Thistle & Clover

I was finally able to make it over to the old Beezu spot (221 DeKalb) to check out a reported new boutique. It was, as one tipster described it, "kind of like Stuart & Wright."

The clothing looked marginally less expensive (talking a tiny margin here), but they also carry some lotions and letterpress greeting cards (which will certainly allow me to pick up a few items and support a local store without breaking the bank).

The two women working were friendly and personable, available to customers and did not ignore me in favor of continuing a loud conversation on the phone. This in itself makes the shop so much more lovely than Beezu.

They've only been open for a week -- check it out!

Thistle & Clover 221 DeKalb Ave (nr Adelphi) 718-855-5577 www.thistleclover.com

Rustik Tavern

Rustik Tavern 471 DeKalb Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11205

http://rustiktavern.com/

I needed a place to eat that was close by but I wanted someplace new too. I didn't want it to be too fancy either. I just wanted a nice, chill, relaxing place to grab a beer and some decent food. I saw a review of Rustik over on Clinton Hill Foodie which seem to fit the bill perfectly. (yeah, I've been slacking and they got to it before me) After checking out Rustik's very slick website and menu online I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did.

The first thing I noticed was how...out of place Rustik seemed to be in where it's located. It's like bodega, bodega, take out, take out, bodega, Rustik.

Well at least you won't miss it walking by.

I was impressed with Rustik's interior decor. High ceilings and lots of lights, but not overly bright, gave it a very warm and inviting feeling and with that big sofa up front - definitely a place to chill.

First order of business: a beer. Rustik has a very decent selection of tap and bottled beers. (All of which is listed on their website.) I went with the Blue Moon which they had on tap - always an excellent choice.

Second order of business: FOOD.

Every item was named after something local or of significance. For example, the Willoughby Wings for Willoughby Avenue. It's kind of silly but nice at the same time. Adds a very "neighborhood" feel to it.

Prices were extremely reasonable. Lots of items under $10 and nothing over $15.

We decided on the following:

The Nostrand Nachos with the olives and the jalapenos on the side.

As a stand alone dish it's eh. I like the fact that it's cheese sauce rather than real cheese, real cheese has a tendency to clump up and get chewy as it cools, but other than that it was lacking something that made it great. Like...

The Clinton Hill Chili.

Now I know you can add the chili on top of the nachos for $2 but go with a whole order of chili along with the nachos and use the nachos to scoop up all that chili goodness.

The chili, by itself, is still was very good and, while still full of flavor, it was relatively tame and lacked heat and spiciness.

Mixing it with the nachos is really the way to go. It takes two "okay" dishes to 11.

We moved on to a small order of the Willoughby Wings with BBQ sauce. (That's where my olives and jalapenos went!)

I want to point out that these wings are breaded. Normally I hate breaded wings but these I didn't mind. It worked well with the BBQ sauce, giving the sauce something to stick to, as well as adding a bit of crispiness to the chicken.

What surprised me about this dish was that the BBQ sauce was actually spicy and had some heat to it. The heat was unexpected, I had to double check to make sure it was the wings and not the chili, but not overwhelming. It actually worked very well together as a sweet and spicy combination.

Finally, the Franklin Fish and Chips.

This was pretty good. The fish was lightly breaded, not battered, which kept the whole dish relatively "light". The fish was done well and was flaky and moist. The chips on the other hand...eh.

The chips were too big in size and I think that kept them from getting really crispy. The chips also had some old bay seasoning or something on them which was too over powering for the lighter tasting fish. I like the fish...the chips need work.

We wanted to try the Chambord Creme Brulee but they were out of it. (Doesn't it sound good though? Chambord Creme Brulee? Mmmm...)

Overall, it's a great place and I'm definitely going to be back. It's got a nice mellow vibe, serves good food and has good drinks. All at a very reasonable price. The entire meal was about $40. It's like the perfect little local neighborhood spot.

The service was good with the bartender being attentive without "hovering". (And he didn't once ask me if I spoke english! That's a plus right there!)

The one complaint I do have is the TV. There's a pretty big TV right in the middle of the room and when there's a TV on you're sort...of...forced...to...watch...it. I would have like it a lot better if it was off and a good selection of music was playing instead. (They have a very nice sound system.) The TV just seemed out of place and sort of broke up that "chill" feeling if you know what I mean.

