News Round-Up

Patrick Stewart's First Pizza Slice in Park Slope, Brooklyn [MStars]
Report: Barclays to Host Food Truck Extravaganza [PS Patch]
Brush Up on Beer Knowledge at Terroir Park Slope [Park Slope Stoop]
Air Quality Health Advisory Issued in Our Area For Friday [South Slope News]

Scaredy Kat to Close in July

If you haven't heard already, this week Damond and Nora from Scaredy Kat announced that their gift shop (a Fifth Avenue institution) will be closing at the end of July. Here's their official statement:

To All Our Fabulous Customers And Friends On 5th Avenue,

When we opened in July 1999, we couldn't have imagined in our wildest dreams how SCAREDY KAT would grow as a business and all of 5th Avenue would grow into such an exciting destination! What changes we've all seen through the years!

After a fantastic 14 years, we would like to announce that we're loading up our wagon train and heading down to Asheville, NC. We are very sad to be leaving Park Slope and all our wonderful friends and customers, but also excited for the new adventures that await us. We are eternally grateful for all of our SCAREDY KAT memories and will miss all of the folks we have come to know throughout the seasons.

Which brings us to say… we are pleased to announce that ANNIE'S BLUE RIBBON GENERAL STORE will be opening in late August right here! She has been gracing Boreum Hill with her wondrous delights for the last 6 years and we are sure she will delight you as well.

We can't say “thank you” enough to everyone who has supported us over the years. We have always been touched by the kindness of the Park Slope community and of our many visitors. We know that we would not be here without you.

We will be supplying you with fun goods from now until near the end of July. After that, please come on down to Asheville and visit us at WHIST, our new retail venture!

While we are truly sad to see Nora and Damond leave Fifth Avenue, we are happy that their departure is part of a new life adventure of their choosing. Plus, they have a great new tenant, Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store, coming to their space. So, in a way, while this is a great loss for Fifth Avenue, it's also a bit of a win-win.

Interview: Salamander Hot Sauces

Last week, I had the pleasure of trying some amazing hot sauces, made and served right here in Park Slope. The batch we tried was made in the kitchen of Fifth Avenue's Backyard and served with their BLT, Meatloaf and Lobster Salad Sliders, as well as their amazing New England Clam Chowder (Photo below).

After the feast, we had some questions for Salamander's owner, Timothy Kavarnos:

Where are you from originally and what brought you to Park Slope?
I am originally from CT. I moved to Park Slope in 2001 because I had a friend that lived here and I always loved the vibe whenever I had come to visit. Once I settled in I took several jobs around Manhattan then eventually took a job at Stone Park Café. This is when I truly fell in love with the area. The food and the people are incredible here.

I tried your hot sauces and they really are amazing, especially with the great food at Backyard. Lots of flavor, plenty of heat but not overwhelming or distracting.
What made you want to create your Salamander hot sauces?
I have always loved hot spicy food and with my schedule it can be challenging to cook good meals. I needed something I could add to quickly take a boring dish and turn it into a fantastic meal. With these hot sauces I can sauté some meat or vegetables and easily add dimension. The commercial sauces in the stores are not great for this type of cooking so I created my own. I wanted sauces that complimented a variety of foods while adding flavor and heat, sauces that can take a simple dish to the next level.

Where can consumers buy or try your sauces?
Salamander Sauces are served in Brooklyn at Backyard and Stone Park Café’s brunch, if you are in Mystic, CT you can try them at Kitchen Little. Currently the sauces are not available for sale.

What's the next step for Salamander ?
The next step is to raise the funds for commercial production, to accomplish this I will be launching a crowdfunding campaign in the next few weeks.

Where do you see your company in five years?
Based on the response I’m getting on these sauces, in five years Salamander should be continuing to grow and thrive. There are several more sauces in development and near completion plus there are plans for a few other items but we’ll let those be a surprise!

You can follow the Salamander on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SalamanderSauce, on Twitter (@SalamanderSauce) or sign up for the newsletter at http://eepurl.com/wKoYX

-Mark Caserta

Make Music NY 2013

It's popular to say that summer begins during Memorial Day Weekend but in reality, the solar system disagrees. Summer actually begins on June 21st during the Summer Solstice, when our Northern Hemisphere is most tilted towards the Sun.

