Lunchtime with Tillie: Zaytoons

I’m Van. She’s Tillie. Together, we do lunch. Hey out there, neighborhood! It’s another edition of “Lunchtime With Tillie” and for this trip, we ended up at Myrtle Avenue mainstay Zaytoon’s for a nice Middle Eastern meal. And we even had a special guest with us this go-around: Tillie’s mom, who was working from home and broke away to join us!

Zaytoon’s crept up on my lunch radar a couple of weeks ago when I noticed its menu posted on the window and saw a special burger section. Among the varieties was something called a “turkey royale,” which was said to be made with apples, and special herbs and spices. Turkey burgers never seem to have enough zing or zest to them for me, so I thought this was something I had to eventually try.

The day we went to Zaytoon’s was a pretty full one already for Baby T. She had a doctor’s appointment that morning, then we had a meeting at the playground with this neighborhood dads’ group I started. After we got back from the doctor’s, she went down for a nap, during which time I spent psyching myself up for the playground/lunch trip, and packing up her little lunch I was bringing along: blueberries, formula and a jar of “spring vegetables with pasta,” an organic baby food dish I picked up that I was hoping she wouldn’t hate and spit in my face!

When she woke up, we said our goodbyes to mom and made our way down to the playground on DeKalb and Carlton. We ended up staying out there a little longer than I thought we would, which then led me to think that maybe we should just grab something close by since she could be crashing soon. But that little voice inside of me that had been thinking about that turkey burger told me to press onward, so-Zaytoon’s-bound we were! On the way there, I called Tillie’s mom and told her we were on our way. She said she would join us for a snack.

We got to Zaytoon’s and the place was super-cool, which was nice having come out of the hot sun. When we walked in, we immediately received one of the warmest greetings I’ve gotten going to a restaurant. Our waitress grabbed a high chair for us right away, and then actually set Tillie up in it for me. She hung around for a minute playing with Tillie, getting big smiles from her. The manager came over and also played with Tillie, who must have felt like she died and had gone to restaurant heaven at this point! The waitress left to get Tillie some crayons and a drawing to color, then tried to show T what to do with it all, which I thought was really thoughtful. Tillie later tried to eat the crayons, but still, it’s the thought that counts!

We were sitting by the front window, so we were able to see Tillie’s mom come up. She entered and as always, Tillie was very happy to see her. As I mentioned, TM was just going for a snack and I thought that maybe I should order a platter, then give her the pita and hummus it came with. But I didn’t want to commit to a platter, plus that turkey burger idea was still lurking in my head. She decided to go with a small order of baba ghanoush. When it was time to place my order, I went in a completely different direction than from what I had been thinking about for days and got a merguez sandwich with a side order of fries. I don’t know what happened, maybe it was the thought the turkey burger wouldn’t live up to how I built it up in my head. Who knows?

Anyway, the baba ghanoush came out first, and it definitely looked intriguing. I never had it before and Tillie’s mom offered me some. I asked her if it was hot and she said no. So I said, “sorry, no dice.” (I have some food issues that would take up a million LWT’s to run down!) Tillie, fortunately, doesn’t have any of my hang-ups and made an eager recipient for the offer, and after the first bite was hooked! I still wanted her to get in some of my scary-looking jar of food I brought along, though. She had some bites, but was all about the eggplant!

My food arrived, and it was a plentiful amount, but I was up for the challenge. I took a bite of the sandwich, and then had to reach for the water right away! It was good, but a lot spicier than I had prepared myself for. The fries came piled to the brim in a basket and Tillie’s mom was able to help herself to as many as she wanted. (I’m always complaining about her throwing off my sandwich-to-fries ratios!)

In between bites of her food, Tillie was busy looking around the rest of the place for someone to give her some extra attention or smiles. The waitress played with T a little more when she came around, and after Tillie was finished with the savory portion of lunch, mom broke out the blueberries I packed along. I have to tell you, it was nice to have a blueberry cutter/distributor along: I was able to battle with my tasty, yet ultra-spicy sandwich!

