New NYC Map App

iPhone users: a new app co-created by NYC&Co (New York City's official marketing, tourism and partnership organization) and local start-up Citymaps is now available on iTunes.

Yeah, we know, there are a lot of map apps for the iPhone. So, what's different about this one? Well, for one, it's a local effort made by New Yorkers and we all know that maps are better when they are made by locals. Plus, it allows the user to navigate New York City using easy-to-recognize names and logos. Plus, it finds nearby deals on Groupon, Living Social and Restaurants.com.

We gave it a try and it seems to work pretty well, although the map didn't reflect the very latest businesses on Fifth Avenue.  Then again, who can keep up with the changes?

Download it via iTunes here.

Happy Easter and Passover

Happy Easter and Happy Passover from the merchants of Fifth Avenue and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID.

News Round-Up

Park Slope Ice Cream Ban: Brooklyn Parents Write Parody Clarification [Huffington Post]

Does ‘Hollywood’ Take Your Parking Spot too Often? [PS Patch]

Beauty Bar [NY Times]

The Participatory Budget Votes Are In: Brooklyn Goes for Bathrooms [Thirteen: Metro Focus]

VIDEO: Chef Dale Talde Opens Up About His Restaurant Opening [Daily Meal]

Odd Twin Turns Three

Fifth Avenue's Odd Twin (164 Fifth Avenue) turns 3 on Friday! Congratulations, guys!

 Drop by between 6 and 11 pm for beer, sangria, discounted shopping and more!

Changes at Le Chandelier Salon

Le Chandelier Salon (264 Fifth Avenue) has been a mainstay of the avenue for 15 years. However, last night we learned that as of April 1, the lease for the salon was sold to the owners of Rompal Salon (which has been part of the Park Slope Community for 22 years). 


The change won't be too drastic, though. The staff of Le Chandelier will keep their jobs and the spot will be transformed into a full service salon. So, over all, it's a win-win for the avenue. 


Renovations should be completed by mid-May,

Taste of Fifth Update

Just over two weeks until the big Taste of Fifth event at The Grand Prospect Hall. The list of participating businesses keeps growing (see below). Get your tickets now before they sell out!

April 18th at 6:30 pm, The Grand Prospect Hall

Enjoy music, dancing, and complimentary wine and beer. Twenty dollars of every $35 ticket sold will be donated to the local non-profit organization of your choice:

*Brooklyn Arts Exchange

*Brooklyn Pride

*Middle School 51

*Puppetry Arts

*The Fifth Avenue Committee

*The Old Stone House

*Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID

Participants (List in Formation): (Updated 4/4/12)

Al Di La
Blue Ribbon
Baluchi's
Backyard
Bagel World
Benchmark
Bierkraft
Blue Sky Bakery
Bonnie's Grill
Brooklyn Bread
Beauty Bar
Caramelo
Chip Shop
Coco Roco
Community Market
Dizzies (Fifth and President)
Eagle Provisions
Fornino
Fleisher’s Organic Butcher Carving Board
Has Beans
KiKu Sushi
Kos Kaffe
Lobo
M & S Italian Deli
Palo Santo
Piramide
Pork Slope (a new restaurant by Talde)
Sky Ice
Sweet Treasures
200 Fifth Sports Bar & Restaurant
7-11

New Sales Tax Exemption

No, it's not an April Fools prank. The State of New York has reinstated its sales tax exemption for items (or pairs) of clothing or shoes that cost less than $110.

Once again, it pays to shop local on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue!

Details on the exemption are available here.