Save that date because and there's no better way to celebrate the official start of summer than with music. Park Slope's Fifth Avenue will be taking part in the annual Make Music New York event with musicians playing on nearly every corner of Fifth Avenue from Dean to 18th Streets from 7 - 9 pm.

Save the date and don't miss it!

Happy Memorial Day!

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

While many of our business owners will be taking a much-needed day off, there are some that will remain open and celebrate the day in a special way. We'll try to keep you updated via Twitter (@AllAboutFifth) and Facebook when we hear about specials during the day.

For now, we do know that Freddy's is having a big Memorial Day BBQ and party:

News Round-Up

Dinosaur BBQ food fight coming to Park Slope in June [Daily News]

In Bay Ridge and Park Slope, Fourth Ave Traffic Calming Moves Forward [Streets Blog]

MTA to Run Extra Trains Memorial Day Weekend [PS Patch]

Make Music NY Party

On June 21st, Fifth Avenue will join the rest of the city in welcoming summer with Make Music NY (Schedule and music locations coming soon). It's one of the most anticipated events of the year, with musicians playing on nearly every street corner between Dean and 18th Streets (check out photos from last year here ).

First, though, you are invited to join Make Music New York and our very own Freddy's Bar at the first-annual MMNY 2013 Prelude Party. On June 5 from 6-9 pm at Freddy's, meet and mingle with all the Make Music New York Musicians, hosts, bar-owners & bartenders & neighbors. Pick up festival programs and other materials for June 21, and join in a huge acoustic jam from 8-9 pm. A MMNY Cocktail special designed by Freddy's bartenders will be available, as well as the Brooklyn Gin and Radeberger gin and beer specials.

See you there!

Live Comedy Recording at Union Hall Tonight

Tonight at Union Hall,  comedian Charlie Kasov will be recording his debut album "All Over the Place" before a live audience:

Come laugh gratuitously about stories from his childhood, college, being a math teacher, working in politics, and his unfortunate interview on Fox local news. Or just hang out upstairs and eat delicious corn dogs.

Here's your chance to have your laughter immortalized on record tape CD iTunes!

Doors open at 8:00. Show starts at 8:30. $5 cover. 

Brooklyn Pride 2013

Save the date, Park Slope, the next big Fifth Avenue event is coming up fast!

Saturday, June 8th is Brooklyn Pride !

This year, the Brooklyn Pride Festival is moving to Fifth! Drop by from 11 am to 5 pm between 3rd and 9th Streets. The parade will start at Lincoln Place at 7:30 pm and run to 9th Street.

We'll see you there!

Photos from the Fair

Yes, it was wet. Yes, it was a chilly. But, despite the weather, The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue Fair went on as planned and was attended by thousands (far more than we expected given the conditions).

Check out the photo sets, below:


by Mark Caserta


by Thomas Smith

Also a couple of videos:
Music Performance
Margaritas!

Today: The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair

RAIN OR SHINE

From 12 - 5 pm, Sterling Place to 12th Street

News Round-Up

Remember: The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair takes place this Sunday from 12-5. See you there!

And now, some news:

Playtime in Park Slope [Park Slope Stoop]

A Knuffle Bunny Tour Through South Slope [South Slope News]

Whassup: More Than Mooga Edition [FIPS]

NY Mag: Where to Drink in South Slope

In case you missed it, this week's New York Magazine features an article on where to drink in 10 NYC neighborhoods. The South Slope was highlighted and, of course, Fifth Avenue was declared as the place to be. Congratulations to Prospect (545 Fifth Avenue), The Owl Farm (297 9th Street at 5th Avenue, off the avenue but part of the BID), and The Monro (481 Fifth Avenue) for being highlighted.

Check out the full article here.

Thanks to South Slope News for the tip!

Musical Ecologies: Jason Cady

Tomorrow night, drop by The Old Stone House for an evening of conversation and performance by Jason Cady, composer of experimental vocal and chamber music, hosted by composer Dan Joseph.

