Who is Behind Bars in Brooklyn on #theother5th?

Push the bike handle to open the front door and you walk into a beautifully bright and warm space, full of bike 'stuff' filling all the walls, and in the center is Sandra, the owner of Behind Bars in Brooklyn which is located near 17th Street on #theother5th, Park Slope.

Sandra dealing with a customer's repair needs

Behind Bars is a bike repair shop. They don't sell bikes but will assess and repair. I asked Sandra why they don't sell bikes. She told me that there are a number of  good bike stores in the area, but many of them don't focus their attention on maintenance and repair. "Bikes last forever and things can be fixed", she says.

I had to ask Sandra about being a woman running a bike repair store. She smiled and told me a few anecdotes about her experiences. Customers do come in and ask her when the mechanic will be available. In fact Sandra has been in the industry for 24 years and is a certified mechanic. She is very aware that many people ride a bike like they drive a car, but have no clue how it really works. Her service aims to make people feel comfortable about what she is offering and what needs to be done. There is no hard sell, ever, she told me. It's professionalism all the way.

Water Bottles

I was intrigued to know why Sandra chose the South Slope to set up shop. She explained that she knew the area well, having lived there once, but she also knows that this is an area where people commute on their bikes to work. She rides in from Bay Ridge every day. Because of this fact, she opens from 8am to 8pm; ready to fix flat tires or dodgy brakes on the fly. Come in and she'll lube up that squeaky chain for free and outside, you can pump up your tires for free. Safety comes first, Sandra tells me. Get your bike checked out after the long winter months. Make sure you have helmets and you must have lights if riding in the dark, it's a legal requirement. There are a lot of accessories in the store and for us parents; kids helmets, and baskets. Sandra will even repair scooters and skateboards.

The Store

Whilst I was there a man came in with his bike and immediately Sandra greeted him in Spanish whilst pulling parts off the shelf. She appeared caring and professional. We are pleased Sandra chose the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID to put down her business roots (or spokes!).


Behind Bars in Brooklyn
610 5th Avenue
Between Prospect Avenue and 17th Streets
Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: Behindbarsinbrooklyn

Joanna Tallantire

A Taste of Fifth: 5 Weeks Away!

There's just 5 weeks left until A Taste of Fifth!

No Fooling: Wednesday, April 1st, from 6:30 - 9:30pm at The Grand Prospect Hall

Buying a ticket not only allows you to sample all the savory offerings from our many local restaurants and bars (complementary wine and beer), but you'll also be benefiting local charities.  Tickets are $55 online ($60 at door) with $20 of every ticket going to the local charity of your choice!  

Here is the start of our participating restaurant list. More coming soon!

Participants (In Formation)

200 Fifth
ACME Wine and Spirits
L'albero dei gelati
Backyard
Baluchi's
Benchmark
Beygl
Blue Sky Bakery
Bogota Latin Bistro
Bonnie's Grill
Bricolage
Brooklyn Crepe
The Chocolate Room
Coco Roco
Du Jour Bakery
Fleischer's
Freddy's Bar
Gorilla Coffee
La Villa
Le Pain Quotidien
Loki Lounge
Luke's Lobster
The Monro Pub
O Live Brooklyn
Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn
Palo Santo
Pure Bistro
Russo's Mozzarella and Pasta
Sky Ice
South
Stone Park Cafe
Taco Santo
Uncle Louie G
Wangs
Yayo's Latin Bistro

More info on participating restaurants and bars in the coming weeks. In the meantime, buy your tickets today via brownpapertickets.com

Participating Charities:

*Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX)

*Brooklyn Pride

*Brooklyn Dream Factory

*CHIPS

*Fifth Avenue Committee

*Good Shepherd Services

*Imani House

*Middle School 51

*The Old Stone House

*Park Slope Civic Council

*President Street Garden

*Spoke the Hub

*Public School 39

*Public School 118 Maurice Sendak Community School

*Public School 321

Sponsors:

Katie Couric and Ashley Graham on #theother5th

Well this is cool!

It seems that Fifth Avenue's own Body Reserve is the home gym to plus-size model Ashley Graham (recently in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue). She was interviewed by Katie Couric about her career right on the workout floor Body Reserve, a few days ago!

Not only is it a nice little piece about the gym and Park Slope, but Ashley's message is spot-on! Check out the interview here.

First Anniversary: Gluten-Free EatUP!

If you are gluten-free, believe it or not, Freddy's Bar has been a real hotspot for locally crafted, gluten-free, taste-full foods for the past year!

This Sunday, March 1st from 1 to 6 pm, come celebrate the 1st Anniversary of Levine's General Store's Gluten-Free EatUp at  Freddy's. Admission is free and there will be drinks, hot foods, baked goods and snacks. Plus...BEER!

