Friday News Round-Up

Dine Out On June 10 and Support CHiPS [Park Slope Stoop]

Afternoon Bite: Chips Dip Trio from the Dram Shop [South Slope News]

City Sub Moving Up the Block, Possibly Into Melt Space [Here's Park Slope]

Gettin' it Right: Dizzy's [Fucked in Park Slope]

Save the Date: Make Music NY on June 21st

Save the Date, Park Slope! June 21st is the day that summer officially arrives and, as we have in the past, Fifth Avenue will be celebrating the season with music. However, this year will be a little different because June 21st arrives on a Saturday. That means that there will be musical performances throughout the day, a party in the President Street Garden and more from Dean to 18th Street!

Stay tuned for a full schedule. Just make sure you are in the neighborhood on June 21st!

Local Produce Mini-Festival of the Performing Arts

Next Saturday June 7 from 1:00 – 10:00pm, join our friends from Spoke the Hub for their Local Produce Mini-Festival of the Performing Arts, a community-based, cultural “green market” featuring the diversity, creativity and vitality of Brooklyn’s own performing artists-in-residence of all ages.

Now in its 21st year, this year's festival will once again be held at The Old Stone House & Washington Park to present a one day “mini-festival” of music, theater and dance performance for the whole family, featuring local performers as well as many talented new faces.

Rain or shine! For more information, go to spokethehub.org/perform/local-produce/.

FREE!

3rd Annual Blowout end of Year Party!

Join MS 51 students, teachers and parents for the

3rd Annual

BLOWOUT

end of year party!

Thursday, May 29, 2014 at the Old Stone House

5:30pm - 8:30pm | Food | drink | dJ | dance
Admission: $5 per person (admission price includes an ultra-cool MS 51 wristband!)

This is a community event, all are welcome

Funding for this event has been generously provided by:

New York Methodist Hospital and Hanson Place Orthodontics

Beverages for this event have been generously donated by:

Daniel Johnnes Wines

Food for the event have been generously donated by our 5th Avenue BID restaurants:

Balucci's | Aperitivo | Naruto Ramen | Grand Central Oyster Bar | Calexico | Joes Pizza | Colombia | Dumplings and Things |

Friday News Round-Up

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

Local Subway Service Advisories for the Memorial Day Weekend [Park Slope Stoop]

Start Growing That Beard for a Competition at Park Slope Academy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu [South Slope News]

Real Estate Office Coming to 291 5th Avenue [Here's Park Slope]

ICYMI: Kale Chips Graffiti is Sweeping the Neighborhood [ FIPS]

Brooklyn Pride Week: Save the Dates!

It's hard to believe, but June is nearly upon us and with it comes Brooklyn Pride and Make Music NY (the official welcome to summer on the date of the solstice).

First up, though, is Brooklyn Pride Week from June 9-14. On Fifth Avenue, don't forget to visit the Brooklyn Pride Festival (June 14th from 11 am -5 pm between 3rd and 9th Streets). It's like a mini version of The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair (but perhaps more fabulous).

Then at 7:30, the Pride Parade kicks off on Fifth Avenue at Lincoln Place. Don't miss it!

More details to come. Save the dates!

Help Cog & Pearl Recover

As you know, Cog & Pearl (190 Fifth Avenue) suffered a devastating electrical fire recently. Because they face some more challenges ahead, they have started an online fundraising campaign to help them begin to recover.

If you can, please go to their Fundly site and help in any way you can. Or, spread the word! This is what shopping and supporting local is all about!

CHiPS Night Out 2014

Park Slope's own CHiPS does a lot to feed the area's hungry every day, out of their 4th Avenue location. It's a great community service but they can't do it without generous financial support and donations. Now, you can go out to eat, raise money for CHiPS and help them feed those in need!

Save the date and save room for dessert: on Tuesday, June 10, visit one the participating locations (list is growing every day at chipsonline.com) and they will donate 15% of your dinner checks to CHiPS!

For more information on the event, click here.

Thank You, Park Slope!

Thanks for making The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair such a big success, this year! True, Mother Nature did us a HUGE favor by granting us some spectacular weather. But YOU came out in big numbers and for that, we are truly grateful !

Click here to see lots of great photos from the day!

Sunday: The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair!

Just a reminder that The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair is taking place this Sunday from 12-6 on Fifth Avenue between Sterling and 12th Street.

