Happy New Year!

It's already 2015 in Australia and just hours from 2015 here in Park Slope!

On behalf of the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, we wish you and your family a Happy New Year! Here's to a great 2015!

Oh, and check out the video, below. We were looking through our photos from 2014 and just had to share some of them. What a great year!

#theother5th

Last-Minute New Year's Eve Ideas on Fifth

Just a reminder that you don't have to leave Park Slope this New Year's Eve in order to have a great time! 5th Avenue is the place to celebrate! Here are some ideas:

Convivium Osteria
68 5th Ave (between Bergen and St Mark's)

A special New Year's Eve menu can be seen here. A four course meal with a huge choice of meat, fish and vegetable options. 
Call 718-857-1833 for additional information and reservations. 


Benchmark Restaurant
339 2nd Street (around the corner from 5th Ave)

Ring in 2015, as you feast on a decadent three course menu at Benchmark Restaurant. Guests at the 9-10 PM seating receive a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight! $80pp
Seatings - 5-6 PM, 7-8 PM and  9-10 PM
View menu or Call 718.965.7040 or click here to make a reservation.

Monro Pub
481 5th Ave (between 11th and 12th Sts)

After dinner head down to the Monro Pub and have a good British New Year's Eve with Vincent and Nicole. Free champagne toast and party favors! No cover.
More information, check out their website.

Stone Park Cafe
324 5th Ave (at 3rd St)

Special Menu for New Year's Eve. Check out their website here and make a reservation at 718 369-0082. Lobster, filet and more on the menu. 


Union Hall
702 Union St (between 6th and 7th Aves)

15 for 2015: A Flashback New Year's Eve from 10pm! Here’s your chance to finally welcome in a New Year with those songs you heard when you couldn’t (legally) drink on New Year’s Eve. Steve Reynolds (The Bell House's Party Like It’s 1999) presents 15 for 2015: A Flashback New Year's Eve, a night covering the music of 1989 to 2004. That’s right, everything from “Like a Prayer” and “Hangin’ Tough” to “Yeah!” and “Since U Been Gone” plus all those great years in between. More here.

Freddy's Bar
627 5th Ave (between 17th and 18th)

NEW YEARS EVE PARTY (NO COVER) with live funk & soul featuring CHICK RHODES THE SILVER FOX, backed by members of the Fred Thomas Trio and Jimmy Hill. Late night soul dance party. Free champagne at midnight. Starts 9pm. More information here. 


Grand Prospect Hall
263 Prospect Ave @ 5th Ave

5 Course dinner, music, dancing, light show, open bar and more! $175pp.
From 8pm until 3am. Full details here.

Bogota Latin Bistro
141 5th Avenue (near St John's Place)

11.00am - 6.45pm regular menus

Begin dinner between 7.00pm - 7.45pm
Prix Fixe 3 Course Dinner, $50pp, 2 hour limit
Begin dinner between 8.00pm - 12.00am Prix Fixe 3 Course Dinner, $60pp, 2 hour limit 12.00am - 3.00am regular menu Here for menus, reservations and more information. Oyster Bar Brooklyn, 256 5th Ave (near Carroll St) 
 Special New Year's Eve menu and seafood platters and wine at the bar.To reserve call 347-294-0596 or go online. Miriam Restaurant, 79 5th Ave (corner of Prospect Place) Celebrate with Miriam's special three course prix fixe menu $55pp. Sea Bass and duck are on the menu with plenty to choose from for appetizers and desserts; yum dark chocolate mousse. Call 718-622-2250 or book online .

Black Horse Pub
568, 5th Ave @ 16th St

Music from Ben the Beyonder, Drink Specials, Champagne Toast at 12 and more at the Black Horse Pub. No cover.

Palo Santo
652 Union St

They've begun taking reservations for New Year's Eve dinner -- it's never too early to plan for the big day! Celebrate the closing of 2014, and ring in the new year right with a wholesome meal and good company. 
Two seatings available:
▪ 5:00 pm-7:00pm -- enjoy a 3 course prix fixe menu for $55 per person
▪ 9:00 pm -- special 7 course chef's tasting menu with wine pairing and (of course!) a champagne toast at midnight for $125 per person.
Menus coming soon -- stay tuned!
You can book your reservation at 718-636-6311.

