SCH Meeting: Thursday

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Society for Clinton HillGENERAL MEETING Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, 7-9 pm St. Luke's Church Parish House, 259 Washington Ave. (DeKalb/Willoughby)

7:00    Reception:  Come meet and greet your neighbors. Wine by Gnarley Vines, 350 Myrtle Ave., Carlton/Adelphi Appetizers by Choice, Lafayette/Grand

7:30    A Conversation about Traffic Issues in Clinton Hill

*Congestion Pricing (CP) – how will it affect us?

*Residential Permit Parking (RPP) – what, why & when?

*Street cleaning and alternate side parking –can it be reduced?

*Illegal truck traffic – what can be done?

Speakers include: Jane McGroarty, community activist and transportation expert. John Dew, CB2 member and chair of the Transportation Committee. Linda Scher, SCH Board Member, and Washington Ave. resident. Frances Rodriguez, Clinton Hill resident living on Washington Ave.

Please note:

1. Membership: Renew your membership at the meeting. Bring your check book.

2. Landmark Reports: Purchase the new report on the Proposed Additions to the Clinton Hill Historic District and the original Landmarks Report.  $15 each. These are important reference works that everyone ought to have.

www.societyforclintonhill.org

More Thanksgiving Fare

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(Was out of town yesterday -- sorry!) The Greene Grape and Jive Turkey are teaming up to offer a complete Thanksgiving package, delivered to your door! They're hosting a free tasting this Thursday:

Click, Uncork and Gobble!

The Greene Grape and Jive Turkey are excited to host their Third Annual Thanksgiving tasting on Thursday, November 15th from 5 to 7pm at The Greene Grape at 765 Fulton Street between South Oxford and South Portland and at The Greene Grape Downtown, 55 Liberty at Nassau in the Financial District of Manhattan. We’ll be pouring six American wines recommended to go with Thanksgiving dinner and serving a Jive Turkey with all the fixings. The event is FREE and is a great way to try before you buy! For more information, please visit www.greenegrape.com.

The Greene Grape and Jive Turkey are also proud to continue a New York Thanksgiving tradition by offering a full Thanksgiving meal – a deep-fried Jive Turkey and all the fixings – plus a Six Pack of American wines specially selected by The Greene Grape to complement the Thanksgiving meal. The total package is $249.95 plus tax and includes delivery any day the week of Thanksgiving – November 19-22. Quantities are limited and orders must be placed by Friday, November 16. This offer created an absolute frenzy last year – it’s never too soon to sign up! For more information or to order, please visit www.thejiveturkey.com or call (718) 797-1688.

The Greene Grape features offers from individual producers with integrity, skill and pride. For more information, please contact Amy Bennett at amy@greenegrape.com, by calling (917) 412-5901.

Jive Turkey features deep-fried turkey that has been called “a tender, juicy bird so perfectly cooked, with skin so crisp and tasty, you might never roast again.” For more information, please contact Aricka Westbrooks at westbrooksa@aol.com or (718) 797-1688.

New Restaurant: EN

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Easy Being Greene and Brownstoner have posted about the new restaurant opening on the corner of Cumberland and Lafayette (once rumored to become a 7-11 and/or a Thai restaurant). Just wanted to give my two cents: I'm really psyched about this place, since it's something NEW and not another French restaurant. img_0074.jpg

RePop: First Friday and HALLOWEEN BASH, Nov. 2

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repop.jpg First of all we'd like to thank all of the new folks who have popped into the shop recently and have submitted requests for merchandise! We are working hard at locating the perfect items for you and appreciate that you have chosen RePOP as one of your sources for fine vintage offerings! Find attached in this e-mail a list of new arrivals coming into the shop this week!

Second, Please be our guest this Nov. 2 for a wonderful group show of photography by Lucia Cousins & Elizabeth Lambert in conjunction with our 2nd Annual Halloweenie Extravanganza!

