(sorry I didn't post this sooner- I am just now feeling better!) Don't forget to take advantage of BK Restaurant Week, which runs through March 30. Until then, Zagat's is offering free online access to reviews of the participating restaurants!
Click here to check it out.
I always participate in the Zagat surveys, and I love to see if they've used any of my "witty phrases" when the new editions come out.
Remember that bodega on the southwest corner of Waverly and Greene? The one with the green storefront that closed down and emptied out when the building went up for sale? Looks like a restaurant is in the works, AND they've applied for a liquor license. Is this allowed, being so close to the school? I guess it is if they've applied. Wonder what kind of cuisine this will be, and what the clientèle will be. Students getting sandwiches after school? Or a place for nice dinners?
I originally fantasized about this decrepit storefront turning into something interesting, so I may *almost* get my wish. We shall see...
It's that time of year again -- the perfect excuse to check out some of the many awesome restaurants in the area. Go back to your favorite place, or try something new. The price is $21.12 per person (not including drinks, tax and tip) Here's a list of all the establishments participating in our area:L = lunch D = dinner Chez Lola (D) 387 Myrtle Avenue 718-858-1484
Chez Oskar (D) 211 DeKalb Avenue 718-852-6250
Five Spot (D) 459 Myrtle Avenue 718-852-0202
iCi (L/D) 246 Dekalb Avenue 718-789-2778
June Restaurant (D) 229 Dekalb Avenue 718-222-1510
Junior's Restaurant (D) 386 Flatbush Avenue Extension 718-852-5257
Le Grand - Dakar Restaurant (L/D) 285 Grand Avenue 718-398-8900
Los Pollitos III (L/D) 499 Myrtle Avenue 718-636-6125
Loulou Restaurant (D) 222 DeKalb Avenue 718-246-0633
Luz Restaurant (D) 177 Vanderbilt Avenue 718-246-4000
Madiba Restaurant (L/D) 195 Dekalb Avenue 718-855-9190
Maggie Brown Restaurant (D) 455 Myrtle Avenue 718-643-7001
Mojito Cuban Cuisine (L/D) 82 Washington Avenue 718-797-3100
Mullanes (D) 71 Lafayette Avenue 718-797-7606
Olea Mediterranean Taverna (D) 171 Lafayette Avenue 718-643-7003
Scopello Ristorante Bar (D) 63 Lafayette Avenue 718-852-1100
Soule Restaurant (D) 920 Fulton Street 718-399-7200
Thomas Beisl (L) 25 Lafayette Avenue 718-222-5800
Veliis 773 Fulton Street 718-596-9070
...and 2 for $21.12 at:
RICE (2 for 1 L/D) 166 Dekalb Avenue 718-858-2700
The Smoke Joint (2 for 1 L/D) 87 South Elliot Place 718-797-1011
(The full list of participating Brooklyn restaurants is here.)
stopped by the new incarnation of the pillow cafe today for an early lunch/snack. they're still getting things off the ground, but it's looking promising.....the food and drink are just as they were at the original pillow. we got huge hot chocolates:
a muffin:
and a bagel with pesto and fresh mozzarella:
i actually wanted to order a bagel with flavored cream cheese, but they didn't have any. the very sweet counter guy apologetically told me that they didn't have everything quite in place yet, having only been open a little over a week, but that if i'd come back, they would have vegetable, artichoke, and scallion cream cheese. artichoke cream cheese? yes, thank you, i'll be back.
the muffin was chocolate chip and got high points for not having too many chips and being a teeny bit salty, a nice counterpoint to the sweet.
the hot chocolate was as good as it looks. you can get it with whipped cream too, if you're into that sort of thing.
the space, though still a work in progress, is lovely. the front area, with the bar and a bunch of cafe tables, is light-filled and feels bigger than it really is. i am a little nostalgic for the cozy feel of the old pillow cafe, but it's hard to argue with this:
we sat in the area in back of the bar. right now it is mostly open, sparsely furnished with just a few couches and armchairs. but that was actually just fine for our purposes: it was the perfect space for two 2-year olds to run wild without disturbing the rest of the customers:
there was a big velvet curtain over the french doors in the back, masking the disorganization in the yard that will someday house awesome outdoor seating, but one of our little monsters pulled it down.... i'm sure they'll have it fixed by the time you go in.
pillow cafe 505 myrtle ave. @ ryerson and grand
Is this place related to Myrtle Thai? Because they have almost exactly the same sign (same font, different color awning) and a similar naming scheme. Or is this just a default generic Thai food restaurant sign?