Vendors include:

 -Levine's General Store
 - Kimcheelicious
 - Gone Pie
 - Krumville Bakeshop
 - Polvilho Bakery
-  Smart Snack Bites
- This Pie is Nuts
 - Sans Bakery
 - Cali Girl Bakes
 - Brooklyn Porridge Co. (the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID's own!)
- Kulushkat

Reminder: BID Board Meeting on Wednesday

The next meeting of the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID will be Wednesday, February 25 at 9:30 at Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn (254 5th Avenue). This is a make-up meeting for the January meeting cancelled, due to the "storm of the century" that wasn't. Bagels are being donated by our friends at Bagel Pub (9th Street bet 4th and 5th Avenue). Thank you to Grand Central Oyster Bar and Bagel Pub for their help!

Agenda
Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID
February Board Meeting
February 25, 2015
Brooklyn Grand Central Oyster Bar (256 Fifth Avenue)

1) Welcome
2) Guest Speaker: Car2Go
3) Minutes
4) Financial Report
5) Audit Report
6) Vote: Vice President
7) Presentation on Activities
8) Open Forum/Questions

Think Spring!

Yeah, it's cold. We know. But let's not think about that right now. Here is some information about upcoming spring and summer Fifth Avenue events to help warm you up. It's the best we can do. Think spring!

A Taste of Fifth: April 1st at The Grand Prospect Hall, 6:30 pm. Tickets are available here.

Park Slope Civic Council Spring Clean-up: Sweep, dig, plant, and paint Park Slope! Make our community cleaner and greener! End of April (date to be confirmed).

Fifth Avenue Family Festival: April 25th at 4th Street and 5th Avenue, by Puppetry Arts, featuring food, fun, games and more for the whole family.

The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair: May 17th from Sterling to 12th Street. NYC's BEST street fair!

Brooklyn Pride: The annual festival and parade will take place on Saturday, June 13th along Fifth Avenue. More details at brooklynpride.org.

Make Music NY: Music will fill the air along Fifth Avenue from Dean to 18th Street on June 21st. Stay tuned!

South Slope Summer Strolls: The South Slope's best block party returns on July 18th and 25th from 12-18th Streets. Food, rock climbing walls, music and live Shakespeare!

North Slope Summer Strolls: The North Slope celebrates summer with Shakespeare, music, food and more. August 15th and 22nd.

Warmer, yet?

Chocolate Love @ Nunu Chocolates on #theother5th

We recently had a chance to meet Justine and Andy, owners of Nunu Chocolates in their new Fifth Avenue cafe and tap room. This is their second store in Brooklyn but even if you haven't stepped in one of them, you will know their products. Nunu Chocolates seem to appear everywhere, even in the Brooklyn Public Library cafe!

Chocolates are made in-house (with Cocoa from a sustainable family run farm in Columbia).  You can sometimes catch them being made in the stores. Watch the show whilst trying out a frozen hot chocolate, a glass of wine, a craft beer or coffee which can (and probably should) be paired with a choice of chocolates. We hear the salted caramels are the most popular. Follow Nunus on Instagram to keep up to date on what is being made and if there are some seasonal specials in the stores.

With their youngest strapped to Justine, we talked about how  Andy renovated the space with some local business friends, as well as the ups and downs of growing a small business in Brooklyn while living and bringing up a family in Park Slope (the family lives on the Avenue).

Bizarrely, Justine and I attended the same (not well known) UK University, so we had an immediate connection, but both Andy and Justine are fun, warm and open. The neighborhood businesses must think so as well, as they are partnering to bring some specials offers to you (a recent was with Pink Olive. Watch out for more).

Oh and when it ever warms up, enjoy their backyard!

Nunu Chocolates Cafe and Tap Room
179 5th Avenue (between Berkeley and Lincoln)
@nunuchocolates

Joanna Tallantire

A Taste of Fifth: April 1, 2015

Here's a little news to warm up your day: A Taste of Fifth is just 6 weeks away! That's kind of our way of saying "spring is coming!"

Celebrate Fifth Avenue's acclaimed destination restaurants and legendary watering holes at A Taste Of Fifth, Wednesday, April 1st, from 6:30 - 9:30pm at The Grand Prospect Hall.

Buying a ticket not only allows you to sample all the savory offerings from our many local restaurants and bars (complementary wine and beer), but you'll also be benefiting local charities.  Tickets are $55 online ($60 at door) with $20 of every ticket going to the local charity of your choice!  

A Taste of Fifth is a great opportunity to dance the night away or simply enjoy the company of friends and neighbors and catch up on the latest doings on the greatest avenue in the Slope. 

More info on participating restaurants and bars in the coming weeks. In the meantime, buy your tickets today via brownpapertickets.com

Participating Charities:

*Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX)

*Brooklyn Pride

*Brooklyn Dream Factory

*CHIPS

*Fifth Avenue Committee

*Good Shepherd Services

*Imani House

*Middle School 51

*The Old Stone House

*Park Slope Civic Council

*President Street Garden

*Spoke the Hub

*Public School 39

*Public School 118 Maurice Sendak Community School

*Public School 321

Sponsors:

Restaurant Week and Fat Tuesday

Restaurant Week is back again! This time, it appears to be 3 weeks long (February 16 - March 6), which begs the question "Why not call it Restaurant Weeks?" Anyway, you can find participating restaurants, many of them featuring a 3 course, $25 Lunch and $38  here.
The only participating Fifth Avenue BID restaurant this time around is Benchmark.