By the time the blueberries were gone, I was finished, so we decided to call it a day in there. We got the check, which was $20, including the tip. Tillie’s mom picked up the bill, which made the trip even more of a success! I definitely recommend going to Zaytoon’s for lunch: Good food, great service and even greater company made it a perfect afternoon.

Myrte Avenue Partnership Wins Placemaking Award

Congrats to the Myrtle Avenue Partnership on their recognition of the "Home Grown and Locally Owned" campaign.  We look forward to checking out the vendors highlighted in the upcoming Fall 2009 campaign!  (Also looking forward to the loyalty program- read below!)

FORT GREENE and CLINTON HILL, BROOKLYN, July 23, 2009—The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership (the Partnership) received the ‘Placemaking Award’ honor during the NYC Department of Small Business Services’ annual Neighborhood Achievement Awards ceremony at Gracie Mansion last week.  The Partnership was chosen from over 100 city-wide nominations for this honor, which recognized its Home Grown & Locally Owned campaign for the Myrtle Avenue retail corridor in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. According to the city’s criteria for ‘Placemaking’, the award “honors a completed project by an individual or organization which increases the visibility, stature and overall identity of a neighborhood, resulting in greater visitation and economic activity.”

Initially launched in January 2007, the Home Grown & Locally Owned branding campaign was created by the Partnership to showcase the Myrtle Avenue merchants in postcards, print and electronic advertising, and streetlight banners, in an effort to promote the neighborhood commercial strip and encourage nearby residents to support the local economy.  The campaign leverages the historic “Mom and Pop” character of Myrtle Avenue and strives to distinguish its mix of over 150 individual retailers by featuring the personal stories of entrepreneurs who have invested their time, energy and money in building their small business, and therefore the neighborhood, reminding shoppers of the familiar face and the personalized service they experience at a locally-owned business.  The campaign also serves as a call to local shoppers to invest in urban neighborhoods, helping to prevent the displacement of locally-owned businesses while ensuring continued opportunities for first-time entrepreneurs.

“The Home Grown & Locally Owned campaign reinforces the reality that the success of our small businesses and the vitality of our neighborhoods are closely intertwined,” commented Michael Blaise Backer, Executive Director of the Myrtle Avenue Partnership, who accepted the award at Gracie Mansion on Monday.  The campaign has increased local awareness of new business openings on Myrtle Avenue, broadened residents’ familiarity with local business owners, and increased daytime and evening foot traffic on the Avenue. A new phase of the Home Grown & Locally Owned campaign will be rolled out in September 2009, during a month-long celebration of the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project’s 10th anniversary.  In tandem, the Partnership plans to launch Myrtle Miles, an Avenue-wide loyalty card program, where shoppers will receive points and bonuses for their local Myrtle purchases.

No-bama?

Reader / photographer David Velez noticed that while the Obama deli awning was up yesterday morning, it had been taken down by the afternoon! What happened?  Did Obama's people find out about this and threaten a lawsuit?  Did the deli close already?

Friday Photo

(Square Root Cafe, Myrtle Ave)

Lunchtime With Tillie: Anima

Anima. Wow.

The end.

Just kidding, neighborhood of ours! It’s Van – and Tillie, of course – with another edition of Lunchtime with Tillie. For this dining excursion, we went to Italian restaurant Anima on Myrtle between Washington and Waverly.

Anima actually brings on some special memories in our little household. Tillie’s mom and I had our first date there, when the restaurant was in its previous incarnation. It was then she realized that she met the man of her dreams! (And I met the woman of my dreams, too!) It’s also the first restaurant we brought Tillie to, back when she was just a little drop and not the wizened 9-month-old she is today! I remember Tillie’s mom had her strapped into the Baby Bjorn and I was toting our little Bumbo seat, which we placed promptly on the table. The staff there was completely accommodating to us -- rookie parents that we were -- and we managed to get out of there without too much fuss being made.

Over the past few months as I’ve been home, Tillie and I have gone there for lunch a few times or I’ve gotten takeout from there, but not in a little while. For whatever reason, it just hadn’t really worked out, but now it’s definitely back on my radar. So gather around and let me tell you the story of “Anima Magnetism.”