Features:

*Live music at Smith's Tavern, the Chip Shop, The Gate and 200 Fifth!

*Catch the kids from the Brooklyn Music Factory rock out on stage between 1st and Garfield, right near the Vintage Cars from the Antique Automobile Association of Brooklyn .

*Also, as you know, our friends at Cog and Pearl suffered a terrible electrical fire in their Fifth Avenue store, earlier this month. It was a big loss but they are working hard to salvage what they have left and to raise much-needed funds. As part of this effort, they will be taking the space in front of their storefront (190 Fifth Avenue) for The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair. Make sure to drop by!

The Shop Local movement has deep roots in Park Slope and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID makes a concerted effort to reserve as many spots as possible for local merchants and artists. This ‘merchants first’ tradition dates back many years and it gives The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair a unique, community feel.

Come on down and see what it's all about! The forecast says it will be sunny and 70 degrees!

Logo Contest: Extended Deadline (sort of)

Technically, the deadline for submissions to the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID's logo contest is Friday. However, given that The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair is taking place on Sunday and it could provide some potential designers with a little inspiration, submissions will still be accepted through the weekend (due Monday, May 19th at 9:00 am).

Designs will be reviewed by merchants and the BID Board after The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair and a winner will be chosen and awarded $5,000 at the end of June. The winning logo will become a part of the avenue's brand identity and will be seen on new light post banners, printed guides, their website, social media channels and more!

What We're Looking For: A new logo that reflects the Park Slope Fifth Avenue area — a vibrant mix of independently-owned shops, world-class restaurants and popular nightlife spots. The area is hip and it's growing. The logo will be used on the avenue's banners, promotional materials, websites, social media channels and on all BID printed materials.

Format: PDF or JPG Format via email to info@parkslopefifthavenuebid.com

Support Cog and Pearl at The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair

As you know, our friends at Cog and Pearl suffered a terrible electrical fire in their Fifth Avenue store, earlier this month. It was a big loss but they are working hard to salvage what they have left and to raise much-needed funds.

As part of this effort, they will be taking the space in front of their storefront (190 Fifth Avenue) for The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair. From their Facebook Page:

Fire Update & SaleWe've been salvaging and taking stock of the damage in the past week. Sadly, it seems we've lost about 90 percent of our inventory and the store is in ruins. However, we've uncovered some perfectly fine (if slightly smoky-smelling) goods we'll be offering at great prices at our first Fire Sale on Sunday, May 18 (at the 5th Avenue Fair; 12pm to 6pm). Please help us spread the word and come out to see us if you can! 
Also: stay tuned for details about an online fund-raising initiative we'll be launching next week. Continued thanks to everyone for the support you're showing us. It's really helping to light the way.

Children's Book Week at Hiho Batik

This Saturday, May 17th, drop by Hiho Batik (184 Fifth Avenue) for an event to celebrate the importance of literacy and art during Children’s Book Week!

Starting at 3:30 pm, join the staff of Hiho Batik and Home Grown Books for a reading, followed by a fun art project. The event is free and recommended for ages 3-6 but all are welcome to participate in the art activity.

RSVP 718-622-4446 or info@hihobatik.com

This Week: The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair

We hope you all had a great weekend and a glorious Mother's Day! Now, it's time to plan for The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair, coming this Sunday from 12-6 on Fifth Avenue between Sterling and 12th Street.

What makes Fifth Avenue's annual fair so special? The Shop Local movement has deep roots in Park Slope and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID makes a concerted effort to reserve as many spots as possible for local merchants and artists. This ‘merchants first’ tradition dates back many years and it gives The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair a unique, community feel.  

We hope to see you there! The forecast says it will be sunny and 70 degrees. It's a little early to call that solid, but we'll take it and cross our fingers! Please do the same!

Mother's Day Pampering on Fifth

Mother’s Day Pampering on our own Fifth Ave

By Joanna Tallantire

The forecast is sunny and warm for this Mother's Sunday. Where else would you go with mom, than one of the numerous cafes and restaurants on 5th Ave for brunch. Or better still, drop her at one of the many great nail salons, the tattoo parlour or a spa, with a large latte of course, for some pampering and most importantly, peace and quiet. 

For the mum that wants to stay in bed; flowers, frothy coffee, gifts and breakfast can be collected or delivered all down 5th Ave from Dean to 18th. Whilst mom is lounging around, take the kids to the Old Stone House for a play and to visit the Sunday farmer’s market, to get lunch items.

