News Round-Up

Have a great Labor Day Weekend! 

The Park Slope Diner Tour: Fifth Avenue Diner [Park Slope Stoop]

Amerikick Offers Free Open House Sessions in September [South Slope News]

Viacom Has the Hots For BKLYN [FIPS]

Park Slope Calexico Opening Stalled By Building Permit Delays [DNAinfo]

Photo (above): Rolie Polie Guacamole rocking JJ Byrne Playground last night.

Fall Class Registration at BAX

A sure sign that summer is coming to an end and fall is just around the corner: Fifth Avenue's cultural hubs are starting to announce their fall classes!

BAX is holding a Fall Open House on Saturday, September 7th, 2013 from 10:00am-2:00pm and Monday through Wednesday, September 9th - 11th from 3:45pm-4:45pm. Sample free dance, theater and tumbling classes for ages 18 months to 18 years. Meet the BAX community, register for the Fall Trimester (Early Childhood, 18 months-5 years) and Semester (Ages 5-18) classes, enjoy refreshments, and tour the facilities. Also check out their colorful Playspace for ages 1-4.

Visit youth.bax.org/fall-open-house for information including an Open House Sample Class Schedule. Open house pre-registration is strongly encouraged due to participation volume. Call 718-832-0018 to pre-register.

Aperitivo Crab Boil and Clam Bake

We thought we would let you know about this special Chef Dinner at Aperitivo. It sounds amazing and reservations are filling up fast!

On Thursday, September 12th, Aperitivo will host an "Australian Inspired Maryland Crab Boil and Clam Bake."

Crab Boil and Clam Bake Unlimited Beer, Wine and Lynchburg Lemonade ~$85.00 
7:30pm Thursday, 12 September 2013

Evening Opener -
Port Stephens Rock Oyster Poppers-  with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
Lynchburg Lemonade- Jack Daniels Sour Mash Whiskey, Lemon Pop and Cointreau. Served in a Mason Jar like it's supposed to.

Aussie Seafood Salad- 
Grilled Pacific Octopus and Queensland Scallops. With Hard Boiled Eggs, Lime, Scallions and Sweet Chilies On a bed of Curly Endive.

Crab Boil and Clam Bake Australian Mud Crab, New Zealand Green Mussels, Surf Clams, Jumbo Prawns and Sweet Corn boiled in a broth of Fosters Lager, Ginger, Lime my blend of Pacific Spices.

Grilled Rum Glazed Plantains and Mamey Gelato-  House Churned Gelato made with Mamey Fruit

Bookings will be accepted by email - aperitivocafe@gmail.com or telephone - 1.718.369.1123. Reservations will be closed 7 days prior to the event and will require a credit card to hold your spot.

Hurry!

Thursday Night: LA Saxy at Dancing Under the Stars

Believe it or not, the weather is supposed to be warm and sunny Thursday Night, which is great because LA Saxy's first Dancing Under the Stars performance was rained-out, way back on August 1st. (NOTE: WNBC is now saying it will be stormy Thursday Night. We'll ignore that, for now). 

Rolie Polie Guacamole will kick-off the night's activities with a set of their fun kids songs at 5:30 in front of the Old Stone House. LA Saxy will rock Fifth Avenue at 4th Street with 2 hours of soul and oldies, starting at 7.

Be there!

Interview: Ann Cantrell from Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store

We thought we would take a moment to welcome one of Fifth Avenue's newest stores, Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store. Sure, we miss Scaredy Kat, but they left on their own terms, seeking a new retail adventure in North Carolina. Not only that, as you will see below, they recruited an amazing store (and store owner) to take their place on Fifth Avenue:

1. Welcome to Fifth Avenue! We are excited to have you! Since you just opened, tell us a little about your store.

We are super excited to be here! We are a Modern General Store- selling fun and functional goodies to give and get. We love the idea of "old timey" general stores, we just made ours work for the modern city lifestyle. The “Blue Ribbon” symbolizes the cream of the crop, so we like to think that we’ve searched high and low to bring you the best that life has to offer, all under one roof!

2. How has it been going, so far?

GREAT!! Everyone has been super nice and welcoming! It’s been so fun to meet lots of new customers, and see some of our Boerum Hill shoppers too! We have had a slow opening since our awning and signage went up a few days after we opened and we are still unpacking boxes and putting up artwork, but we are thrilled with the welcome so far.

