New Year's Eve 2013

This is it, the last day of 2013! What a great year!

If you are looking for something to do in Park Slope, many of the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID's bars and restaurants between Dean and 18th Streets will be doing something special. Here are some of the highlights that we are aware of. We'll add more throughout the day:

Union Hall (702 Union Street): Karaoke Killed the Cat New Year's Eve Spectacular! Starts at 10 pm. $5 Tickets: ticketfly

Benchmark (339A 2nd Street): Ring in 2014, as you feast on a decadent three-course prix fixe menu at Benchmark Restaurant. Join us for our late seating from 9-10 PM and receive a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight! Seatings - 5-6 PM, 7-8 PM & 9-10 PM, $75 per guest. Call 718.965.7040 or click here to make a reservation.

The Monro (481 Fifth Avenue): Party hats, noise makers, a free Champagne toast at midnight, drink specials, and more!

Freddy's Bar (627 Fifth Avenue): New Year’s Eve With The Great Apes! Electro-funk dance party at Freddy’s described as a mix between The Beastie Boys and Prince.

Grand Prospect Hall (263 Prospect Avenue): Open Bar, Reverse Dance Band, Prospect Follies Dance Troop, Five Course Dinner and more! $175 per person. Details here.

Prospect (545 Fifth Avenue): Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and a free buffet after midnight.

Aperitivo (279 Fifth Avenue): Four-Course dinner with wine pairings, $95. Call 718-369-1123 or email aperitivocafe@gmail.com.

Pork Slope (247 Fifth Avenue): Classic Bensonhurst, Brooklyn NYE Dinner!  Four-course prix fixe menu and two seatings: from 6:00pm-7:30pm and from 8:00pm-10:00pm. The late seating will also include a complimentary glass of Prosecco at midnight. DJ Pauly Alphabets will be spinning from 10pm on. Pricing is $69.95 for the first seating and $99.95 for the late seating. 

Uncle Barry's (58 Fifth Avenue): In case you have any brain cells left on New Year's Day, Uncle Barry's will be hosting trivia. Go ahead, test your abilities with a hangover!

Stone Park Cafe (324 Fifth Avenue): A delicious three-course menu (click here) with pricing determine by the items chosen. Also, they'll be serving New Year's Day brunch. What a great way to start 2014!

Bogota Latin Bistro (141 Fifth Avenue): Will be open today for lunch (11pm - 4pm) and Dinner (4pm - 3am). Brunch will be available tomorrow from 10 am - 4 pm!

Excelsior (390 Fifth Avenue): Ben, Cris and Tim working out the cocktails…djRDK spinning some tunes! NEW YEAR's DAY - Jim opens up at 3PM for some post partying drinking! HAPPY HOUR until 9PM with Bloody Mary and Hot Rum Ciders specials!

Ginger's Bar (363 Fifth Avenue): No cover, free champagne and DJ Crissy P. The party goes from 9pm - 4am!

Focus on Fifth: One Block at a Time!

Focus on Fifth is a new blog series where we take a look at all the businesses on one block in the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID area, which ranges from Dean Street to 18th Street. We'll be doing more like this in 2014. In the meantime, Joanna Tallantire takes a close look at Fifth Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets:

I took a stroll to the block between 12th and 13th Streets where I discovered a variety of different stores and bars. In fact, on this block you can get a complete new wardrobe (for you and your dog), a make over, buy gifts for most of your family and friends, get fit and healthy and then go to the pub whilst doing you laundry. So take a walk with me and find out for yourself what this awesome block has to offer.

Azena Jewelry
500 5th Ave
(718) 788-4900
azenajewelry@yahoo.com
Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm; Sat 9am - 6:45pm; Sun closed


This 16 year-old family-owned gem is a sparkle haven of silver and gold necklaces, rings, precious stones and more. There is a good selection of watches, particularly Citizen, G- Shock and Bulova. The extremely warm and friendly Hector Jr. and Hector Sr. will gladly guide you through their array of jewelry to ensure you are buying the right gift. They also do watch and jewelry repairs. New in stock: long chain necklaces in silver and gold.

Franchezka Unisex
500 5th Ave
(718) 768-9242
Hours: Mon - Fri, 9am - 7pm; Sat, 8:30am - 8pm; Sun, 9am - 6pm


It took me a few visits to meet Franchezka as she is always busy doing extensions, color, highlights and braiding. Her talents seem to have no end. She can work with all types of hair and seems to give great advice to her customers. Some take it some don’t, but they all walk away smiling. I think the key to this hair salon is how the staff make complicated Brazilian braiding and sewn-in hair extensions look so natural; as if it really is your own hair. Make an appointment or drop in and have a chat. Franchezka and her team welcome everyone, men too.

Edible Arrangements
500 5th Ave
(718) 832-0100
www.ediblearrangements.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am -5pm; Sun 10am - 3pm; Sat closed


Edible offers arrangements of fruit bouquets you can order for delivery or pick up. Isaac, the store manager, will also tempt you (well me at least) with his specials like the chocolate covered strawberries with heart sprinkles. Edible has offers online, so be sure to have a look at the website before you go into the store. You can also order online. Note: the store is closed Saturdays.



United Taekwondo
502 5th Ave

(718) 788-5700

Hours M-F 12pm - 9pm, Sat 9am - 3pm, Sun Closed

unitedtkdny@gmail.com
www.unitedtkdcenters.com/parkslope


Provide quality martial arts programs for children, adults and families. The programs are designed to instill confidence, respect and discipline in all students.

Clean 'n' Green Laundromat
504 5th Ave
(347) 599 1627
Hours: Mon - Fri 7am – 11pm, Sat – Sun 8am – 11pm
www.cleanngreenlaundromat.com



You never have to step foot in this Laundromat, as they pick up and deliver to your doorstep. But if you do, you won’t be disappointed. Be assured that whilst you wash, you are also doing the best for the environment with their energy efficient washers. free Wi-Fi, TV and eco-friendly soap are available for all customers. The establishment is also impeccably clean.





