Couture on Fulton??

Just noticed this new awning on Fulton between Waverly and Clinton: design studio on fulton

I did a little research, and discovered that they do original clothing design as well as sewing and pattern-making classes! Here's a post I found on Craigslist:

Interested in PATTERNMAKING or SEWING CLASSES, well read on......

We're starting our Fall/Winter '06 semester of fashion classes with an OPEN HOUSE!!

* A FREE Sewing lesson for Adults and teens * Demonstrations * Door Prizes and give aways * Tuition discounts (if registering during Open House)

Where ? ESAIE COUTURE design studio 915 Fulton Street, 2nd flr loft (btwn Clinton Ave & Waverly Ave) Brooklyn, NY 11238 718-284-2942

When ? Saturday October 14, 2006 12 noon to 4 pm Missed it or can't make it? Then call for a brochure and class schedules

About Us & our classes: Novice to experts are welcome. Adults and teens can sew and fashion design. ALL sewing skills are covered. There's also a separate class for flat patternmaking fundamentals. We will help you progressively build your skills, as each level’s lessons builds on the knowledge of the previous lessons.

Nothing is left out!

Our instructors are designers in the fashion industry working with Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Eileen Fisher, Beyonce Knowles, etc.

If you are interested in learning a skill, building on your skills, or fine tuning your skills...see you there on Saturday!

Registration is on a continuous basis. New classes open every 6 weeks.

Call to RSVP for the OPEN HOUSE.

Guess we missed the open house- crap. But I've been wanting to take sewing for years now. I'm going to investigate further.

Outside the Hill

1. Macheads Rejoice!! Native Brooklynites have opened Brooklyn's first authorized Mac repair shop, Mac Support Store. Thank GOD.

They're in Park Slope, but hey, it's still closer than TekServ. Plus, Lesterhead endorses both Brooklyn businesses and Mac.

The Mac Support Store

561 Ninth Street

Ground Floor

Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-312-8341 Live help on ichat: macsupportstore

2. PLG ArtMart -- Sat, Oct 21, 10-5

This looks pretty cool, and I've heard good stuff about the PLG area. Plus, the event sounds really community-oriented. From Across the Park:

The ArtMart planners have 30 or so vendors signed up. Beer will be available for adults, costume design will be available for kids. Area restaurants will be offering lunch specials. The Door, a youth drop in center in Manhattan, is going to be doing outreach at the event as well.

Clinton Hill Library

Recently, someone posted asking about the library on Washington Avenue.

Let's see... what to say about it? It reminds me a lot of the library I went to growing up -- kind of 1970s, small, kind of dark. I've found plenty to borrow by just stopping in -- the selection is not huge, but you can most certainly pick up a few things of interest. As long as you plan ahead, their selections don't really matter. Just get a NYC library card, and you may request books you want online! When available, the books will be sent to the library of your choice (for free!), and you just go pick them up.

Here's more info on the branch from the website:

Strong support from this economically and racially mixed community brought the branch into being in 1974. The Society for Clinton Hill, which met regularly at the library, gave impetus to the formation of the Friends of Clinton Hill Library. The branch has a large Black Studies collection and an art reference collection.

As an adult, the idea of the library seems inconceivable -- free books? To borrow? Really? For free? Sweet.

Plus, I also saw this supercute cat outside:

street kittyBrooklyn Public Library Clinton Hill Branch

380 Washington Ave. at Lafayette Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11238 718-398-8713(check the link for details on special library programs and events!)

A Great Reason to Get a Pedicure!

PBB Partners with the American Cancer Society in the fight against Breast Cancer

During the entire month of October, the Polish Bar will donate 100% of the proceeds generated from the sale of Polish Packs to continue the fight against breast cancer. Polish Packs are purchased by every client for their services. "We sell hundreds of these per week," says the owner, Tricialee of the sealed pouches containing sterilized filing tools. Funds generated will go towards awareness campaigns and the support of treatment initiatives in Brooklyn.

The Polish Bar is located at 470 Myrtle Avenue (at Washington).

The timing of this campaign to raise funds in the fight against breast cancer is significant due to the fact that October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Polish Bar hopes to leverage this awareness and increased visibility to stimulate men and women, otherwise unaware, to join humanity in the fight against breast cancer.