It was one of the nice-outside days we had this week and I thought of going somewhere we could actually get a little solar exposure. I thought “Why not Anima? I hadn’t been there in a minute. It’s close by and we can sit in the dining room area, by one of the tables facing the sidewalk.” I pitched the idea to T and she was all for it. (Not really, she’s just a baby!)

Anyway, I packed up her provisions, strapped her into her stroller, put on her little hat (which she hates) and off we went. We got there and I noticed on the chalkboard outside that it said “Patio Open.” I decided then that patio it is! When we got out there, I was totally blown away. It had to be one of the most beautiful outdoor dining spaces I’ve come across in the neighborhood. I’ve never been to Italy, or any part of Europe, for that matter, but the space had the feel of what I’d imagine eating al fresco to be out there. And shock of shocks, we had the whole patio to ourselves! I mean, if others knew about this, why weren’t they there?

I took a little table and requested a high chair for Tillie. The bartender, who was also serving us, brought the menu along, but I took the briefest of glances at it: I just wanted to make sure my favorite lunch selection at Anima was still on the menu. And yep, it was: the steak panini (or “panino” as they say it in Italy and Anima).

Now, here’s the deal: You’ve seen me rave about certain dishes at some of our neighborhood establishments. Well, you can definitely add this to the list. It’s hanger steak, spinach and mushrooms, with a hint of lemon, pressed on a ciabatta roll. Yeah, it’s as good as it sounds! It’s served with a salad and handcut fries, which I’m quite thankful for because surprisingly, you don’t really get fries served with many lunchtime sandwiches.

The order was placed, and Tillie and I took the time to soak in our surroundings. It was so nice and peaceful back there, I didn’t feel like leaving. But I figured it would lose its charm for Tillie at some point, so I snapped back to reality. Some bread arrived for us, and I gave her a few little pieces, then broke out with her toy stacking cups for her to bang together and on the table. After all, we had the whole spot to ourselves, so I figured she could have at it!

After a little while, my food arrived, and it was as amazing as I remembered. The steak was seasoned to perfection and that little lemon zest just sets off the whole sandwich. While I was caught up in the rapture of my meal, I heard some squeaking beside me, and remembered, “Oh yeah, Tillie!” Just kidding, I could never forget T-Bear! I didn’t have anything to share with her from my plate, but the formula did her good, along with some cereal.

I couldn’t linger back there forever, so after finishing my meal and scooping up the excess Cheerios that Tillie dropped, I asked for the check and we were on our way. My bill was around $10, but combined with the surroundings we dined in, was easily worth twice that. I would recommend any and all to go there for lunch: great food, plenty of beautiful space in the back (especially for a fold-up stroller!) and an incredibly nice staff that gives babies plenty of attention. What more could you ask for?

And that’s really the end!

Great Wall of Brooklyn: Next Artist Chosen

Myrtle Avenue's intriguing Great Wall of Brooklyn will have a new artist - Alev Ozaynak!  Looking forward to the installation... Alev Ozkaynak is an emerging artist who graduated in 2008 with a BFA in Drawing and Art History from the Pratt Institute.  She has participated in a few Brooklyn-based group shows, and her mural for GWOB will be her first major solo art project.  Her artwork is primarily black and white ink drawings that reference the markings of Abstract Expressionism and Japanese ink brush painting.  But upon closer viewing, the viewer’s imagination is triggered, as the forms of natural elements such as flowers, birds, snakes and insects are revealed. For her GWOB project, Alev Ozkaynak will be creating a digital mural based on a new related drawing.

Lunchtime With Tillie: Square Root Cafe

Hello once again, neighborhood. It's Van and his constant dining companion Tillie with another tale of our dining escapades. This time, we decided (Well, I guess, I technically decided seeing as how she’s 9 months old and all!) to go to Square Root Café on the corner or Myrtle and Classon. It’s close by the house, and since I’ve been home with Tillie, we’ve become semi-regulars there. The staff’s always nice to us, and it’s also where I like to go for some “Van Time.” Don’t worry, Tillie is with her mom then; I’m not leaving her to fend for herself!