The Fifth Estate Bar
506 5th Ave, New York, NY 11215
(718) 840-0089
www.fifthestatebar.com
Hours: Daily 4pm – 4am

A traditional comfortable Brooklyn bar with a music line-up that includes jazz, rock and comedy, a good selection of beers and even pinball machines to keep you company. The bar back room can also be hired for parties. Happy Hour daily from 4 – 8pm!

Bobby Sportswear
508 5th Ave
(718) 832-3738
Hours: Mon – Sat 10am - 8pm; Sun 10:30am - 7:30pm


An urban clothing and sportswear store. Shoes, jackets, jeans and more. A variety of UGGs, trendy baseball caps and other accessories for the winter. The staff are friendly and helpful and know their products well from brands such as Nike, Rocawear and Champion.

Petland Discounts
510 5th Ave
(718) 369-1786
www.petlanddiscounts.com
Hours: Mon - Fri 10am - 8pm; Sat 10am - 7pm; Sun 11am - 5pm


“Pets are a precious gift,” is what the store manager wanted me to write. His store can help customers with supplies and support in keeping their pets healthy and happy. The store also stocks a number of fish, which do as well in the winter as the summer. It’s never too cold to have fish in the home! Petland has a large selection of fish to choose from. There are also cuddly rabbits and a variety of birds to choose from.

La Casa Artesanal
512 5th Ave
(718) 369-2009
lacasaartesanalnyc.com
www.facebook.com/lacasaartesanalnyc
Hours: Tues – Sat 12- 7pm, Sun 12 – 6pm


La Casa Artesanal is full of many beautiful things. Holiday tree decorations when you enter, and South American style furniture aligning the walls and stunning jewelry pieces adorn most surfaces. Be warned, it’s impossible to leave without at least one purchase. But don’t worry, there is something for everyone’s price range and the friendly, expert service from Mary or Emilio will guide you through the variety of choices.

Game Champ
514 5th Ave
(718) 369-4847
www.thegamechamp.com
Hours: Daily 10am - 8pm

Game Champ has a large selection of entertainment video games and consoles. They currently have a special offer on pre-owned games and you can browse their skateboards and figurines as well! The staff, Freddy and Mike and others, are friendly and welcoming on every visit and really know their gaming stuff. They have XBox1 in stock!


Commonwealth Bar
497 5th Ave
(718) 768-2040
www.commonwealthbar.com/
Hours: Mon – Fri 3pm – 4am, Sat – Sun 2pm – 4am

This local bar serves a variety of beers and cocktails and serves pies from a local pie shop. They make their own cheese crackers to go with your beer and happy hour is Mon – Fri 3pm – 7pm. Although there are no live performances, this pub bar offers a well-stocked juke box! A patio is also open in the warmer months.

Camelia Cocina Mexicana
499 5th Ave
(718) 499-0002
info@cameliarestaurant.com
www.cameliarestaurant.com
Hours: Mon-Thu 12 - 11 pm, Fri 12 am - 12 am, Sat 10:30 am - 12 am, Sun 10:30 am - 11 pm

On entering the restaurant, you can’t help noticing the huge pile of avocados, for made-to-order guacamole. The seating is spacious and comfortable and the staff friendly. Eduardo, the owner, tells me they have daily specials every evening and happy hour is also daily from 12 to 7pm. You can also order a delivery via their website.

South Slope Pediatrics
501 5th ave
(718) 576-2450
info@southslopepediatrics.com
http://www.southslopepediatrics.com
Hours: Mon 8am-6pm, Tues-Thur 9am-6pm, Wed 12pm-7pm, Fri 9am-5pm

The Practice Manager, Matteo, emphasized that the ‘whole family’ is important when it comes to your child’s health. The staff and doctors believe parental involvement is key. Free CPR, breastfeeding, nutrition and other classes are available. Starting in January 2014, they are partnering with local businesses to provide free monthly classes to promote healthy living and initiate social groups where parents and children can meet and support each other. See their website for more information.

Mandee
509 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 788-2854
www.mandee.com
www.facebook.com/shopmandee


The store management team, Vicky, Bridget and Vanessa, are there to help with fitting and style needs. They have fun with their customers, ranging from teens to young adults, finding the right outfit for the occasion or just making sure the customer picks the right look and fit. The prices are reasonable on a wide selection of clothes and accessories. They say it’s difficult to walk out of Mandee empty handed. I managed only because I forgot my wallet! Check out their Facebook and Twitter pages for fashion information and specials.

Malik Sportswear
511 5th Ave
(718) 768-2565

Frank's Unisex Haircutting
513 5th Ave
(718) 788-9673
Hours: Tues - Sat, 10am - 7pm; Sun & Mon closed


Walk-ins are welcome at Frank’s friendly barber shop. Men’s cuts are $13 and boys $12. No one misses out at Frank’s because they also do girls’ and women’s trims.

My Favorite Deli & Grocery
513 5th Ave
(718) 788-6155
Hours: Mon - Sat, 6am - midnight; Sun, 7am -11pm.


This local grocery has new owners, so expect some changes over the coming months. My Favorite has everything you expect in your local grocery, including some friendly locals and helpful service.

Friday News Round-Up

Ring in the New Year with a Run and Fireworks at Prospect Park  [Park Slope Stoop]

The Slope Food de Blasio Will Miss The Most [South Slope News]

Sidewalk Shed Down from 235-237 5th Avenue After 7 Years [Here's Park Slope]

Boxing Days: Atlantic Yards Construction Takes a Month-Long Holiday [Brooklyn Paper]

First Day of Kwanzaa

We hope you had a truly enjoyable Christmas Day.

For many, today is Boxing Day, which basically means that some shoppers will return their gifts and go after the big after-christmas deals. 