Also, Happy Fat Tuesday!

You can celebrate on Fifth Avenue at one of our many great restaurants and bars (business directory here).

Here are a couple of specific celebrations that we know about:

Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn (254 5th Avenue): A special menu for the day including gumbo, hush puppies, crawfish boils, poisson rouge courtbouillon, blackened catfish, seafood etouffee, and more. For lunch, they've added seafood po’ boys, shrimp and grits, and other Cajun treats. At the bar, the cocktail menu will include Mint Juleps and Sazeracs, as well as Bourbon Street Hurricanes for $7 all day.They’ll also host a masquerade contest for guests where the winner with the most creative Mardi Gras mask will receive a gift card for the restaurant.

Pork Slope (247 5th Avenue): Shrimp Po Boys and more!

We'll add more as we find it.

And The Winner Is...

Happy Presidents' Day! Please note: Alternate Side Parking Rules are suspended, as is Garbage/recycling/organics collection. Public Schools are closed through February 20th.

Anyway, we hope you had a great Valentine's Day Weekend on #theother5th!

We had a lot of great pictures with our #theother5th lollipops and, as promised, we put the names of the participants in a hat and drew a winner of two tickets to A Taste of Fifth. The winner is:

Matt Crain (via Instagram) Congratulations!

Here are a few of other photos that we loved while reviewing Twitter and Instagram:

Just One More Day till Valentine's!

More Lollipops! by Slidely Slideshow

Just one more day until Valentine's Day! Fifth Avenue merchants are excited to help you celebrate. How excited? Check out the slideshow, above! There is another slideshow here.

Remember to get your #theother5th lollipop, take a photo with it and post it on Instagram or Twitter with the #theother5th hashtag for a chance to win two tickets to A Taste of Fifth, scheduled for April 1st at The Grand Prospect Hall. There is a list of spots to pick them up  here.

Looking for last-minute Valentine's Day ideas? Fifth Avenue has you covered!
Last Minute Valentine's Ideas on Fifth

Last-Minute Valentine's Ideas on #theother5th

Valentine's Day is just a couple of days away! Are you ready? Fifth Avenue, has just what you need to celebrate!

Check out Instagram for some photos of many beautiful gifts and services on #theother5th.

Flowers

Zuzu's Petals (374 5th Ave between 5th and 6th Streets 718 638-0918) has flowers, plants, gifts and delivery. You can call, step into their store and view what they have to offer and even spend some time in the garden looking at their array of plants (weather permitting of course). This long time Park Slope business is ready for your Valentine's orders. Check out their website and blog for more information and some great ideas.

Blooms on Fifth (431 5th Ave between 8th and 9th Streets 718 768-4441) has flowers for all occasions. They deliver right to up to the last minute (handy for some) and also have a Deal of the Day worth checking out on their website. If you like to send flowers from wherever you are; they also have an app!

Jasmine's Floral Designs (543 5th Ave between 14th and 15th Streets 718 965-0259) has ready made  bouquets or go in and choose your own arrangement. They also sell giant teddy bears and other gifts to add to your flowers. See more on their website.

Edible Arrangements (500 5th Ave between 12th and 13th Streets 718 832-0100) offers fruit bouquets, boxes and other fruit displays. They deliver locally, or you can pick up (please note, not open Saturdays) and there are many ideas and special offers on their website.

Gift Ideas

Tabeel Aromatherapy Gifts and Salon  (76 5th Ave near St Mark's Place) will be offering 25% off all Volito and Illume Candles, 30% off Woodwick Gallery Candles and 20% off "Go Be Lovely" Coconut Milk Mango Lotion, solid perfumes and bath salts. An array of jewelry, ornaments and unique gifts available as well. Follow them on Instagram.


La Casa Artesanal (512 5th Ave between 12th and 13th Streets) A beautiful array of handcrafted jewelry and gifts and staff on hand to help you through the selection. Check out their Facebook Page for more information and images.

Diana Kane Boutique (229 5th Ave between President and Carroll Streets) Celebrating Valentine's and 13 years on #theother5th Diana Kane is honoring her customers by giving 13% off all jewelry orders online with the code "Teenager" from now through to Valentine's Day! You can also use the code in the store. 

Pink Olive (167 5th Ave near Lincoln) Spread the Love this Valentine's Day with a purchase of Pink Olive's Black and Gold Screen Printed "You are Loved Tote", you will receive 15% off EVERYTHING you can fit inside! Instagram

H and A Jewelers (526 5th Ave between 13th and 14th Streets) This family owned business has been in Park Slope for 30 years. Owners Vered and Sal are happy to show you their beautiful pieces and watches and advise you on the perfect gift for your Valentine. Check out their website and you can find them on Instagram. 