A HALLOWEENIE EXTRAVAGANZA: PHOTOGRAPHY by LUCIA COUSINS & ELIZABETH LAMBERT

RePOP is proud to present their first photography exhibition featuring the electrifying work of two Brooklyn based photographers, Elizabeth Lambert and Lucia Cousins. Inspired by the ebb and flow of New York as well as the unique and haunting, these artists capture the beautiful fleeting remnants of a metropolis, examining closely the seen but often misunderstood spaces within the whole that pass us by in our hustle and bustle from one place to the next. By-gone grafitti, advertisements, surreal images, doll babies with soul, subway tunnels and sensual silhouettes are all represented in this glorious body of work soaring above the obvious to analyze the bits and parts of what makes an urban jungle tick.

And back due to popular demand in conjunction with November 2 First Friday, RePOP will be hosting their 2nd annual Ghoulish Halloweenie Extravaganza. The festivities begin around 7:30 pm and carry on to the wee hours both within the shop and our private back room. The event will be catered by the scrumptious talents of Urban Palate* and costumes are required with a grand prize awarded to the best! All attendees are encouraged to bring an offering of their favorite poison to contribute on this evening of art, dance and merriment.

New merchandise arrivals this week include: tall 1930's black and white dental cabinet, companion hygenist lowboy (both perfect for bathroom or art and jewel accessories) Danish Modern TV Credenza, Danish Rocking Chair (amaaazing!) Swedish Bookcases, Walnut High Chests & Credenzas, Milo Baughman & Hollywood Regency Berger Style Sectionals, Mid-century duck decoys and lures, African American Sculpture, Gilded Hollywood Regency lighting, 1970's ball room plats, vintage pocket knifes, Columbian pony hair wallets and necklaces, Baughman Flat Bar Chair and other comfy and wonderful seating, complete dish sets by Metlox, new jewels and accessories by the fabulous Miss Ellie and tons more!!! As always all guests enjoy 10% off in house merchandise on First Friday so come on down and get something lovely.

*Urban Palate is a Clinton Hill catering team, and I hear they're great! Halloween menu will include:

Mini Croque Monsieur Saffron Risotto Balls Sicilian Meat Balls Organic Seasonal Vegetable Crudite Served with Bagna Cauda & Yogurt Herb Sauce Mini Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes Chocolate Orange Pumpkin Cupcakes

I have a really great costume planned, so you'd better bring your A game...

Speakeasy: First Impressions

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I dined at Speakeasy last night with two friends.  Apologies for not having my camera -- it was late (around 9 pm), and I had just returned home from a stressful grad class, and I forgot to bring it. For 9 pm on a Monday night, the place was pretty full.  There were a large number of people there who were just chilling at the bar, and most tables were full.  The atmosphere inside was quite nice, and I personally thought the decor looked great.  The chandelier is gorgeous! The crowd was also very diverse.  My friends also spotted a famous actor there dining (but I didn't know who he was). Food: we started with spicy wings as an appetizer. They came with a sort of sweet-spicy glaze and were topped with fresh cilantro.  Excellent, I thought.  Between us for dinner, we tried the roast chicken, the miso-glazed salmon and the... short rib?  All were really great -- flavorful and well-seasoned -- and there really is something to the idea of "comfort food."  Suddenly, we all felt kind of snuggly and content (seriously, we did).  We waited a really long time between our wings and the entrees, which was really the only problem we encountered during the evening.  Also, a few "key" items were not yet available, namely the lamb and the steak.  Will have to go back for those another time.

Not bad for opening night.

The prices, as noted by several readers, are a little too high. If the entrees were all $3 less, I'd probably go for dinner there quite often.  Also, my Heinekin was $6 (!!!).  I'm really looking forward to them serving brunch, especially on a snowy morning, since I live close by.

Anyone else go last night?  I know this place has received a lot of flack in the comments, but do go check it out before hating on it!  I thought it was lovely overall.

