Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Recent Changes on Fifth


Well, after a challenging January, things are starting to look up on Fifth Avenue in late February/early March.

Here are some of the changes we saw, on our walk yesterday:

154 Fifth Avenue: Chez Bibis Burger Bar is coming soon
249 Fifth Avenue: Beauty Bar  is now open.
388 Fifth Avenue: Backyard now open
396 Fifth Avenue: we hear that an Indian Restaurant is opening in the former Mezcal's space. 

Also, there are signs of construction at several spaces between Dean and 18th Streets, including at the former Comida, Timboos and Aunt Suzie's spaces (see photo above).

Still, there is some bad news this month:

125 Fifth Avenue: Southpaw Closed
280 Fifth Avenue: Blue Ribbon Sushi closed
341 Fifth Avenue: El Sitio Borinquen closed
461 Fifth Avenue: Lily's Gift Shop closing soon
487 Fifth Avenue: Hair Designs by Julie appears to be empty






Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Goorin Brothers Vintage Baseball Caps


Baseball season is nearly upon us. Thank God, because this football withdrawal is killing us.

By the way, if you're the type of person who likes baseball hats but you really don't have an allegiance to a pro team, you might want to check out the new vintage-style ball caps at Goorin Brothers (195B Fifth Avenue). Even if you do have a favorite team, these hats might be a nice addition for the spring and summer.

Here are the styles, on the website.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Commercial Rents Rise Near Barclays Site


According to the Park Slope Patch, commercial rents near the Barclays Center have doubled over the past few months and vacant spaces are filling up fast.

This certainly seems like good news for properties near Flatbush Avenue and there is plenty of evidence that the arena is attracting businesses to vacant spaces on the northern end of Fifth Avenue.

The question is, will these rent increases make their way south along Fifth, towards Union Street and, if so, can stores, bars and restaurants make money under these circumstances?

What do you think?

Read the full Patch article here.


Friday, February 24, 2012

News Round-Up

Small New Slope Build Now Trying its Luck as a Rental [Brownstoner]

Planned parking-free apartments near Barclays Center stoke fear [Brooklyn Paper]

Fourth Avenue-Ninth Street Eastside Entrance Opens After 40 Years [Park Slope Patch]

Cyprus Avenue to Re-Open by Saturday [Here's Park Slope]

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Upcoming Shows This Week





Tonight (Thursday, February 23)

Freddy's:

Uke Night- An opportunity for ukulele players to join an informal, fun jam session (open to the public for total ukulele enjoyment) at 7 followed by a performance at 9 by the The Ukuladies

Union Hall:

YELLOWBIRDDD Sincere, lyrically driven songwriting mixing folk integrity with pop sensibility.

THE FIELD EFFECT In a live setting, The Field Effect is nothing short of a cannonball to the face. Adam's thunderous drumming has been likened to that of heavy-hitter, Dave Grohl, and often requires no microphones whatsoever. Bassist, Annie, breaks the female musician mold with tastefully-complex bass-lines as well as a vigorous stage presence. Nick's creative and catchy lead guitar work provides a perfect catalyst to the driving rhythm bed provided by Doug. On stage, The Field Effect emits a vivacity that commands audiences onto their feet and into motion.

CHRIS LORRAINE Chris Lorraine of Malinks and Withholders fame has been coerced out of retirement! From the Malinks to the Withholders, Lorraine has always remained a "musician's musician." Haunting chords are his first love. Influenced by punk guitar kingpin Robert Quine, mad genius Brian Wilson, and misanthropic Blur guitarist Graham Coxon--for Lorraine, the music came first - that is his story and the lyrics were the frosting on the post punk cake, as it were.

