Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

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.

Monday, October 29, 2012

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.

Friday, October 26, 2012

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]

Thursday, October 25, 2012

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.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

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.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

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.

Monday, October 22, 2012

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/

Friday, October 19, 2012

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]

Thursday, October 18, 2012

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

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

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

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Halloween Costume Happy Hour


So, do you know what you are going to be for Halloween yet? If not, we have the perfect event for you!

Join Fifth Avenue's Odd Twin and Etsy's American Deadstock for a Halloween Happy Hour Shopping event at Beauty Bar (249 Fifth Avenue). The event will take place from 12-8 on Saturday, October 20th, Sunday the 21st, Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th.

Have a cocktail, support local businesses and find a killer costume!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Fifth Avenue Restaurants Shine at Food For Thought


The term “food for thought” is one we often take for granted, much like “thinking outside the box” and “not for nothing.” But on October 10th, the Park Slope Civic Council gave this phrase new life, in the literal sense, by throwing a party with some of the area’s best restaurants and drink purveyors to raise funds for its scholarship program at the Prospect Park Picnic House.

The room was decked out autumnal harvest chic by local florist Kerry Quade and guests ate, imbibed and mingled with the community – all for a terrific cause. At the height of the evening, members of the council gave short speeches and showed a video highlighting the achievements of past scholarship recipients. Further donations were encouraged (entry was $75 in advance and $100 at the door) by purchasing raffle tickets worth significant gift certificates at Talde, Thistle Hill and Goldy and Mac.

The cause was of course the main focus, but the grub and drinks were well worth the price of admission. Some of Park Slope Fifth Avenue’s finest – Baluchi’s, Backyard, Al Di La, Stone Park Café, Palo Santo and Fort Reno Barbecue - served up impressive samples of their menus and showed some flare while doing so.


Baluchi’s served a trifecta of bites that reflect their restaurant’s persona: Dhahi Batata Puri (fried semolina and flour dough filled with mashed potatoes, onions, tangy chutney and yogurt), Cashew Rolls and Moong Dal Chaat (a refreshing mung bean sprout salad.) They were one of the only stands to offer dinner AND dessert, with a cup of mango lassie to end the experience. These were all delicious and elevated above the East Village Sixth Street standard New Yorkers are used to.


Stone Park Café gave themselves only one chance to win guests over, but they did succeed. As the nights grow cooler, their late summer corn soup with homemade oyster crackers are a welcome way to send off summer flavors with the heartiness of autumn comfort.


Backyard had a similar idea by serving cups of their signature New England Clam Chowder. This was one of the finest examples of this classic that I’ve tasted, brought over the edge by a drizzle of sweet/spicy hot sauce by Salamander Sauce Company. I’ll never want hot sauce-less chowder again! 

Folks are used to waiting for a table at Al Di La, so no shocker there were long lines for just one single table here. Amazing what the food-obsessed will do for a sparerib and a fried ricotta ball with dark chocolate sauce (which happen to be as fine a spare rib and ricotta ball as you’ll ever taste).


The big show-stopper was right at the front of the room, at the Palo Santo and Fort Reno tables, where they biked in a meat smoker just for the occasion. This was the perfect way to serve up succulent pulled pork and coleslaw sliders. From sister restaurant (or should we say parent?) Palo Santo, chef/owner Jacques Gautier assembled boldly flavored sopes, which are masa (corn flour) shells filled with beans and stewed meat, with a simple radish garnish for a refreshing crunch.

The Park Slope Civic Council raised $15,000 at the event! Hopefully that success inspires another one next year.

-Amanda Schuster, peachesplums.blogspot.com/

Friday, October 12, 2012

News Round-Up

Park Slope’s Pink House is Sold for $2 million, New Owners Plan to Wipe the Bubblegum Color Clean [NY Daily News]

Dale Talde Joining Thistle Hill Tavern [NY Times]

DOT to Install Neckdowns on Flatbush Ave. for Traffic Calming [PS Patch]

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Saturday: Civic Sweep


Wow, it feels like all we are writing about this week is Park Slope Civic Council events. Quite a busy fall for them, right?

Here's another: This Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. (rain or shine), meet at the sidewalk in front of the Old Stone House/J.J. Byrne Playground, on Fifth Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets for the Civic Council's Fall Civic Sweep.