The Polish Bar is also providing registration papers for the 'Making Strides against Breast Cancer' walk in Prospect Park on Sunday, October 15. While hanging the last poster Tricialee said, "There is nothing which garners greater nobility in life, than fighting that which threatens it."

The Polish Bar of Brooklyn, located in the heart of Clinton Hill offers a variety of beauty services such as manicures, pedicures, waxing, brows/lashes, and make-up application. Points of difference include cleanliness, professionalism, and affordability, combined with a hip and sophisticated environment.

Friday Misc.

Wine Tasting TONIGHT @ OlivinoOlivino will host an exciting tasting this Friday, September 29, 2006 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Rudi, from Miskeit Wines will be tasting a flight of five German wines, three whites and two reds!

Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn BAKE SALE The bake sale on Sat., 9/30, is sponsored by Fort Greene Kids, runs from 11 am to 4 pm, right near the children's park at Washington Ave. and Lafayette Ave. Great food at excellent prices. The proceeds benefit the DDDB Legal Fund.

Bad Postal Service in the News Here's the article in the New York Sun, focusing on the inconsistent and irritating mail delivery service in our area. The article sadly did not focus on the foul 11238 post office, but mail delivery is just part of the problem being generated there and at other area POs.

Karen's Body Beautiful: Myrtle

When I first moved to the Hill, Karen's Body Beautiful resided in a tiny storefront on Clinton Avenue north of Myrtle. I was thrilled to see her move to an exponentially larger site on Myrtle earlier this year -- the store is spacious, peaceful and warm, and really makes sense on our ever-changing Myrtle Ave. The absolute coolest thing about Karen's store is the fact that she creates ALL of her products right there, on-site! A modern kitchen sits directly behind the front counter, allowing shoppers to watch her work her magic.

Getting to know Karen:

When did the store first open? I know it was originally in a different location. We opened the first store in February 2004 and the current location (our expansion) in Feb 2006.

How did you learn to make your own beauty products? My friends and I tried it once, and nothing turned out correctly. My husband and I spent our 2003 summer vacation (from teaching High School History) learning how to make personal care products. We bought books and ingredients and did lots of experimentation. We signed the lease on our original location on Clinton Ave in November 2003. Since we were still teaching at the time it took us 2 months to make enough products to stock the store and we opened in Feb 2004. It was very exciting because we taught at the same school in the history department, we would come home make shower gel, shampoos, body butters, etc. and drive them over to the store every day. Out of the experience making the products off site (at home) and hauling them to the store did we decided that it would be wonderful to put the kitchen in the store to streamline our production and we thought the customers would get kick out of actually seeing the products being made.

Do you live in the neighborhood? If so, how long have you been here? I live in Bed-Stuy. I've lived there for 2 years.

What have been some of the challenges in owning your own business in Brooklyn? On of the challenges is maintaining a daily production schedule to keep up the our internet and in store demands. Since we make all of our products from scratch in the store we have to be open daily making products in order to fill internet orders and keep the store stocked. It takes alot of work and time to hand-make and package thousands of soaps, lotions, candles, etc.

Favorite place to eat in the neighborhood: My favorite place to eat is ABistro* on Carlton and Myrtle. The Senegalese Fried Chicken and French Toast (on Sunday Brunch) are FABULOUS!

What would you love to see open in Clinton Hill? There are sooo many things Myrtle Ave needs! A few more restaurants (including a vegetarian one) and bars are necessary to generate more foot traffic to support businesses like a butcher shop, flower shop, clothing stores, gourmet fruit and vegetable grocery store and bakery.

Any insider info on what else will be opening on Myrtle? A new hair salon that caters to white hair will be opening soon on Myrtle between Waverly and Washington. I also know that several flower shops and a butcher are very interested in opening on Myrtle.

I see the shop is quite roomy. Do you ever offer classes, seminars or events? We have KBB Spa Days where a masseuse and an esthetician come in to do spa treatments, birthday parties, and seminars on health and beauty.

What's your most popular product? Our Body Scrubs are most popular. They are very moisturizing, they exfoliate, soften and leave you with brand new skin.

