Monday, December 31, 2012

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.

Friday, December 28, 2012

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.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

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.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

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.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

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!

Monday, December 24, 2012

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/

Friday, December 21, 2012

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!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

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!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

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/

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

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!

Monday, December 17, 2012

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!

Friday, December 14, 2012

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.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

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


 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

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.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

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.

Monday, December 10, 2012

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!

Friday, December 7, 2012

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)

Thursday, December 6, 2012

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.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

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.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

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!

Monday, December 3, 2012

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!