If there is no time for any of this, get into one of the local stores before Sunday, there is so much to offer. Here is just a snippet of what I found:

Blooms on Fifth

Call them or pop into the store between 8th and 9th Streets. The team of florists will put together a beautiful bouquet to suit your budget, however big or small. Delivery everyday. Last minute orders are welcome.

431 5th Ave

718-768-4441

www.bloomsonfifth.com

Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store

Cards, gifts and giveaways at Annie’s. Annie was also featured in Time Out NY's "Ask the Expert" on Mother's Day gifts. For us Brits, she stocks cards that say "mum".

232 5th Ave

718-522-9848
www.blueribbongeneralstore.net

Brooklyn Industries

Buy a gift certificate or maybe just send mom in with a blank check. A Sale on Mother's Day is not to be missed.
206 5th Ave
718-789-2764

www.brooklynindustries.com

Hiho Batik

Hiho has some unique gift items in stock specially for Mother’s Day. Bangles, bracelets and bags amongst other trinkets. Of course you can always take mom in and help her design her own T-Shirt too.
184 5th Ave
718-622-4446

www.hihobatik.com

Zuzu’s Petals

374 5th Ave

718-638-0918

Fonda, the owner of Zuzu's, told me that they have Peonies and Lilacs in stock, which are hard to come, because of the difficult winter. She also showed me their wonderful backyard full of plants. Go check it out. They are still delivering Saturday and Sunday, so it’s not to late!

www.zuzuspetalsbrooklyn.com

 Elements Beauty Lounge
Special Mother's Day packages at Elements, which has a very calming atmosphere mom will love.
73 5th Ave
718-398-2969
www.elementsbeautylounge.com

D'mai Urban Spa

"Send mom on vacation", that's a headline hard to refuse. Or alternatively pop into D'mai and get mom a gift certificate.
157 5th Ave
718-398-2100

www.dmaiurbanspa.com

Pink Olive

Lots of options in Pink Olive for mom. Handmade decor and artwork amongst many gift ideas.

167 5th Ave
718-398-2016

www.pinkolive.com

Enz’s

Enz's dresses are just amazing and unique; I have one! There are also gorgeous accessories like scarves, broaches and bags all with a fifties style. You can go mad and get mom a complete outfit!

171 5th Ave
728-230-0805
www.enzsnyc.com

Diana Kane

Diana Kane is a local favorite for quality clothes, organic cotton items and unusual accessories. A gift certificate should be on every mum's breakfast tray this Sunday.
229 5th Ave
718-638-6520
dianakane.myshopify.com

Jasmine's Floral Designs

Full with beautiful bouquets and cut flowers, Jasmine's has what you need for Mother's Day.

543 5th Ave

718-965-0259

www.jasminesfloraldesign.com

Your Neighborhood - Your Gallery

A Conversation with Ground Floor Gallery

By Joanna Tallantire

Just after their one year Anniversary and also to celebrate the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID’s Office sharing the Gallery’s space. I met with Krista Saunders and Jill Benson. We had an inspiring conversation covering small businesses, keeping local, sourcing artists and building a network in a close knit community.

I have met Krista and Jill a few times. They came to the fantastic Taste of Fifth, I went to their One Year Anniversary Party, then Krista attended the MS 51 Photo Show, to view the students’ work. You can already see the type of business they are building; one that forges partnerships and networks to ensure their long term success and others as well.

I kicked off by asking how they decided on which artists to choose for their installations; as they tend to show multiple artists at one time. “Every neighbourhood has open studios at the weekends, so we get to see lots of local artists in one go”, Krista told me. They both attend these shows, like the those in Sunset Park and Industry City Open Studios, and come back with a list of art they like, then compare their lists. “We then go with our gut”, Jill explained. “Our overall choice is based on instinct of what will work in our gallery and what the local community will like”. They both agreed that in the past year they have learnt a lot about what works in their gallery.

Artists also pop in to introduce themselves and of course word of mouth and recommendations from locals or artists that have shown at the Gallery, are welcome.

So why did they choose Park Slope? Jill explained that she met Krista working at the New Museum and they started a project called the G Train Salon. A roaming show with no permanent home. They showed at the Old Stone House and in the current space when it was formerly called the Urban Alchemist. When the opportunity arose to take over the Gallery they jumped at it. “ It was time to commit to a permanent space and a small business venture, in a friendly, supportive atmosphere in an artistic community” Krista explained.