Speakeasy Update

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Apparently, Josie's restaurant on Waverly and Greene will be called Speakeasy. The front's been painted, the interior looks gorgeous and they look to be almost ready to go. Reader Sean stopped in when he saw some action inside a few days ago: I just wanted to pass this along for CHB. I was walking by Speakeasy tonight and noticed that they had tables set up, candles going, and people were sitting at the bar. So I poked my head in and talked to someone inside. I was informed that they are just doing Friends & Family for now but plan to be open to people in the neighborhood on the 15th, sort of a trial run, and then fully open on the 22nd. I saw Josie in the kitchen and the place was all decorated and setup and, I must say, looking inviting. I'm very excited to see what they'll have on offer.

I took these snaps last night:

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Tomorrow: Ribbon-Cutting at Frank White!

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Council Member Letitia James and State Senator Kevin Parker to Cut Ribbon on Upscale Brooklyn Café That’s Transforming Atlantic AvenueCouncil Member Letitia James and State Senator Kevin Parker will cut the ribbon on FRANK WHITE, a new upscale café/lounge that’s single handedly pioneering the industrial stretch of Atlantic Avenue that is aligned with auto shops and warehouses to a social destination for progressive and global Brooklynites. Serving gourmet coffee and a menu featuring vegetarian, organic and fair trade selections, fresh juices, smoothies, and teas, Frank White serves up a healthy alternative for this Clinton Hill neighborhood. The swanky venue doubles as a news/reading/screening room and gallery space exhibiting works of local, national and international emerging and established artists.

The indoor/outdoor space is reminiscent of an old world formal dining room complete with distinctive Damask print wallpaper, dark hardwood floors, crystal chandeliers, and antique wood and brocade furniture. The 1200sf garden/patio is designed with a wood deck for outdoor entertaining. For those in the know, Frank White was an alias of the late rapper Notorious BIG who grew up a block away from where the café is located. Students from Sankofa Academy, an independent private school will perform in honor of the opening. Coffee and refreshments will be served. WHEN:            Friday, October 5, 2007 TIME:              10:00AM WHERE:          936 Atlantic Avenue and St. James Place

Waffle Weekends @ Frank White

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Starting this Saturday, Frank White is launching Waffle Weekends! They'll be serving waffles/toppings Saturday & Sundays (10-1).They'd like to offer Clinton Hill Blog readers something special for stopping by this weekend -- a complimentary 'lil kim' size coffee or fresh squeezed orange juice with waffles! Just mention CHB for your free beverage :)

Frank White cafe/gallery/social 936 Atlantic Ave. at St. James Pl. www.frankwhitenyc.com

More info on FW here.

Visit to Frank White

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Wow. WOW. I stopped into Frank White last Friday and I have to say, I was blown away! The space inside is completely gorgeous. I'd kinda like the decorator to renovate my apartment. There's a lot of open space, gorgeous chandeliers, cool magazines to read. The space thing may prove awkward once they become busier, as there's not a whole lot of seating (right now, a table and chairs, plus the two chairs near the window and a window seat). They do have a large back garden area, however, that will tide them over until cold weather season. funky lamp at frank whiteAs readers have commented, the name IS a throwback to the Notorious B.I.G., and they'll soon have a permanent photo of him hung inside. Pretty awesome, seeing as he grew up just up the street. They plan on doing various art installations as well. I suspect the space would be amazing for private parties as well.

When I stopped in, I met the managers as well as another woman on staff. They were all super excited and very nice. The service was great! Props to them for opening such a gorgeous space. Be sure to stop by and check it out - we need to make sure they get enough foot traffic to stick around.

More:

Frank White cafe/gallery/social 936 Atlantic Ave. at St. James Pl. www.frankwhitenyc.com

Hours are currently 7am to 3pm, so it looks to be a coffee/pastry/hangout place for the time being.

Previous coverage here and here.

Movie Night @ Hollenback Community Garden

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This just in from the Hollenback Community Garden: What could bring together such a wonderful group of people such as yourselves, from across the spectrum of politicians, reporters, activists, green-minded organizers, designers, scientists, local community members, educators, photographers, local gardeners, parents, volunteers, musicians and more?