3. What attracted you to open on Fifth Avenue in Park Slope?

We were very lucky to be approached by Nora and Damond from Scaredy Kat over a year ago to take over their awesome spot on this amazing block. Our lease was up in Boerum Hill and we were really outgrowing our space there, and I loved the area so it was a no brainer for us! I’ve lived in Brooklyn for almost a decade now, but I grew up spending a lot of time in this area back in the 70’s and 80’s when my aunt and uncle lived nearby, there’s been lots of changes since then so it’s been fun to re- learn the neighborhood.

4. Do you have any interesting events or regular happenings at your store that you would like to promote?

Why yes- we do! As a matter of fact we have a Family Friendly Back to School Event August 29th from 3-5pm (NOTE: SEE GRAPHIC, ABOVE). We partnered with a great local company, State Bags, for the party. With every purchase of one of their backpacks they donate one to a Child in need, but during the event we will donate TWO bags for each one purchased. Plus the bags are very fun & functional, so you can’t go wrong! Mark your calendars for an evening event October 3rd too. We will be celebrating our 6th anniversary then along with toasting to all our local artists and vendors we work with at the shop.

5. We know you are new to the neighborhood, but do you have any favorite places to eat, drink or shop on Fifth?

We just made a sign that says “We are eating our way through Park Slope, let us know if you have any suggestions” so would LOVE to hear everyone’s favorites but so far we’ve of course been to Dizzy’s (our next door neighbor!), Pork Slope (for some team building/bonding/beer/bbq), Bierkraft, Blueprint, Duke of Montrose (we drink more than we eat I think…). For lunch we’ve had Zito’s Sandwiches, Le Pain Quotidien, LOTS of pizza- and can’t wait to try every place up and down the avenue!

News Round-Up

Revolutionary Fare (Saturday, August 24th, 5-9): The Old Stone House commemorates the largest battle of the American Revolutionary War – the Battle of Brooklyn/August 27, 1776 –  each year in August.  As part of its fundraising efforts to create a new family learning exhibit in the OSH Gallery, OSH is hosting an event for the community at large that will include food and drink inspired by 18th century recipes.  The event will connect Brooklyn’s past to Brooklyn’s creative contemporary food culture, as well as highlighting local bands and crafts people. Be there!

PLEASE help Fifth Avenue's Salamander Hot Sauce (the best we've ever had) get to their Kickstarter goal TODAY !

Also:

Park Slope Planner: The Best Events August 22-25 [Park Slope Stoop] (includes an anniversary party for Goorin Brothers)

Photo Flashback: 5th Avenue and 13th Street [South Slope News]

Photo: last night's Dancing Under the Stars

Tonight: Jazz and Swing at Dancing Under the Stars

Well, the weather looks dismal right now, but the forecast calls for gradual clearing later this afternoon. That means that Dancing Under the Stars in ON for tonight!

A band called Deep Pockets (jazz/swing) will perform at 5th Avenue and 4th Street at 7:00. Rolie Polie Guacamole (kids music) will be playing at 5:30 in front of the Old Stone House.

Don't miss it! There isn't much summer left. Take advantage of this opportunity to dance outdoors!