Brooklyn Porridge Co.
741 Union St

New Year's is a time of celebration, reflection and resolution. Many of us set health goals with the best intentions, and have trouble sticking to them. A heart-healthy bowl of porridge boosts the metabolism & immune system, balances blood sugar levels to prevent cravings, and fuels the body with energy, making it easier to hit the gym or avoid those sugary snacks. Nourish your body before you hit those parties, and start the New Year off right.

In support of a nutritious and healthy New Year, Brooklyn Porridge Co. is offering 2 specials:

-- 2-day New Year's special: Nourish your body before you hit those parties, and start the New Year off right. 1 free topping on ANY porridge ALL DAY New Year's Eve & New Year's Day.

-- New Year's Porridge Challenge: A bowl of porridge a day keeps the doctor away! Porridge is a delicious way to incorporate essential vitamins, minerals and fiber into your diet. Join our challenge and make a healthy New Year's resolution to have one bowl of porridge a day for 10 days. During your challenge, you get one free topping on every bowl, and the tenth bowl is free!

The Other 5th on Instagram

In case you missed it, the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District recently joined Instagram and they've been snapping away, capturing all there is to offer on The Avenue. You can find the account at theother5th.

Also, don't miss the BID on Twitter (@parkslope5thave) and Facebook. If you can, please use the hashtag #theother5th for all your 5th Avenue posts!

Merry Christmas!

5TH AVENUE TREE LIGHTING from HeartBeatNY on Vimeo.


On behalf of the merchants and property owners of Park Slope's Fifth Avenue and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, we hope you have a very, Merry Christmas!

Check out this little video that Park Slope film maker Snorri Sturluson made of our tree lighting ceremony! You can see more of his work at Snorriman.com. We hope to work with him again in the near future.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Okay, Park Slope, it's your last chance to eat, drink and shop small before Christmas. Come on down and bring an umbrella!

New Year's Fun on Fifth

You don't have to leave Park Slope this New Year's Eve! 5th Avenue is where to celebrate!

Palo Santo
652 Union St

They've begun taking reservations for New Year's Eve dinner -- it's never too early to plan for the big day! Celebrate the closing of 2014, and ring in the new year right with a wholesome meal and good company. 
Two seatings available:
▪ 5:00 pm-7:00pm -- enjoy a 3 course prix fixe menu for $55 per person
▪ 9:00 pm -- special 7 course chef's tasting menu with wine pairing and (of course!) a champagne toast at midnight for $125 per person.
Menus coming soon -- stay tuned!
You can book your reservation at 718-636-6311.

Convivium Osteria
68 5th Ave (between Bergen and St Mark's)

A special New Year's Eve menu can be seen here. A four course meal with a huge choice of meat, fish and vegetable options. 
Call 718-857-1833 for additional information and reservations. 


Benchmark Restaurant
339 2nd Street (around the corner from 5th Ave)

Ring in 2015, as you feast on a decadent three course menu at Benchmark Restaurant. Guests at the 9-10 PM seating receive a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight! $80pp
Seatings - 5-6 PM, 7-8 PM and  9-10 PM
View menu or Call 718.965.7040 or click here to make a reservation.

Monro Pub
481 5th Ave (between 11th and 12th Sts)

After dinner head down to the Monro Pub and have a good British New Year's Eve with Vincent and Nicole. Free champagne toast and party favors! No cover.
More information, check out their website.

Stone Park Cafe
324 5th Ave (at 3rd St)

Special Menu for New Year's Eve. Check out their website here and make a reservation at 718 369-0082. Lobster, filet and more on the menu. 


Union Hall
702 Union St (between 6th and 7th Aves)

15 for 2015: A Flashback New Year's Eve from 10pm! Here’s your chance to finally welcome in a New Year with those songs you heard when you couldn’t (legally) drink on New Year’s Eve. Steve Reynolds (The Bell House's Party Like It’s 1999) presents 15 for 2015: A Flashback New Year's Eve, a night covering the music of 1989 to 2004. That’s right, everything from “Like a Prayer” and “Hangin’ Tough” to “Yeah!” and “Since U Been Gone” plus all those great years in between. More here.

