Empty Storefront Series

What’s the story behind the old His and Hers Social and Athletic Club on 5th Avenue between Carroll and President? According to the writer Anthony LaSala and photographer Seth Kushner in “The Brooklynites,” Sopranos actor and local resident John Ventimiglia did some rehearsing there after its first incarnation as a club. But that’s all we could find in our initial search. Write us. We eager to hear more about its past and future...

Holiday Lights

If you find yourself walking along Park Slope's Fifth Avenue today, stop and look up. Do you see those holiday lights and decorations strung across the avenue? No, they aren't lit yet but we think that you know what this means. Yeah, it's coming! Fast! In fact, in a little less than a month, on December 5th, the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID's tree lighting ceremony will be taking place on 5th Avenue and 3rd Street (inside Washington Park).

Where did the time go?

Photo: Last year's tree lighting ceremony via Flickr

News Round-Up

The 38 Essential New York Restaurants, Nov. '09 [NY Eater]

Lander Triumphs Again [Brooklyn Paper]

Illegal Dumping, Drugs, Rats [Brownstoner]

These Superhero Rockers Saved Rock and Roll — in 2048! [Brooklyn Paper]

We’ll Drink to Austrian Wine Month in Brooklyn [Brokelyn]

Don’t Forget: Compost-o-Rama this Sunday at OSH!

Do you like smashing pumpkins & shredding leaves?

Bring your pumpkins to the MS 51 Garden at Washington Park and learn more about composting and gardening on the site.

Sunday, November 8, starting at 1 pm.

(The event benefits MS 51, the Old Stone House and Washington Park by improving the soil for their historically referenced garden.)

The Word on Fifth

Today we ask some local bartenders:

What is your most popular drink?

Nick from A.O.C Bistro: "Martinis. People want them extremely dry. Some people send them back if there's too much vermouth."

Jessica from High Dive: "The most popular drink used to be Miller High Life back when we had two dollar specials. Now that the High Life special is three dollars, Six Point ale is our most popular beer."

Julia from Union Hall: "Our most popular drink is our signature Makers Mark dark and stormy. The owners are from Kentucky so we have a wide selection of bourbons, which are also popular."

Muni-Meter Installation on Fifth

The next phase of DOT's Park Smart program is being implemented along Fifth Avenue this week. Crews have been spotted installing Muni-meters (electronic meters that take coins and parking cards) along the strip. Combined with the pilot program's increased meter fares, it is hoped that the Muni-Meters (which are not assigned to specific spaces and, therefore, may generate an extra spot or two every block) will make Fifth Avenue an easier place to shop, eat and do business on.

Halloween Parade Video

On Saturday, the Park Slope Children's Halloween Parade made its first visit ever to Fifth Avenue, traveling down Third Street from Seventh Avenue and ending near the Old Stone House.

We managed to capture the above video from the corner of Fifth and Third. Enjoy! Oh, and don't forget to check out the second video from the Music in the Streets series!