Why, the Hollenback Community Garden, that's what!

You are all friends of the garden, and as such I wanted to extend an invitation to you all for our upcoming,

third annual...

Triple Threat Yardsale/Free BBQ/movienight!

The event is to take place in the garden on Saturday, September 23rd (with a raindate of Sunday, September 24th). The yardsale is a fundraiser and will begin around 1pm The BBQ is free (though feel free to bring items to grill) and will begin around 4pm The movie will begin once it starts getting dark, around 8pm

Please save the date and invite your families and friends.

We look forward to seeing you there and being able to thank you for your past, present and future support and kindness.

in growth and sunshine, Mark

The Hollenback Community Garden is located at 460 Washington Avenue, between Gates and Greene in Brooklyn. It can most easily be reached by taking either the C-train or G-train to the Clinton-Washington stop.

Cara Perkins (917) 701-2875 Mark Trushkowsky (917) 804 -0414 Contact Coordinators Hollenback Community Garden Brooklyn, NY

Party Cake

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Many of you have commented on the photo of the cake from the RePop/CHB Anniversary party. It was a custom design by Shannon Pridgen of Heavenly Crumbs! The cake was shaped like a computer screen and was sitting on a Clinton Hill Monopoly board. It was chocolate, with raspberry and vanilla filling. If you haven't been over to Franklin to sample their sweets, you MUST go now.the cake!

OKTOBERFEST in CH

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Yearning for some brats and beer? Check out the cool Oktoberfest party on Lexington, September 29. Building residents will be transforming their loft, studio space and rooftop into an authentic German beer tent. Sounds like a great way to enjoy autumn in the Hill, as well as some grilled sausage. Details: WHEN: Saturday, September 29, 4pm-2am WHERE: 55 Lexington Ave., Clinton Hill, Brooklyn WHO: You...you...maybe you...and definitely you WHY: ? WHAT: Great German beer, great German food, great German and non-German music

15 bucks gets you

* Unlimited beer and pretzels * Home cooked German supper (grilled sausage, sauerkraut, German potato salad, kuchen, hot mulled cider) * Live music all night long

100 tickets, available here!

Tamboril: A Quickie Review

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I dined at Tamboril last Friday!  I'm waiting for BrooklynJay to go and write up his traditional review, but I'll share some preliminary thoughts. dscf1584.jpg

First, the space looks great.  Warm colors, nice furniture and a cool use of what could have been an awkward space.  The wait staff was exceptionally friendly and prompt as well.  I had a special coconut shrimp appetizer special with a fried chicken dish, plus shared the bread pudding for dessert.  Everything was really flavorful, and the place got pretty full later in the evening.  They'll start serving brunch this weekend- yay! Now, here are my gripes, which seem to apply to ALL new restaurants in the 'hood.  Tamboril does not have its liquor license yet, nor are they accepting credit cards.  I assume both of these conditions will change in the next few weeks, but it's still a major inconvenience to the customer!  The plus side to the BYOB is that is makes dinner exponentially cheaper, and Tamboril isn't charging any corking fee (ahem).  However, the credit card thing really pisses me off.  This likely means you must depart the restaurant for an ATM and then deal with getting change and splitting up small bills between friends later in the evening.  I just don't understand why these places can't wait another week or so to open until they have that stuff in place.  I've definitely walked away from a place I was about to dine at when learning they didn't take cards.  Yes, accepting credit cards is an expense for businesses, but when you have a huge space to fill with customers, it's necessary.  Dear restaurants yet to open: get your ducks in a row, and then open! Tamboril 527 Myrtle Ave.

New Cafe on Atlantic at St. James

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A reader just sent me this interesting tip: as i was walking home last night, while crossing st. james at fulton, i picked up a flyer for a new cafe supposedly opening sometime next week. here's the info:

'frank white' - cafe/gallery/social

936 atlantic avenue @ st. james pl

- gourmet coffee - tasty treats - international news - gallery space - social lounge

'frank white utilizes fair trade, organic, green, & natural products whenever possible'

their website url is www.frankwhitenyc.com, but it doesn't appear to be up yet.