Freddy's Bar
627 5th Ave (between 17th and 18th)

NEW YEARS EVE PARTY (NO COVER) with live funk & soul featuring CHICK RHODES THE SILVER FOX, backed by members of the Fred Thomas Trio and Jimmy Hill. Late night soul dance party. Free champagne at midnight. Starts 9pm. More information here. 


Grand Prospect Hall
263 Prospect Ave @ 5th Ave

5 Course dinner, music, dancing, light show, open bar and more! $175pp.
From 8pm until 3am. Full details here.

Bogota Latin Bistro
141 5th Avenue (near St John's Place)

11.00am - 6.45pm regular menus

Begin dinner between 7.00pm - 7.45pm
Prix Fixe 3 Course Dinner, $50pp, 2 hour limit
Begin dinner between 8.00pm - 12.00am Prix Fixe 3 Course Dinner, $60pp, 2 hour limit 12.00am - 3.00am regular menu Here for menus, reservations and more information. Oyster Bar Brooklyn, 256 5th Ave (near Carroll St) 
 Special New Year's Eve menu and seafood platters and wine at the bar.To reserve call 347-294-0596 or go online. Miriam Restaurant, 79 5th Ave (corner of Prospect Place) Celebrate with Miriam's special three course prix fixe menu $55pp. Sea Bass and duck are on the menu with plenty to choose from for appetizers and desserts; yum dark chocolate mousse. Call 718-622-2250 or book online .

Black Horse Pub
568, 5th Ave @ 16th St

Music from Ben the Beyonder, Drink Specials, Champagne Toast at 12 and more at the Black Horse Pub. No cover.

Celebrating 19 with Tabeel

This December, Tabeel threw a party celebrating her 19 years on 5th Avenue. In true Tabeel style she brought her customers, friends and community together to celebrate with drinks and food, but it was also an opportunity to discuss the changes in the community over the past 19 years and what's to come.

Tabeel organizing trips overseas for her customers

Go into Tabeel's store, located in the north end of the Business Improvement District (BID), you won't just see a beautiful array of jewelry, candles and gifts, but

a group of customers in the salon. It's an inviting place where customers all chat with each other and there is an air of family and warmth. There is always time to talk with customers and friends even though the store and salon always seem to be bustling with life and energy.

Fashion Show at the North Summer Strolls

Tabeel originally had a spa in the basement and a salon in the back. Someone else was going to run the gift store, but that didn't happen so she took up the challenge and well, 19 years later you can see for yourself, she is a success and loved in our community. She does it all!

I have been into Tabeel many times and knew she was an adventurous traveller, but just found out that she takes many of her customers on trips all over the world. They have been to India, Ethopia and Nepal. The next trip is planned for Vietnam.

Salon Talents

Fashion Show at North Slope Summer Strolls

Tabeel and her team have been an immense support to the BID. This past August she ran the Fashion Show at the North Summer Strolls (showcasing her own clothes which can be purchased on her website), she has a huge box in her store collecting Toys for Tots and donated cookies for this year's Holiday Tree Lighting and Small Business Saturday celebrations, amongst many other community events.

We thank Tabeel and wish her another 19 years on #theother5th. Here is a short video that we did for Tabeel last Festive season showcasing some of her gifts in store. You can also go online and purchase clothes and gifts and book an appointment for her salon.

Tabeel's Aromatherapy Gifts and Salon
76 5th Avenue between St Mark's and
Warren St, Park Slope.

Joanna Tallantire

Shop Local

News Round-Up

A Peek Inside Bricolage: Opening Soon in Brooklyn Fish Camp Space [Here's Park Slope]

Where to Donate Toys Around Park Slope [Park Slope Stoop]

Goodbye Gross Old Payphone Stalls, Hello New and Soon-to-Be Gross Wi-Fi Kiosks [FIPS]

Barclays Fixture Who Danced Court-Side Dies [Brooklyn Paper]

And remember, Santa and our Carolers will be returning again this Saturday, December 20th. Starting at 1:30 pm, Santa will travel south from 3rd Street to 18th Street, spreading holiday cheer. Then, he'll stop at Du Jour Bakery (365 5th Avenue) from 3:30 - 5:00 for pictures! Carolers will stroll the entire Avenue between 2:30 and 5:00. 