If you were a flavor of ice cream, what flavor would you be and why? Hmmm... I dont eat ice cream any more, but my favorite dessert is a mango, pineapple and strawberry home-made smoothie sweetened with agave and stevia with a dash of lemon essential oil.

KAREN'S BODY BEAUTIFUL 436 Myrtle Avenue Between Clinton Avenue & Waverly Avenue Tel: (718) 797-4808 Hours: M-Sa 12p-8p; Su 12p-5p

* When ABistro first opened, I visited several times and absolutely loved it! The service and food were both top notch. For some reason, I haven't been in awhile. Thanks, Karen, for reminding me!!

More on Post Office Woes

A reporter from the New York Sun has contacted me about our post office woes. She tells me that several Fort Greene residents are having major problems with their mail delivery -- mainly that mailmen/women are too lazy to climb up brownstone steps and are instead dumping all mail by the ground floor apartment, where it often gets destroyed in inclement weather.

I told her I would post a notice and ask for further comments on general mail problems in Fort Greene/Clinton Hill. Go to it, friends, especially if the post office/mail carrier has lost something valuable during delivery.

Want to file a complaint? Go here.

An Exciting Surprise

After BklnJay wrote about LaFu, I decided I needed to check it out for myself. When I first moved to CH, I spent quite a lot of time around that corner. It didn't hurt that I had friends who lived across from Moe's, and CH wasn't home to quite as much as it is today. However, in the last year I've been down there less and less. So I was surprised to see all the new stuff with my own eyes!

It seems that only male bloggers have mentioned the new Stuart & Wright boutique in Fort Greene, which led me to believe that it only carried men's apparel. But NO! I peeked inside, and definitely saw lots of lady-tops, high boots and peep-toe shoes!

SWOON! I love that they kept the old sign up outside.

Here's more info.

Um, when did Fillmore open here?

And now for Mullanes. Well... I like the outside design a lot. The inside looks like... any Murray Hill pub. Here's the menu and the hours:

I do like that they're serving food. How many times have you been at Rope and gotten superdrunk because you haven't eaten dinner first? Um, OK, maybe just me (and a few other readers -- you know who you are).

On the OTHER side of the LaFu intersection, next to Academy, is THIS:

This looks cool. The exterior kind of reminds me of HK, in my former neighborhood.

I still haven't tried Le Bagel Delight. They're soooo witty!

At first, I assumed S&W was in the former cleaners closer to CH at Cumberland and Lafayette.

But no. Instead, there's a 7-11 moving in there!!!

Not sure how I feel about this. I'm sure it will be cleaner and bigger than any bodega in the area, and probably less smelly and stocked with more practical stuff (ie it won't have that entire aisle dedicated to those religious candles).

Looks like I'm spending my weekend in LaFu.

Hasidic Car Dealership!

Jay and I drove past this unmarked spot on Park Ave at Kent, and noticed some minivans parked inside. We u-turned it around and passed again. Looks like a hasidic car dealership!

The Hasidic community of South Williamsburg seems to be making an aggressive expansion into Bed-Stuy along Bedford Ave and onto the western side streets. Is this causing any friction in that micro-nabe?

UPDATE: There is now a sign on the exterior - this pic is a few weeks old.

Tickling the Ivories

Local musician Shawn Onsgard offers piano lessons to students of all ages in the neighborhood. Plus, he's about to "make it big" -- his music is slated to be available on iTunes very soon! Always been wanting to study piano? Start locally.

Here's more info: an interview with Shawn

How long have you been giving piano lessons in the neighborhood? I started teaching piano full time in 2001 when I finished grad school at Wesleyan University, CT, and really enjoyed it, so when I moved to the neighborhood in 2003 I started my little piano studio here.

What's the normal clientele? Mostly children? I teach a lot of families ... parents and children, which is nice, I like facilitating music in family life. A little over 1/3 of my students are adults, and my students range in age from 5- adult at all abilities from beginners to people with professional goals.

Did you take piano as a child? I grew up in a musical family and learned my first song at the piano, "Boogie Woogie," from my Aunt and Grandmother when I was 7. I signed up for piano lessons then, continued my studies at the conservatory in Milwaukee through high school, and just haven't stopped playing.