(Fulton at Vanderbilt)
Back in September, Jay and I attempted to try out a new cafe in Bed-Stuy called Head Over Heels Cafe. When we arrived at the alleged location, we couldn't find it. Now five months later, we found ourselves wandering one morning and decided to see if it was actually there. This is what we saw:
This "cafe" is allegedly located where that gate is pulled down and there is NO SIGN. The website's still up, and claims that they open at 10am. This photo was taken around 11:30 am on a Sunday morning.
Seriously, this is SO unprofessional! Even opening 10 minutes late isn't cool. That was my second attempt to check them out. NOT good business practice.
(Allegedly located at 525 DeKalb Ave.)
I can't believe no one's written about this yet, but it appears there's already a new business ready to open in the old Blimpie's location. (LaFu, Lafayette and S. Elliott. And while I'm at it, I am NOT using the term LaFu to describe a trendy mini-nabe. I KNOW this is Fort Greene. But the streets here DO create an interesting triangle and a lot has been going on there. So I am using "LaFu" to denote the location. I would not say this is "in" LaFu, but rather "AT" LaFu, before more people get annoyed. Just saying.)
So, anyway, there's a new place that looks kind of like a bakery (a chain bakery??)
I'm confused by this. Since there's a sign inside that says "pan plus," I assumed "pan" referred to the Spanish word for bread, which would make sense if the sign outside said "PAN & MAS (bread & more)," but it says PAM & MAS.
What is going on here?
From the MARP blog, V-Day specials from some of our favorite places: Yes, we all know it’s a Hallmark Holiday that’s just a tad bit on the consumerist side of things, but if you’re going to spend it, feel good by spending it close to home. Valentine's Day specials are available up and down the avenue, so bring your honey out to Myrtle Avenue to enjoy a very special, local Valentine’s Day. Shop, dine, and pamper at your favorite area businesses.
SHOP
Karen’s Body Beautiful, 436 Myrtle, (718) 797-4808 Beautiful Valentine’s Day gift baskets — available in all price ranges.
Kiini Ibura Jewelry, 388 Myrtle, (718) 858-5195 10% off of all red jewelry (includes corals and garnets) 10% off of all candles
RePOP 95% Recycled, 68 Washington, (718) 260-8032 10% discounts off of all jewelry and dresses in shop for Valentine's Day.
Frosted Moon Emporium, 154 Vanderbilt, (718) 858-3161 Frosted Moon has valentine cards, valentine-themed picture frames and gift ideas for under $40 (silk purses, satin travel slippers and scented candles in keep sake glass holders).
Sarafina Art & Gift Gallery, 411 Myrtle, (718) 522-1083 10-50% off a number of selected items: -15% off Caswell-Massey aromatherapy -20% off sterling silver and amber jewelry -10-50% off contemporary art -25% off hand painted fragrance lamps and tea light holders -25% off Votive candles (Flower collection) -Also, chocolate heart-shaped lollipops in for the season
Head Over Heels, 366 Myrtle, (718) 237-8880 20% clearance on all boots, now thru Valentine’s Day.
PAMPER
Polish Bar of Brooklyn, 470 Myrtle, (718) 622-5363 Chocolate Paraffin manicure service ($20) Also, PBB is offering special V-day gift sets, starting at $30: -pampering gift set ($30) -manicure/ pedicure set ($60) -luxe manicure/pedicure gift set ($80) All sets include: gift card enclosure; PBB mint candy foot polish; PBB hand and foot repair; luxe terry cloth PBB slippers.
PBB recommends the $60 or $80 sets. Also, there will be an in-store Valentine’s Day celebration. Details here
Body By Brooklyn, 275 Park, (718) 923-9400
Enjoy LIVE JAZZ in the Lounge Wednesday, February 14th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
February 14th – 18th: Book a Couple’s Massage for you and your special someone and save $20
B3 Signature Chocolate Massage—10% off B3 Signature Chocolate Massage $175/ 90 minutes
Melt away stress, indulge your senses and warm your soul with a decadent chocolate massage. When absorbed through the skin, the natural antioxidants of pure cocoa help to flush out impurities, reduce cellulite, improve circulation and help stimulate cell regeneration. The aromas encourage serenity and mental wellness while the cocoa will soften, tone, nourish, moisturize and protect your delicate skin.
Book a chocolate massage now through February 15th and try a complimentary chocolate martini!