Get your tools then join other volunteers to pick up litter and leaves, weed tree beds, plant daffodil bulbs and mulch trees on Fourth, Fifth, or Seventh Avenues. You can also bring your unwanted clothing and textiles for recycling by Wearable Collections. The cleanup is free and open to everyone.

Be there and do something nice for your community!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Tonight: Food For Thought!


Wed., Oct. 10, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
at the beautiful Prospect Park Picnic House

Final reveal: With money raised from tonight’s event, the Park Slope Civic Council will be able to double the amount for  the scholarships given to college-bound seniors at Park Slope Collegiate, the Secondary School for Law, and the Secondary School for Journalism — three of the schools at the John Jay Educational Campus on Seventh Avenue. It's a great event. See you there! More details at parkslopeciviccouncil.org/food-for-thought/

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

"Food for Thought" Reveal #3



The Park Slope Civic Council's fundraiser, "Food for Thought," is fast approaching (tomorrow!). And co-organizer Melinda Morris has been giving us an inside look. Reveal #3? Nine local restaurants will be on hand with their culinary best. Want to know who they are? Visit here.

Halloween Parade


Just a reminder that the Park Slope Civic Council's Halloween Parade is just a few weeks away!
 Save the Date!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 6:30 pm 
Start at 14th Street and 7th Avenue 
End at 3rd Street and 5th Avenue

Monday, October 8, 2012

BAX Halloween Playspace


It's always a challenge to find fun and safe activities for your kids during the Halloween season, isn't it? Don't worry, though, the Brooklyn Arts Exchange has you covered.

On Monday, October 29th from 9:30 – 11:30, treat yourself and your family to BAX's Halloween Playspace! Play, sing, dance and enjoy a special goody bag of treats (peanut free of course). Parents/Caregivers/Children are encouraged to come in costume. Admission: $10.00 per family

Call 718-832-0018 to reserve your slot today! For more information on BAX’s Playspace, go to bax.org/youth/programming/baxbambinos/

Sunday, October 7, 2012

"Food for Thought" Reveal #2


As part of our five-day count down to the Park Slope Civic Council's fundraiser, "Food for Thought," this upcoming Wednesday, we are offering All About Fifth readers some pre-event insider news. Reveal #2? Kerry Quade is planning a warm palate of plums and reds and oranges with a cozy fireside seating area and live piano serenade. Sounds perfect for this Fall dip in temperature. For more on the event, visit here.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

"Food For Thought" Reveal # 1



COUNT DOWN: 5 DAYS UNTIL “FOOD FOR THOUGHT:” All About Fifth got a chance to check in with Melinda Morris, co-organizer of the highly anticipated Park Slope Civic Council fundraiser—Food for Thought—scheduled for this upcoming Wednesday October 10th at 6:30 where participants will enjoy delicious bites of food and tastes of spirits from popular local restaurants and vendors. As part of our count down to the event, we will feature exclusive reveals about the evening. The first of which we have today. Ready? Reveal # 1: Local favorite 12th Street Bar and Grill will be bringing new (to their menu) specialty hand-infused cocktails, including a 5 spice martini with pickled ramps that will change your ideas about cocktails forever! Tickets still on sale. Check it out! 

Friday, October 5, 2012

News Round-Up

Yarn tootin’ — Borough’s First Big-time Knit Show Comes to Park Slope [Brooklyn Paper]

Park Slopers Give Two Cents on How to Spend $1 Million in Taxpayer Dollars [DNA Info]

An Elegy for Brooklyn, in the Shadow of Barclays [Huffington Post]

Park Slope Planner: The Best Events October 4-7 [Park Slope Stoop]

Union Market Coming to Sette Space on Seventh [Here's Park Slope]

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Upcoming Restaurant Events

Hungry? We hope so because there are a bunch of cool restaurant events coming up this month:

Stone Park Cafe (324 Fifth Avenue): TONIGHT! Stone Park's first Winemaker Dinner of the fall! Working in the heart of Tuscany, in the vineyards of Montalcino, Mocali produces beautiful wines made of Sangiovese—which happens to be one of our favorite grapes. Join us as we pair our weeknight Market Menu with a fantastic lineup of 100% Sangiovese wines, and see just how much range this grape can show:

Rosso di Toscana 'I Piaggioni' 2009 (out of a 5L bottle!) $5 2oz/$9 4oz
Rosso di Montalcino 2010 $5 2oz/$9 4oz
Brunello di Montalcino 2007 $8 2oz/$15 4oz
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2004 $10 2oz/$19 4oz