VMA Update

As you probably know the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) will take place on Sunday, August 25th at Barclays Center. We received this handy list of street closures and expected impacts from the 78th Precinct Community Council and we thought we would share it. If you are staying in town, this weekend, you might need it! Friday, August 23rd • Set construction - 8:00 am - 12:00 am midnight • Street closure 6th Avenue (Atlantic Avenue to Dean Street) 12:00 pm - MONDAY, 8/26 12:00 am midnight - WILL PERIODICALLY INCLUDE PEDESTRIANS Saturday, August 24th • Set construction activity - 10:00 am - 9:00 pm • Street closure 6th Avenue (Atlantic Avenue to Dean Street) ALL DAY - WILL PERIODICALLY INCLUDE PEDESTRIANS • Street closure Pacific Street (6th Avenue to Carlton Avenue) 7:00 am - MONDAY, 8/26 12:00 am midnight • Street closure Dean Street (Flatbush Avenue to Carlton Avenue) 7:00 am - MONDAY, 8/26 12:00 am midnight • Red Carpet rehearsals with crew (no celebrities) 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm • MTA Bus re-routed - B45 (Dean Street) will, be re-routed around street closure TBD Sunday, August 25th • Street closure 6th Avenue (Atlantic Avenue to Dean Street) ALL DAY - INCLUDING PEDESTRIANS (Residents must show ID) • Street closure Pacific Street (6th Avenue to Carlton Avenue) ALL DAY - INCLUDING PEDESTRIANS (Residents must show ID) • Street closure Dean Street (Flatbush Avenue to Carlton Avenue) ALL DAY - INCLUDING PEDESTRIANS (Residents must show ID) • Street closure Pacific Street (4th Avenue to Flatbush Avenue) 2:00 pm - MONDAY, 8/26 12:00 am midnight • MTA Bus re-routed - B45 (Dean Street) will, be re-routed around street closure TBD • MTA Bus bypass Barcays Center stops (B41 & B67 will bypass Barclays Flatbush Avenue stops and B45 will bypass Barclays Atlantic Avenue stops) times TBD • Sidewalk closure of perimeter of Barclays Center (including partial closure of plaza - subway exit into plaza will remain open) 2:00 pm - MONDAY, 8/26 12:00 am midnight • Traffic will remain open on Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue. • Viewer pens may be set up on Pacific Street at Flatbush Avenue; Flatbush Avenue between 5th Avenue & Dean Street; and the plaza in front of Target. • Barclays Center subway access will remain open. • Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be installed on local arterial roads and significant intersections • The Dean Street Park playground will be closed, however the basketball tournament will proceed with access from Bergen Street.

Lots Happening On Thursday Night

Tomorrow Night is going to be extra-busy on Fifth Avenue.

Of course, we have Dancing Under the Stars at the Old Stone House and 4th Street and 5th Avenue.

At  Ground Floor Gallery from 6 – 8:30pm, drop by for the closing reception of their summer show, "Small Wonder," a juried exhibition of small works, all under $200.   Color with SparkleArtist, Christian Grattan (see above), and get a FREE coloring book of his Pop Art heroes !

Melt: Have an amazing meal and watch The Judd Nielsen Organ Trio from 8pm and 11pm.

Featuring Solomon Hicks on guitar and Austin Williamson on traps with the classic sound of the Hammond B3 organ played by Nielsen. It's an old school set-up with a new-jack swing. Influences include Jimmy Smith, Dr. Lonnie Smith, The Meters and Jimi Hendrix.   

Freddy's Bar: It's Uke Night! Need we say more?

Union Hall: See Self Help, The Party Faithful, and A.K. for just $8. [Tickets]

Plus there are more than 500 stores, bars and restaurants to check out between Dean and 18th Street. If you are home tomorrow night, there are no excuses! Come on out and enjoy Fifth!

This Week: Dancing to Jazz and Swing

We'll admit, we knew NOTHING about square dancing before last Thursday's Dancing Under the Stars event. But, it turned out that it was easier to learn than we thought and a lot of fun! That's why we are looking forward to learning some jazz and swing dancing moves this Thursday at Dancing Under the Stars!

A band called Deep Pockets (jazz/swing) will perform at 5th Avenue and 4th Street at 7:00. Rolie Polie Guacamole (kids music) will be playing at 5:30 in front of the Old Stone House.

Don't miss it! There isn't much summer left. Take advantage of this opportunity to dance outdoors!

Interview: Le Pain Quotidien

Le Pain Quotidien opened up in the Moutarde space just a couple of months ago. We thought it was time to catch up with their General Manager Casey Knott, to learn more about this cool new spot:

1. Welcome to Fifth Avenue! Since you just opened, tell us a little about Le Pain Quotidien.

Le Pain Quotidien began as an organic bakery in Belgium. We have since expanded our menu to include shade grown Peruvian coffee, salads, tartines, soups, and breakfast and dinner entrees. We pride ourselves on being organic, simple, and sustainable. We source local produce and dairy whenever possible. LPQ also serves fruits and vegetables when they are at the height of ripeness so our menu changes frequently to reflect the flavors of the current season. All of our food is made fresh each day and many left over items are donated to shelters and churches through out the city. We also offer a wide variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free menu items.

2. How has it been going, so far?

It has been going really great so far! We are enjoying to lull of summer because we have been able to really connect with our guests. We already have an unbelievable number of regular guests, some stop in more than once a day!

3. Le Pain Quotidien has multiple locations in the city but it feels like a local, Fifth Avenue spot. What attracted the company to Fifth Avenue in Park Slope?