What kind of music do you write and perform now? My website www.Onsgard.net has a good downloadable selection of my music from the last several years and albums for sale. My own music is avant-garde, avant-jazz, new classical, experimental ... these are names people tend to to describe it. I have composed a lot for dance, film, media performance with lap-top, sound sculpture and installation. Right now I'm developing an improvisatory solo piano repertoire using 'home-made' scales that don't repeat at the octave and irregular rhythmic structures. Think Thelonious Monk picnics with Alexander Scriabin in Charles Ives' backyard.

How long have you been in the neighborhood, and what's your favorite aspect? I've been here 3 years, and have family who've lived on Vanderbilt Avenue for more than 30 years. I love the people here. I like the diversity in this neighborhood... ethnicity, income, religion, language, etc. Gentrification hasn't homogenized the place. I enjoy the small town feel I get here that I never got in any of the small towns I've lived in. Go to the farmers market on Saturday, any play ground anytime, the 5spot on Myrtle, you see what I mean. People know each other here.

What would you love to see open up nearby? Bookstore!

How do you feel about the neighborhood as a musician? Do you think it promotes creativity? There's a supportive network of successful musicians, artists, and freelance creative types here which is really supportive. I would like to see more local venues opening to live music performance. Does anyone but Parlor Jazz on Vanderbilt even have a piano in this neighborhood? Musicians I know are mostly performing in other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Also, the rents have got to slow down, or intentionally diversify, or something!

Favorite neighborhood place to eat: Too many. My local regular go-to is Cafe Martino (Tino's) for breakfast sandwiches and espresso. My all time favorite is ici on DeKalb any time. Also in my top seven are Pillow Cafe, Urban Spring, Graziella's, Ft. Greene Park on Saturday morning, and the 5 Spot. If I wasn't vegetarian, I'm sure Lou Lou's would be in there too. I haven't yet been there, but I suspect Kush on Fulton would be in there too.

***

Shawn does exclusively in-home lessons, and presently has time available on Saturday afternoons.

Shawn Onsgard www.Onsgard.net

Shawn@Onsgard.net 917.553.2064

Hell on Earth: Adelphi Station PO

There are few things I hate more than visiting the Adelphi Station post office, for the 11238 zip code. If I can avoid it, I do, opting to send packages and buy stamps at the PO closest to my office (which happens to be huge, gorgeous and generously staffed).

As most of you have probably experienced, there are times when one MUST visit the PO in their zip code. Namely, when one received a large package, and does not have a doorman or a mailbox with capacity for anything larger than a magazine.

Sigh. Where to begin?!

1. HOURS I know PO hours are fairly standard, and this branch is no different -- 8-5 M-F; 8-1 Sat. However, how many people can actually get to the PO between these hours if they're working regular hours and have to commute to work? If you could get through the line quickly, that might work...

2. STAFFING I have never seen more than two employees working at the windows, when there are, in fact, seven or so windows that could potentially be used. This means that when anyone comes in for something other than stamps, it takes an eternity for the line to move forward.

3. PACKAGE RETRIEVAL My "favorite" thing is when the lone window attendant disappears for ten minutes to find one package, leaving the line at a complete standstill. On occasion, there will be a window dedicated to package pickups, but even then it crawls along. I suspect all registered packages are just dumped in one unorganized pile. Some sort of "system" might be more efficient.

4. APATHY Once, this branch lost a package of mine for two weeks. I showed up at the window after waiting 30 minutes with my retrieval slip in-hand, and my parcel could not be found. The explanation? "I don't know what to tell you. Sorry. I'll call you if I find it." (say aloud in monotone voice) No one called.

Two weeks later, I receive another slip. Thankfully, this time they handed it over. But I still had to wait in that snail-paced line. Again.

5. FACILITIES Dirty, unattractive and unstocked. Don't expect the forms you may need to be readily available. Chances are, you'll have to wait in line (surprise) to ask for what should be sitting out at kiosks.

I always have to pick up packages before work -- I am fortunate enough to leave for work around 9:30. I have never once walked in to find a line that did not extend the length of the office. And I have been late to work more than once because of a trip to the 11238 PO.

Clearly there is an enormous customer base. Long lines are the standard, not the exception. WE NEED INCREASED STAFFING, NOW! It's just not acceptable to wait 30 - 60 minutes every single time.