DINE
Luz, 177 Vanderbilt, (718) 246-4000 Special five course menu plus one drink $55.00 per person. RSVP recommended
Mojito Cuban Cuisine, 82 Washington, (718) 797-3100 Special prix fix dinner: $35/ per person; $30/ if you mention that you received e-mail from the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. Choice of champagne or white sangria and including salmon croquette appetizers, and rice and beans. Sautéed chicken in white sauce topped w/a bacon mélange. Strawberry parfait. May choose selected appetizer, entrée and dessert substitutions. RSVP recommended
Chez Lola, 387 Myrtle, (718) 858-1484 Special prix fix dinner: $35/ per person Menu: harrisa fennel soup, grilled shrimp salad, endive and watercress salad; pan roasted blue snapper, wiener schnitzel, guitarra pasta, free range chicken; w/ Lola’s ‘Be My Valentine’ chocolate crème brulee are on this special lovers’ menu. RSVP recommended
Maggie Brown, 455 Myrtle, (718) 643-7001 Special prix fix dinner: $35/ per person (Special menu still in the works) RSVP recommended
YES! Jay texted me Saturday morning to let me know BW was open for business, so we made plans to check it out first thing Sunday morning.
We arrived around 10am, so it was fairly quiet (with regular flow of patrons in and out). First impressions: good layout (register near the back, avoiding weird line congestion a la Bergen Bagel). Also, good selection of cream cheeses.
The guy in charge told us to check out the heated outdoor-ish back room, so we did.
Cool! Ample seating, and out of the way of other people in line and ordering.
Another bonus: TONS of pastries and cookies, in case you're not up for a bagel or sandwich.
Our order: I had a toasted sesame with olive cream cheese, and Jay had a toasted everything with regular cc.
Jay felt that Bagel World's (BW) bagels are better than Bergen Bagel (BB), but I myself prefer Bergen taste-wise (and I think Bergen has better olive cc). BW's bagels were very crispy and ARE made on-site (bonus). The guys working at BW also seemed far more cordial than those at BB. The main guy behind the counter (manager? owner?) was exceptionally friendly and eager to serve. Let's hope that's the standard and not just opening @sskissing.
BW is localed on DeKalb Ave between Clermont and Adelphi.
FROM BROOKLYNJAY:
Bagel World. Stupid name, good bagels.
The first thing I noticed was how well stocked, neat and organized this place was which, I guess it's to be expected since this is their second location. The staff really had thier act together too. Attentive, pleasant and there when you needed them but not in a pushy sort of way.
I ordered my favorite - an everything bagel, toasted, with regular cream cheese and a small coffee, light and sweet.
Mmmm...good bagel.
First thing I noticed is how well the bagel was topped and how it did indeed have a little bit of everything. The bagel was crunchy from the toasting on the outside and still soft and chewy on the inside - just perfect. The cream cheese was good too with just the right amount to perfectly compliment the bagel's coating. You can taste a little bit of everything but the salt was the most predominant flavor - not that I'm complaining as I like salt. (But a salt bagel on it's own always makes me feel like my blood pressure's just increased by 300%.)
Mmmm...good bagel.
The coffee was eh but I wasn't expecting it to be amazing - just passable enough to go with my bagel in the morning which it is.
Overall I'd have to say Bagel World has a slightly better bagel than Bergen, which is my local, and Le Bagel Delight and I would rank them currently in that order.
More signage up! I hope the bagels are better than the logo (blech).
A peek inside:
How soon?
(DeKalb between Vanderbilt and Clermont)
Kinda looks like it should be located in Chelsea or something. But I finally tried it this week and it was very tasty!
(Lafayette and S. Elliott)
iCi isn't the only place to throw a private bash (though it's received positive reviews from our readers thus far). This comment was posted to the blogger version of CHB, so many of you may not have seen it: My husband and I on November 17th, 2006 had a private party of 12 at Brown Betty's Cafe and no one was disappointed. First, let me expressed how comforting it was to be able to entertain our friends and feel as if we were in our own living room, except we had great service thanks to Ms Renee for hosting, great food, and fantastic music. As for the cooking staff (Mr. D & Ms. Cynthia) thank you so much for an "AWESOME" dinner. Of course, it would not have been a success if not for Owner of Brown Betty’s Café and Chef Ms. Cynthia Walker. Thank you for making Nick's Birthday a memorable evening and allowing us to literally take over your Café.
I didn't know BB was available for private events, but I'm sure a lot of local restaurants/shops would be open to it if asked. Good to know Brown Betty is an option, as the space is both beautiful and intimate. FYI, Polish Bar also does custom parties and events.
I can't even remember what used to be in this retail space:
But it's about to become a bagel shop! Maybe it'll give Tillie's some welcome competition?
A reader thinks it might be called "Bagel World."