Today is also the first day of Kwanzaa. If you celebrate this holiday or want to know more about it, don't forget to drop by Tabeel (76 Fifth Avenue). Here is a little video we made about their shop before Christmas. 

If you still have some holiday shopping to do, Fifth Avenue's stores, bars and restaurants will be open today. Come down and see what we have to offer!

Merry Christmas!

-from the merchants of Park Slope's Fifth Avenue and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID. Thank you for supporting Fifth Avenue's amazing stores, bars and restaurants this holiday season!

Happy Christmas Eve!

Well, this is it! The very last day to shop for Christmas gifts before the big day!

As you know, Fifth Avenue is the perfect place to pick up a special, last-minute gift.  For example, Tabeel (76 Fifth Avenue) has been selling great gifts on Fifth Avenue for the past 18 years! She's also a great spot to pick up supplies for Kwanzaa (starts December 26th). Check out the video, below:



Also, don't forget to check out our other great stores, bars and restaurants between Dean and 18th Streets. Need some ideas? Watch our videos about other great last-minute Fifth Avenue gift spots:

Poppy

Life Boutique Thrift

Ground Floor Gallery

Bhoomki

Goorin Bros

Annie's Blue Ribbon

Santa Makes One Last Visit to Park Slope

Santa made his final visit to Fifth Avenue on Saturday, riding a 1968 Red Oldsmobile up and down the street from Union to 9th and stopping at Du Jour Bakery to receive last-minute gift requests from good little girls and boys. Photos and video, below.

Just two more days till Christmas. Remember to shop Fifth Avenue for your last-minute holiday needs!

One More Festive Fifth Celebration!

Christmas is almost here! Time to get out and do some last-minute shopping!

Come on down to Park Slope's Fifth Avenue this Saturday, December 21st. We have holiday lights, a tree at S'Nice, Carolers strolling the Avenue between Dean and 18th Street and Santa will be riding in his red 60's cruiser, spreading Christmas cheer between 9th and Union Streets. Then, at 3:30 pm, he'll stop at Du Jour Bakery (365 Fifth Avenue)  to take last-minute gift requests until 5:00 pm.

Also, don't forget, many of our merchants will be staying open later to accommodate holiday shoppers.

Participating merchants:

Items of Interest (60 Fifth Avenue)
Sky Ice (63 Fifth Avenue)
Sip (67 Fifth Avenue)
Eleven Consignment Boutique (70 Fifth Avenue)
Tabeel Aromatherapy (76 Fifth Avenue)
Milan Optique (83 Fifth Avenue)
Chocolate Room (86 Fifth Avenue)
Sterling Wines and Spirits (115 Fifth Avenue)
E Lingerie (140 Fifth Avenue)
Bogota Latin Bistro (141 Fifth Avenue)
Bhoomki (158 Fifth Avenue)
Pink Olive (167 Fifth Avenue)
Enz's (171 Fifth Avenue)
Chair-Man (176 Fifth Avenue)
Guvnor's Vintage Thrift (178 Fifth Avenue)
Cog and Pearl (190 Fifth Avenue)
Bierkraft (191 Fifth Avenue)
Goorin Brothers (195b Fifth Avenue)
Teddy (202 Fifth Avenue)
Brooklyn Industries (206 Fifth Avenue)
Something Else (208 Fifth Avenue)
Red, White and Bubbly (211 Fifth Avenue)
Poppy (217 Fifth Avenue)
Goldy & Mac (219 Fifth Avenue)
Diana Kane (229b Fifth Avenue)
Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store (232 Fifth Avenue)
Eidolon (233 Fifth Avenue)
Le Pain Quotidien (239 Fifth Avenue)
Jonathan Blum's Storefront Studio Space (285 Fifth Avenue)
S'Nice (315 Fifth Avenue)
Picada y Vino (327 Fifth Avenue)
Razor (329 Fifth Avenue)
Culture (331 Fifth Avenue)
L'Albero dei gelati (341 Fifth Avenue)
Ground Floor Gallery (343 5th Street)
Du Jour Bakery (365 Fifth Avenue)
Dumplings & Things (375b Fifth Avenue)
Chip Shop (383 Fifth Avenue)
Backyard (388 Fifth Avenue)
Prime Time Liquors (427 Fifth Avenue)
Galaxy Comics and Collectibles (429 Fifth Avenue)
Bicycle Habitat (476 Fifth Avenue)
ACME Wines and Spirits (487 Fifth Avenue)
Lullaby Baby (488 Fifth Avenue)
La Casa Artisanal (512 Fifth Avenue)
Life Boutique Thrift (515 Fifth Avenue)
Bay River Wine & Liquors (539 Fifth Avenue)
Has Beans (620 Fifth Avenue)
Balance Life (624 Fifth Avenue)
Torres Tattoo Parlor (635 Fifth Avenue)
Park Slope Eye (682 Union Street)

Festive Fifth Focus: Poppy

Poppy (217 Fifth Avenue) is an amazing clothing and accessory store on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue. Drop by and see what's been popular this holiday season.

Oyster Bar Opens Today!

It's a big day on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue!

Today at 5:00 pm, the Grand Central Oyster Bar officially opens its doors at 254 Fifth Avenue (formerly Fornino's).

According to their media alert:

There will be a light fare menu for several weeks with a raw bar featuring oysters and clams on the half shell, New England clam chowder and appetizers including: shrimp cocktail, oyster shooters, smoked salmon, fried oysters, fried calamari, popcorn shrimp, fried clams, mussels, crabcake, fish tacos, caesar salad, caesar salad with shrimp or crabmeat, and sandwiches including oyster po boy, lobster roll, fried clam sandwich, and crab cake sandwich, all served with French fries and coleslaw.

The menu will ultimately include traditional oyster bar core recipes such as classic pan roasts, stews and chowders, with a focus on shellfish: from oysters and clams to lobster, crab and shrimp. Sixteen varieties of oysters - 8 from both the east and west coasts - will be on the menu. In addition, pasta seafood specials will be served daily. The accent will also be on local produce from area farmers’ markets.

