Happy Small Business Saturday!

The Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District (Fifth Avenue between Dean and 18th Streets, and nearby side-street businesses) has hundreds of restaurants, bars and boutiques to discover on this Small Business Saturday! Come down to see what Fifth has to offer and stay for our tree lighting event: 6:30 pm at S'Nice (3rd St and Fifth Avenue). There will music by the MS 51 Chorus, Rolie Polie Guacamole and Puppetry Arts, hot chocolate, candy canes and Santa! Plus, many businesses will be staying open late and doing a little something special!

Then, we'll be making Fifth Avenue the place to shop, eat and drink for the next 3 Saturdays until Christmas (we're calling it "Festive Fifth"). Stores will stay open later, carolers will stroll the strip and Santa will be making stops along the avenue in an antique car.

Participating merchants (in formation):

ACME Wines and Spirits (487 Fifth Avenue)
Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store (232 Fifth Avenue)
Backyard (388 Fifth Avenue)- $5 Whiskey & Hot Apple Cider!
Balance Life (624 Fifth Avenue)
Bay River Wine & Liquors (539 Fifth Avenue)
Bhoomki (158 Fifth Avenue)
Bicycle Habitat (476 Fifth Avenue)
Bierkraft (191 Fifth Avenue)
Bogota Latin Bistro (191 Fifth Avenue)
Brooklyn Industries (206 Fifth Avenue)
Chair-Man (176 Fifth Avenue)
Chip Shop (383 Fifth Avenue)
Chocolate Room (86 Fifth Avenue) -open till midnight!
Cog and Pearl (190 Fifth Avenue)
Culture (331 Fifth Avenue)
Diana Kane (229b Fifth Avenue)
Du Jour Bakery (365 Fifth Avenue)
Dumplings & Things (375b Fifth Avenue)
E Lingerie (140 Fifth Avenue)
Eidolon (233 Fifth Avenue)
Eleven Consignment Boutique (70 Fifth Avenue)
Enz's (171 Fifth Avenue)
Galaxy Comics and Collectibles (429 Fifth Avenue)
Goldy & Mac (219 Fifth Avenue)
Goorin Brothers (195b Fifth Avenue)
Ground Floor Gallery (343 5th Street)
Guvnor's Vintage Thrift (178 Fifth Avenue)
Has Beans (620 Fifth Avenue)
Items of Interest (60 Fifth Avenue)
Jonathan Blum's Storefront Studio Space (285 Fifth Avenue)
L'Albero dei gelati (341 Fifth Avenue)- Panettone tasting in the afternoon!
La Casa Artisanal (512 Fifth Avenue)
Le Pain Quotidien (239 Fifth Avenue)
Life Boutique Thrift (515 Fifth Avenue)
Lullaby Baby (488 Fifth Avenue)
Milan Optique (83 Fifth Avenue)
Park Slope Eye (682 Union Street)
Picada y Vino (327 Fifth Avenue)
Poppy (217 Fifth Avenue)
Prime Time Liquors (427 Fifth Avenue)
Razor (329 Fifth Avenue)
Red, White and Bubbly (211 Fifth Avenue)
Sip (67 Fifth Avenue)
S'Nice (315 Fifth Avenu)e)
Something Else (208 Fifth Avenue)
Sterling Wines and Spirits (115 Fifth Avenue)
Tabeel Aromatherapy (76 Fifth Avenue)
Teddy (202 Fifth Avenue)- sale plus Lucy Dalton Jewelry!
Sky Ice (63 Fifth Avenue)
Torres Tattoo Parlor (635 Fifth Avenue)

**Donations**

We are thrilled to receive the following support for the tree-lighting event:

Candy Canes: Urbansitter.com
Cookies: Le Pain Quotidien
Hot Chocolate and space for our tree: S'Nice
Popcorn: Popcorn Love

For updated information, go to parkslopefifthavenuebid.com/events/smallbiz2013.

Happy Black Friday!

The holiday shopping season has begun! Sure, we know that the malls and large destination stores will be filled with bargain shoppers, today. But, before heading out, consider this list from Mother Nature Network:

What good does buying locally do? 