It was on one those recent VT furloughs when I saw a mom and her kid sitting at the corner table by the couches. The kid was pulling himself up holding onto the table, and I thought to myself, “That’s Tillie’s favorite pastime! I’ll bring her here, she’ll pull herself up and ‘cruise’ around the table, I’ll eat my lunch and we’ll have a good story to tell. Now enough of that: Back to Van Time!”

So one day this week as I was thinking of a place to go, I figured our old stomping grounds would be a good place to go. I loaded up some pureed squash and a bottle for Tillie and off we went. Actually, we weren’t that speedy getting out of the house because here’s a little revelatory fact about me: I’m officially the worst person in the world when it comes to getting out of the house and going somewhere. Back in my working days, I’d have to give myself at least an hour and a half to leave. And that’s with my clothes ironed and a lunch packed from the night before! I don’t know what it is: I missed many a bus back in middle school from walking out the door late.

Anyway, I mention that because by the time we finally made it out it was almost time for Tillie’s second nap. Good thing we were hitting Square Root; anyplace else would’ve been disastrous.

When we got there, people were already sitting in the spot I staked out in my mind for us. No worries, though, we found a seat fine enough. The owner of the place greeted Tillie with enthusiasm, and I was given a menu and a bottle of water. The menu’s pretty full of some appetizing choices and I was about to do a coin toss between a burger or a sandwich, but the burger won out before it got to that point! And what’s a burger without bacon and cheddar, I always ask myself, so I went that route.

The people that were sitting on the couches left soon after we got there, but I already had us set up at this table. I wanted to entertain Tillie somehow, and I remembered that there was a box of toys right next to the phone booth there. (You’d think I would’ve gone for the toys first before counting on her standing up close to a table, but the conventional route rarely seems to work for the Tillster!)

I hope this doesn’t get me pilloried by any parent unions, but I set Tillie on the floor of the place by the toys and gave her a couple of the trains to play with. I know floors are made for walking, but I watched her carefully and washed her hands. Promise!

This actually kept her entertained for a while! I say it kind of shockingly because there’s a whole stack of toys at home that she loses interest in after two minutes or less. She was rolling those train cars around like a conductor born!

My food soon arrived, a big, juicy bacon cheeseburger, cooked exactly how I wanted it, and potato chips. I put Tillie in a high chair and proceeded to feed both of us. I’m telling you, being in this dad game, you really start to pull off some things you never think you’d be able to: like feeding yourself and a baby nearly simultaneously! We washed down our food with a coke and a bottle, and then packed it up. I paid the pretty inexpensive bill of eight bucks, fought off the urge to grab a cookie or two (or three for $1.75!) and we left until next time.

When Tillie and I got home, I read her that book “Freight Train,” which looking back on her time with the trains at Square Root must have helped spark some recognition with the toys, and that was kind of neat to see. All in all, I’d say the lunch trip was a success and maybe I shouldn’t rule out her enjoyment of toys. Standing up holding on to tables can be fun, but there’s nothing like rolling a train around!

Oso Industries

Taking a walk on Sunday morning down Myrtle into Bed-Stuy, I passed a curious door.

I assumed that, like many businesses on that particular block (near Skillman), it was a long lost business from yesteryear.  For the heck of it, I Googled it to find that it's acually a custom concrete furniture design company! Too bad there isn't an obvious showroom - it might be an interesting spot open to the public.

Obama Comes to Clinton Hill

A few readers sent in photos of a new deli opening on Myrtle between Vanderbilt and Clinton named after the leader of our country:

I wonder how many places like this have opened up around the country (and world), and if Obama feels weird seeing them.  At least it'll be open 24 hours!  (More than I can say for most places in the neighborhood.)  No word on whether Hope will be available.

In related news, I shook President Clinton's hand last week at a conference where I was speaking.  I have long been a fan of Bill, and I was thrilled to have the experience.  However, I couldn't help but think that it would have been much cooler to shake Obama's hand.

Lunchtime with Tillie: Kinara's

If a tree falls in the forest and no one’s around, will it make a sound? Why is the sky blue?

Why did the chicken really cross the road?