Congratulations to Bruce Fox, Jonathan Young and the Oyster Bar team and welcome to Fifth Avenue!

Last-Minute Gifts and Jewelry at Life Boutique

Last week, we took a tour of  both locations of Life Boutique Thrift (515 Fifth Avenue and 66 Fifth Avenue) to look for gift items and outfits for the holiday season. The video, below, was made during our visit. We also learned about their amazing 25% off jewelry and accessories sale, going on through the end of December. Check it out now, before it's too late!

Santa's South Slope Visit

Santa came to visit the South Slope on Saturday as part of the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID's Festive Fifth celebration. He brought some snow with him, but unfortunately the snow made it difficult to navigate in his 1930's Ford Model A, so he had to travel by foot until he reached Has Beans. Photos and a brief video, below.

Santa will be back next week to visit the avenue and will stop at Du Jour Bakery to receive last-minute gift requests from good little girls and boys!

Festive Fifth Continues This Saturday!

Just a reminder that this Saturday, December 14th, our Festive Fifth activities continue. Carolers will be walking the entire BID, starting at 3:00 pm, and Santa will take a ride in a vintage Model A Ford between 9th and 18th Streets and then stop at Has Beans (620 Fifth Avenue) from 3:30-5:00 to greet good little girls and boys.

He'll return again next Saturday, December 21st to spread cheer between 9th and Union Streets and make a stop at Du Jour Bakery (365 Fifth Avenue) from 3:30 -5:00 to take last-minute gift requests.

Also, don't forget, many of our merchants will be staying open later to accommodate holiday shoppers. Participating merchants (in formation):


ACME Wines and Spirits (487 Fifth Avenue)
Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store (232 Fifth Avenue)
Backyard (388 Fifth Avenue)- $5 Whiskey & Hot Apple Cider!
Balance Life (624 Fifth Avenue)
Bay River Wine & Liquors (539 Fifth Avenue)
Bhoomki (158 Fifth Avenue)
Bicycle Habitat (476 Fifth Avenue)
Bierkraft (191 Fifth Avenue)
Bogota Latin Bistro (191 Fifth Avenue)
Brooklyn Industries (206 Fifth Avenue)
Chair-Man (176 Fifth Avenue)
Chip Shop (383 Fifth Avenue)
Chocolate Room (86 Fifth Avenue) -open till midnight!
Cog and Pearl (190 Fifth Avenue)
Culture (331 Fifth Avenue)
Diana Kane (229b Fifth Avenue)
Du Jour Bakery (365 Fifth Avenue)
Dumplings & Things (375b Fifth Avenue)
E Lingerie (140 Fifth Avenue)
Eidolon (233 Fifth Avenue)
Eleven Consignment Boutique (70 Fifth Avenue)
Enz's (171 Fifth Avenue)
Galaxy Comics and Collectibles (429 Fifth Avenue)
Goldy & Mac (219 Fifth Avenue)
Goorin Brothers (195b Fifth Avenue)
Ground Floor Gallery (343 5th Street)
Guvnor's Vintage Thrift (178 Fifth Avenue)
Has Beans (620 Fifth Avenue)
Items of Interest (60 Fifth Avenue)
Jonathan Blum's Storefront Studio Space (285 Fifth Avenue)
L'Albero dei gelati (341 Fifth Avenue)- Panettone tasting in the afternoon!
La Casa Artisanal (512 Fifth Avenue)
Le Pain Quotidien (239 Fifth Avenue)
Life Boutique Thrift (515 Fifth Avenue)
Lullaby Baby (488 Fifth Avenue)
Milan Optique (83 Fifth Avenue)
Park Slope Eye (682 Union Street)
Picada y Vino (327 Fifth Avenue)
Pink Olive (167 Fifth Avenue)
Poppy (217 Fifth Avenue)
Prime Time Liquors (427 Fifth Avenue)
Razor (329 Fifth Avenue)
Red, White and Bubbly (211 Fifth Avenue)
Sip (67 Fifth Avenue)
S'Nice (315 Fifth Avenue)
Something Else (208 Fifth Avenue)
Sterling Wines and Spirits (115 Fifth Avenue)
Tabeel Aromatherapy (76 Fifth Avenue)
Teddy (202 Fifth Avenue)
Sky Ice (63 Fifth Avenue)
Torres Tattoo Parlor (635 Fifth Avenue)

It's A Wrap Holiday Art Sale at Ground Floor Gallery

Our good friends at Ground Floor Gallery, 343 Fifth Street @ Fifth Avenue, will be having a "It's a Wrap" Holiday Sale, starting tomorrow (Friday, December 13th)! Affordable art from local artists! Come on down and do your Christmas shopping!

Check out the video, above, for a preview.

Make Music Winter Celebration

Santa's final visit to Fifth Avenue and his stop at Du Jour Bakery are not the only cool holiday events happening in Park Slope on the 21st. It's also happens to be the Winter Solstice and, as such, our friends at Make Music NY are planning a five-borough musical celebration, much like their popular event on June 21st which welcomes the summer.

Sure, the event isn't on Fifth, but it is a great way to celebrate the start of winter and a cool community happening that you should check out (after you spend your day on Fifth, of course):

Blink gathers the city’s seasoned and casual cyclists to perform a new piece for bicycle bells by composer Merche Blasco. Riders travel through Prospect Park, following a score transmitted from the lead bike via a special helmet pre-programmed with lights that cue bicycle bells of different pitches. Through the piece, riders will collaborate with each other and generate music that interacts with the soundscape of the area. Bicycle bells will be distributed to participants at the beginning of the parade.

Enz's Burlesque Party

On December 15, the New York School of Burlesque will be hosting a party at Enz's (171 Fifth Avenue)! Wait, there's a New York School of Burlesque? Cool!