In our conversation I learnt that they are connecting with other galleries and organisations like Arts Gowanus and MS51 photography program. They want to do more of this and open up the space to become a focal center of art for our community.

The Gallery does not just display paintings, at present they have plant installations and sculptures.  Performance art is also a feature. Eliza Stamp, as part of her Oracle Project, was fortune telling through cards at the Anniversary Party. There are also beautiful cards and pop art colouring books for sale if you’re budget is small. “ We have something for everyone’s budget” is very much Krista and Jill’s motto.

When asked about favorite places to visit on 5th Avenue, Jill and Krista both said enthusiastically, Brooklyn Central has the most delicious pizza, Backyard for a drink in a cosy atmosphere, Cafe Martin for a morning coffee, Rachel’s Taqueria for lunch and Du Jour Bakery; they sometimes go more than once a day for pastries and coffee. All these places are on their doorstep and they couldn’t be happier.

I think one thing that strikes me in the Gallery, is that it’s a place I’m not afraid to pop into and just look. There’s no pressure to sell you something. A place to browse and see what wealth of creativity we have on our doorstep.

Now there are two reasons to visit. Mark Caserta, the Director of the Park Slope 5th Avenue BID, has set up his office in the Gallery and welcomes visitors to view the art whilst he is in the space.

You can go see Ground Floor Gallery at the 5th Avenue Fair on Sunday 18th May where there will be small items for sale at the booth or pop into the Gallery to see their latest show.

www.groundfloorbk.com

343 5th St (around the corner from 5th Ave between 5th and 6th Aves).

Open most days from 12pm.

Logo Contest: One Week Left

The Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID is still taking logo submissions for another week! Designs will be reviewed by merchants and the BID Board after The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair and a winner will be chosen and awarded $5,000 at the end of June. The winning logo will become a part of the avenue's brand identity and will be seen on new light post banners, printed guides, their website, social media channels and more!

What We're Looking For: A new logo that reflects the Park Slope Fifth Avenue area — a vibrant mix of independently-owned shops, world-class restaurants and popular nightlife spots. The area is hip and it's growing. The logo will be used on the avenue's banners, promotional materials, websites, social media channels and on all BID printed materials.

Contest Dates

Starting Date: April 16, 2014
Deadline: May 16, 2014
Format: PDF or JPG Format via email to info@parkslopefifthavenuebid.com
Winning Submission Chosen: June 14, 2014 $5,000 prize

Balvenie Vertical Tasting

We hope you skipped drinks on Cinco de Mayo because May 8th is when the true professionals will gather for some top-notch drinks and food at Aperitivo.

Join the Brooklyn Whiskey Society and Aperitivo Cafe in Welcoming Balvenie Brand Ambassador David Laird as he presents a vertical tasting of Balvenie Scotch.

Each expression will be paired with a delectable Scottish inspired bite from Chef Mario's Kitchen:

12y Double Wood 
- Kale Salad with House Cured Bacon Lardons
14y Caribbean Cask
- Prawns in Whiskey Cream
17y Double Wood
- Red Wine Braised Rabbit
21y Port Wood
- Chocolate Raspberry Triffle

$55.00 per person - Thursday May 8th 7:30pm

Don't miss it!

We Have Moved!

The Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District office has moved!

We are now sharing space at the Ground Floor Gallery located at 343 Fifth Street, Brooklyn, New York 11215. Our phone number  (718-551-5545), website and email remain the same.

Drop by our bright, sunny ground floor space on 5th Street, right above Fifth Avenue, say hi and check out the art. Yeah, it's a nice atmosphere to work in.

Fifth Avenue Farmers Market Expands to Wednesdays

The Fifth Avenue Farmers Market has been growing steadily over the past 11 years and yesterday, they announced an exciting expansion that will bring fresh fruit, vegetables and artisanal foods to the neighborhood two days a week!

Starting May 14th, the farmers market will be present at Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue on Sundays and Wednesdays! The additional day is available through November to allow for neighbors to enjoy the market during the warmer months, when families tend to travel.

For more vendor and market details, visit DowntoEarthMarkets.com  

Happy May Day!

Now that we are in May, we just want to remind you that The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair is coming up on May 18th at noon between 12th and Sterling Streets. 

Do...Not...Miss...It!