Great mysteries and thought-provoking questions, all. Well, I’d like to add another one to the list:

Why is Indian food restaurant Kinara’s practically a ghost town at lunch?

Hey again, everyone, it’s Van and Tillie of Lunchtime With Tillie fame, here to reflect on another one of our daytime dining excursions, this time to Kinara’s on Myrtle Avenue.

On this day, in particular, Tillie and I had been sitting inside all morning napping and playing, but kind of hesitant to go out because it was one of those weird is-it-or-isn’t-it-going-to-rain days we’ve been having lately. And something about me is that I’m not really one of those throw-caution-to-the-wind kind of dads when it comes down to the weather. I guess that comes from being told as a kid that if you go outside and get caught in the rain without an umbrella or with your hair wet, you can catch pneumonia. My beliefs aren’t that extreme any more, but I still try to be careful!

Anyway, we caught a break with the sun coming out right around lunchtime, so I decided to pack Tillie up and head down Myrtle to one of my favorite Indian food spots, Kinara’s. Aside from the food there, which I personally love, the restaurant has another very appealing aspect to me, especially in the nonworking era:

Everything on the menu is 50 percent off from noon to 4! Yes, you read that right: Everything!

I remember when the restaurant first came to the neighborhood by way of Park Slope. I had eaten at the original there with friends and enjoyed it. When one opened here, there was a chalkboard announcing the half-off-the-menu deal, which I thought was going to just be a grand-opening special. But here we are, a couple of years later, and it’s still going strong!

When Tillie and I got there this day, there was only one other couple in the place that looked to be wrapping things up. Tillie and I rolled up to our usual spot, I took my seat and was promptly handed a menu, which I promptly handed to Tillie! I had no need for it since I get the same thing every time: lamb rogan josh (lamb chunks and tomatoes cooked in a cardamom sauce) and nan. Sometimes, I throw in samosas for an appetizer, but I didn’t feel extra-gluttonous that day! The menu was put to better use by Tillie, and since we’ve been there a couple of times, the waiter knew she liked to play with it and didn’t bother trying to get it back.

There was only so much Tillie could do on her own with the menu while I waited for my food, so I grabbed it and played a little peek-a-boo with her, which she got a kick out of as evidenced by her shrieks of excitement. I get a little worried about that sometimes — you know, possibly disturbing others — but really, when that couple left we had the whole place to ourselves, so it was party time in Kinara’s!

My food arrived — the rogan josh, nan and a bowl of jasmine rice — but what about Tillie? She ate before we left, so I knew she was good there, but I couldn’t leave her to her own devices, while I wolfed down my personal feast. So I managed to still keep the peek-a-boo game going and also give her water from a straw, which is something her mom does with her when we’re all out. It’s just as it sounds, water from a straw, but she really gets a kick out of it, and who am I to judge what makes an 8-month-old happy?

In between games and enjoying my dish (with the lamb practically melting in my mouth, it was so tender), we got to bill time. My tab for all the food I ate, plus a coke, was $9 without the tip. It was worth every penny, even if it would’ve been full-priced!

Now, I know Indian food might be kind of heavy for some in the day, but you don’t have to eat like I do. The appetizer selection is pretty big and you can grab a couple of those, if you’d like. Or, here’s an idea: Go out there with a couple of other parents and kids, and get a few tiny dishes to share. There’s plenty of space in the restaurant. Plus, I hear curry-flavored food can help a child develop a palate for different spices, which is next on the agenda for Tillie. I think she’s ready to move past the water and straw!

Helping the Victims on Myrtle Avenue

Several people have been asking about how to help out the Myrtle Avenue victims.  The Local has a list of upcoming events and ways to donate here. Here's an event that sounds especially nice, and will provide a place for everyone to come together:

Let’s Lend a Heart & Helping Hand To 491 & 493 Myrtle Avenue…

SUNDAY, June, 28 2009 5PM – 7PM Chez Lola 387 Myrtle Avenue (by Vanderbilt) Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Chez Lola will be hosting a fundraiser for the tenants of 491 and 493 Myrtle Avenue.