Anyway, if you haven't been to Enz's, they are a  Fifties-inspired boutique that opened on Fifth this summer. They have an amazing history and a loyal following at their Manhattan location and they are definitely worth checking out this holiday season!

Drop by on the 15th between 7 and 10pm for a great shopping event including free wine, chocolate and cheese! All items will be 25% off. Just use the code ENZSROCKNYSB at the counter, or use your School of Burlesque discount card (you know you have one).

Santa's Visit on the 7th

Santa Claus dropped by in his 1959 Triumph sports car to spread some cheer to the North end of the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID on Saturday. Check out the video and photo slideshow, below. Next up: a visit to the South end of the BID and a stop at Has Beans, so that good boys and girls of all ages can tell Santa what they want for Christmas!

This Weekend: Celebrate Christmas on Fifth!

There's nothing better during the holidays than strolling a quaint little village, ducking into little shops to escape the cold and snow. Don't you think? Well, this weekend, Fifth Avenue is about as close as you can get to that experience in New York City (minus the snow). The Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID has over 500 stores, bars and restaurants to discover. Find a unique gift, have a comforting meal or warm up with a drink at one of the avenue's many watering holes!

Some highlights:

On Saturday, December 7th from 11 am - 5 pm at The Old Stone House, check out the Brooklyn Holiday Book Fair, presented by Honey & Wax Booksellers. This will be the place to get that special reader in your life something beautiful, special and unique!

Then, stroll Fifth Avenue between Dean and 18th Streets to discover the amazing stores, bars and restaurants that make it so great. Carolers will be caroling starting at 3:00 and Santa will be riding in a red Triumph sports car between Union and Dean from 3:00 - 5:00, making stops to spread Christmas cheer!

Also, don't forget to check out our events calendar and follow us on Twitter for information on merchant events throughout the weekend!

See you on Fifth!

Festive Fifth Focus: Bhoomki

Bhoomki is located at 158 Fifth Avenue. Come down and see what they have to offer this holiday season!

More Festive Fifth and Santa!

Fifth Avenue's holiday season kicked off on November 30th, Small Business Saturday, with our annual tree lighting event (see photos here), but the holiday fun isn't over yet! In fact, it has just begun!

We'll be making Fifth Avenue an extra-special place to be for the next 3 Saturdays until Christmas. Stores will stay open later, carolers will stroll the strip and Santa will be making stops along the avenue in an antique car.

Santa's Schedule
December 7th: Santa will visit the north end of the BID, from Union to Dean Street
December 14th: Santa will take a ride in a vintage car from 9th Street to 18th Street and then stop at Has Beans (620 Fifth Avenue) from 3:30-5:00 to greet good little girls and boys.
December 21st: Santa will ride an antique car in the center of the BID (9th Street to Union) and make a stop at Du Jour Bakery (365 Fifth Avenue) from 3:30 -5:00.

Participating merchants (in formation):

ACME Wines and Spirits (487 Fifth Avenue)

Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store (232 Fifth Avenue)

Backyard (388 Fifth Avenue)- $5 Whiskey & Hot Apple Cider!

Balance Life (624 Fifth Avenue)

Bay River Wine & Liquors (539 Fifth Avenue)

Bhoomki (158 Fifth Avenue)

Bicycle Habitat (476 Fifth Avenue)

Bierkraft (191 Fifth Avenue)

Bogota Latin Bistro (191 Fifth Avenue)

Brooklyn Industries (206 Fifth Avenue)

Chair-Man (176 Fifth Avenue)

Chip Shop (383 Fifth Avenue)

Chocolate Room (86 Fifth Avenue) -open till midnight!

Cog and Pearl (190 Fifth Avenue)

Culture (331 Fifth Avenue)

Diana Kane (229b Fifth Avenue)

Du Jour Bakery (365 Fifth Avenue)

Dumplings & Things (375b Fifth Avenue)

E Lingerie (140 Fifth Avenue)

Eidolon (233 Fifth Avenue)

Eleven Consignment Boutique (70 Fifth Avenue)

Enz's (171 Fifth Avenue)

Galaxy Comics and Collectibles (429 Fifth Avenue)

Goldy & Mac (219 Fifth Avenue)

Goorin Brothers (195b Fifth Avenue)

Ground Floor Gallery (343 5th Street)

Guvnor's Vintage Thrift (178 Fifth Avenue)

Has Beans (620 Fifth Avenue)

Items of Interest (60 Fifth Avenue)

Jonathan Blum's Storefront Studio Space (285 Fifth Avenue)

L'Albero dei gelati (341 Fifth Avenue)- Panettone tasting in the afternoon!

La Casa Artisanal (512 Fifth Avenue)

Le Pain Quotidien (239 Fifth Avenue)

Life Boutique Thrift (515 Fifth Avenue)

Lullaby Baby (488 Fifth Avenue)

Milan Optique (83 Fifth Avenue)

Park Slope Eye (682 Union Street)

Picada y Vino (327 Fifth Avenue)

Poppy (217 Fifth Avenue)

Prime Time Liquors (427 Fifth Avenue)

Razor (329 Fifth Avenue)

Red, White and Bubbly (211 Fifth Avenue)

Sip (67 Fifth Avenue)

S'Nice (315 Fifth Avenue)

Something Else (208 Fifth Avenue)

Sterling Wines and Spirits (115 Fifth Avenue)

Tabeel Aromatherapy (76 Fifth Avenue)

Teddy (202 Fifth Avenue)

Sky Ice (63 Fifth Avenue)

Torres Tattoo Parlor (635 Fifth Avenue)

Tomahawk Steak Dinner

Vegetarians and Vegans, look away. This post is about meat. Lots of it.

On December 13th at 7:30 pm, Alta Voce (318 Fifth Avenue) will be host to their first annual Tomahawk Steak Dinner (in case you weren't aware, the space is owned by the owners of Aperitivo and Sotto Voce).