See you on #theother5th !

Santa Coming on Sunday, As Well!

ALERT! It looks like Santa will be making one more visit to the area this weekend! We sure are lucky!

On Sunday, December 21st from 4-6 pm, he'll be making a stop at Pitas and Sticks (321 9th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues). Drop by for photos and don't forget to try their amazing Greek Food!

Also, remember that Santa and carolers will be walking 5th Avenue on Saturday. Details here.

Attention New Moms!

Hey new moms, our friends at the Fifth Avenue NY Kids Club are offering a special package just for you!

- A full semester of their Infant Milestones class (ages 2-5 months)

- 10 Open Play passes (5 months and up)

- Five parenting workshops

It's only $499, a savings of $175!

Interested? Call 718-857-0700 or visit them at 125 5th Avenue for more information!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town (again)

We hope you got to enjoy Santa and our Carolers on Saturday. If you missed them, here are some photos we took, in between distributing candy canes. 

Don't worry because they will be returning again this Saturday, December 20th. Starting at 1:30 pm, Santa will travel south from 3rd Street to 18th Street, spreading holiday cheer. Then, he'll stop at Du Jour Bakery (365 5th Avenue) from 3:30 - 5:00 for pictures! Carolers will stroll the entire Avenue between 2:30 and 5:00. 

See you on #theother5th !

Peruvian Picante Restaurant Week

Do you love Peruvian Food? Or, have you never tried Peruvian Food and you are  ready to try it? You are definitely in luck this month!

The Trade Commission of Peru in New York and LatinLover Food and Travel Magazine are sponsoring Peruvian Picante Restaurant Week in New York;  Monday December 8th thru Friday December 19th (more like 10 days, really) during which eight of the best Peruvian restaurants in New York City will showcase a Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu. Park Slope's Fifth Avenue is lucky to host two of these great, participating restaurants:

Cocoroco (392 5th Avenue)

Surfish (351 5th Avenue)

For more details, click here  !

News Round-Up

Santa and Carolers are coming to town tomorrow afternoon! For details, click here.

Tea Lounge to Close December 14 [Here's Park Slope]

Miti Miti Taperia to Open This Month [Park Slope Stoop]

Whew to Find a Christmas Tree in the South Slope [South Slope News]

Garner protesters greet royals at Barclays Center [Brooklyn Paper]

Holiday Projections at Freddys

The holiday projections have returned to the South Slope. Look south starting around 10th or 11th Street and you may see the following strange, yet festive films projected at the top of Freddy's Bar. They were created by Freddy's co-owner Donald O'Finn and you can see more of his work inside, so drop by for a drink!

Christmas at Freddy's Bar with South Slope Santa and his little drunken elves.

It is a Backwards Wonderful life, Half Color Half Black and White. By Donald O'Finn

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Santa Claus is a generous soul and he always seems to find time to drop by Park Slope's Fifth Avenue before traveling the world on Christmas Eve!

In fact, he'll make his first stop of the season this Saturday, December 13th! Starting at around 1:30, he'll be walking around the northern end of the BID (3rd Street - Dean Street), stopping at shops, spreading cheer and giving out candy canes. Then, at 3:30 pm,  he'll make a stop at LuLu's for Baby (44 5th Avenue) for pictures.

Also, don't miss out amazing strolling carolers from Opera on Tap! They'll be walking the avenue all afternoon long.

If you don't catch him, don't worry because Santa will return again on December 20th!

Merchant Mixer - Brooklyn Hearth Realty

Hey Fifth Avenue (or 9th Street or Union Street) Merchants, our friends at Brooklyn Hearth Realty have invited their neighbors (this means you) to a little mixer in their North Slope Office (near the Barclays Center).

TONIGHT! Tuesday, December 9th at 7pm
Brooklyn Hearth
43 Fifth Avenue (Near Dean Street)
RAIN OR SHINE (likely rain)

We hope to see you and/or your staff tonight night for a little holiday cheer!

A Royal Night at Barclays

Tonight is all about royalty at the Barclays Center.

Of course, LeBron James, NBA royalty, will be playing the Nets tonight at 7:30 pm. We truly hope that the Nets play better than they did against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday because they were  AWFUL. Just...plain...awful.