Goorin Bros. (195 5th Ave near Berkeley) Be bold this Valentine…give the gift of a hat from Goorin Bros. The Red Ricci hat is a sure-fire pick for your boldest moves. This fedora is part of the Heritage Line of Goorin Bros. hats made in America since 1895. A great gift for that someone special or for yourself. Not sure of hat size? You can also give a Goorin Gift Card, where your someone special will get to experience their own custom fitting in selecting the perfect hat! Website


Art and Artish (272 5th Ave between Garfield and 1st Street) Valentine's Day Flowers and mini bouquets by FLRL Design of Brooklyn available Feb 13th and 14th only. Instagram

Paws in Paradise (410 5th Ave between 7th and 8th Streets) Don't forget to pamper your dog with valentine's dog treats and more. Website


O Live Brooklyn (140 5th Ave near Douglass) Something sweet for your sweetie. Introducing the Dessert Lover box, containing 6 dessert balsamic vinegars to satisfy your sweet tooth. Available in store.  Instagram

Nunu's Chocolate and Tap Room (179 5th Ave between Lincoln and Berkeley) Treat your Valentine with speciality lover heart chocolate boxes and lollipops. Instagram

Fleisher's Pasture Raised Meats (192 5th Ave near Sackett) if you are planning a romantic dinner try lamb loin chops, or ribeye, strip or t-bone steaks. Check out Instagram to get some good meaty photos.

Du Jour Bakery (365 5th Ave between 5th and 6th Streets) Dressed up Valentine's doughnuts, pound cake with a heart inside and many gorgeous, delicious cookies and treats for your loved one. Instagra

Red, White and Bubbly (211 5th Ave near Union St) To celebrate their 20th Anniversary on #theother5th they are holding a 20% off all wine Anniversary Sale on Monday 16th Feb. Not strictly Valentine's but pop in anyway over the weekend and get some bubbly! Instagram

The Chocolate Room (51 5th Avenue) Of course, any store with "chocolate" in their name is always a great place to pick up Valentine's goodies. The Chocolate Room never disappoints! Ever.  Instagram

Dressing Up!

Enz's (171 5th Ave between Lincoln and Berkeley) 20% off all red dresses until February 13th! Instagram


Dhaga Aveda Salon (294 5h Ave between 1st and 2nd Streets) Valentine's Day Special; Blow-dry, Brazilian Wax, Make-up touch-up and a glass of wine to enjoy for $65. Book today (347) 689-3827 Instagram


Omni Beauty (152 5th Ave between Douglass and Degraw) Bring your brochure to the salon for 20% off all services. 718 789-8887 to make a reservation. 

Two Lovers (227 5th Ave between President and Carroll) 50 Shades of Red Sale until 15th Feb! 30% off all red, pink, orange and purple dresses! Also Love Note Candles for sale. Website

Classes and Events

Amerikick (529 5th Ave on 14th Street) will be offering hundred dollars off on the registration to their program for Valentine's Day. Instagram

NY Kids Club Park Slope 125 5th Ave between Sterling and St John's. Celebrate Valentine's Day on Feb 15th 4.30-6.30pm. $50 first child and $25 for siblings. Ages 5 months - 6 years. Open play in the gym, thematic art projects, Musical Tots performing, face painting and cookie making, pizza for children and wine, beer, hors d'oeuvres for adults! Register 718 857-0700. Instagram

Hiho Batik (184 5th Ave between Degraw and Sackett) Collaborating with another 5th Ave business, Blue Sky Bakery, with a fun filled day of cookie decorating, music, crafting, hot chocolate and 15% of fall Make Your Owns. RSVP info@hihobatik.com Instagram

Restaurants

Yayo's Latin Cuisine (36 5th Ave between Dean and Bergen) Valentine's Day for Two four course menu with wine from Thursday 12th Feb through 15th! Make a reservation 718 622-8922.


Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn (256 Fifth Ave between Carroll and Garfield) The venerable Oyster Bar’s Park Slope location has created a special menu for Valentine’s Day weekend with nearly 50 aphrodisiac-infused options to take the night in the right direction! To start, diners can choose from a selection of 10 oysters and then move on to the accompanying menu with dozens of mood-enhancing ingredients such as Basil (said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility); Pomegranates (filled with antioxidants which promote blood flow); Asparagus and Avocado (both high in Vitamin E which can increase hormone production, as well as stimulate sexual responses), among plenty of others. See FULL MENU. 