LPQ has been hoping to open here for quite a while. Park Slope and LPQ have a common interest in sustainable living and healthy food choices. We try to provide options that add to the diversity of 5th Ave without detracting from the existing beauty and energy of the street and the people. We want to be a part of 5th Ave, not just a place of business.

4. What does Le Pain Quotidien have planned for Fifth Avenue over the coming months?

We will have patio seating available in a few short weeks! We should also receive our liquor permit any day now. We will be serving wine, champagne, and beer (bottled and draft). All organic, of course! We also, hope to participate in as many 5th Ave events as possible where we pass out free samples of our pastries and beverages!

5. We understand that you are from Park Slope. When you aren't working, what are some of your favorite places to visit on Fifth Avenue?

On the lucky days when my husband and I are off together, we usually start with breakfast at Dizzy's. And I'm a huge sports fan, so I like to catch baseball or football games at 200. As for restaurants, I've tried almost all of them and I don't even think I could choose a favorite so I won't even try! And I have been a member of Body Reserve for a couple of years now. Oh, and there is no better place to shop than 5th Ave!

News Round-Up

Then and Now Dry Cleaning at 401 5th Avenue [Park Slope Stoop]

ACME Wine and Spirits Opening on 5th Ave This Weekend [South Slope News]

MTV silence about Video Music Awards has locals scared of a VM-ess [Brooklyn Paper]

Jackies Fifth Amendment to Close September 14th [Here's Park Slope]

Photo (above): Lou Gallo playing at Dancing Under the Stars. More pictures are available here.

Tonight: Square Dancing!

There is no rain in the forecast, for tonight. In fact, there is barely a cloud in the sky.

So, Dancing Under the Stars will kick-off at 5:30 pm tonight near the Old Stone House with a set of catchy kids' tunes by Lou Gallo.

Then, at 7:00, try some Square Dancing at Fifth Avenue and 4th Street with Joe DePaolo and The Backyard Boys. The band will include Bob Jones, guitar; Jody Kruskal, Anglo concertina, and Paul Friedman, fiddle.

Be there, or be square! Or rather, be there and be square dancing! 

Eat for the Gowanus

Although Fifth Avenue is considered to be a hub of Park Slope, it is also located just a couple of blocks away from the polluted (but improving) Gowanus Canal.

Tomorrow night you have an opportunity to do something good for our neighboring water body in-need. The Gowanus Canal Conservancy will be raising money for its environmental programs through an event called "Dive in Gowanus." Participating restaurants will be donating part of their Friday Night proceeds to the Conservancy.

So, check out the list in the graphic (above) or visit the event page and get eating! Fifth Avenue's Terroir and Union Street's Fort Reno BBQ and Dinosaur BBQ are part of the mix!

Tomorrow Night: Lou Gallo and Square Dancing

Believe it or not, the weather forecast for this Thursday Night does NOT include rain!

Therefore, tomorrow night (August 15th), Dancing Under the Stars will finally kick-off at 5:30 pm near the Old Stone House with a set of catchy kids' tunes by Lou Gallo (above).

Then, at 7:00, try some Square Dancing at Fifth Avenue and 4th Street with Joe DePaolo and The Backyard Boys. The band will include Bob Jones, guitar; Jody Kruskal, Anglo concertina, and Paul Friedman, fiddle.



See you there!

Barclays Center TV Does Fifth Avenue

In case you missed it, BCTV, aka "Barclays Center Television," recently shot a video that explored Fifth Avenue and encouraged visitors to the arena to visit the shops, bars and restaurants before and after events. Take a look at it, above.

We think it's great. How about you?

This Weekend: Battle of Brooklyn Events

It's that time of year again, when our thoughts turn to Park Slope's historical past and, more specifically, to the important role that Washington Park and The Old Stone House played in the formation of our great country.

The ceremonies begin on August 18th with the Battle of Brooklyn 10-Mile Race and Relay in Prospect Park and continue throughout the week. You can download a flier with the complete listing of Battle of Brooklyn events here or view the listings on The Old Stone House's website. Also, on August 24th from 5-9 pm, don't miss the Revolutionary Fare at The Old Stone House. Enjoy music, Colonial Period Cocktails and food, a pie eating contest and more. Tickets are $12 in advance/$15 at the door. Event details and online tickets are available here.

News Round-Up

Photo (above) from last night's Shakespeare in the Parking Lot event. More photos here.