-It stimulates the local economy. A 2002 study done in Texas showed that for every $100 that was spent in a chain bookstore, only $13 of it was put back into the local economy. But that same $100 spent at a local, independently owned bookstore put $45 back into the local economy. Think of that next time you're deciding to get your coffee from a large chain or the local corner coffee house.

It helps locals keep their jobs. Most people who work in local businesses live locally. By buying from these places, you help your neighbors keep their jobs and that benefits your whole community. 

Local businesses give back locally. Do you know who sponsors the little league and softball teams in your town? I do. The local corner coffee house, the corner bar, the independent ice cream parlor (is it beginning to sound like I live in Mayberry? It's not a bad comparison). I also know who donates gift certificates and baskets when the PTA is holding an auction or someone is holding a beef and beer night to raise money for a local cancer patient. It's the same businesses that sponsor my sons' sports teams. By supporting these businesses, I help ensure that they can support the community.​ 

It's good for the environment. Less auto emissions occur when you're going only a few blocks (you could even walk or ride your bike) for what you need vs. traveling miles away to a big box store. If enough people buy locally, it could actually prevent a big box store — which usually devours open space and requires new roads to be built — from infiltrating your community. 

If you're buying locally grown food, it’s really good for the environment because you're helping the small farmers keep their farms operational instead of shutting down and selling to developers.

It promotes a sense of community. If you want to get to know your neighbors and others in your community, supporting the local businesses is a great way to do that. Going into my local coffee house is like walking into Cheers. I know the baristas and they know my name; there's one guy who is there every morning who always knows more about what I'm talking about than I do (or so he thinks); I run into other stay-at-home or work-at-home parents during the day; and the coffee is really good.

Make sure to save some of that shopping energy for tomorrow, Small Business Saturday and our tree lighting and late-night shopping event! Park Slope's Fifth Avenue has one of the largest collection of small stores, bars and boutiques in the country!

Above: A video we shot on what Goorin Bros. (195b Fifth Avenue) has to offer this holiday season. Sure, they have multiple locations across the country. But, they are also a family-owned small business that sells many American-Made hats. Check them out!

Happy Thanksgiving!

-from the merchants of Park Slope's Fifth Avenue and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID.

Oh, and Happy Thanksgivukkah!

Happy Hanukkah

-from the merchants of Fifth Avenue and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID.

Or is it Thanksgivukkah?

Thanksgiving on Fifth: One Last Chance

There's still time to make plans to visit one of the Fifth Avenue spots, below, for Thanksgiving! Whatever your plans are, though, we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Rest and get ready for Saturday's Festive Fifth events!

Stone Park Cafe

Will be offering a special Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go and, of course, a traditional eat-in option.
There are a limited number of complete dinners available, so email events@stoneparkcafe.com with any questions, or to arrange for your Thanksgiving Dinner To Go ASAP.

THANKSGIVING DINNER TO-GO

serves 12

Organic Free Range Turkey your choice of: Oven Ready 12-14 lb Turkey (brined and trussed, with roasting instructions) OR Sliced, Roasted Breast and Confit Leg (with reheat instructions)

Orange Cranberry Relish
Gravy
Sourdough Chanterelle Stuffing
Pancetta Roasted Brussels Sprouts
$450
15 Parker House Rolls $25

OPTIONAL FIRST COURSE

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup OR Swiss Chard Salad with Garlic, Breadcrumbs, and Parmigiano Reggiano $75

 DESSERT

10" Pumpkin Pie $35
10" Chocolate Pecan Pie $35

Plus, lots of space for large parties at Stone Park and Events at Stone Park!

Benchmark

Dine on three courses on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 1-7 pm) for $65 per guest or take your entire prepped meal home! Chef Jaronik is offering brined, organic, free-range turkeys from upstate New York, ready to pop in the oven, as well as a complete assortment of fully cooked Thanksgiving sides. Save room for Benchmark's homemade pumpkin, caramel apple and bourbon pecan pies. Check Call 718.965.7040 to reserve your spot in our dining room or place your order before 6 pm on Fri., November 22nd for pick up by 8 pm on Wed., Nov 27.