Anyway, joining them in the crowd will be none other than the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge, William and Kate! Actual royalty! They are making the stop as part of their trip this week to New York City.

Of course, we urge the royal couple to bring Lebron down to Fifth Avenue for a post-game pint and a bite to eat. As tourists, they should know that #theother5th is the place to be!

Photo via The Guardian

News Round-Up

Don't forget to pick up our Shop Local, Eat Local and Drink Local buttons at stores, bars and restaurants along the avenue, starting today! Wear them with #theother5th pride!

Some local coverage of the tree lighting!
Fifth Avenue BID welcomes holidays to Park Slope [Brooklyn Downtown Star]

Great national coverage of Small Business Saturday on Fifth!
Local Stores Get a Boost From Small Business Saturday Sales [Fox News]

Photo of the Day: A Chill Along 5th Avenue [South Slope News]

Chip Shop and Corner Burger to Close [Park Slope Stoop]

Hey Lazy Asses You Can Get Your Christmas Tree Delivered [FIPS]

Uncover rare and vintage titles at this Park Slope book fair [Brooklyn Paper]

Santa and Carolers Visit Fifth This Month

Fifth Avenue is the place to be this holiday season to #shopsmall. On December 13th and 20th, the avenue will be filled with music from carolers and Santa will take a walk along the avenue spreading joy (and candy canes).

He'll also make stops for photos and treats:

December 13th: LuLu's for Baby, 44 5th Avenue, 3:30-5:00 pm

December 20th: Du Jour Bakery, 365 5th Avenue, 3:30-5:00 pm

We'll see you there!

This Weekend: Brooklyn Holiday Book Fair

This Saturday, December 6 from 11 am – 5 pm, drop by The Old Stone House for the Third Annual Brooklyn Holiday Book Fair, featuring rare, vintage and out-of-print books from independent booksellers all over Brooklyn. Get to know your local booksellers, jump-start your holiday shopping, and be surprised by books you didn’t even know you wanted!

Featuring:

12 PM Cara Schlesinger of Brooklyn’s Faenwyl Bindery will be offering handmade journals and custom boxes, and running a hands-on demonstration of two easy origami book structures.

2 PM Maira Kalman will be on hand to sign her new book, My Favorite Things, a pictorial and narrative exploration of the significance of special objects, and the ideal holiday gift for a collector.

Plus book merchants like: Brooklyn Books, Enchanted Books, Freebird Books & Goods, Honey & Wax Booksellers, Joe Maynard, Open Air Modern, P.S. Bookshop, Singularity & Co., Terrace Books, and Tom Davidson.

Complimentary Wine Tastings at Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn

Good news, wine lovers, the Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn (256 5th Avenue) is going to be hosting a series of wine tastings on Wednesday and Thursday nights this month. Starting THIS Wednesday, December 3rd, diners will receive a complimentary tasting and bottles from the select winemaker of the night will be offered at half price in the dining room for the rest of the evening. This sounds like the perfect way to cap off a little shopping on Fifth!

Wednesdays and Thursdays – 6-8pm

12/3 – Mezzacorona Pinot Noir and Hugues Beaulieu Picpoul
12/4 – J Lohr Chardonnay
12/10 – ReMidas Soave and Feudi Falaghina
12/11 – Castillo Prelada Cava
12/17 – Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio
12/18 – Gotham Project Riesling and Elki Sauvignon Blanc

Thank You!

We want to give a big thanks to everyone who came out to Fifth Avenue on Saturday to shop small and to everyone who braved the cold weather for our tree lighting ceremony. The tree lighting event was our biggest yet! The NYPD estimated that we had 750 in attendance! Check out the photos on Flickr.

We also had news coverage all day by Channel 7 and 5. Here is a link to the Channel 7 coverage of the big day, with lots of love for Park Slope's Fifth Avenue and here is a live video on Fox News from Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store!

Stay tuned for the schedule of Santa's visits to 5th this month!

TODAY! Small Business Saturday and Tree Lighting!

It's finally here! Today is Small Business Saturday, the big day to #shopsmall for the holiday season!

The Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District (Dean - 18th Street) is the place to be, with over 500 small stores, bars and restaurants to explore!  The Daily News agrees! Come on down to Fifth and support our local businesses!