News Links:

Big Changes at Pork Slope [Here's Park Slope]

Beyonce Biked to Barclays [Effed in Park Slope]

Neighbor Needs Help Solving Photo Flashback Mystery [South Slope News]

Residents, police gather in Park Slope for National Night Out [Brooklyn Paper]

Speaking of National Night Out, here  are more photos from the event!

Dancing and Shakespeare Are On

UPDATE:

Lightning and thunder and rain. Dancing Under the Stars cancelled. Never trust the weather.com  smartphone app.

 Rolie Polie is cancelled. It's pouring. Stay tuned for word on the 7 pm set. 

Despite the threatening weather, we are going to try to get Dancing Under the Stars and Shakespeare in the Parking Lot in tonight. 

Rolie Polie Guacamole goes on at 5:30 in front of The Old Stone House and Sonido Costeno goes on at 7 at 4th Street and 5th Ave. 

The doors to Shakespeare in the Parking Lot open at 7. Show starts at 8. 

Bring an umbrella, just in case!

Ground Floor Gallery: Call for Artists

Our friends at Ground Floor Gallery (343 5th Street at 5th Ave.) are curating an exhibition called ‘The Gowanus Show’ featuring artists from the Gowanus area. The show is being organized in partnership with ArtsGowanus and the Gowanus Open Studios event.

They are looking for artists who have studios or live/work spaces within the Gowanus Canal neighborhood: Smith St. to the west, 5th Avenue to the east, Baltic St in the north and 16th St. in the south and who do not have gallery representation. If that describres you or someone you know, go to groundfloorbk.com/events for details. The deadline is August 19th (SOON) so hurry!

Tomorrow Night: Dancing and Shakespeare

Tomorrow night, don't miss A Midsummer Night's Dream in the parking lot at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 17th Street. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8! Bring blankets, chairs or whatever you need to enjoy the evening!

Also, don't miss the latin grooves of Sonido Costeno at 4th Street and 5th Avenue. The music starts at 5:30 in Washington Park with a set of kids' tunes by Rolie Polie Guacamole. The dancing gets underway at 7pm at 4th Street and continues till 9pm.

Once again, weather may play a factor in these outdoor events. Stay tuned to this blog, our Facebook Page and Twitter for updates tomorrow afternoon.

Tonight: Night Out Against Crime

Tonight is the 30th Anniversary of the National Night Out Against Crime, sponsored by the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, the North Flatbush Avenue BID and the 78th Precinct Community Council.

Festivities start around 6:30 pm with a march from the lot at Key Food (Sterling and Fifth), down Fifth Avenue to Union Street and up to Grand Army Plaza where you'll find live music, free food, face painting and more! 

Come on down and check it out. 

See you there!

Seven Years of Palo Santo

Congratulations to Chef Jacques Gautier for seven years of great food and service at Union Street's Palo Santo Restaurant! Drop by during the evening on Sunday, August 18th for a special celebration including a chef's tasting menu ($45 per person), beer from Brooklyn Brewery and live Latin Music by Los Hacheros.

Here's to seven more years for Palo Santo and more great things to come from Chef Gautier!

News Round-Up

MTA To Close R Train Service to Manhattan for One Year [Brooklyn Paper]

Best of the Borough: Vogue's Guide to Brooklyn [Vogue]

Brooklyn Bike Patrol Will Be Back Up and Riding This Friday [FIPS]

Open for Business: Duke of Montrose Bar, 47 Fifth Avenue [Here's Park Slope]

Mavi Jeans Paints Over Union Street “Who’s Your Uncle” Mural & Poem [Park Slope Stoop]

Cancelled: Dancing Under the Stars

Tonight's performances at Dancing Under the Stars have been cancelled due to inclement weather.

Dancing Under the Stars will return on August 8th with Rolie Polie Guacamole and Sonido Costeno. Don't worry, it couldn't possibly rain two Thursdays in a row, could it? Don't answer that question!

Shakesbeer in Park Slope

Wow, speaking of Shakespeare, on Saturday, August 17th the New York Shakespeare Exchange will present scenes from Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It, Romeo and Juliette, and Cymbeline at four Park Slope bars as part of this years Shakesbeer Pub Crawl.

Check-in begins at Mission Delores at 2:30. Admission is 40$ and includes a drink ticket at each bar.
The pub crawl will then move from Mission Delores, to three Fifth Avenue bars: Loki Lounge,  Beauty Bar, and Backyard. For more information, go to  shakespeareexchange.org/.

Man, the Bard sure is popular in the summer!