Additionally, four signature cocktails will be available including: 

BLEEDING HEART - Mezcal, Blood Orange Liquor, Simple Syrup, Lime, Jalapeño  LA PETITE MORT - Absolut Citron, Pineapple, Sour Mix, Soda, Chambord LOVE on the ROCKS - Hendricks Gin, St. Germain, Grapefruit, Orange Slice, Pomegranate seeds THE KISS OFF - Bacardi Rum, Founders Port, Grand Marnier, Lime Juice 

To book: Call 347.294.0596 or via Open Table

Henri on Fifth (279 5th Ave at the corner of 1st Street) "Dip In" and take a bao this Valentine's Evening with 2 shared items, 2 dip and dot sundaes, 1 bottle of Prosseco or carafe of wine and strawberries $49. Instagram

Benchmark 339 2nd Street just off 5th Avenue Four Course Prix Fixe Valentine's Day Meal $80 per guest $115 per guest with wine pairing 13th until 15th February. Reserve at 718 965-7040.

Of course, Fifth Avenue has literally hundreds of spots in which to dine and drink and celebrate Valentine's Day. Find what you need via our online business directory! And don't miss our list of Fifth Avenue's Flower Shops! They are ready for your last-minute Valentine's needs. 

Where to get your lollipops

Valentine's Day Lollipop #theother5th by Slidely Slideshow

So, we distributed our #theother5th heart lollipops yesterday at a number of businesses. The list is below and will grow today as we hit the streets again, focusing on the South Side of the BID. Above is a little slideshow of the photos we took of merchants and their lollipops. Enjoy!

Participants (in formation)

Red White and Bubbly (211 5th Avenue)
Two Lovers (227 5th Avenue)
Diana Kane (229 5th Avenue)
Bhoomki Home (237 5th Avenue)
Park Optics (337 5th Avenue)
Brooklyn Porridge Co (741 Union Street)
Goorin Bros. (195 5th Avenue)
Bogota Latin Bistro (141 5th Avenue)
Miti Miti Taperia (138 5th Avenue)
NY Kids Club (125 5th Avenue)
Pink Olive (167 5th Avenue)
Flirt (North 93 5th Avenue)
Flirt (South 586 5th Ave)
Pony (69 5th Avenue)
La Belle Boutique (306 5th Avenue)
LuLu's for Baby (44 5th Avenue)
LuLu's Cuts & Toys (48 5th Avenue)
O Live Brooklyn (140 5th Avenue)
Pure Barre (178 5th Avenue)
Hiho Batik (184 5th Avenue)
Park Slope Eye (682 Union Street)
Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store (232 5th Avenue)
Art and Artish (272 5th Avenue)
The Monro (481 5th Avenue)
Dhaga Aveda Salon (294 5th Avenue)
Amerikick (529 5th Avenue)
Milan Optique (83 5th Ave)
Zuzu's Petals (374 5th Ave)
Brooklyn Superhero Supply (372 5th Ave)
Paws in Paradise (410 5th Ave)
Square Stores (426 5th Ave)
Bicycle Habitat (476 5th Ave)
Lullaby Baby (488 5th Ave)
Azena Jewelry (500 5th Ave)
La Casa Artesanal (512 5th Ave)
H and A Jewelers (526 5th Ave)
Behind Bars in Brooklyn (610 5th Ave)
Badlands Barber and Salon (87 5th Ave)
South Pub (629 5th Ave)
Freddy's Bar (627 5th Ave)
Subs 'n' Stuff (624 5th Ave)
Meura Salon (90 5th Ave)
Picada Y Vino Wine Shop (327 5th Ave)
Eleven Consignment Boutique (70 5th Ave)
Eleven Vintage Boutique (71 5th Ave)
Sandy's Cafe (577 5th Ave on on 16th)
Align Brooklyn (579 5th Ave #2)
Pet Boutique and Supplies (588 5th Ave)
Ollie and Ry (242 5th Ave)
Fleisher's (192 5th Ave)
Something Else (187 5th Ave)
Bhoomki Boutique (158 5th ave)
Leopoldi Hardware (415 5th Ave)
Postmark Cafe (326 6th St)
The Gate (321 5th Ave)


The Rules:

Take a photo with the lollipop and you could win two FREE TICKETS to A Taste of Fifth, scheduled for April 1st at The Grand Prospect Hall. Here's how you can participate:

 • Take a photo in your favorite 5th Ave shop, bar or restaurant or anywhere along Fifth Avenue between Dean and 18th Street (or near side street businesses along the way). The photo should include the Valentine’s Day lollipop (above).

• AND, Hashtag the photo #theOther5th and post it on Instagram or Twitter so that we can find it! On Monday, February 16, we'll choose a random winner among the hashtag users and give them two FREE Tickets to A Taste of Fifth, scheduled for April 1st at The Grand Prospect Hall!

Remember: supplies are limited so shop Fifth for Valentine's Day and get your lollipop before they are all gone!

Get a Free Valentine's Day Lollipop!

Starting today, the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID will be distributing heart lollipops with the BID's hashtag (#theother5th) to stores along the Avenue. Take a photo with the lollipop and you could win two FREE TICKETS to A Taste of Fifth, scheduled for April 1st at The Grand Prospect Hall.