The Wire describes Cady’s one-act opera, Post-Madonna Prima Donna, as, “thoughtful satire, sharp composition.” WQXR’s Operavore described his two-act opera Happiness is the Problem as keeping “the energy hovering at 11 consistently, fusing the stilettoed [sic] coloratura of Mozart’s ‘Queen of the Night’ with Glass at his most hyper-caffeinated; you’re left gasping at the end for a reprieve, while admiring the psychological underpinnings of Cady’s work.”

There is a sample of Cady's work, above, or visit his website here.

The event starts at 8pm. Suggested donation at the door.

Art of Brooklyn Film Festival 2013

Starting this week, check out films from emerging filmmakers who are Brooklyn-born, Brooklyn-based and Brooklyn-centric at the 3rd annual Art of Brooklyn Film Festival.

The event is the only international film festival to showcase films and filmmakers that all have a meaningful connection to Brooklyn. That means cast or crew were born and raised here, or now live and work here. They also screen films from across the country and around the world that were shot in or inspired by Brooklyn.

Check it out (just remember to visit a Fifth Avenue bar or restaurant before or after the films)!

This Sunday: The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair!

Don't miss it: New York City's best street fair will take place this Sunday, May 19th on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue, between Sterling Place and 12th Street.

See you there!

Happy Mother's Day!

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

Looking for last minute gift/meal ideas? Don't worry, we compiled a list earlier this week!

News Round-Up

Meet Eidolon’s Amara Felice: Selling Handmade Fashion to Park Slope Since 1999 [Park Slope Stoop]

Bike Lanes a Go! — New Path Will Help Cyclists Cross Gowanus, Backers Say [Brooklyn Paper]

Brooklyn Civics Mayoral Forum: Your No-Fuss Guide [PS Patch]

In Park Slope, A New Theater [L Magazine]

The Biggest Fair Trade Coffee Break in the World

This Sunday, May 12th (Mother's Day) at the Fifth Avenue Farmer's Market, drop by between 10 am and Noon for "The Biggest Fair Trade Coffee Break in the World." One of the market's vendors, Tierra Farm, will have free samples of their organic coffees and they'll be around to discuss their commitment to fair trade sourcing with shoppers.The Coffee Break is inspired by the organization, Oxfam International.

Also don't miss the Eden Farms Greenhouses hanging baskets at the market. They make fantastic gifts for Mother's Day!

The market takes place on 4th Street at 5th Avenue, 10 am to 4 pm, every Sunday.

Mother's Day 2013

Mother's Day is just a few days away. If that statement surprised you, then you are probably in a panic right now. Don't worry, though, Fifth Avenue has just what you need:

Flowers: ZuZu's Petals, Blooms on Fifth and more. Get mom some flowers or even a special fruit arrangement. Check our Florists business directory page for more.

Gifts and Cards: Get mom a unique gift from one of Fifth Avenue's small, independent card and gift shops or one of our cool clothing and jewelry or vintage shops.

Sweets: Who doesn't love sweets? Fifth Avenue has many amazing cafe's and sweet shops to help you find just what you need for mom. Or, go right to the chocolate at Bierkraft or The Chocolate Room!

Brunch/Lunch/Dinner: Take mom out for a special meal. Here are some of the specials that Fifth Avenue BID restaurants have planned:

Melt: Join us for Mother's Day! During BRUNCH Moms receive a free glass of champagne. During DINNER Mom's meal is 1/2 off! Treat Mom to a great meal at Melt!

Stone Park Cafe: Normal Sunday brunch menu and they will be opening Events at Stone Park so that they can take reservations for parties of 8 or larger. Inquiries can be directed to events@stoneparkcafe.com.

Palo Santo: This is the one day of the year that Palo Santo takes Brunch reservations of any size, and they will be giving free mimosas to all moms! Call for reservations (718) 636-6311

Drinks and Music: Maybe Mom prefers to go out for a cocktail or hear some live music? Fifth Avenue has lots of bars to help you celebrate the big day.

Freddy's Bar: Mothers Day- FOOD, DRINK & MUSIC Freddy’s famous Happy Hour Bar & Food Specials (see menu for specials) ALL PLATES $6.00 & $8.00. Plus we Now serve Coffee. BEER & DRINK SPECIALS -WELL DRINKS $4.00 / HIGHLIFE & PBR $2.00 + ALL TAP BEER $3.00... until 7pm.