Check out the decadent menu, below, and make a reservation while you still can:

Greeting

Foie Gras Toasts with Sauternes Geleé
Pairing - Balvenie Tun 1401, Batch 9. Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Batch 9 is a skillful marriage of some of the rarest treasures from Warehouse 24

Appetizer

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
Poached in Champagne & Lemon Grass
With a Sriracha Cocktail Sauce
Pairing - Chateau De Bligny Grande Reserve Brut Champagne
(90 points Wine Spectator)

Main

Tomahawk Steak
20 Oz Prime Aged Strassburger Prime Frenched Prime Rib
Creamed Spinach &  Roasted New Potatoes With Black Garlic & Thyme
Pairing - Antinori Tignanello (Tuscana) 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon & 5% Cabernet Franc

Dessert

24 Layer Flourless Chocolate Cake
Swiss Dark Chocolate & Polenta Cake Layered With Chocolate Ganache
Pairing - Fatorrie Melini "Occhio di Pernice"
Vin Santo 1996

$125/pp includes Tax &  Gratuity
(Credit Cards Will Not Be Accepted For This Event)
Reservations: aperitivocafe@gmail.com

Photos from the Tree Lighting

Welcome to December, everyone! The holiday season officially started on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue on Small Business Saturday, aka Festive Fifth. If you were busy or out-of-town on Saturday, check out the pictures (above) by Erika Clark! What a fun night!

Also, local media really saw Fifth Avenue as a go-to place to cover Small Business Saturday. Check out the stories, featuring many of our merchants, on WABC and WPIX!

There is still plenty of time to enjoy the stores, bars and restaurants on Fifth Avenue this holiday season. For the next three Saturdays, the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID will be have carolers singing along the Avenue and Santa will be making appearances to help spread some cheer! Plus, stores will be staying open later! Stay tuned for details!

Happy Small Business Saturday!

The Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District (Fifth Avenue between Dean and 18th Streets, and nearby side-street businesses) has hundreds of restaurants, bars and boutiques to discover on this Small Business Saturday! Come down to see what Fifth has to offer and stay for our tree lighting event: 6:30 pm at S'Nice (3rd St and Fifth Avenue). There will music by the MS 51 Chorus, Rolie Polie Guacamole and Puppetry Arts, hot chocolate, candy canes and Santa! Plus, many businesses will be staying open late and doing a little something special!

Then, we'll be making Fifth Avenue the place to shop, eat and drink for the next 3 Saturdays until Christmas (we're calling it "Festive Fifth"). Stores will stay open later, carolers will stroll the strip and Santa will be making stops along the avenue in an antique car.

Participating merchants (in formation):

ACME Wines and Spirits (487 Fifth Avenue)
Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store (232 Fifth Avenue)
Backyard (388 Fifth Avenue)- $5 Whiskey & Hot Apple Cider!
Balance Life (624 Fifth Avenue)
Bay River Wine & Liquors (539 Fifth Avenue)
Bhoomki (158 Fifth Avenue)
Bicycle Habitat (476 Fifth Avenue)
Bierkraft (191 Fifth Avenue)
Bogota Latin Bistro (191 Fifth Avenue)
Brooklyn Industries (206 Fifth Avenue)
Chair-Man (176 Fifth Avenue)
Chip Shop (383 Fifth Avenue)
Chocolate Room (86 Fifth Avenue) -open till midnight!
Cog and Pearl (190 Fifth Avenue)
Culture (331 Fifth Avenue)
Diana Kane (229b Fifth Avenue)
Du Jour Bakery (365 Fifth Avenue)
Dumplings & Things (375b Fifth Avenue)
E Lingerie (140 Fifth Avenue)
Eidolon (233 Fifth Avenue)
Eleven Consignment Boutique (70 Fifth Avenue)
Enz's (171 Fifth Avenue)
Galaxy Comics and Collectibles (429 Fifth Avenue)
Goldy & Mac (219 Fifth Avenue)
Goorin Brothers (195b Fifth Avenue)
Ground Floor Gallery (343 5th Street)
Guvnor's Vintage Thrift (178 Fifth Avenue)
Has Beans (620 Fifth Avenue)
Items of Interest (60 Fifth Avenue)
Jonathan Blum's Storefront Studio Space (285 Fifth Avenue)
L'Albero dei gelati (341 Fifth Avenue)- Panettone tasting in the afternoon!
La Casa Artisanal (512 Fifth Avenue)
Le Pain Quotidien (239 Fifth Avenue)
Life Boutique Thrift (515 Fifth Avenue)
Lullaby Baby (488 Fifth Avenue)
Milan Optique (83 Fifth Avenue)
Park Slope Eye (682 Union Street)
Picada y Vino (327 Fifth Avenue)
Poppy (217 Fifth Avenue)
Prime Time Liquors (427 Fifth Avenue)
Razor (329 Fifth Avenue)
Red, White and Bubbly (211 Fifth Avenue)
Sip (67 Fifth Avenue)
S'Nice (315 Fifth Avenu)e)
Something Else (208 Fifth Avenue)
Sterling Wines and Spirits (115 Fifth Avenue)
Tabeel Aromatherapy (76 Fifth Avenue)
Teddy (202 Fifth Avenue)- sale plus Lucy Dalton Jewelry!
Sky Ice (63 Fifth Avenue)
Torres Tattoo Parlor (635 Fifth Avenue)

**Donations**

We are thrilled to receive the following support for the tree-lighting event:

Candy Canes: Urbansitter.com
Cookies: Le Pain Quotidien
Hot Chocolate and space for our tree: S'Nice
Popcorn: Popcorn Love

For updated information, go to parkslopefifthavenuebid.com/events/smallbiz2013.

Happy Black Friday!

The holiday shopping season has begun! Sure, we know that the malls and large destination stores will be filled with bargain shoppers, today. But, before heading out, consider this list from Mother Nature Network:

What good does buying locally do? 