Here's how you can participate:

•   Take a photo in your favorite 5th Ave shop, bar or restaurant or anywhere along Fifth Avenue between Dean and 18th Street (or near side street businesses along the way). The photo should include the Valentine’s Day lollipop (above). We'll put together a final list of participants in the next day or so as we drop off the supplies.

• AND, Hashtag the photo #theOther5th and post it on Instagram or Twitter so that we can find it!

On Monday, February 16, we'll choose a random winner among the hashtag users and give them two FREE Tickets to A Taste of Fifth, scheduled for April 1st at The Grand Prospect Hall!

Ready? Set...Go!

PS: Tickets for A Taste of Fifth are now on sale via brownpapertickets.com.

TOMORROW: ADVANCED SOCIAL MEDIA COURSE!

This is a reminder that the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, NYC Business Solutions and Park Slope Parents will host a course on Advanced Social Media tomorrow night, 6:30-9pm at The Old Stone House.

This course will teach you advanced strategies on how to develop and manage an effective online presence using web technologies and social media. SIGN UP HERE ($10)!

Do you have a small business in the area or in your home? Feel free to join us on the 10th!

Celebrating Valentine's on #theother5th!

Want to surprise a loved one, find a romantic place to eat, get ready for the big night and find the perfect gift? Fifth Avenue, Park Slope has everything you need. From Dean to 18th Street there are many places you can enjoy Valentine's Day! 

Check out Instagram for some photos of many beautiful gifts and services on #theother5th.

Flowers

Zuzu's Petals (374 5th Ave between 5th and 6th Streets 718 638-0918) has flowers, plants, gifts and delivery. You can call, step into their store and view what they have to offer and even spend some time in the garden looking at their array of plants (weather permitting of course). This long time Park Slope business is ready for your Valentine's orders. Check out their website and blog for more information and some great ideas.

Blooms on Fifth (431 5th Ave between 8th and 9th Streets 718 768-4441) has flowers for all occasions. They deliver right to up to the last minute (handy for some) and also have a Deal of the Day worth checking out on their website. If you like to send flowers from wherever you are; they also have an app!

Jasmine's Floral Designs (543 5th Ave between 14th and 15th Streets 718 965-0259) has ready made  bouquets or go in and choose your own arrangement. They also sell giant teddy bears and other gifts to add to your flowers. See more on their website.

Edible Arrangements (500 5th Ave between 12th and 13th Streets 718 832-0100) offers fruit bouquets, boxes and other fruit displays. They deliver locally, or you can pick up (please note, not open Saturdays) and there are many ideas and special offers on their website.

Gift Ideas

Tabeel Aromatherapy Gifts and Salon  (76 5th Ave near St Mark's Place) will be offering 25% off all Volito and Illume Candles, 30% off Woodwick Gallery Candles and 20% off "Go Be Lovely" Coconut Milk Mango Lotion, solid perfumes and bath salts. An array of jewelry, ornaments and unique gifts available as well. Follow them on Instagram.


La Casa Artesanal (512 5th Ave between 12th and 13th Streets) A beautiful array of handcrafted jewelry and gifts and staff on hand to help you through the selection. Check out their Facebook Page for more information and images.

Diana Kane Boutique (229 5th Ave between President and Carroll Streets) Celebrating Valentine's and 13 years on #theother5th Diana Kane is honoring her customers by giving 13% off all jewelry orders online with the code "Teenager" from now through to Valentine's Day! You can also use the code in the store. 

Pink Olive (167 5th Ave near Lincoln) Spread the Love this Valentine's Day with a purchase of Pink Olive's Black and Gold Screen Printed "You are Loved Tote", you will receive 15% off EVERYTHING you can fit inside! Instagram

H and A Jewelers (526 5th Ave between 13th and 14th Streets) This family owned business has been in Park Slope for 30 years. Owners Vered and Sal are happy to show you their beautiful pieces and watches and advise you on the perfect gift for your Valentine. Check out their website and you can find them on Instagram. 

Goorin Bros. (195 5th Ave near Berkeley) Be bold this Valentine…give the gift of a hat from Goorin Bros. The Red Ricci hat is a sure-fire pick for your boldest moves. This fedora is part of the Heritage Line of Goorin Bros. hats made in America since 1895. A great gift for that someone special or for yourself. Not sure of hat size? You can also give a Goorin Gift Card, where your someone special will get to experience their own custom fitting in selecting the perfect hat! Website


Art and Artish (272 5th Ave between Garfield and 1st Street) Valentine's Day Flowers and mini bouquets by FLRL Design of Brooklyn available Feb 13th and 14th only. Instagram

Paws in Paradise (410 5th Ave between 7th and 8th Streets) Don't forget to pamper your dog with valentine's dog treats and more. Website


O Live Brooklyn (140 5th Ave near Douglass) Something sweet for your sweetie. Introducing the Dessert Lover box, containing 6 dessert balsamic vinegars to satisfy your sweet tooth. Available in store.  Instagram

Nunu's Chocolate and Tap Room (179 5th Ave between Lincoln and Berkeley) Treat your Valentine with speciality lover heart chocolate boxes and lollipops. Instagram

Fleisher's Pasture Raised Meats (192 5th Ave near Sackett) if you are planning a romantic dinner try lamb loin chops, or ribeye, strip or t-bone steaks. Check out Instagram to get some good meaty photos.