Check out their amazing dine in and take-out menus and make your plans today!

Drinks on the South Side

The Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID's south end will be the place to be on Thanksgiving.

Freddy's will be open from noon until 4am on Thanksgiving with a special on "Wild Turkey" -$1 off. The kitchen will open at 7pm until 2am, serving their usual "Pan Brooklyn" delicacies. All meals $6 or $9.

South will be open Thanksgiving Day starting at 6pm. The bar has been a traditional gathering spot on Thanksgiving Day for residents in the South Slope.

The Chocolate Room

Taking orders for their special Chocolate Pecan Pie (9" pie for $32) and Pumpkin Cheesecake (9" cake for $38.00).  They are accepting orders through Sunday, November 24th, so hurry!

Fort Reno BBQ

Want a Greenmarket fresh Thanksgiving dinner cooked by a Chef and delivered right to your door? FORT RENO BBQ can help! This year they will be getting birds from Di Paola Turkey Farm and slow cooking them overnight in their hickory wood burning smokers. You can drop by and pick yours up on Thanksgiving Day, or they can bring it to you hot and ready to serve. Plus you get all the fixins and veggies to feed the whole family! The whole 12 Pound Bird with all the fixins Feeds 12 adults with leftovers - $425 Half Bird with all the fixins feeds 6 adults with leftovers - $250 You are encouraged to order early to ensure food availability and delivery time. All Thanksgiving inquiries should be sent to fortrenobbq@gmail.com

Leske's

Thanksgiving Hours:

Nov 27th 5am to 8pm
Nov 28th 5am to 5pm <- br="" hours="" special=""> Nov 29th 7am to 8pm <- br="" hours="" special="">

200 Fifth

Hosting their 26th annual all-you-can-eat buffet, which includes corn chowder, au gratin potatoes, traditional turkey, smoked brisket, and more. $29.95 per person, $14.50 per child under 12

A.O.C. Bistro

Will be open at 3:30 pm with an A la carte menu that includes pumpkin soup with white truffle, roasted turkey with veal and chestnut stuffing, and pumpkin pie. More details here

Luscious Food

They'll be open from 10am-1pm with a hearty menu that includes lots of starchy sides like mac n’ cheese and corn spoonbread. Click here for the entire menu.

Miriam

They'll be serving from 2:30-10:30pm with a unique Israeli twist on the traditional turkey and a butternut squash soup with goat cheese and apple croutons.

Palo Santo

Chef Jacques Gautier will be a busy man on Thanksgiving. Palo Santo will be serving from 2-8pm with a four-course seasonal dinner including heritage turkey, meat, fish, and vegetarian options. Cost: $65 per adult, $35 per child

Fleisher's

Sadly, we hear their turkeys are sold out, although they are still the place to go for brining mix and a lot of great meaty side dishes and turkey alternatives. 

Du Jour Bakery

Not only are they preparing a feast to benefit the philippines, they're also busy taking orders for Thanksgiving pies and treats. There are 10 pies, two cheesecakes and some delicious special breads, including Cheddar Chive Biscuits and Sweet Potato Rolls topped with Honey Butter. The menu is available here.  You'd better hurry, though, the deadline for orders is this Sunday, November 24.

Trois Pommes Patisserie

Lots of pies ranging from Apple to Key Lime and even some sides including cranberry sauce with citrus & Grand Marnier ($8.00/pint), Vegetable stuffing with herbs ($16.00/quart) and

Cheddar biscuits ($24/dozen)

Check out their website for more!

A.O.C. Bistro

They'll be open starting at 3:30 pm, serving Pumpkin soup with white truffle, roasted turkey with veal and chestnut stuffing and lots more!

Camelia

Will be open from 12 pm - 10pm! Offering a 3-course meal for $29.95 with a choice of turkey, grilled pork chop or grilled salmon. 