I'm going to write letters to the manager of the 11238 PO, as well as the NYC and national headquarters (there must be such a thing, right?)

My suggestions:

  • Triple the staff
  • Dedicated window for package pickup, and expedited package retrieval
  • Extended evening hours at least one night per week
  • Dedicated window for international shipping (to help expedite the necessary customs forms and shipping requirements)
  • Self-service package shipping machines (available at the WTC PO currently, and probably many other NYC POs)
  • Staff ALL windows during busiest hours

I stopped in last Wednesday afternoon to test the waters during a time I'm never available to go. Here's what I found:

adelphi long lines, even during the middle of the day
not only is this kiosk void of materials, it's full of TRASH!
...and again, few supplies, but trash all around

11238 is the armpit of the postal service.

Polish Bar: The Interview

I recently caught up with Tricalee Riley, owner of Myrtle Avenue's Polish Bar Brooklyn, to find out more about the inception of her business and why she loves Clinton Hill.

How long have you lived in the neighborhood, and what brought you here? I have been a Clinton Hill resident for 2 years. I love it because it is authentic, it wasn't created... it's a real community, with real people... real families and everyone belongs.

What's your favorite thing about it? the unpretentious people and the Pratt students... they keep me young and hip.

How long have you been planning to open Polish Bar, and what gave you the idea? 7 years. The idea came from being disappointed with the options in inexpensive nail salons; a part of my weekly routine. Sometimes you feel like you can do something better than it's currently being done. It was one of those situations. My makeup background brought the other facets of the business into the plan. So I started documenting my ideas (daily) about 5 1/2 years ago. I started my business plan in 2004.

Any unexpected hurdles in opening your own business? Yes, too many to count. I've learned to spend 5 minutes on defining the problem and the remainder of time on RESOLUTION.

What sets your shop apart from other area salons? Simple. We're a customer based business. Every decision we make as business professionals puts the customer first. We are continually looking to improve the service, the products, and the overall experience. I believe as long as we remain committed to this, we will continue to grow as a brand. We're improving day by day.

Did you use any local organizations' resources in opening the salon? (MARP, PCC, etc) I met with MARP to introduce the business and get some feedback on my storefront design. Luckily, they were pleased with everything I wanted to do and very supportive. I could have used more resources, and now that I’m open I plan to reach out for help.

What's your background, professionally? Beauty? Business? I worked in cosmetics for 10 years. I managed makeup artists, retail stores and opened freestanding stores for cosmetic companies. I have 7 years in Business Management and 11 years in makeup. My experience ties directly into this venture and has helped in the transition.

Do people, um, think that the name of the salon is Polish, as in Poland? I myself misread it, as did many others. Any funny stories about that? LOL... truthfully, they're aren't any funny stories. I came up with the name 5 years ago, so I've heard Polish Bar... (as in Poland) over and over again. People come in a dozen times a day and say, "I thought this was a Polish Bar..." They laugh and I try to laugh too, but it's so hard. I would compare it to, "knock knock... who's there?" I want to laugh, but there's nothing left.

But I get it, and still I was adamant about the name, even though I knew it would confuse people. I spent many nights inside of the shop listening to neighbors and their excitement about a new bar opening. I guess that's why I felt compelled to offer cosmos at my Grand Opening. I guess I felt a bit guilty.

Favorite place to eat in Clinton Hill: so my typical day is breakfast at Cafe Martino, lunch from Pillow Cafe or Smooch... then take out from Thai 101 or Zaytoons. They are all my favorite. I spent a lot of time at these places when I was planning my opening.

What's your greatest wish for the neighborhood? That's too hard... so many things. Hopefully more small businesses will open, new restaurants, lounges, clothing shops, etc... I do want change for Clinton Hill, but I hope the people remain the same.

If you were a flavor of ice cream, what flavor would you be? I would be Neapolitan. Something for everyone to love.

Move With Grace

Signs are up in a Myrtle Avenue storefront window across from Polish Bar announcing a new yoga and dance studio called Move with Grace. Turns out Grace is is the name of the owner, AND she's the sister of Karen Tappin of Karen's Body Beautiful just down the street.