If you have services to provide, clothes to spare, furniture that is collecting dust, come on by to Chez Lola on Sunday and let us know. Please do not bring it. We can take down your contact info and approximate location and help coordinate the transfer of goods. You can also go online to www.bistrolola.com as of Thursday (June 25, 2009) to post any services/materials you'd like to provide.

The Office of Council Member James will be assisting Chez Lola in these activities, and will be on-hand at this Sunday's event.

Chez Lola will be serving light food and refreshments.

Please bring your check book, wallet, donating spirit and helpful hand to give our neighbors get their lives back together!

Please make checks/money orders out to Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project.

Specify “491 & 493 Myrtle emergency fund” in the memo field. MARP has offered to temporarily hold your donations until they can be disbursed to the affected tenants.

For more information concerning the event and fundraising, please call at 718-858-1484 and ask for Edit.

Tish James and Office to Facilitate Donations

Leticia James and her office will facilitate donations to those who lost their home yesterday in the building collapse.  Especially in need is a teenage girl named Caitlyn who now needs clothing for her high school graduation.  From the Team Tish blog: "The building had a list of violations on it, including an unrepaired crack running along the side. The collapse damaged a residential building next store, leaving those residents without a home. A young woman, Caitlyn, who is graduating from public school this Thursday was a victim of the collapse, and now needs attire appropriate for her graduation. If you are interested in helping her, please make-out your donation to “Jose Nunez”. All checks can be brought or mailed to PS 157 at 850 Kent Avenue [Principal Torres]. If you can donate clothing to Caitlyn, or wish to donate to any victim, please email us at teamtish@gmail.com where we may be able to facilitate such a donation. We will expand on this situation as more details come forth."

Eyewitness Account of the Collapse

I was able to try out my new camera's video feature, and found someone in the crowd who saw the building collapse:

Sorry the quality is iffy.  I may try using Vimeo instead and re-uploading.

Photos from the Scene

493 Myrtle Ave Collapses

Just checked out the scene and I can confirm that 493 Myrtle Ave, home to Vesper bar, has collapsed unexpectedly. Photos and videos to come soon.  If you have photos, please add them to the public flickr group  have created here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/493_myrtle_collapse/

Building Collapse on Myrtle?

I was just checking some email when I heard a slew of sirens scream past my building.  A few moments later, I received this email from a reader: We were just trying to walk to the laundromat, but couldn't because it appears that a building on the north side of Myrtle between Ryerson and Hall collapsed and there was rubble across the sidewalk.  Not sure if this was caused by an explosion or what, or if it was an accident or intentional, but a pretty crazy sight.  Hope no one was inside the building when it came down and that no one was hurt.

I may head out to check it out now.  If anyone has any info, please leave it in the comments!

Children's Art, Framed at a Discount

Have an artistic kid?  The Clinton Hill Simply Art and Framing has just informed me of a special framing sale. CLINTON HILL SIMPLY ART AND FRAMING INTRODUCTORY SALE - Custom Picture Framing Offer

"kidz"

Bring any children's artwork now thru June 30 40% off regular price*

Children's Art Only Please no substitutes

Cherish the Moments

*Select samples only

Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 6pm

583 Myrtle Avenue (near Classon) Brooklyn, NY 11205 718-857-0074

We truly custom frame Est.1991

Best Yoga Deal Ever @ Move With Grace

Dance / Yoga studio Move With Grace on Myrtle Avenue is now offering the deal of the century - $30 for 30 days of yoga classes! The only catch - you have to be a new student.  (Returning students may sign up at $49 for one month of yoga.)  The offer expires at the end of May for returning students.  Sign up online here! MWG has a new logo and now also sports a small athletic wear shop in the front of the store.

Need a rehearsal space?  MWG is also available for private rental.  We used the space several times last fall to prep for our Thriller dance at 313 Clinton Avenue.

Move With Grace 469 Myrtle Ave (bt Washington and Hall)

Myrtle Ave Winner in NYC Plaza Program

A few years ago, MARP partnered with Project for Public Spaces to analyze a few places along the avenue in need of community feedback.  Community members were invited to participate and work together on potential solutions.  One of these spaces -- the service road on Myrtle Ave between Grand and Emerson -- was recently selected as a NYC Plaza Program site.  The program, run by the NYC DOT, aims to assure that every New Yorker is within a 10-minute walk of quality open space.  The DOT funds planning and construction of chosen sites. Congrats to them, and I look forward to seeing what's in store!