Other than that it's a great place and a very welcome addition to the neighborhood.

Oh, and if you're lucky you'll catch a free show.

We were treated to piano renditions of Keane and Coldplay. Very very cool.

Dramatic Fire on DeKalb?

I happened to catch the words "Clinton Hill" spoken on the nightly news just now, so I checked all of the local news websites to see what had happened. Looks like it was a pretty serious fire at 470 DeKalb Ave. around 8am Sunday morning. Only ABC and CBS had info on their websites about it.

From ABC news:

BRONX (WABC) -- A family of four were trapped and hurt during a fire Sunday morning.

The fire broke out around 8 a.m. at 470 Dekalb Avenue in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn.

The fire started in an 11th-floor apartment, trapping the family in a rear bedroom.

Authorities say the family had to lean out of a window to breathe.

Police say the mother, in her 40's, was taken to Brooklyn Hospital in serious condition. Her husband, baby and teen daughter are all reportedly listed in stable condition. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

CBS's story:

Firefighters Save 7 From Brooklyn Fire NEW YORK (CBS) ― Several children, including a baby, were forced to hang onto a window ledge, in order to escape a fast moving fire in Brooklyn. Firefighters had little time to bring them to safety, but made a dramatic rescue, saving all seven people.

Frantic children were hanging out of an 11th story window trying to get air as the smoke thickened inside their apartment. Firefighters worked to rescue the family, going to the window above and lowered down oxygen masks to the kids so they could breathe.

"I just ran out of the building. I just wanted to see who it was," said Denise Rodriguez. "It's so hurtful because you see all these people everyday."

"The girl was hanging out the window with her babies, all the babies hanging out of the window and me and my neighbor called for the ambulance, for the fire department to come," added Denise Davis.

Seven people were inside the apartment when the fire broke out - a mother, father and several children, including a baby. The fire chief said one of the children rescued is autistic.

"We know the members of this job are trained and do this everyday and were able to get everyone out safely," FDNY Fire Chief Joe Woznica told CBS 2 HD.

A puppy was also saved from the fire. Andre Nash says he ran into help initially but could only get to the father and one of the children.

"I was crawling along the wall to get the mother, baby and boyfriend but once I got to the door because it slammed with so much pressure and heat, I wasn't able to," said Nash.

After being saved, the mother of the children was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest. Doctors say she is expected to be okay.

According to the fire chief the fire started in one of the bedrooms, the cause has not been determined.

This happened 15 hours ago, and neither site has accurate information available? Was it four people, or seven? WTF?

I almost didn't notice the ABC story, since it was labeled "Bronx." CBS's story sounds much more accurate, but doesn't mention the neighborhood at all.

And by the way, this is Bed-Stuy. Just saying.

Is it too much to ask for info on a major event that occurred hours ago? Regardless, great news that everyone was saved. Bravo to NY's Bravest.

June: Closed for Now

Not sure how long June (on Dekalb) has been closed, but it looks like it will reopen tonight.

I think I heard about one robbery, but it sounds like there have been several.

June is one of those strange restaurant phenomenons -- it always looks pretty empty. I'm starting to wonder if size matters. For some reason, bigger places seem to remain empty.

New Bar on DeKalb!

Bed-Stuy Blog has stumbled upon something wonderful -- a new bar on DeKalb between Franklin and Kent! Called Rustik Tavern, the spot will also offer a full menu. They open on New Year's Eve at 4pm!

Most impressive to me are the wonderfully-designed fliers and website:

Not only does this look nice, but the photo on the card was taken on DeKalb and Kent in 1887!

Rustik Tavern 471 DeKalb Ave (bt Franklin and Kent) www.rustiktavern.com

A Sneak Menu Peek

The restaurant slated to open in the former Liquors space (RIP!!) on DeKalb has posted their menu outside (sans prices). Just thought you might want to take a look:

Another CitySearch Nominee!

Blue Bass has been nominated for Best Thrift / Vintage Store on CitySearch! Have a moment? Vote for them here.

(Blue Bass is located on the corner of DeKalb and Classon.)

