A Couple of Upcoming Events (not related to Valentine's Day)

Okay, not everyone is thinking about Valentine's Day this week (although if you are, we have a great list of Fifth Avenue Valentine's Day specials you should check out. Oh, and let's not forget about the raffle.)

• The Fifth Estate: (506 Fifth Avenue bet 12th & 13th) This bar is relatively new on the Avenue, so welcome! Starting this Thursday, February 10th, they will be throwing a twice-a-month gay night called "Kamp." Sounds like a cool, mellow, social event with a DJ. If you are interested, it starts at 8:00.


• The Best Wings in Brooklyn Competition: Okay, real wings come from Buffalo, New York. Hands down. But, Brooklyn is giving Buffalo some fierce competition. On Saturday, February 12th at 2:00, stop by Red Star (37 Greenpoint Avenue), sample wings from bars and restaurants from all over the borough and vote for the best. Actually, forget that. Just vote for Fifth Avenue's Bonnie's Grill. Go Bonnie's!

We're sure that there are more non-Valentine's Day events taking place this week and next so if you know of any that we missed, email us at mailto:whatsupon5thave@gmail.com and we'll add them to this post.

Sing for Your Discount

In a world of 50% off Groupon deals (with hundreds of copy-cat coupon sites popping up every week), the word "discount" has a different meaning than it used to. In fact, purchasing a "deal" for a local store, bar or restaurant is starting to seem common these days, for better or for worse.

However, Fifth Avenue's Guvnor's Vintage Thrift has come up with a new, far more interesting way for its customers to save. Drop by their shop on Sundays, from 4-7pm, pick a tune (they have some AC/DC, Bowie, Blondie, Stones, Madonna, Guns N Roses, Jerry Lee, Peggy Lee, Van Halen, The Clash, Patsy Cline, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, The Carpenters, & of course, Elvis!) and start singing. You'll receive a coupon for up to 25% off any purchase. That's right. You want a discount? Sing for it!

Just one thing, though. We hope that some of the performances get video taped (maybe for a little extra discount) so that we can post them right here on All About Fifth.

Via Effed in Park Slope

Fashion Week Launch at Animated Closet

In case you missed it, Animated Closet opened its doors on Fifth Avenue in late 2010. The store's fun, colorful clothes and the owner's strong sense of social responsibility make it a new must-stop destination on the avenue.

On Friday, they'll be hosting a "Fashion Week Kick-Off Party" from 7-11PM, complete with a DJ, raffle prizes and refreshments. Sounds like a great opportunity to check out their clothes, as well. Interested? Email them at events@animatedcloset.com.

Click on the invite graphic, above, to see a larger version of it. We hope to have an interview with Animated Closet's staff posted here later this week. Stay tuned.

News Round-Up

Super Bowl XLV, Where to Watch the Big Game [D Guide]

So Far, a Tough 2011 for Slope Businesses [Park Slope Patch]

Freddy’s Revenge [NY Press]

Spend and Win on Fifth Ave. [Brooklyn Paper]

Our Favorite Buffalo Wings in New York City [Serious Eats]

Call for Designs: BID Banners

The Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID has announced a call for lightpole banner designs. In the coming months, the BID will hang lightpole banners along the avenue, from Dean to 18th Street. They are currently looking for designs for the Summer of 2011.

Here are the details:

• Come up with a unique, Park Slope Fifth Avenue summer banner design and if it is used, you'll receive $100! A special consideration will be given to banners that pick up on patriotic themes, such as the Battle of Brooklyn. Multiple designs will likely be used along the avenue.


• All designs will be featured on Parkslopefifthavenuebid.com


• Overall dimensions of banners are 30”w x 72”h. The design should be 28” x 66”, to allow for hems and pole pockets.


• Designs should be submitted to info@parkslopefifthavenuebid.com by March 1, 2011.

You know, maybe thinking about summer and designing banners for warmer months will make you feel warmer? One could only hope.

Start Planning for Valentine's Day

Yes, it's Groundhog Day, today. We wonder if he'll be able to emerge from under the giant piles of snow and ice, though. If he can't, does that mean 20 more weeks of winter?

Anyway, there are just two weeks until Valentine's Day. Time to start planning! All month we'll be posting store, bar and restaurant Valentine's Day Specials (other than the BID's raffle) to help you plan your day (and weekend, as it falls on a Monday this year).

Here's what we know, so far:

• Stone Park Cafe: Special Valentine's Day menu, $65. Download the menu here.