Make sure to stick around for our annual tree lighting ceremony at the corner of 5th Avenue and 3rd Street (S'Nice). The event starts at 6:30 and includes, music, treats, crafts and more!

**FREE - FREE - FREE**

Hot Chocolate from S'Nice

Cookies donated by Tabeel

Marshmallows from Du Jour Bakery

Songs by Amy Miles and Caroling by Opera on Tap

Puppet performances and activities by Puppetry Arts

Ornament making with NY Kids Club

Popcorn by Popcorn Love

Belgian Mini-Brownies from Le Pain Quotidien

Plus a special visit from Santa Claus and Frosty!

We hope to see you there!

When Black Friday Comes...

Count us among the folks skipping the crushing crowds and "sales" at big box stores today. After all, tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, the perfect day for shopping on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue! Still, if you want to spend today strolling along an interesting, vibrant commercial street filled with amazing stores, bars and restaurants, Fifth Avenue has everything you need! 

While most merchants are gearing up for Small Business Saturday, there are a couple of specials that you should be aware of:

SWEET FRIDAY at Pink Olive (167 5th Avenue): Now THIS is the way to celebrate Black Friday. Their Park Slope location is going to have yummy chocolate dipped pretzels from Fatty Sundays (a Brooklyn based company!) as well as 10% off the entire store.  

Also, if your pants are feeling a little bit tighter after yesterday's big Thanksgiving meal, Body Reserve (207 5th Avenue) has a GREAT deal for you!

We hope to see you on Fifth today and tomorrow for Small Business Saturday and our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony !

Happy Thanksgiving!

-from the merchants along Fifth Avenue and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID. We'll see you on Small Business Saturday!

Here are some last-minute Thanksgiving ideas on Fifth.

Last-Minute Ideas for Thanksgiving

In between getting our new lights and holiday tree up, we managed to travel along the BID and find some things happening in the for Thanksgiving on Fifth! The list will probably grow, but here goes:
 
200 Fifth: Hosting their annual  Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner

Alchemy (56 Fifth Avenue): Serving their regular menu plus a turkey dinner, 12-9

Benchmark (339 2nd Street): Serving a 3-course prix fixe menu, $70

Los Politos 2 (148 Fifth Avenue): Serving Brunch 11 - 4 and prix fixe dinner (wine, appetizer and entree' for only $22)

Brooklyn Porridge Co. (741 Union Street): Making a lot of great sides and desserts for Thanksgiving. It might be too late to order but maybe there is extra to pick up last minute?

The Chocolate Room (51 Fifth Avenue): it's too late to pre-order their fabulous desserts, but that doesn't mean you can't pick something up today before hitting the road!

Picado Y Vino (327 Fifth Avenue): Open 12-3

ACME Wine and Spirits (487 Fifth Avenue): Open 11- 3. Offering a special Thanksgiving 4-Pack of wine for $49

Both Fleischers  (192 Fifth Avenue) and Russo's (312 Fifth Avenue) were offering turkeys by order, but it might be too late. Check with them, just in case, if you are interested. They have the good stuff!

Plus, many of our bars will be open all night. Freddy's (12 pm - 4 am) and South (7 pm - 4 am) will be available to turn the South Slope's Thanksgiving into a party!

If you are visiting a friend's house, don't forget the flowers from great 5th Avenue shops like ZuZu's Petals, Blooms on Fifth and Jasmine Floral Designs.

Dining Small at Bogota Latin Bistro with the SBA

 

The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) will be promoting Small Business Saturday today with visits to an independent shop in Manhattan (#shopsmall) and Bogota Latin Bistro for lunch (#dinesmall). SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet will be joined by SBA Regional Administrator Kellie LeDet, NYC Deputy Mayor Alicia Green and others for a special meal and tour.

Congrats to George and Farid for this honor! Go Fifth Avenue! #theother5th

This Week: Small Business Saturday and Tree Lighting!

This Saturday, November 29th is Small Business Saturday, the big day to #shopsmall for the holiday season!

The Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District (Dean - 18th Street) is the place to be, with over 500 small stores, bars and restaurants to explore!  The Daily News agrees! Come on down to Fifth and support our local businesses!