Green Fort Greene + Clinton Hill News

I, for one, want one of those "chic chopping bags." Spend a couple of fun and fruitful hours at our table at the Fort Greene Green Market on 11/17 or 11/24. You will meet many engaging and beautiful neighbors, help make our neighborhoods even more environmentally friendly, get some fresh air and dispel guilt. In the past two weeks we have sold 400 energy efficient light bulbs, given out hundreds of applications for non-polluting electricity, and added dozens of people to our list of New York's Greenest.

This week we will be offering very chic reusable shopping bags, as well.

If you can help, please email info@greenfgch.org.

Bulbs sprouting: Save energy and save money. Long life energy efficient light bulbs are offered at stores near you for a non-profit price. Each $2 or $2.50 bulb will save you over $100 because you will use less energy and replace bulbs far less frequently. Now at Yu, Green Farm, Fresh Garden, Greene Pharmacy. Coming soon to 4W, Restaurant New Orleans, Gnarly Vines, L'Epicerie, Green Apple Cafe and many others.

Ask your favorite store owner to join the movement. We supply a handsome decal for their window, leaflets explaining the whole bulb story (so they do not have to ) and the low priced bulbs. The store owner will sell the bulbs at cost for a few months as part of our community greening program. Let us know at info@greenfgch.org and we will follow up with them.

November Events @ Tillie's

November Events at Tillie’s248 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn NY 11205 718 783-6140 www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com Music

Friday, November 2nd 8 p.m. The Mr. Handband Jesse Neuman, trumpet Anthony Barba, tenor and soprano sax Kris Davis, keyboard Rob Jost, bass Ted Poor, drums Hard-driving experimental jazz: Leader Barba plays frequently at venues in Brooklyn such as Barbes and the Tea Lounge in Park Slope, and at Webster Hall and the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan.

Friday, November 9th 8 p.m. Eyal Maoz’s Slavic Trio Eyal Maoz, guitar Ron Caswell, tuba Briggan Krauss, saxophone Rhymically propulsive music by a first-rate guitarist and composer born in Israel and now living in New York. “Keep your eyes and ears on this guy.” John Zorn “A musical deep thinker.” Washington City Paper “Mesmerizing composer and guitarist.” The New Yorker

Friday, November 16th Dream Fox 8 p.m. High-energy pop electronica from Astoria, Queens, featuring: Marshall McLaughlin Christopher Passig Jessi Almstead Cover for all performances: $5, $3 with student ID Open Mic

Thursday, 11/15/07 Thursday, 11/29/07 Sign-up: 8:30 p.m. Performance: 9:00 p.m. Host: Nick Noir Art

Linda Shere The Victor Series and the Camel Box prints November 12th – December 15th, 2007 Linda Shere has a studio in the Navy Yard and resides in Fort Greene. A native New Yorker, she lived in South Dakota for fifteen years and also in London.

She has exhibited extensively in South Dakota and in New York City and has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as the South Dakota Arts Council. Her Brooklyn shows include work at the Corridor Gallery, the Holland Tunnel Gallery, Urban Glass, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. She is represented in the collections of the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, North Dakota, and of Citibank in New York, among others.

Her statement about the work on view: “My father died when I was quite young and these drawings grew from the simple wish to stand face to face with him as an adult. I was always very taken by the photograph of my father as a young messenger boy on the streets in Manhattan. Like this one, and in most of the photographs taken of him up until his death, the stance was the same in whatever situation, and always anchored by a graceful hand with a cigarette. This series and the Camel Box prints are not about that which contributed to his death, but rather the lingering romance of his ever- present camel -- the pyramid, sand, and faraway places I associate with my father.”

The four pieces in the Victor Series are composed of graphite and wax drawings on archival matte duralar. The Camel Box prints are chine colle relief prints.

In the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, Tillie’s has been presenting the best in coffee, light food, and deserts for art and music lovers since 1997. For more information on any of the above, call Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140 or contact her at mail@tilliesofbrooklyn.com.