Du Jour Bakery (365 5th Ave between 5th and 6th Streets) Dressed up Valentine's doughnuts, pound cake with a heart inside and many gorgeous, delicious cookies and treats for your loved one. Instagra

Red, White and Bubbly (211 5th Ave near Union St) To celebrate their 20th Anniversary on #theother5th they are holding a 20% off all wine Anniversary Sale on Monday 16th Feb. Not strictly Valentine's but pop in anyway over the weekend and get some bubbly! Instagram

Dressing Up!

Enz's (171 5th Ave between Lincoln and Berkeley) 20% off all red dresses until February 13th! Instagram


Dhaga Aveda Salon (294 5h Ave between 1st and 2nd Streets) Valentine's Day Special; Blow-dry, Brazilian Wax, Make-up touch-up and a glass of wine to enjoy for $65. Book today (347) 689-3827 Instagram


Omni Beauty (152 5th Ave between Douglass and Degraw) Bring your brochure to the salon for 20% off all services. 718 789-8887 to make a reservation. 

Two Lovers (227 5th Ave between President and Carroll) 50 Shades of Red Sale until 15th Feb! 30% off all red, pink, orange and purple dresses! Also Love Note Candles for sale. Website

Classes and Events

Amerikick (529 5th Ave on 14th Street) will be offering hundred dollars off on the registration to their program for Valentine's Day. Instagram

NY Kids Club Park Slope 125 5th Ave between Sterling and St John's. Celebrate Valentine's Day on Feb 15th 4.30-6.30pm. $50 first child and $25 for siblings. Ages 5 months - 6 years. Open play in the gym, thematic art projects, Musical Tots performing, face painting and cookie making, pizza for children and wine, beer, hors d'oeuvres for adults! Register 718 857-0700. Instagram

Hiho Batik (184 5th Ave between Degraw and Sackett) Collaborating with another 5th Ave business, Blue Sky Bakery, with a fun filled day of cookie decorating, music, crafting, hot chocolate and 15% of fall Make Your Owns. RSVP info@hihobatik.com Instagram

Restaurants

Yayo's Latin Cuisine (36 5th Ave between Dean and Bergen) Valentine's Day for Two four course menu with wine from Thursday 12th Feb through 15th! Make a reservation 718 622-8922.


Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn (256 Fifth Ave between Carroll and Garfield) The venerable Oyster Bar’s Park Slope location has created a special menu for Valentine’s Day weekend with nearly 50 aphrodisiac-infused options to take the night in the right direction! To start, diners can choose from a selection of 10 oysters and then move on to the accompanying menu with dozens of mood-enhancing ingredients such as Basil (said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility); Pomegranates (filled with antioxidants which promote blood flow); Asparagus and Avocado (both high in Vitamin E which can increase hormone production, as well as stimulate sexual responses), among plenty of others. See FULL MENU. 

Additionally, four signature cocktails will be available including: 

BLEEDING HEART - Mezcal, Blood Orange Liquor, Simple Syrup, Lime, Jalapeño  LA PETITE MORT - Absolut Citron, Pineapple, Sour Mix, Soda, Chambord LOVE on the ROCKS - Hendricks Gin, St. Germain, Grapefruit, Orange Slice, Pomegranate seeds THE KISS OFF - Bacardi Rum, Founders Port, Grand Marnier, Lime Juice 

To book: Call 347.294.0596 or via Open Table

Henri on Fifth (279 5th Ave at the corner of 1st Street) "Dip In" and take a bao this Valentine's Evening with 2 shared items, 2 dip and dot sundaes, 1 bottle of Prosseco or carafe of wine and strawberries $49. Instagram

Benchmark 339 2nd Street just off 5th Avenue Four Course Prix Fixe Valentine's Day Meal $80 per guest $115 per guest with wine pairing 13th until 15th February. Reserve at 718 965-7040.

Of course, Fifth Avenue has literally hundreds of spots in which to dine and drink and celebrate Valentine's Day. Find what you need via our online business directory! And don't miss our list of Fifth Avenue's Flower Shops! They are ready for your last-minute Valentine's needs. 