Make sure to join us for a special tree lighting ceremony at the corner of 5th Avenue and 3rd Street (S'Nice). The event starts at 6:30 and includes, music, treats, crafts and more!

• Hot Chocolate from S'Nice 
• Cookies donated by Tabeel 
• Marshmallows from Du Jour Bakery 
• Songs by Amy Miles and Caroling by Opera on Tap 
• Puppet performances and activities by Puppetry Arts 
• Ornament making with NY Kids Club 
• Popcorn by Popcorn Love 
• Belgian Mini-Brownies from Le Pain Quotidien 
• Plus a special visit from Santa Claus and Frosty!

Check out the video that American Express created about last year's events:

News Round-Up

Aperitivo Closes, Henri on Fifth Moving In [Here's Park Slope]

NuNu Chocolates Cafe Tap Room Now Open on 5th Avenue [Park Slope Stoop]

4th - 9th Subway Station Pop-Up Installation Moved Because Scaffolding is Coming Down [South Slope News]

Tree Lighting Announcement [NY Daily News]

Just over a week until the 5th Avenue Tree Lighting ceremony!

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Pies at Freddy's?

What's Thanksgiving without pie, right? If you eat gluten-free, this Thanksgiving you'll have lots of tasty pie choices, thanks to Levine's General Store, Krumville Bakeshop and Freddy's Bar!

Choices include:

*Maple Pumpkin Pie
*Apple Cranberry Pie
*The Chana Chickpea & Curry Yum Pie appetizer empanadas
*The Knishka Potato & Kale Yum Pie appetizer empanadas
Gluten-Free. Taste-Full.

Order online by Friday, November 21, 2014 and pick up your pies Tues. Nov. 25 or Wed. Nov. 26 at Freddy's Bar (627 5th Avenue), Storefront below Idlewild Books (12 West 19th Street Manhattan) or Espresso 77 Cafe (410 7th Avenue Park Slope Brooklyn)!

Interested? Hurry and order your gluten-free pies here.

Reminder: Holiday Tree Lighting November 29th!

Join us for a special tree lighting ceremony at the corner of 5th Avenue and 3rd Street (S'Nice). The event starts at 6:30 and includes, music, treats, crafts and more!

Hot Chocolate from S'Nice

Cookies donated by Tabeel

Marshmallows from Du Jour Bakery

Songs by Amy Miles and Caroling by Opera on Tap

Puppet performances by Puppetry Arts

Activities by NY Kids Club

Popcorn by Popcorn Love

Plus a special visit from Santa Claus and Frosty!

Tonight: Businesses meeting Business Services

Tonight (Tuesday 18th November 2014 6.30-9:00pm) at The Old Stone House, the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, NYC Business Solutions and Park Slope Parents will be bringing local store, bar and restaurant owners and Park Slope service-providers such as lawyers, website designers, graphic designers, social media services for a social event! Exchange cards and find new ways to collaborate! Interested? RSVP Now! http://bit.ly/1CWdpfR

Holiday Trunk Show at Pink Olive

This Saturday, don't miss the Tane Organics Holiday Trunk Show at Pink Olive (167 5th Avenue)! They'll have a gorgeous selection of Tane Organics products and the designer will be on hand to answer questions. Guests will receive 15% off their Tane purchases and the first 10 people to RSVP and arrive between 12 and 1 will receive a FREE GIFT!

RSVP at potaneorganics.eventbrite.com

News Round-Up

Open For Business: Nuteria, 82 5th Avenue [Here's Park Slope]

New Dry Cleaner Opens in Former Cozbi Space [Park Slope Stoop]

South Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: November 13-16 [South Slope News]

The Brooklyn effect: Cities around the world eager to be crowned the newest hipster paradise [Daily News]

Don't forget: Small Business Saturday and Fifth Avenue's Annual tree lighting ceremony take place on Saturday, November 29th. Just two weeks away!

Live Band Karaoke and Opera: Tonight at Freddy's!

Looking for a night of music and laughs? Do the pre-holiday blues have you down? Are pre-holiday blues actually a thing? Anyway, don't worry, Freddy's Bar has a cure for what ails you tonight!