Miranda, Steve and Brady in Clinton Hill

I remember hearing that the Brooklyn brownstone Miranda and Steve moved into on Sex and the City was located in Fort Greene.  Actually, it was in CLINTON HILL -- 299 DeKalb, between Waverly and Washington.  Don't let these signs fool you:

"Untitled Project" means SaTC the Movie, which is filming there today!  Although I have a connection to the people who own the house, they've signed a confidentiality agreement, which means they can't talk to me about it and I can't go take pics of the set inside.  Bah.

Here they are, moving in yesterday afternoon:

New Hours, Free Wine at Blue Bass

Blue Bass is now staying open until 9 every Wednesday. From 6-9 pm they'll be serving wine and offering 10% off of everything in the store. They also have new hours: Thurs - Mon 12-7 Tuesday closed Wednesday 12-9

I picked up an amazing vintage handbag at Blue Bass last year and I receive compliments on it every time I bring it out. Definitely stop in!

October Events @ Tillie's

October Events at Tillie’s Art

Around the Corner Tamara Thomsen

October 8th – November 10th

Reception October 18

7-9pm.

"Around the Corner" is a series of paintings on wood panels inspired by the industrial landscape on the East River waterfront in Long Island City, where artist Tamara Thomsen lived for several years. Muted colors and flattened perspective capture the look and feel of a neighborhood growing beyond its early twentieth-century roots.

Thomsen, who now lives in Bedford Stuyvesant in Brooklyn and maintains a studio in Gowanus, uses various techniques and materials, as well as experience gained in a two-decade stint in the design world, to investigate the premises of an overly embellished environment.

From 1981 to 1998, she was a co-founder and Senior Vice President at Smart Design, an award-winning, multi-disciplinary design firm with offices in New York and San Francisco, best known for developing Oxo Good Grips kitchen tools.

Thomsen earned an M.F.A. in Painting at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1981, and a B.F.A. in Painting Syracuse University in 1976. All work in the exhibition is milk paint, wood stains and veneer on wood panels. For more information, see http://tamarathomsen.com

A member of the Gowanus Artists Association, Thomsen will also show her work in her studio during the A.G.A.S.T. 2007 Gowanus Artists Association Open Studio, October 21 and 21st. For more information about hours and location: http://gowanusartists.com Music

Friday, 10/5/07 J. Phoenix

8 p.m.

J. Phoenix is a winner of the ASCAP/Sammy Cahn Award for excellence in lyrics ad has performed in clubs all over New York, including the CBGB Gallery and Arlene’s Grocery, as well as the Sundance Film Festival and Intel Music Festival.

Music journalist Brian Cogan says: “J. Phoenix is by no means a soul singer in the traditional sense. While trace elements of Al Green and Sam Cooke can be detected on the Geiger counter, there is just as much craft as a typical Disney show tune, somehow funneled through Seal.”

J. Phoenix’s songs have been recorded by Nancy Wilson, Tupac Shakur, Michelle Wright, and Earth Wind and Fire. This fall he releases his debut CD, Masterpiece (From The Soul Music).

Cover: $5

Friday, 10/12/07 Nhojj

8 p.m.

Nhojj started singing as a child in Guyana, where he performed in churches, on radio programs and eventually for the president. At 18, he moved to New York City, where after graduating from NYU with a B.A. in Economics, returned to his true calling - music. He has recorded two CDs, “I've Been Waiting for You” (2001) and “Someday Peace Love & Freedom” (2003).

”If Wyclef is the new face of social conscience and Arrested Development its history, then Caribbean-born, NY-raised Nhojj is its voice. What a voice. It manifests itself through his throat as a honeyed, subdued and unadorned combination of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. It manifests itself in an imagination that has created a hybrid of soft Southern soul, folk and jazz-reggae. His is a voice that is as familiar as an old friend, as comforting as a happy memory, as stirring as the first flush of love. LOGO-Magazine / UK's #1 New Music Magazine

For more information, see www.myspace.com/nhojj

Cover: $5 Open Mic Hosted by Nick Noir

Every other Thursday

10/11

10/25

Sign-up: 8:30 p.m.

Show: 9:00 p.m.

Come one, come all!

Finally, a Plan for Liquors

A drawn-out mystery comes to a close. The old Liquors space on DeKalb (between Adelphi and Clermont) will become a Moroccan tapas restaurant/lounge, in approximately two months. The space will be run by Nadir Khelifi, who owns Cafe Lafayette on S. Portland. Cafe Lafayette makes a mean burger, so hopes are high for tasty food.