-It stimulates the local economy. A 2002 study done in Texas showed that for every $100 that was spent in a chain bookstore, only $13 of it was put back into the local economy. But that same $100 spent at a local, independently owned bookstore put $45 back into the local economy. Think of that next time you're deciding to get your coffee from a large chain or the local corner coffee house.

It helps locals keep their jobs. Most people who work in local businesses live locally. By buying from these places, you help your neighbors keep their jobs and that benefits your whole community. 

Local businesses give back locally. Do you know who sponsors the little league and softball teams in your town? I do. The local corner coffee house, the corner bar, the independent ice cream parlor (is it beginning to sound like I live in Mayberry? It's not a bad comparison). I also know who donates gift certificates and baskets when the PTA is holding an auction or someone is holding a beef and beer night to raise money for a local cancer patient. It's the same businesses that sponsor my sons' sports teams. By supporting these businesses, I help ensure that they can support the community.​ 

It's good for the environment. Less auto emissions occur when you're going only a few blocks (you could even walk or ride your bike) for what you need vs. traveling miles away to a big box store. If enough people buy locally, it could actually prevent a big box store — which usually devours open space and requires new roads to be built — from infiltrating your community. 

If you're buying locally grown food, it’s really good for the environment because you're helping the small farmers keep their farms operational instead of shutting down and selling to developers.

It promotes a sense of community. If you want to get to know your neighbors and others in your community, supporting the local businesses is a great way to do that. Going into my local coffee house is like walking into Cheers. I know the baristas and they know my name; there's one guy who is there every morning who always knows more about what I'm talking about than I do (or so he thinks); I run into other stay-at-home or work-at-home parents during the day; and the coffee is really good.

Make sure to save some of that shopping energy for tomorrow, Small Business Saturday and our tree lighting and late-night shopping event! Park Slope's Fifth Avenue has one of the largest collection of small stores, bars and boutiques in the country!

Above: A video we shot on what Goorin Bros. (195b Fifth Avenue) has to offer this holiday season. Sure, they have multiple locations across the country. But, they are also a family-owned small business that sells many American-Made hats. Check them out!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Oh, and Happy Thanksgivukkah!

Happy Hanukkah

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

Or is it Thanksgivukkah?

Thanksgiving on Fifth: One Last Chance

There's still time to make plans to visit one of the Fifth Avenue spots, below, for Thanksgiving! Whatever your plans are, though, we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Rest and get ready for Saturday's Festive Fifth events!

Stone Park Cafe

Will be offering a special Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go and, of course, a traditional eat-in option.
There are a limited number of complete dinners available, so email events@stoneparkcafe.com with any questions, or to arrange for your Thanksgiving Dinner To Go ASAP.

THANKSGIVING DINNER TO-GO

serves 12

Organic Free Range Turkey your choice of: Oven Ready 12-14 lb Turkey (brined and trussed, with roasting instructions) OR Sliced, Roasted Breast and Confit Leg (with reheat instructions)

Orange Cranberry Relish
Gravy
Sourdough Chanterelle Stuffing
Pancetta Roasted Brussels Sprouts
$450
15 Parker House Rolls $25

OPTIONAL FIRST COURSE

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup OR Swiss Chard Salad with Garlic, Breadcrumbs, and Parmigiano Reggiano $75

 DESSERT

10" Pumpkin Pie $35
10" Chocolate Pecan Pie $35

Plus, lots of space for large parties at Stone Park and Events at Stone Park!

Benchmark

Dine on three courses on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 1-7 pm) for $65 per guest or take your entire prepped meal home! Chef Jaronik is offering brined, organic, free-range turkeys from upstate New York, ready to pop in the oven, as well as a complete assortment of fully cooked Thanksgiving sides. Save room for Benchmark's homemade pumpkin, caramel apple and bourbon pecan pies. Check Call 718.965.7040 to reserve your spot in our dining room or place your order before 6 pm on Fri., November 22nd for pick up by 8 pm on Wed., Nov 27.

Check out their amazing dine in and take-out menus and make your plans today!

Drinks on the South Side

The Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID's south end will be the place to be on Thanksgiving.

Freddy's will be open from noon until 4am on Thanksgiving with a special on "Wild Turkey" -$1 off. The kitchen will open at 7pm until 2am, serving their usual "Pan Brooklyn" delicacies. All meals $6 or $9.

South will be open Thanksgiving Day starting at 6pm. The bar has been a traditional gathering spot on Thanksgiving Day for residents in the South Slope.

The Chocolate Room

Taking orders for their special Chocolate Pecan Pie (9" pie for $32) and Pumpkin Cheesecake (9" cake for $38.00).  They are accepting orders through Sunday, November 24th, so hurry!

Fort Reno BBQ

Want a Greenmarket fresh Thanksgiving dinner cooked by a Chef and delivered right to your door? FORT RENO BBQ can help! This year they will be getting birds from Di Paola Turkey Farm and slow cooking them overnight in their hickory wood burning smokers. You can drop by and pick yours up on Thanksgiving Day, or they can bring it to you hot and ready to serve. Plus you get all the fixins and veggies to feed the whole family! The whole 12 Pound Bird with all the fixins Feeds 12 adults with leftovers - $425 Half Bird with all the fixins feeds 6 adults with leftovers - $250 You are encouraged to order early to ensure food availability and delivery time. All Thanksgiving inquiries should be sent to fortrenobbq@gmail.com

Leske's

Thanksgiving Hours:

Nov 27th 5am to 8pm
Nov 28th 5am to 5pm <- br="" hours="" special=""> Nov 29th 7am to 8pm <- br="" hours="" special="">

200 Fifth

Hosting their 26th annual all-you-can-eat buffet, which includes corn chowder, au gratin potatoes, traditional turkey, smoked brisket, and more. $29.95 per person, $14.50 per child under 12

A.O.C. Bistro

Will be open at 3:30 pm with an A la carte menu that includes pumpkin soup with white truffle, roasted turkey with veal and chestnut stuffing, and pumpkin pie. More details here

Luscious Food

They'll be open from 10am-1pm with a hearty menu that includes lots of starchy sides like mac n’ cheese and corn spoonbread. Click here for the entire menu.

