All can be enjoyed while the TV is tuned in to “the best possible coverage.” Reservations accepted at 718-230-5925.

Details: 

Happy Hour Until the Polls Close (in New York)
$6 House Wine $3 Draft Beers

Prix Fixe Menu   

The Red $20.12
Glass of Marche Rosso
Lamb Burger Grilled 8 oz. Ground Lamb, Rosemary Goat Cheese,
Balsamic Reduction, Baby Arugula, Herb Mayo, Fries
Chocolate Bread Pudding Dark Chocolate Chips and Amaretto Whipped Cream   

The Blue $20.12 
Glass of Pinot Grigio
Roasted Organic Chicken Fennel-Dusted Asparagus, Paprika Smoked Potatoes, Pan Jus
Tres Leches Bread Pudding Toasted Pistachio and Pineapple

November Calendar and Hurricane Relief

The Fifth Avenue Merchant Calendar for November has been updated. This is a difficult time for everyone, so please make sure to take some time out to support your local stores, bars and restaurants. [CALENDAR LINK].

On the hurricane relief front, the Park Slope Chamber of commerce is collecting items to help those affected by the storm. They are especially interested in gathering items to help keep people warm and dry, as we are expecting a strong Nor'easter storm to come through on Wednesday. Details on their drive are available at shopseventh.com.

Also, as we mentioned on Friday, the Old Stone House is working with Park Slope Parents to collect funds to purchase bulk supplies of underwear, socks, towels, water, ice etc. for Brooklyn shelters and evacuees. Make a donation to the effort at brownpapertickets.com/event/293089.

Finally, the blog Here's Park Slope posted a pretty comprehensive list of ways to help. Check out the list here.

Ways to Help

If you're looking for ways to help in local relief efforts, our neighbors in Red Hook could use the assistance.  Red Hook Initiative is doing a great job of coordinating efforts there. And they could use supplies, volunteer time and donations. Visit them here.

Also, take a look at Here's Park Slope for additional ways to help!

Small Business Saturday

Now that we're in November, we just wanted you to make sure that you Save the Date:

Wednesday, November 24th, it's Small Business Saturday! It's a Big Day to Shop Small!

Cancelled: Park Slope Halloween Parade

In case you missed the news:

NYPD and NYC Department of Sanitation are focusing on clean-up and safety efforts, post Hurricane Sandy. Therefore, the annual Park Slope Civic Council Halloween Parade will be cancelled this year. The parade WILL NOT be rescheduled.

Best wishes for your safety during the post storm clean-up, and we'll hope for better luck with the weather next year.

Hurricane Update

Well, Hurricane Sandy has largely passed through the area, although there is still some periodic heavy rain and wind. We hope you all made it through safely!

Public Schools are closed, once again, and there is no train, bus or subway service at this time.

There will likely be a number of stores, bars and restaurants open this afternoon. If you are interested in getting out for a walk today, use caution and look at our handy Online Business Directory for merchant phone numbers and websites.

Sandy Has Arrived

Public schools are closed, public transportation is shut down and the wind and rain are really starting to pick up. Please be safe and, if you are planning to venture out to Park Slope's Fifth Avenue, be sure to call ahead. Some merchants are taking this very difficult, dangerous day off. Merchant websites and phone numbers are available at parkslopefifthavenuebid.com/business-directory.

For updates on city services and weather, try nyc.gov and weather.com.

New-Round Up

Park Slope Residents Upset Over Rezoning Plan [NY 1]

Weekend Rails in Park Slope [PS Patch]

Common Core Practice | Chickens, Clouds and the View Outside Your Window [NY Times]

NY1 For You: No Parking Signs Removed From Brooklyn Block With No School [NY1]

Islanders Coming to Brooklyn

In case you were living under a rock yesterday:

Islanders Are Going to Brooklyn, a Coup for a New Arena [NY TIMES] 

By the way, back in August 2011, we reported that the Islanders were looking for a new home and wondered whether Barclay's would be a good fit. Commenters thought we were crazy and yet, here we are.

Now, the NHL needs to end its lockout and start playing some hockey.

Help The Old Stone House!

Hey Park Slope: our friends at The Old Stone House and Washington Park are trying to meet a challenge grant from the Brooklyn Community Foundation. They need to enroll 500 members before the end of October!

How can you help? Join as a member today! Why? Because the OSH and Washington Park cannot remain vital without you! They need your financial support to care for JJ Byrne Playground and Washington Park, maintain the OSH gardens and continue their education and public programs. Fifth Avenue needs a healthy and vibrant OSH and Washington Park in order to succeed.

To help today, click here or donate by check to the Old Stone House, PO Box 150613, Brooklyn, NY 11215.

Horror Movie Marathon

This Sunday, October 28th, from 4 pm till midnight, join Rooftop Films and NVidia for an Indie Horror Marathon at the Brooklyn Lyceum. The event is FREE (yes FREE) and includes complimentary drinks, food and prizes. Plus, the entire movie marathon will be run off of a single tablet computer powered by (you guessed it) an NVIDIA graphics chip. Apparently, this new Nvidia-powered tablet can play back more than eight hours of HD video on a single battery charge, so Rooftop will not even have to plug the tablet into a power source throughout the entire 8 hour horror film marathon. Very interesting!