The Fifth Estate: DJ Phast Phreddie

Tomorrow (Friday, February 24)

Southpaw: Johnny Cash's 80th Birthday Show. 2 Day pass gets you into both shows: 2 DAY Friday 2/24@ The Bell House = Alex Battles and the Whisky Rebellion perform “Live at San Quentin” Saturday 2/25@ Southpaw = Alex Battles and the Whisky Rebellion perform “Live at Folsom Prison” admission: $25 door time: 8PM / 830PM SHOW

Union Hall:
Union Hall: DEAD FINGERS (Official NYC CD Release Party)

Taylor Hollingsworth and Kate Taylor singing together is a match made in heaven, (or maybe hell, if the devil has anything to do with this, which would not be surprising).  You would almost think Kate was married to her manager, or record label exec., who was having them act like they were romantic just to sell tickets and albums. But in fact, this Alabama duo are recently married and the two just recorded their first self titled full length with Bruce Watson (RL Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, Iggy and the Stooges, AA Bondy), and is being released on Big Legal Mess/ Fat Possum Records early 2012. While showing a wide range of styles, ranging from duet styled songs like those of John Prine and Iris DeMent, X, or Lee Hazelwood and Ann Margaret, to straight up great classic rock bands like the Stones, Beatles, or even Traveling Wilburys, this band should find a nice home with fans of more current duo's like She and Him, Jenny and Johnny, or Civil Wars.

After the music: NEW BEARD Official Heart of Darkness Afterparty New Beard started merely a year ago when the songwriting and producing duo of Benajmin Wigler and Andrew Dunn, formerly of the band Arizona, joined forces with prog dynamo drummer Tony Waldman, tuba gunslinger TubaJoe Exley, and backhanded shredder Yazan. This band just finished it's epic upcoming LP release, a massively orchestrated production all mixed up by Swedish phenom Gustav Ejstes of the band Dungen. Soaring lead vocals, fresh melodic hooks, layered instrumentation and tuba-powered rock are New Beard's hallmarks which marry elements as disparate as indie pop, latin jazz, Japanese folk music, and old-school metal.

Freddy's: From Rum to Whiskey / Crooked Man / Mans Gin / Yuni Sabatino & Giant Flying Turtles

 8pm Giant Flying Turtles: Giant Flying Turtles consists of NYC’s Calvin Bennett and Johnny Young. They play rock and Americana music on upright bass, piano, guitar, drums, and other instruments.

 9pm Yuni Sabatino: She was born in Mexico City & educated at the National Institute for the Fine Arts where she was trained in classical music as an Opera Singer. She also complimented her education with instruction from one of the best representatives of vocal jazz music in Mexico.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Dine in Brooklyn 2012


Brooklyn’s restaurant week, aka Dine In Brooklyn, will be held March 19 - 29. Three-course lunches ($20.12) and Dinners ($25.00) will be served at some of the borough's hottest spots.

Yeah, we know, Dine in Brooklyn is a month away and the list of participating restaurants hasn't even been posted (to our knowledge). But, it's never too early to plan ahead. Hey, the guys at Bogota Latin Bistro have already posted a Dine in Brooklyn reservations page on their website. You'd better secure your spot while you can!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Small Business Forum

We're big supporters of small businesses, even if they aren't on Fifth Avenue. That's why we're happy to help promote this new group called the Park Slope Small Business Forum. It's made up of folks who run their small businesses out of their homes or are developing plans for a new business idea.

If this sounds interesting to you, they will be meeting tonight (2/21) at 8:00pm at Park Slope Eye (682 Union Street near Fifth Avenue).

Here's a preview of tonights program:

Leonard Shostak will present: "Do you get what you pay for? Know what kind of help you really need—and how to get it.” Whether you’re starting a business, thinking of starting one, or trying to grow an existing business or freelance practice, you have a lot of questions - do I need a lawyer, do I need an accountant, do I need to incorporate? Do I need a formal business plan? Should I take my brother-in-law’s advice, or my banker’s? How do I get my accountant and computer guy to work together? Could a consultant or coach help me? Leonard has worked with, hired (and fired) a variety of business advisers for clients in 20 years as a business and technology consultant. Benefit from his experience to avoid beginner mistakes and get more bang for your professional services buck. 


 Please RSVP to weissj2003@yahoo.com