Miriam

They'll be serving from 2:30-10:30pm with a unique Israeli twist on the traditional turkey and a butternut squash soup with goat cheese and apple croutons.

Palo Santo

Chef Jacques Gautier will be a busy man on Thanksgiving. Palo Santo will be serving from 2-8pm with a four-course seasonal dinner including heritage turkey, meat, fish, and vegetarian options. Cost: $65 per adult, $35 per child

Fleisher's

Sadly, we hear their turkeys are sold out, although they are still the place to go for brining mix and a lot of great meaty side dishes and turkey alternatives. 

Du Jour Bakery

Not only are they preparing a feast to benefit the philippines, they're also busy taking orders for Thanksgiving pies and treats. There are 10 pies, two cheesecakes and some delicious special breads, including Cheddar Chive Biscuits and Sweet Potato Rolls topped with Honey Butter. The menu is available here.  You'd better hurry, though, the deadline for orders is this Sunday, November 24.

Trois Pommes Patisserie

Lots of pies ranging from Apple to Key Lime and even some sides including cranberry sauce with citrus & Grand Marnier ($8.00/pint), Vegetable stuffing with herbs ($16.00/quart) and

Cheddar biscuits ($24/dozen)

Check out their website for more!

A.O.C. Bistro

They'll be open starting at 3:30 pm, serving Pumpkin soup with white truffle, roasted turkey with veal and chestnut stuffing and lots more!

Camelia

Will be open from 12 pm - 10pm! Offering a 3-course meal for $29.95 with a choice of turkey, grilled pork chop or grilled salmon. 

Daisy's Diner

Walk in any time for a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pie. Only $14.95!

Holiday Projections

Just a few more days until Festive Fifth begins!

Above is a little video about Freddy's Bar and the holiday Mash-up videos by Donald O'Finn that will be projected outside, above their entrance. Check it out and don't forget to visit the South Slope and see what it has to offer this holiday season!

This Week: Festive Fifth!

Fifth Avenue's holiday season kicks off this week on November 30th, Small Business Saturday! This annual reminder to "shop small" (sponsored by American Express) is a growing holiday tradition, nationwide. Come down to see what Fifth has to offer and stay for our tree lighting event: 6:30 pm at S'Nice (3rd St and Fifth Avenue). There will music by the MS 51 Chorus, Rolie Polie Guacamole and Puppetry Arts, hot chocolate, candy canes and Santa!

Then, we'll be making Fifth Avenue an extra-special place to be for the next 3 Saturdays until Christmas. Stores will stay open until at least 9 pm, carolers will stroll the strip and Santa will be making stops along the avenue in an antique car.

Participating merchants (in formation):

ACME Wines and Spirits (487 Fifth Avenue)
Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store (232 Fifth Avenue)
Backyard (388 Fifth Avenue)- $5 Whiskey & Hot Apple Cider!
Balance Life (624 Fifth Avenue)
Bay River Wine & Liquors (539 Fifth Avenue)
Bhoomki (158 Fifth Avenue)
Bicycle Habitat (476 Fifth Avenue)
Bierkraft (191 Fifth Avenue)
Bogota Latin Bistro (191 Fifth Avenue)
Brooklyn Industries (206 Fifth Avenue)
Canvas (348 6th Street)
Chair-Man (176 Fifth Avenue)
Chip Shop (383 Fifth Avenue)
Chocolate Room (86 Fifth Avenue) -open till midnight!
Cog and Pearl (190 Fifth Avenue)
Culture (331 Fifth Avenue)
Diana Kane (229b Fifth Avenue)
Du Jour Bakery (365 Fifth Avenue)
Dumplings & Things (375b Fifth Avenue)
E Lingerie (140 Fifth Avenue)
Eidolon (233 Fifth Avenue)
Eleven Consignment Boutique (70 Fifth Avenue)
Enz's (171 Fifth Avenue)
Galaxy Comics and Collectibles (429 Fifth Avenue)
Goldy & Mac (219 Fifth Avenue)
Goorin Brothers (195b Fifth Avenue)
Ground Floor Gallery (343 5th Street)
Guvnor's Vintage Thrift (178 Fifth Avenue)
Has Beans (620 Fifth Avenue)
Items of Interest (60 Fifth Avenue)
Jonathan Blum's Storefront Studio Space (285 Fifth Avenue)
L'Albero dei gelati (341 Fifth Avenue)- Panettone tasting in the afternoon!
La Casa Artisanal (512 Fifth Avenue)
Le Pain Quotidien (239 Fifth Avenue)
Life Boutique Thrift (515 Fifth Avenue)
Lullaby Baby (488 Fifth Avenue)
Milan Optique (83 Fifth Avenue)
Park Slope Eye (682 Union Street)
Picada y Vino (327 Fifth Avenue)
Poppy (217 Fifth Avenue)
Prime Time Liquors (427 Fifth Avenue)
Razor (329 Fifth Avenue)
Red, White and Bubbly (211 Fifth Avenue)
Sip (67 Fifth Avenue)
S'Nice (315 Fifth Avenue)
Something Else (208 Fifth Avenue)
Sterling Wines and Spirits (115 Fifth Avenue)
Tabeel Aromatherapy (76 Fifth Avenue)
Teddy (202 Fifth Avenue)
Sky Ice (63 Fifth Avenue)
Torres Tattoo Parlor (635 Fifth Avenue)

Donations

We are thrilled to receive the following support for this event:

Candy Canes: Urbansitter.com

Cookies: Le Painn Quotidien

Hot Chocolate and space for our tree: S'Nice

Popcorn: Popcorn Love