Looks like that "reopening in the spring!" sign was finally taken down. So was the restaurant sign above the door. 
Now, there's a phone number hanging for rental inquiries.
The plot thickens.
Something's been amiss at Sushi D on DeKalb Ave. They haven't accepted credit cards in weeks, but they keep pretending it's just for one night. It's becoming silly -- if you're not accepting credit cards, just say so. Don't pretend it's a one-night-only technical problem.
Also, the service has been way off. During my last visit, we never even received water at the table, and my tea cup went unfilled for the entire meal until I waved someone down.
What gives? Management change?
UPDATE: Reader and contributor MizBrooklyn has the scoop!
Last time I went they said they were being investigated by a credit card company (at least I *think* that's what they said -- there was a bit of a language barrier)...apparently a customer has had problems with having his credit card number stolen and used. The woman I spoke with insisted that Sushi D only employs very reasonable people (she said her waitresses have been there for years), and that there are other businesses that may be the actual source of the lifted credit card numbers. But until then, their credit card privileges are suspended.
Little House on Clinton150 Clinton Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 (718) 237-7780
---
Chicken and Waffles.An odd combination that's oh so right.
And oh so good.
I was first exposed to them in California at the famous Roscoe's House of Chicken' n Waffles. It was love at first bite.
So obviously I was SUPER EXCITED when Little House on Clinton advertised that they would be serving Chicken and Waffles. When they finally opened I couldn't wait to give them a try. So plans were made with my friend 1UP and, of course, Lesterhead, and off to dinner at Little House we went.
Upon entering you are very warmly and robustly greeted making you feel immediately at home and comfortable. As Little House is quite small, 3 booths and 2 small tables, we had a bit of a wait but was treated to a couple of mini waffles for our troubles. Mmmmm...
We decided to look over the menu and order our food in hopes that we'll be seated by the time the food arrives. (We were.) The menu consists mainly of breakfast type fair, some burger selections, Quesadillas (???) and, of course, Chicken and Waffles - all at pretty reasonable prices.
1UP ordered Little House Meal number 2 (4 mini waffles, 1 chicken leg and 1 chicken thigh for $7.49) while Lesterhead ordered the Little House Meal number 1 (4 mini waffles, 4 chicken wings at $6.99). I opted for 12 wings at $7.49 so that I could try serveral of the sauce choices. I chose Jerk, Buffalo and Teriyaki leaving House BBQ and Honey BBQ for next time.
(I know, I know. I didn't order any waffles. BUT I knew 1UP was gonna hook me up with some of her's so that I could write up a fair evaluation. Food Review 101: Rule 153 - you've got to know your dining companions.)
And, of course, we had to get a side order of (Freedom) Fries.
The Waffles were light, golden brown and DE-licious! A nice fluffy interior with a crisp exterior that holds up to the syrup so that it doesn't get soggy before it's time.
The chicken wings were extremely crispy, well breaded and seasoned and very flavorful plain and as is. As for the sauces the Teriyaki was good, the Buffalo was good, the Jerk was better but the best sauce was...maple syrup.
Really.
Maple syrup. Squeeze a little on...oh my. Crunchy, sweet, salty...yum!
It's honestly the best way to eat them and probably what makes Chicken and Waffles such an awesome combination.
The regular chicken pieces were just larger versions of the wings.
The only disappointment was the fries. They were just eh. I think they could've been a bit crispier and SALTED. I've gripped about this before but I hate it when they don't salt the fries while they are HOT. Ugh. Salting after the fact...the salt just never sticks to it. Who's with me on this? Another minor grip is the lack of an easily accessable bathroom. After eating sticky waffles and greasy chicken you wanna be able to easily wash your hands and...you can't. I hope they clear that up soon.
So, overall, an awesome addition to the nabe. Good fair at a good price. If you go and plan on eating there plan on waiting a bit as it's pretty small inside but as a place for delivery or pickup - AWESOME.
Chicken and Waffles. Yum. Who would've Thunk It?
Just received a very comprehensive and exciting email from MARP about new openings and developments on Myrtle. Sweeeeeeet. *** Just wanted to drop some pre-holiday news and let everyone know that our shiny new Bank of America branch at Myrtle & Waverly opened its doors to customers yesterday morning. Stay tuned for a grand opening celebration in January.
There are also a number of locally-owned small businesses that have just opened, or are opening soon. Please be sure to pay them a visit and show them your support.
As always, updates on openings, store hours, and store contact info are available as we receive them.