No word on whether or not the old Liquors sign will stay, but I hope it does.

Thanks to Dana Rubinstein, who got the scoop in the Brooklyn Paper.

Opening Soon: A Recap

It's hard to keep up with all the stuff about to open in the 'hood, along with the stuff that's newly opened. Here's a recap: Recently-ish Opened:

1001 Affairs 1001 Fulton St. 718-398-2211 Teleflora vendor, potentially great selection of greeting cards, promising selection of fresh flowers, friendly staff

Bidonville 47 Willoughby Ave. 718-855-4515 Coffee and pastries from Choice Market, cozy space, friendly staff

Bittersweets 180 DeKalb Ave. 718-852-2556 Balthazar pastries and tasty coffee

Il Torchio 458 Myrtle Ave. 718-422-1122 JUST opened Monday! Italian tapas, large wine selection.

LOX 15 Putnam Ave. 718-622-5349 Large bar/event space with gorgeous back yard. Soon to be home to a second event space downstairs. Good for large groups.

Paws-n-Claws 448 Grand Ave. 718-622-0060 Mostly grooming services, but carries small selection of leashes, clothing and toys for dogs

Still Hip Brooklyn 283 Grand Ave. 718-398-0008 Gorgeous renovation of old Karrot space, gently used kids' clothing and toys, plus maternity; classes and activities for kids

Threading Place 262 Vanderbilt Ave. 718-662-0883 History of grammatically incorrect signage, but are good for well-priced brow threading and also offer facials and other treatments. May have already closed?

Little Piggy (Market) 64 Lafayette Ave. 718-797-1011 Soulful sides and desserts, to stay and to go Coming VERY Soon:

'Cure 921 Fulton 718-622-3100 Beauty treatments, natural products. Opens FRIDAY and looks gorgeous.

Manee Thai 372 Myrtle Ave. 718-222-9992 Third Thai restaurant on Myrtle in our area. Confusing sign. Owned by the guys who run Myrtle Thai.

Tamboril 527 Myrtle Ave. 718-622-5130 Nuevo Latino cuisine and lounge, bar, live performances

Upcoming:

Telos Apothecary Natural treatments

New Place by Choice Market Flowers, meats, cheeses

August Events @ Tillie's

August EventsTillie’s of Brooklyn

248 DeKalb Avenue in Fort Greene

(718) 783-6140

www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com Music

Friday, August 3rd

8 p.m.

Mike Beck and friends

Leader of the popular rock band Odd Czar, Clinton Hill-based Beck will play old and new favorites that rock hard. For more information, see www.myspace.com/oddczarwillrockyou.

Cover: $5, $3 with student ID

elastiCity 2007 ( www.myspace.com/elasticityfest)

Friday, August 24th

8 PM Zach Brock www.zachbrock.com

Gary Fieldman, percussion; Ima Jonsdottir, violin; Dan Shaud, horn

"...not just a violinist who plays jazz, but a jazz musician who plays the violin."

-Orbert Davis

9:30 PM Ziv Ravitz www.zivravitz.com

Friday, August 31

8 PM Cold Reading Trio www.christianpinckock.net

Christian Pincock, laptop; Evan Mazunik, accordion; John O'Brien, percussion

9:30 PM Jody Redhage www.jodyredhage.com

Alan Ferber, trombones; Ken Thompson, clarinets; Jody Redhage, voice/cello; Fred Kennedy, drums

elastiCity is an Addtract Initiative (www.rules-of-addtraction.org) All shows have a suggested donation of $5 per set.

--About the series:

Tillie's, now in its tenth year of promoting talent in Brooklyn, is pleased to announce the elastiCity Music Festival on the last Friday of every month from February 2007 through September 2007. elastiCity is a new music series dedicated to showcasing local and regional composers with a common vision and a desire to stretch out to something new, whether it's art song, jazz improvisation, or a little bit of rock and roll.

Tillie's is located at the corner of Vanderbilt and DeKalb Avenues in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. For more information or directions to the store, see our website at www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com or call (718) 783-6140.