LIVE FREE MUSIC
Front-Room -John Pinamonti
BACKROOM
7pm Back Room Brawl: Improv Comedy Show
9:30 Dan Blake Quintet

Bike Jumble 2013

This Saturday, May 11th from 10 am - 4 pm, drop by 5th Avenue and 4th Street (The Old Stone House and Washington) for the 5th Annual Brooklyn Bike Jumble.


The park will be filled with vendors selling used bikes as well as new and used bike accessories. It's the perfect place to find a summer ride or to stock up on the parts that you need to complete your bike! 

Here is a photo set from the 2011 Bike Jumble, to give you a little flavor of the event.

Fifth Avenue Fair: Less Than 2 Weeks!

Remember, The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair takes place on Sunday, May 19th from 12-5 pm. It will run, as always, from 12th Street to Sterling Place. 

Save the date!

Cinco De Mayo 2013

Happy Cinco de Mayo! What a beautiful day to celebrate at some of Fifth Avenue's great restaurants and bars ! Here are some events that we know about, including a performance by Sonido Consteno on 4th Street and Fifth Avenue from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. 

Palo Santo (652 Union Street): In memory and celebration of the Mexican victory over French Imperialism at the battle of Puebla. At Palo Santo we love any and all holidays that involve drinking beer and feasting! Come share a big pot of mole with us and wash it down with a few beers or a pitcher of sangria.

Sunday, May 5th 5:00pm - 10:30pm

$25 = Mole* + Beer or Sangria 
$5 Big Beers 
$5 Ice Cold Micheladas

*Chicken, Meat, Fish and Vegetarian Mole will be served. We will also have our regular menu available.

Call For Reservations: 718.636.6311

Freddy's (627 Fifth Avenue): Happy Hour Specials! All tap beer $3, Highlife & PBR $2, $1 off everything else. Free live music in the back room.

South (629 Fifth Avenue): Special Margaritas (all day) and they will be cooking Fajitas in the back yard (starting at 4 pm)!

BAX (421 Fifth Avenue): See a show at BAX (Memory Withholdings 6pm) and then go across the street to head across the street to celebrate at Rachel's. By the way, Rachel's has $4 margaritas today and every day!

News Round- Up

Free Safety Seminar at Park Slope Academy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu [South Slope News]

Park Slope Food Co-op Takes Up New Cause: Saving a Hospital [NY Times]

Spring Brings Farmers Markets Back to Park Slope [DNA Info]

Precinct Council Meetings are Vital to Cops Policing Park Slope [Brooklyn Eagle]

Brooklyn Pride BBQ

Drop by Excelsior on Sunday for a special BBQ to help raise money for Brooklyn Pride. The Parade and the festival will take place on Fifth Avenue this year (June 8th) so don't miss this opportunity to help a great cause which, as a nice added benefit, is also good for Fifth Avenue's small businesses.

The Fifth of May on Fifth

Cinco de Mayo is coming up quickly. Luckily, there are a lot of great restaurants and bars on Fifth Avenue to help you celebrate. Here are some events that we know about, including a performance by Sonido Consteno on 4th Street and Fifth Avenue from 6:30 to 9:00 pm (a bit of their performance at Dancing Under the Stars last summer is above). We'll add to the list as we learn more!

Palo Santo (652 Union Street): In memory and celebration of the Mexican victory over French Imperialism at the battle of Puebla. At Palo Santo we love any and all holidays that involve drinking beer and feasting! Come share a big pot of mole with us and wash it down with a few beers or a pitcher of sangria.

Sunday, May 5th 5:00pm - 10:30pm

$25 = Mole* + Beer or Sangria 
$5 Big Beers 
$5 Ice Cold Micheladas

*Chicken, Meat, Fish and Vegetarian Mole will be served. We will also have our regular menu available.

Call For Reservations: 718.636.6311

Freddy's (627 Fifth Avenue): Happy Hour Specials! All tap beer $3, Highlife & PBR $2, $1 off everything else. Free live music in the back room:

South (629 Fifth Avenue): Special Margaritas (all day) and they will be cooking Fajitas in the back yard (starting at 4 pm)!

BAX (421 Fifth Avenue): See a show at BAX (Memory Withholdings 6pm) and then go across the street to head across the street to celebrate at Rachel's.