Great Wall of Brooklyn

You may have noticed the giant painting on the side of the Chez Lola building, on Myrtle Avenue.  It's the first in a series of public art works aimed at beautifying the commercial strip, engaging local artists, and creating dialog. Per their website, "The Great Wall of Brooklyn is an independent artist-run public art organization that will be launched in the historic Fort Greene neighborhood in Spring 2009. It will feature the work of Brooklyn-based and international artists. Located on the side of a four-story building at the corner of Myrtle and Vanderbilt Avenues, The Great Wall introduces large-scale art made in Brooklyn to the community each quarter."

Works will include painting, sculpture, projection and light projections.  The official "opening" will take place on Saturday, May 9 from 3-6 pm.  The piece will also be a featured stop on the annual SONYA Stroll, May 16-17 (more on that in a separate post!).

The debut painting, Achtung Baby...Here Comes the Next Great Depression, was created by Charlotta Janssen.  Janssen is the owner of both Chez Ozkar and Chez Lola, and her gorgeous works can be found hanging in both restaurants.  CHB asked her a few questions about the project and her history in the neighborhood:

1. What inspired you to start the GWOB project?

This big gray wall really needed some color , something to make an  impression, especially when I got the stats from the DOT: around 15 000 vehicles pass this crossing daily on Myrtle and around  7800 pass this crossing via Clermont. Advertising is the obvious,  but I wondered if this wall could have a different meaning. I  brainstormed with friends as to how to make it an art  entity. This  is my first attempt.

2. What kinds of art do you hope to display on the wall in the future?

Art that has a critical edge, that displays an artist's critical  point of view as well as style, that concerns social commentary 3. How can an interested local artist get involved with this project?

We are currently working on the criteria, hoping to have it by the  launch (5.09.09 3-6 pm). These criteria will then be available via  the website or at Chez Lola

4. Tell us about Achtung Baby - what inspired you, and how did you get the piece installed?

I wanted a strong piece - and this feels strong. I may be stating  the obvious with the next great depression, but it is also a  celeberation of the GREAT depression, getting pushed out of one's  comfort zone into the moment. It is a retro image, but I stil think  you can feel the individuals of this family: Jones' Family Car is  the title of the piece.

5. What do you think have been the most successful public art projects in the neighborhood?

SONYA - much respect ... BAM public projects ... Spark and Swoon  (graffitti artists in the hood) ... MARP's window project ... there  is always space for more. 6. You own two very successful restaurants in the neighborhood.  How did you get started?

This is a long and scary tale. In brief I never intended to open a  restaurant, I only decorated, designed and expedited restaurants  till I got fed up with people cutting corners and cutting down on  great ideas for restaurants with atmosphere, they always save on the  decoration - I completely understand business is rough, but I had  all these ideas stuffed in my head.

7. How do you think the current recession will affect artists and the art created?

Very positive and very negative. I think it will make for great art,  but if you need to sell art now, you may not be in luck. Layng low  and painting this GREAT depression away is what I think is the best  to do ... not always doable for some though.

8. How long have you lived in the neighborhood, and what brought you here?

I've been commuting from downtown Manhattan since 1998, wanting to move here since 2000, had a giant space for a great rent, but couldn't stand Manhattan. The moment I lost the lease (2005) - there  was no other place I wanted to be. I do miss going over the bridge  on my bike every day though - the BEST

9. Favorite thing about the neighborhood:

Diversity and characters! Nobody's smooth, everyone has an edge and  a heart and will definitely give you a piece of their mind. So paintworthy. 10. If you were a flavor of ice cream, what would you be and why?

Oh my, this is the toughest, maybe pistachio? Strange color, yet  edible? A fruity flavored nut?

Great Wall of Brooklyn 387 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205 www.greatwallofbrooklyn.org info@greatwallofbrooklyn.org Tel: 646 290 7253