-- Lily Maase - guitarist.composer.creative director www.lilymaase.com www.rules-of-addtraction.org www.myspace.com/elasticityfest lilymaase@gmail.com

July Events @ Tillie's

July Events at Tillie’s of Brooklyn Music

elastiCity 2007 ( www.myspace.com/elasticityfest)

Friday, July 20

8 PM ~from Boston!~ Know Trio www.knowtrio.com

Gary Fieldman, percussion; Ima Jonsdottir, violin; Dan Shaud, horn

Know Trio seeks a new music on the boundaries of chamber music, jazz, and free improvisation. Blending and overlapping genres, Know Trio has a penchant for absurdist humor, spoken word, and performance art. Their music explores the unexpected beauty in the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, and searches for meaningful expression in a contemporary idiom.

9:30 PM Rick Parker Collective www.rickparker.net

Rick Parker, trombone; Xavier Perez, saxes; Sam Barsh, piano; Dan Loomis, bass; Kyle Struve, drums

Dubbed "the best kept secret in New York right now," by AllAbout Jazz, the Rick Parker Collective's latest CD release, Finding Space, was named to the ezine's "Top Pick CDs for 2006" list.

Saturday, July 21st

8 p.m.

Indoda Entsha Percussion Ensemble

African-inspired drumming and high spirits from a local band that is a Tillie’s favorite. Always raises the roof – a must-see for all rhythm lovers.

Led by Preston Riddick

Donation: $6

elastiCity 2007 con’t.

Friday, July 27

8 PM Sarah Renfro www.sarahrenfro.com Sarah Renfro, voice/compositions; Bob Lanzetti, guitar; Ryan Kotler, bass; Fred Kennedy, drums

Sarah Renfro writes an eclectic mix of jazz, soul and folk rock. Her lyrics range from introspective prose to socio-political commentary. She is a composer with something to say and has the voice to get her message heard.

9:30 PM Monika Heidemann www.monikah.com

Monika Heidemann, voice/compositions; Erik Deutsch, keys; Jonathan Goldberger, guitar; Matt Clohesy, bass; Simon Lott, drums

"...MONIKA HEIDEMANN's self-released ‘Bright’ is the jazz-vocal debut of the year . . . make that the jazz debut of the year . . . make that the debut of the year." -Boston Phoenix, 9/28/06

elastiCity is an Addtract Initiative (www.rules-of-addtraction.org) All shows have a suggested donation of $5 per set.

About the series:

Tillie's, now in its tenth year of promoting talent in Brooklyn, is pleased to announce the elastiCity Music Festival on the last Friday of every month from February 2007 through September 2007. elastiCity is a new music series dedicated to showcasing local and regional composers with a common vision and a desire to stretch out to something new, whether it's art song, jazz improvisation, or a little bit of rock and roll.

Art

July 23rd – August 18th

Otherworldly Variations

Paintings and Wall Sculptures by Lawrence Heintjes

The Director of L & M Studio, a local design workshop, Larry Heintjes and his artist wife, Mary Rieser, produced the stained glass sign in Tillie’s window when the store first opened ten years ago. A skilled carpenter, master mold and cabinetmaker and art restorer/fabricator, Larry coordinates all aspects of design, construction and installation for museums, architects, contractors and galleries.

Whether he’s working in plastic, wood, oil paints, or gouache, Larry’s private artistic landscape accommodates eclectic nuances achieving fantastic metaphors and shades of meaning. Inspired by biomorphic forms in many manifestations, his work is a jumping-off point for a curious mind and a frequently surrealistic imagination. The pieces are rich in detail yet mysterious enough to confound and to instigate further inquiry.

Heintjes was educated at Pratt Institute and still lives in Fort Greene with his wife and two daughters. His art installation clients include the Holly Solomon Gallery, Chase Manhattan, and the Whitney Museum. He has exhibited widely in New York at galleries such as BACA Downtown in Brooklyn and the 80 Washington Square East Gallery in Greenwich Village.

He has also lectured on mold making for artists, paper casting, and related subjects at Pratt Institute, the Brooklyn Museum, and Connecticut College in New London. Check out their website at www.LMStudio265.com.

Reception: Thursday, July 26th

7 – 9 p.m.