At 8:00, come down to see Fortress of Attitude, a touring comedy/rock band from NYC. Then at 9, catch some amazing, funny and dramatic opera performances by Opera on Tap.

Following their show, pick your favorite song and play rock star with the live house band, the Dirty Sexy Ensemble, backing you up! The band features Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID Executive Director, Mark Caserta.

Don't miss it! Smoke machines and bubbles included!

Wonderland Holiday Art Show and Sale!

Signs of the holiday season are everywhere! We don't mean the Christmas decorations that were on drug store shelves at the beginning of August. We're talking about great gift ideas and festive decorations that are popping up in Fifth Avenue boutiques this week! Plus, we hear that the avenue's new holiday lights will be up next weekend! It's beginning to look a lot like...ok, we're not ready to say it quite yet.

Anyway, our friends at Ground Floor Gallery will be making the transition after the end of their Gowanus Wild show this Sunday. On Friday, November 21st from 6:00-8:30 pm, join them for the opening of "Wonderland" their Holiday Art Show + Sale! Drop in for an original and affordable gift by over 15 local artists!

Vote for the Best of Park Slope!

Time Out NY is taking your votes for their "Time Out Love New York Awards" for best shops, bars, restaurants and more! Click here to choose Park Slope and vote for great Fifth Avenue BID businesses like The Monro, Brooklyn Blue Ribbon, Cafe Regular, Gorilla Coffee, Flirt, Pony and Union Hall!

Voting closes on Wednesday!

Upcoming Business Events

Here are a couple of upcoming events that local merchants and business owners may be interested in. We hope to see you there!

Wednesday, November 12th

Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store (232 Fifth Avenue) will be hosting a "Shop Small Pep Rally" on Wednesday, November 12th from 6-8 pm. Drop by for goodies, drinks and a little pre-holiday fun as Fifth Avenue prepares for Small Business Saturday (November 29th).

Tuesday, November 18th

Join local business owners for a networking opportunity. Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID merchants will have an opportunity to meet some local services; such as lawyers, website designers, graphic designers, social media services and others. 6:30-9:00 pm at the Old Stone House SIGN UP HERE: http://bit.ly/1CWdpfR

Walter Martin at Hiho Batik

Here's a cool little event coming up at Hiho Batik (184 5th Avenue):

Walter Martin of The Walkmen will be performing tunes from his fun solo album We're All Young Together on Sunday, November 16th from 11 AM - 1 PM.

Interested? Make sure to RSVP via info@hihobatik.com or 718-622-4446 and get ready to dance!

Save the Date: Tree Lighting!

Small Business Saturday, the big day to Shop Small, takes place on November 29th. Come on down and do some holiday shopping at Fifth Avenue's amazing stores, bars and restaurants and then, at 6:30, drop by our tree lighting ceremony. We'll have music, treats, carolers, Santa Claus, Puppets, activities and more!

The Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID has ordered at real 20' tree this year! Don't miss it!

Align yourself on 5th!

Pamela and Christopher Brown, long term residents of Park Slope, recently opened Align Brooklyn. A yoga based fitness studio on 5th Ave in South Slope.

Pamela Brown

Align is about a holistic approach to fitness which comes partly from Christopher's background as a chiropractor.  Hence the business name, Align. His belief that when injured it's about changing your body, not just adjusting to the problem, through the right balance of functional exercise and nutrition.

This warm, inviting, modern studio provides Yoga, Pilates, TRX, Barre and the Yoga Wall classes, or the Great Wall as it's called.

The Great Wall

On my visit, Pamela personally greeted customers by name. She also struck up conversations with them and myself about blood type and fitness, detox and biomarkers, and the need to balance exercise and lifestyle. This studio is more than what you see; there appears to be some real expertise and experience.

Barre Classes

As local residents, Pamela and Christopher know the neighborhood well. They like to eat at Sidecar and treat themselves at Culture but they use many of the South Slope stores for their daily living.

As a new Studio they do have some special offers. They also have  add ons to membership like therapeutic Pilates and a Wellness Package which focuses on nutrition and holistic care.

Align Brooklyn, 579 5th Ave (2nd Floor) at 16th Street. 718-788-3940. Check out the Website and Facebook pages.

Joanna Tallantire
#theother5th