This is what I call a pioneer - opening on Atlantic! Must check it out.

Il Torchio

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Il Torchio

458 Myrtle Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11205

(718) 422-1122

www.iltorchionyc.com

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"Hey."

"Hey." I said back to the strange man with the baseball cap on, a t-shirt and a beer in hand. I've seen him sitting at the bar all evening. Why is he talking to me?

Long awkward pause. No one in my party of four knows what to do now.

"You don't speak English?" said the strange man.

"Huh? Oh I speak English." i replied now with a bewildered look. Is he drunk?

Another long awkward pause before the stranger walks away.

"Oh, don't mind him. He's one of the owners. I have to tell him to stop bothering the customers like that." said the waitress.

"That was one of the owners?" We all looked at each other in amusement and laughed.

And that's pretty much the only bump in an otherwise really nice dining experience at Il Torchio, a new Italian place on Myrtle. As a new place they are still experiencing "growing pains" - running out of items, timing, etc. - but nothing that couldn't be corrected in the next few weeks.

The owners, as I understand it, are in the construction business and did a wonderful job of restoring the space. The bar area/dining room is very rustic looking yet airy.

It was a little dark for my taste but does create the mood of an "intimate dining experience" if that's what you're looking for. I was looking for a little more light so I could read the menu.

There's also a garden but I didn't go out back to check it out.

They offered a reasonably priced dinner menu with several salad, panini and pasta choices along with a couple of specials. They also have a huge tapas menu which I thought was a bit expensive at $8-$15 per plate. I always thought the idea of tapas were small, affordable dishes which you can make a meal of by ordering several plates. It'll be expensive to do it here at these prices but it didn't stop us from ordering a few as pseudo appetizers.

From top to bottom: The Tapas Special, the Dried Figs and the Artichoke & Parmigiano Dip.

The Special was nice - very garlicky.

The Dried Figs was interesting in terms of Sweet, Salty and Savory and might not be for everyone. Personally, I thought they were good but I'm gonna try something else on the tapas menu before ordering it again.

The Artichoke & Parmigiano Dip was very good, highly recommended, but you get this huge amount of dip and so little toast on the side! You'll need, no you'll WANT, a giant basket of toasts to scoop up all that yummy goodness! Now it could have been a bit thicker in consistency but in terms of taste...very good.

We then had the Insalata di Cesare to cleanse the palate.

Eh. I didn't like it. I like my salads to come dressed unless I ask for dressing on the side. The dressing was also very strong on the anchovies too giving it a fishy taste.The croutons were also a bit bland - need to be more garlicky. Unless changes are made - pass on it.

For entrees we got Penne ala Vodka, Rigatoni Bologneses and the Saffron Linguine with Clams and Calamari.

The pictures may not show it but these are fairly large bowls of pasta. (Or maybe I ate too much toast and dip.)

The Penne ala Vodka was very good. It wasn't too heavy on the cream sauce and had a very nice flavor to it. Very well done.

The Rigatoni Bolognese was good as well. It's a mixture of meats making up the Bolognese sauce which made the dish slightly different than the ordinary. Again, very flavorful and well done.

The Saffron Linguine had a lot of flavor but finished with a bit of saltiness. I'm thinking it's from the clams but I could be mistaken. It was still a very good dish that could've been better if it was slightly less salty.

We finished dinner with the Tiramisu which is not pictured because it didn't last long enough to get photographed! Decent slice of Tiramisu covered in a chocolate sauce. Yummy.

Overall, I enjoyed my dinner at Il Torchio. It's nice to have a reasonable priced (if you stay away from the tapas menu) Italian restaurant on Myrtle. The dishes are nice, familiar fare with a slight twist. The large selection of tapas gives it the ability to be a different dining experience every time you go - I'll definitely be back.

Note: They do not currently have a liquor license but are in the process of getting one. There is a liquor store on the corner with a nice selection of wines. Il Torchio charges a $10 corking fee.