Tillie's is located at the corner of Vanderbilt and DeKalb Avenues in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. For more information or directions to the store, see our website at www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com or call (718) 783-6140.

Eating and Learning at iCi

(Damn, this looks fabulous. Too bad I will be in Poland when it happens. Please go and report back!) iCi joins forces with Green Gourmet to celebrate

“The Art of Taste”

On Thursday July 12th iCi partners with Green Gourmet to present The Art of Taste: a new dining experience where guests dine and discover in one bite!

The evening begins with an interactive class led by food educators Elizabeth J.E. Johnson & Ludie R Minaya from Green Gourmet. Through tasting and journaling guests explore the five flavors and realize the connection between taste and health. Diners learn that balancing the five flavors is the secret to creating delicious meals and to maintaining health and vitality.

Following the class guests enjoy a dinner prepared by Chef Laurent Saillard of iCi Restaurant. The meal incorporates examples of the five flavors while featuring the freshest summer foods grown in and around New York City.

Class & Dinner $70

To make a reservation or to get more information contact: Marion Emmanuelle at ICI - 718 789 2778.

MENU

Added Value Arugula Salad

Parmesan Cheese, Pickled Fennel, Red Onions

~

Handmade Spaetzle

Fresh Corn, Tarragon, Lime

~

Wilted Dandelion Salad

Poached Egg, Bacon, Anchovy Cream

~

Dine’s Farm Roasted Chicken Breast

Quinoa, Kale, Roasted Onions

or

Zucchini Green Curry

Basil, Coconut Milk

~

Sea Salt Chocolate Tart

June Events @ Tillie's

June Events at Tillie’s Music

Saturday, June 9th Yonat Avi Fox-Rosen and friends 8 p.m. Two accomplished young New York-based singer/songwriters present an intimate evening of music, with intelligent lyrics, widespread musical influences, and riveting hooks. For a sample, click here and here. Cover: $5

Friday, June 15th Those Pesky Starlings 8 p.m. Indie folk from three singer/songwriters based in Easthampton, Massachusetts Matthew Larsen, piano and vocals Steve Biegner, vocals, guitar and banjo, drums Aric Bieganek, bass, vocals, guitar, glockenspiel, drums Their music features distinct melodies as well as quiet percussion, lush vocal harmonies, and a hushed, forthright approach to songwriting. Click here for more into. Cover: $5

Friday, June 22nd Elasticity Festival Check out accomplished, unexpected and exploratory music by some of New York’s brightest young talents

7 p.m. Jeremiah Cymerman’s Exploitation Project Jeremiah Cymerman, clarinet Matthew Welch, saxophone Tom Blancarte, bass Gil Selinger, cello

8 p.m. The New York Sound Painting Orchestra, directed by Evan Mazinuk

9:30 p.m. Rest/Unrest Lily Maase, guitar Matt Aranoff, bass Brian Adler, drums Cover: $5

Friday, June 29th Elasticity Festival

8:00 p.m. Jeremy Udden

9:30 p.m. Owen Stuart-Robertson, from Montreal Cover: $5 For more information about Brooklyn’s only ongoing new music festival, curated by Lily Maase, click here.

Art

Paintings by Taylor Fox June 18th – July 21st 2007 Newly arrived in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, Taylor Fox grew up on Cape Cod, a place famous for its unique light and those who try to capture it. He graduated from Pitzer College in Los Angeles with a fine arts degree and a different perspective from which to paint. He began, along with many others no doubt, to question the importance of painting in the midst of a camera-dominated era, with its endless array of technological devices that translate our world for us.

Statement

"I am a painter who creates context within existing framed borders. I borrow and take my own photos. I collect ordinary images that seem to come together accidentally and from these I create. It is this process of transforming that is the important thing in the practice of art, the place from which meaning emerges. I choose art as a response to being in the world."

Taylor Fox has shown his work at Jo Mama’s NY Bagels and El Dia Cafe in Orleans, MA and is currently exhibited in The Nicholas Harrison Gallery in Wellfleet, MA, Etherington Fine Art in Martha’s Vineyard, MA, and Clinton Hill Gallery in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. His work has also been featured in TKO online and Nylon Magazine. His next show will be at Snow Library in Orleans, MA this July.