• Pink Olive: Me+You= ♥ Pink Olive has teamed up with cookie extraordinaire, Casue Sweets, to create a limited edition Pink Olive Valentine Telegram! It features an exclusive design of two cupcakes and a heart cookies w/ custom initials, hand-written note on "xoxo" letterpress card, all wrapped up and ready to go for $24 Call them at 718-398-2016 or email at concierge@pinkolive.com to pre-order. Orders will be accepted until Monday, February 7th.



• Kappa Sake House: Try their special Prix Fixe Dinner or Brunch menu throughout the entire Valentine's weekend. Download the menu here.



• Baluchi's: offering special dinner for two for $50. Enjoy drinks from their new bar! Download the menu here



• Melt: A four course menu for $50,including Bacon Wrapped Scallop, Horseradish Crusted Beef Tenderloin, Seared Salmon, Dark Chocolate Mousse Torte and more! Pair wine with each course for just $25 more! Download the menu here.
 


• Southpaw: 2/13 A Benefit for the American Cancer Society: Pink + Black Tie Gala. Bands: The Liza Colby Sound, Les Sans Culottes, Miss Fairchild, Burlesque Performances by Angie Pontani + Helen Pontani, Twirla, Sexology, Kiki. 21+ w/ ID admission: $20 includes a comp drink door time: 6PM Doors/7PM Show. | 2/14 THE SYD STRAW HEARTWRECK SHOW featuring the Orchestraw Plankton and exciting mystery Special Guests! 18+ w/ ID admission: $20 door time: 7:30 DOORS / 8PM SHOW. Also, don't miss their 1970s Valentines Day Key Party at Downsouth (the basement). Open beer and wine bar, snack buffet & party favors. Music by Mikey Palms, 21+ w/ ID admission. Door time: 9pm $20



• Zu Zu's Petals: They are celebrating their 40th Valentine's Day. Congrats! "Stop by and share a glass of bubbly Proseco with us.Why not make it a Valentine's Weekend? Our collection of garden fresh flowers will be available for pick up or delivery from Friday February 11th-Monday February 14th.The Love you take is equal to the Love you make."



• Moutarde: is normally closed on Mondays but will be open on Valentine's Day.



• Palo Santo: will be serving Valentine’s Dinner all weekend! A special five course meal will be available for three nights! Saturday, February 12th, Sunday, February 13th, and Monday, February 14th. Bring a few friends on Saturday for a triple date, or reserve a quiet two top on Sunday and beat the crowds. Slow down the pace while you and your significant other enjoy raw oyster ceviche and a whole grilled lobster or grass-fed beef tenderloin with chayote gratin. Meat, fish and vegetarian friendly options will be available. An unlisted nine course tasting will also be served at the kitchen counter by chef Jacques Gautier.FIVE COURSE TASTING with meat, fish and veg options. Reservations available from 6pm – 10pm - $160 PER COUPLE


• Eidolon: 20% off all jewelry during Valentine's Day weekend through Valentine's Day? (Sat, Sun and Mon)


• Campo De' Fiori: Special dinner for $39! Download the menu: here


• Gingers Bar: As always, LOTS going on at Gingers! Download their busy Valentine's Weekend schedule here!


• Brooklyn Industries: Lots of special Valentine's Day goods. Check out their Gift Guide

Civic Council’s 2011 Forum: “Growing a Business in Park Slope”

We just received word that the Park Slope Civic Council's 2011 community forum will take place on Thursday, March 3rd at The Montauk Club (25 Eighth Avenue, at Lincoln Place).

As you might recall, last year's event was focused on Park Slope's Fourth Avenue. This year, the theme will be: “Growing a Business in Park Slope: Connecting, Supporting, and Inspiring Our Local Entrepreneurs.”

Storefront, studio, and freelance operation, owners of all businesses at all levels will benefit from this forum. This will be a great opportunity to network and build connections within the Park Slope business community. Scheduled topics of discussion include “The Nuts and Bolts of Business,” “Social Media,” “Thinking Outside the Real Estate Box,” “Turning Passion into Profit,” and “The Past and Future of Park Slope Business.” The forum is free and open to the public; seating is limited.

To register or get updates about the event, e-mail: forum2011@parkslopeciviccouncil.org. If registering, let the organizers know what type of business you're in or would like to start, and what you hope to learn at the forum. Updates will be regularly posted at parkslopeciviccouncil.org/growing-business.