Backyard (388 Fifth Avenue): October is still a good month to enjoy a backyard. So, of course, Backyard is using their greatest asset to its fullest:

-October 17: WINE TASTING
Backyard serves passed canapes as Picada y Vino Wine Shop and Regal Wines feature 10 special wines
6:00pm-9:00pm
$30/person (all-you-can-taste, tax/tip included)

-October 27: PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST
Spiked Cider, Kiddie Cider, Pumpkin Seeds Backyard provides fully gutted pumpkin $50 gift certificate to the winner!
2:00pm-6:00pm
$10/person (includes all-you-can-drink cider, pumpkin seeds and a pumpkin) rsvp to backyard@backyardbrooklyn.com

Palo Santo (652 Union Street): Chef Jacques Gautier always seems to have something interesting up his sleeves. For example, on Thursday, October 11th Palo Santo will partner with Pastry Chef Jean-François Bonnet of Tumbador Chocolate to cook a five-course menu to be paired with the award winning Chilean wines of Casa Marín.

Thursday, October 11th
8 PM Dinner ~ 5 courses $75 ~ RSVP (718) 636-6311

Food For Thought: Don't forget the Park Slope Civic Council's big fundraiser, Food for Thought, which is coming up on Wednesday, October 10 at the Prospect Park Picnic House. Restaurants from throughout the neighborhood will be on hand to provide samples of their latest creations. Tickets are $100. Get them now at brownpapertickets.com

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

October Events Calendar

There is a lot of cool stuff going on in October, along Park Slope's Fifth Avenue. Here is a link to our October events calendar, freshly compiled and updated.

As always, please let us know if we've missed anything by commenting below, or by emailing us at whatsupon5thave@gmail.com.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Jonathan Blum Makes the Final Cut


Last month, we asked our readers to support Brooklyn artists by visiting studios on September 8th and 9th. The artists with the most visitors would have a chance to see their art hang in the Brooklyn Museum as part of a special show.

Well, as it turns out, Fifth Avenue's very own Jonathan Blum is one of 10 artists (out of 1708) to make the final cut in this contest. This means that soon, curators from the Brooklyn Museum will be visiting his studio, and the other 9 winners, to decide which (if any) pieces will be featured in the show.

Congratulations to Jonathan and GOOD LUCK!

Above: Portrait made from driftwood and monoprints. 2012.48" x 48"

Interview: South Slope Pediatrics

South Slope Pediatrics, located at 501 Fifth Avenue, recently opened back in July. Last week, we took a few moments to welcome Dr. Hai Cao to the neighborhood and to ask him a few questions:

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Vietnam and landed in the US as a war refugee with my family when I was 5yo. I still have memories of being on a sinking boat in the middle of the ocean, learning to swim while in a refugee camp in Indonesia and arriving to the US safe and sound.


How long have you been on 5th Avenue and what made you chose the location?

South Slope Pediatrics, my new private practice, just opened in July of 2012. My intention was to open in the South Slope. I looked at a few places and when I found this 5th avenue location I knew it was the perfect one for me. I’ve lived in Park Slope for 14 years and have witnessed 5th avenue changing and becoming the multicultural home of young families that it is today.

How has the reception been so far?

Everyone is very excited for us. We have met all business owners within the 3-4 block radius and everyone has been very nice so far. I love seeing people walking by and stopping in to get information about our practice. This takes me closer to being the ‘town doctor’ I always wanted to be.

What makes South Slope Pediatrics different than other pediatricians in the neighborhood?

We focus on the well-being of the entire family and give parents the tools to go through the parenting journey with confidence. We offer free monthly classes to our patients’ parents. The first class was in September and the topic was infant and toddler CPR. It was a great success and due to the high demand we are going to re-propose it on October 20th 2012.

What are some of the biggest challenges of opening and running a doctor's office in New York City?

The biggest challenge is to believe that you can do it. I am lucky to have the love of such amazing patients who followed me to the new office. I thank them for believing in me. We are all one big family.

When (or if) you have free time away from the office, where do you shop and eat along Fifth Avenue? Any favorites?

I love the new kids store Lullaby, I have bought my daughter’s potty chair (yes, pediatricians have to go through potty training their toddlers too) and several gifts for my friends’ kids there. I love dining at Mura, Peperoncino and at Alchemy, they are incredibly kid friendly, which is something I always appreciate.