For more information see www.taylorfoxart.com Reception: Thursday, June 21st 7 – 9 p.m.

Reminder to all garden lovers: Tillie’s is selling tickets for the annual Garden Tour

Sunday, June 3rd from 11a.m. – 5 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 on 6/3/07

A self-guided tour showcasing gardens in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Prospect Heights

Come to Tillie’s to hand in your ticket and receive a map on the day of the tour. For more information about the garden tour, call 718 707-1277.

For more information about any of these events, call Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140.

May Events @ Tillie's

May 07 Events at Tillie’s of Brooklyn248 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 (718) 783-6140

Open Mic

5/10 5/24

Hosted by Conquest Cover: $2

Art

Music and Me Photographs by Jennie Baptiste

May 14th – June 16th 2007

Jennie Baptiste was born in London, where she still lives. Hailing from the Caribbean island of St Lucia, her parents came to London in the sixties. She attended the London College of Communication and received a B.A. with Honors in Photography at the University of Westminster.

As a photographer, her work is inspired by youth culture and music in relation to her identity. She has documented the music phenomenon dancehall, as well as the rise and influence of hip-hop and tattoos -- the latest fashion accessory within the hip- hop culture. Artists she has photographed include Nas, Mary J. Blige, Mos Def, and De La Soul, for clients that ranged from Nike to Virgin Airways to Sony Music.

“Music and Me” is about her influences and the subject matter that has helped define her photography within portraiture overall.

“I continue to be fascinated by the influence of black youth culture in London. I wish to use my work to inform and educate people beyond the stereotypes, so that our history is also their history, creating a greater understanding of the different cultural diversities that makes up British society, here and beyond.”

Her photographs have been exhibited widely in Paris, Berlin, and London, including the show “Black British Style” at the Victoria and Albert Museum. In addition, her work is included in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London. Jennie is also curator of a photographic exhibition on the Maroon People of Jamaica, which will tour London and Jamaica.

Reception: Friday, May 18th 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Music

Friday, 5/11/07 Cyminology 8 p.m. An exciting and eclectic Berlin-based ensemble that seamlessly blends mesmerizing vocals by Iranian-born Cymin Samawatie, who is inspired by 11th century Persian poetry, and modern European jazz. With: Benedikt Jahnel, piano (from France) Ralf Schwarz, bass (from Germany) Ketan Bhatti, drums (from India)

Cyminology has shared stages all over Europe with the likes of Herbie Hancock and Bobby McFerrin and has recorded three CDS, all to warm acclaim. Said one German critic: “Cyminology shows that it is possible to glow without exploding.” Tillie’s is a Brooklyn stop on a tour that includes an appearance at Joe’s Pub in Manhattan. Cover: $5

For more information, click here.

Saturday, 5/19/07 8 p.m. Indoda Entsha Percussion Ensemble Directed by Preston Riddick A terrific crew of local talent raises the roof with drumming, singing, and sometimes dancing inspired by African rhythms -- always a delightful evening. Donation: $6

Friday, 5/25/07 ElastiCity Festival Brooklyn’s only ongoing new music festival

7 p.m. Shimmer Rob Mosher, saxophone Zach Brock, violin Evan Mazunike, accordion Matt Wigton, bass www.mattwigton.com

8:15 p.m. UBUNTU! Rick Stone, saxophone Evan Mazunik, keyboard Alex Foote, guitar Jay Foote, bass Jason Nazary, drums www.jayfoote.com

9:30 p.m. The Adventure Club Justin Wood, saxophone Adam Schneit, saxophone Tyler Wood, keyboards Devin Gray, drums

Cover for all shows: $5

An Addtract Inititative www.rules-of-addraction.org

For more information about events at Tillie’s, please call Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140, or email her at mail@tilliesofbrooklyn.com. See our website for location, hours, etc.

June: CLOSED

June has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I've eaten there a few times and the food has always been tasty, but it's never crowded like the other restaurants on DeKalb. It was the same with the restaurant that proceeded it, Sol. I always wonder why it's never quite taken off.

On Saturday, I noticed this:

Eek!

Two years ago, on my way to the Q train one morning, I passed by June and saw a mouse on the inside of the window sill. Just saying.

Anyone know what's up?