Details on the NBA All-Star Game

This is just a reminder that there is more than just love coming to the area around Barclays Center next week. The NBA All-Star Game will shine a national spotlight on Brooklyn and our local community on Valentine's weekend as a number of the ceremonial games and the skills/slam dunk contest be at the arena (the All-Star game is at Madison Square Garden). Here are some details so that you know what to expect: 

Where:    Barclays Center and surrounding blocks: 6^th Avenue curb lanes between Atlantic Avenue and Dean Street (Production Trailer Placement)

When:

Load in is Saturday, February 7^th – Thursday, February 

Friday, February 13^th        Rising Stars Challenge 9-11pm
Saturday, February 14^th   All-Star Saturday Night - Slam Dunk, Skills Challenge 7:30-11pm         Sunday, February 15^th     NY Heroes: Bravest vs. Finest Game (12:30), NBA D-League All-Star Game (2-5pm) 
Load out is Monday, February 16^th 

Details:

·         All residents and businesses will have unrestricted access in and out of their homes and buildings.

·         No major production work or external light and sound will take place in the overnight hours.

·         There will be limited parking restrictions, or changes to daily parking for the neighborhood.

·         Beginning 12:01am on Saturday, February 7^th until 11:59pm on Monday, February 16^th, vehicular traffic on 6^th Avenue between Pacific Street and Dean Street will be north bound only.

·         Emergency vehicle traffic lanes will be preserved at all times – however, for security and quality control, temporary detours and traffic “freezes” are to be expected for both vehicles and pedestrians.

·         There will be a significant police presence in the area to assist with event management – as needed, security checks and crowd control measures will be introduced and directed by the NYPD.

·         While the NBA is heavily promoting the use of public transportation, there will be a significant number of vehicles servicing arena guests and event staff both Friday and Saturday nights. These vehicles will arrive on the arena block for guest drop-off, stage at an off-site parking lot and return to the arena as part of a highly-controlled/scheduled pick-up program at the end of the event. In total, we expected approximately 100 coach buses & 200 for-hire vehicles under the direction of NBA traffic management.

·         There will be additional deployments of both Barclays Center Pedestrian Traffic Managers and NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agents (TEAs) to assist with event night traffic management.

·         In addition to trailers and production vehicles, several generators are required to ensure live television broadcast integrity. The generators are noise-attenuated, EPA Tier 4-compliant (lowest-emissions, highest-rated) and located within the 6^th Avenue broadcast compound from Saturday - Monday Monday 2/16.

·         Starting at 6pm Friday and Saturday nights and 12pm Sunday afternoon, Barclays Center is prepared to welcome approximately 15,000 guests, many of whom carry a high-profile and are directly involved in the production and ancillary events throughout New York City.

·         The NBA coordinates with all media outlets, as the production is wholly owned and controlled inside the building. There will be a very large media check-in program on event nights.

Say it with Flowers on Fifth Avenue!

Sending a loved one flowers or fruit this Valentine's? Park Slope's 5th Avenue has some great options for you!

Zuzu's Petals (374 5th Ave between 5th and 6th Streets 718 638-0918) has flowers, plants, gifts and delivery. You can call, step into their store and view what they have to offer and even spend some time in the garden looking at their array of plants (weather permitting of course). This long time Park Slope business is ready for your Valentine's orders. Check out their website and blog for more information and some great ideas.

Blooms on Fifth (431 5th Ave between 8th and 9th Streets 718 768-4441) has flowers for all occasions. They deliver right to up to the last minute (handy for some) and also have a Deal of the Day worth checking out on their website. If you like to send flowers from wherever you are; they also have an app!

Jasmine's Floral Designs (543 5th Ave between 14th and 15th Streets 718 965-0259) has ready made  bouquets or go in and choose your own arrangement. They also sell giant teddy bears and other gifts to add to your flowers. See more on their website.

Edible Arrangements (500 5th Ave between 12th and 13th Streets 718 832-0100) offers fruit bouquets, boxes and other fruit displays. They deliver locally, or you can pick up (please note, not open Saturdays) and there are many ideas and special offers on their website.

Next Up, shopping for Valentine's gifts on #theother5th.

Chili Cook-Off at South

"Next to jazz music, there is nothing that lifts the spirit and strengthens the soul more than a good bowl of chili." -Harry James

If you cook, then you probably think you have the world's greatest chili recipe, right? Well, if so, this Sunday at South (629 5th Avenue), you have your chance to put that recipe to the test at their annual chili cook-off. Drop by the bar by 3:00 pm with enough of your spectacular chili for 8-10 people (the judges), bring lots of cash to bribe the judges, and see if you are crowned champ! Winners get house bar tabs!

Victory Brewing Company will also be doing a tap take-over all day, so there will be lots of great beer, free gifts and, of course, the chili. Don't miss it!

Happy 4th Anniversary Freddy's!

Four years ago, Freddy's Bar moved from its historic location in Prospect Heights to Park Slope's Fifth Avenue (between 17th and 18th Streets) after a long battle with the developers of the Barclays Center. They haven't looked back since and we are lucky to have them on #theother5th! They keep things really fun and interesting!

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, February 3rd, Freddy's will celebrate their anniversary in style with performances by our favorite, Ms. Ida Blue. Drop by for the music and stay for their midnight champagne toast! Here's to many more years in the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, Freddy's Bar!