Daisy's Diner

Walk in any time for a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pie. Only $14.95!

Holiday Projections

Just a few more days until Festive Fifth begins!

Above is a little video about Freddy's Bar and the holiday Mash-up videos by Donald O'Finn that will be projected outside, above their entrance. Check it out and don't forget to visit the South Slope and see what it has to offer this holiday season!

This Week: Festive Fifth!

Fifth Avenue's holiday season kicks off this week on November 30th, Small Business Saturday! This annual reminder to "shop small" (sponsored by American Express) is a growing holiday tradition, nationwide. Come down to see what Fifth has to offer and stay for our tree lighting event: 6:30 pm at S'Nice (3rd St and Fifth Avenue). There will music by the MS 51 Chorus, Rolie Polie Guacamole and Puppetry Arts, hot chocolate, candy canes and Santa!

Then, we'll be making Fifth Avenue an extra-special place to be for the next 3 Saturdays until Christmas. Stores will stay open until at least 9 pm, carolers will stroll the strip and Santa will be making stops along the avenue in an antique car.

Participating merchants (in formation):

ACME Wines and Spirits (487 Fifth Avenue)
Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store (232 Fifth Avenue)
Backyard (388 Fifth Avenue)- $5 Whiskey & Hot Apple Cider!
Balance Life (624 Fifth Avenue)
Bay River Wine & Liquors (539 Fifth Avenue)
Bhoomki (158 Fifth Avenue)
Bicycle Habitat (476 Fifth Avenue)
Bierkraft (191 Fifth Avenue)
Bogota Latin Bistro (191 Fifth Avenue)
Brooklyn Industries (206 Fifth Avenue)
Canvas (348 6th Street)
Chair-Man (176 Fifth Avenue)
Chip Shop (383 Fifth Avenue)
Chocolate Room (86 Fifth Avenue) -open till midnight!
Cog and Pearl (190 Fifth Avenue)
Culture (331 Fifth Avenue)
Diana Kane (229b Fifth Avenue)
Du Jour Bakery (365 Fifth Avenue)
Dumplings & Things (375b Fifth Avenue)
E Lingerie (140 Fifth Avenue)
Eidolon (233 Fifth Avenue)
Eleven Consignment Boutique (70 Fifth Avenue)
Enz's (171 Fifth Avenue)
Galaxy Comics and Collectibles (429 Fifth Avenue)
Goldy & Mac (219 Fifth Avenue)
Goorin Brothers (195b Fifth Avenue)
Ground Floor Gallery (343 5th Street)
Guvnor's Vintage Thrift (178 Fifth Avenue)
Has Beans (620 Fifth Avenue)
Items of Interest (60 Fifth Avenue)
Jonathan Blum's Storefront Studio Space (285 Fifth Avenue)
L'Albero dei gelati (341 Fifth Avenue)- Panettone tasting in the afternoon!
La Casa Artisanal (512 Fifth Avenue)
Le Pain Quotidien (239 Fifth Avenue)
Life Boutique Thrift (515 Fifth Avenue)
Lullaby Baby (488 Fifth Avenue)
Milan Optique (83 Fifth Avenue)
Park Slope Eye (682 Union Street)
Picada y Vino (327 Fifth Avenue)
Poppy (217 Fifth Avenue)
Prime Time Liquors (427 Fifth Avenue)
Razor (329 Fifth Avenue)
Red, White and Bubbly (211 Fifth Avenue)
Sip (67 Fifth Avenue)
S'Nice (315 Fifth Avenue)
Something Else (208 Fifth Avenue)
Sterling Wines and Spirits (115 Fifth Avenue)
Tabeel Aromatherapy (76 Fifth Avenue)
Teddy (202 Fifth Avenue)
Sky Ice (63 Fifth Avenue)
Torres Tattoo Parlor (635 Fifth Avenue)

Donations

We are thrilled to receive the following support for this event:

Candy Canes: Urbansitter.com

Cookies: Le Painn Quotidien

Hot Chocolate and space for our tree: S'Nice

Popcorn: Popcorn Love