If you are interested in attending, we suggest you RSVP to horrormarathon@rooftopfilms.com, as it will be a first-come, first-serve event.

A Look Inside Sip Wine Store

When Nick DiMinno opened Sip on Fifth Avenue, he had one major goal, which was to make it a “neighborhood shop with wordly aspirations.”

You won’t find big label brands here. There are other stores nearby for that purpose. Instead, DiMinno focuses on smaller producers and eclectic representations of regions around the globe. “It’s fun to think of a store as a big wine list. There’s no sense in carrying three Sauvignon Blancs at the same price, all from Marlborough, New Zealand. It’s better to carry a range of Sauvignon Blancs [and other varietals] from different regions. Stylistic differences make it more interesting.”

There are a few regions and trends DiMinno is particularly excited about lately: low alcohol wines from California, funky varietals from Sicily (such as Nerello Mascalese and the Nero D’Avola blends from cult winemaker Arianna Occhipinti), Greece (“…exciting things happening with both red and white from all over”) and the Fingerlakes.

One of the unique aspects of the store is that the selections are rotated on a regular basis, as opposed to carrying a uniform stock. Five new wines are purchased each week, and DiMinno opens a couple for customers to taste every night at six. More formal tastings take place every Saturday at five with a winery representative.

They also offer free deliveries (DiMinno often makes the deliveries himself by car) and will make selections to assemble a mixed case for customers who want a little o' this, a little o' that. They recently made everything available online, so customers have this option for deliveries or shipping. Apparently, even the locals see the convenience in this method.

The shop opened a few years ago, and has lasted through the fluctuations of the recession. People might have made some cutbacks, but they’ve continued drinking wine (though maybe less expensive bottles in some cases.) “The biggest misconception is that this is an expensive store,” says DiMinno. Perhaps because of the sleek window display and large bottle tags? But taking a gander around, it’s clear there’s something at Sip for every wine lover at every price point.

Definitely stop in sometime and sip your way around. Your awakened tastebuds will thank you.

-Amanda Schuster
peachesplums.blogspot.com/

News Round-Up

Our roving Bartoonist discovers a wine bar that gives out free sherry [Brooklyn Paper]

Pizza Coming to 450 Fifth Avenue [Here's Park Slope]

WHASSUP: HALLOWEEN PREP EDITION [FIPS]

A Million Ways for Kids to Celebrate Halloween in Park Slope [Park Slope Stoop]

84% of New Yorkers OK with NYC [NY Post]

Watch Out For Ichabod Crane!

This Saturday, get into the spirit of Halloween at The Old Stone House:

What really happened to poor Ichabod Crane? Uncover the truth in this immersive retelling of a haunting American legend. Bravely embark on an eerie journey from the hallowed revolutionary war battlegrounds of Brooklyn to the bewitching glen of Sleepy Hollow. Who knows what troubled spirits and strange sights await those who dare to enter the mysterious Old Stone House! For audiences 9 and up.

Performances will take place on:
Saturday, October 20, 27 and November 3 @ 7 pm
Saturday, October 27 @ 2 pm
Sunday, October 21 and November 4 @ 2 pm

Tickets are $10 for children and $15 for adults. You can get yours now at brownpapertickets.com!

Produced by the Trusty Sidekick Theater Company

Halloween Night at Aperitivo

If you are looking for something fun but "grown-up" to do on Halloween, you'd better RSVP for this event right away. Aperitivo seems to sell out their special dinners pretty quickly!

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 
Seating - 7:30pm 
Prix Fix $75.00 /pp excluding tax and gratuity 
Please Call the Restaurant or email for reservations 
Aperitivo - 1.718.369.1123 Email : Aperitivocafe@gmail.com 

HALLOWEEN DINNER

Each Course will be Paired with a Selected Italian Wine from Frederick Wildman and Son.Costumes Optional.

Absinthe Tasting and Appetizers
Eye of Newt - Deviled Quail Eggs with Lumpfish Caviar
Toe of Frog - The Whole Leg Actually with my Scorpion Pepper Dipping Sauce

Pairing - Conti Formentini"Furlana"Fruilano Collio 2010

Charm of Powerful Trouble
Pumpkin Dough Ravioli filled with Black Truffle and Goat Cheese
in a Walnut Cream Sauce

Pairing - Fattorie Melini "La Selvanella" Chianti Classico Riserva 2006

Hell-broth Boil and Bubble
Braised Shoulder of Berkshire Pork with Root Vegetables

Pairing - Le Regose Valpolicella Classico Superiore Reserva 2008

Wool of Bat and Tongue of Dog
Deconstructed Pumpkin Pie with Autumn Spice Gelato

Pairing - fatorrie Melini "Occhio di Pernice" Vin Santo 1996