BANK OF AMERICA 449 Myrtle Avenue Between Waverly Avenue & Washington Avenue Tel: (718) 852-1548 Hours: M-Th 9a-4p; F 9a-6p; Sa 9a-4p
RECENTLY OPENED:
SHALENA'S JEWELRY 384 Myrtle Avenue Between Clermont Avenue & Vanderbilt Avenue Local residents, George and Blanca Shiwbaran, offer a huge selection of costume jewelry at low prices.
LITTLE HOUSE ON CLINTON 150 Clinton Avenue Between Myrtle Avenue & Park Avenue Tel: (718) 237-7780 Offering hearty breakfast and lunchtime fare—specializing in wings, burgers, & waffles.
OPENING SOON:
Move with Grace – new yoga and dance studio opening January 8th. 469 Myrtle Avenue (Washington/Hall) http://www.movewithgracestudio.com Classes for kids and adults
Burzh-wa – high-end hair salon, opening before the end of the year 352 Myrtle Avenue (Carlton/Adelphi) Expected opening date: December 21st
Ruthie’s Sunrise – new breakfast joint by Ruthie’s Soul Food 570 Myrtle Avenue (Emerson/Classon) Expected opening date: January 15th
Joseph Tyler Salon – high-end beauty salon 456 Myrtle Avenue (Waverly/Washington) Expected opening: early January
Gnarly Vines – wine shop 350 Myrtle Avenue (Carlton/Adelphi) Expected opening: early next year
***
Lots of good stuff here. I'll be doing a more comprehensive post on the dance/yoga studio, but do check out their new site. If interested, register online. Class schedules are up, and you can also purchase class cards online. Additionally, student discounts will be availavle.
Next: I forsee a post comparing the TWO new high-end hair salons. Stay tuned...
gourmet kitchen/402 myrtle ave. (corner of vanderbilt)/718-643-9423 i have been meaning to eat at the gourmet kitchen for, oh, about four years now. why it took me so long to make my way to a place that boasts of "pastrami and corned beef" on its awning, i have absolutely no idea. then a couple of weeks ago there was a post on our local parents' listserve about how gourmet kitchen was about to lose their lease. finally, i had the kick in the butt that i needed!
we traipsed in today, one loud small child and one harried mother and one rather large red wagon (we were out running errands), and nobody blinked an eye. in fact, they all smiled at us. i took one look around and instantly felt like i was back at the local lunch-counter spot that my grndma used to take me for lunch when i was a kid: formica tables, formica counter with stools, a couple of men sitting at the counter reading the paper and drinking coffee, and a stooped, white-haired guy behind the counter who looked like he'd been filling the same sugar containers for the past 50 years. it's the kind of place where all the customers get called "baby" or "hon". when someone comes in and places a to-go order, the waitress writes it down and then, without moving an inch, repeats it back to the kitchen at top volume.
we parked our wagon and took a couple of seats at the counter. i perused the menu, even though i knew that i was going for the pastrami. it's your fairly standard diner fare: burgers, gyros, big breakfast selection, sandwiches, salads. but a few things stood out: 1) grits! you can get them as a side with most of the breakfast dishes. i do love grits. 2) the hot pastrami/corned beef/roast beef selection, of course; besides the basic "on rye" variety, you can also get a reuben (mmmmmm), club sandwiches, and a combo sandwich with all three meats, which doesn't really appeal to me but i know it would make my husbands' eyes light up. 3) crab and salmon cakes, which are also touted on the awning outside.
i ordered up the pastrami from brenda, our fantastic waitress. you can get it on a roll or on rye; i opted for rye since brenda assured me it was free of caraway seeds, and said yes to mustard. brenda slid it on to the counter about two minutes after i ordered:
it tasted just as good as it looks. the pastrami is cut on the thicker side, as you can see. not what i'm used to in a pastrami sandwich, but i liked it, it made it more like a steak sandwich. the meat was tender and flavorful with just the right amount of fat. the bread was fresh and soft but held together till the last bite. absolutley just as great as anything i've had at katz's.
i asked brenda what the deal was with them losing their lease, and she said that the business had been there for 30 years, she's not sure when the end is coming, and that they were being forced out because "they want to knock down the building". when we walked out after lunch, i realized that gourmet kitchen was in a one-story building. ah-ha. yes, can't let that sit there when a 10-story condo tower could fill the space just as easily!
Well, it looks like Little House on Clinton decided to be more honest about their opening, removing the "October" from their window sign. Still says "2006" though. They only have a few weeks left before they're going to need a whole new banner. At least they have an awning sign up, indicating progress.
Clinton Hill Blog published from 2006 - 2010. Please enjoy these archives - a love letter to the neighborhood.