Currently, Grace is renovating the interior space, and plans for an October opening. She's also lining up the class schedule, which for now includes jazz, hip hop, yoga and meditation. For those of you who don't know me personally, yours truly has been tap dancing for 22 years, and may add a tap class to her busy schedule at Move With Grace.

Props to her for the nicely done window posters:

Grace is still looking for instructors to round out the schedule! Interested? Email movewithgracestudio@gmail.com.

Lesterhead is so very excited!

Move With Grace Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Hall opening October 2006

Who's Your Doggy?

The new pet store, Who's Your Doggy, is now open on Willoughby and Adelphi! Owners and staff offered free hot dogs and took photos of all their doggie visitors at the Grand Opening. They offer a wide variety of high-quality pet food, and best of all, are eager to please. Staff will order any food desired if not in stock, and encourage pet owners to stop in and ask for what they need. The store plans on adjusting stock as needed based on customers' requests.

They'll also be open at 7am a few mornings a week -- perfect for swinging in on the way home from Ft Greene Park. I know I've been caught more than once sans pet food, and have had to run to Associated to pick up a box of Meow Mix to tide me over before heading to work. Blech.

Businesses on this block don't seem to last very long, but I think the pet store meets a need for neighbors there. Wishing them luck!

Now we just need something similar within Clinton Hill's borders! (WYD delivers, FYI)

Who's Your Doggy 197 Adelphi St. (at Willoughby) 718-522-5244 no website as of YET

Free Fitness Classes in Ft. Greene Park

I saw this posted up on the Brooklynian's Fort Greene/Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy Forum.

Hi, I'm a personal trainer/fitness instructor and I'll be moving to Clinton Hill very soon. I'm really excited about the move and have decided to start boot camp classes in Fort Greene Park. I'm offering free classes this Saturday the 9th and next Saturday the 16th for all that are interested in getting into shape in an outdoor setting.

I'm not sure if this is a classifieds ad or not, but this is really specific to the area so I mainly want to reach all of you. I am holding a mommy boot camp class for moms and their babies from 10-11am, and then a general adult group fitness class from 11-12noon.

I've been leading these classes in Williamsburg for many years and am thrilled to be able to bring some outdoor fitness fun to this area. I would love to continue offering free classes on Saturdays as long as the response is high, so do come and check it out!

You can email me if you'd like more information: billyburgbootcamp@yahoo.com

thanks, Rozz

Sounds fun and the price is right.

Pilates on South Portland

It seems as though a new pilates studio has opened on South Portland between Lafayette and Fulton. It's in the small space the hippie-esque bookstore occupied for a very short time. The flyers say the studio opened on September 1. However, I walked by that very day and it didn't seem ready to host classes. Seemed a bit dusty and undergoing the finishing touches.

If you go, let us know how it is.

K.I.M. Pilates Studio - Keep It Movin' 88 South Portland Ave. (between Lafayette and Fulton) 917-838-5349

Music/Vespa-Fest

OK, so this upcoming party lies more in Gowanas than Clinton Hill, but is being thrown by BrooklynBretta, a supercool scooter shop. AND, the shop owner, Nicholas Mendizabal, lives right here in Clinton Hill!CAH4OFPD.jpg Recently, I asked him a few questions about being a small business owner, and living in the Hill:

How long have you lived in Clinton Hill, and what brought you here? I've lived in Clinton Hill for 2 years, and before that Greenpoint for previous 6. I moved to Clinton Hill to be closer to the shop. Working late is typical, even the 2 mile commute to Greenpoint proved to be too far!

What do you do for a living? I own and operate NYC's best scooter shop :)

How did you come up with the idea for Brooklynbretta? I knew there was a need for a scooter shop here.

How did you pick the shop's location? Sackett Street between 3rd and 4th is ideal because it's on a commercial block where we are able to do our own thing. Being part of a string of retail shops presents its own issues - so I avoided it.

Any tips for small business owners? Doing the math helps a great deal. Having a worst case, best case, and a most likely case really helped keep fiscal expectations in line. Starting a small business is relatively easy, keeping it going is another challenge . . . I would also recommend businesses with 'seasonality' be avoided. Maintaining the proper staffing can be difficult.

Craziest story resulting from owning a business: It has to do with someone asking to use the rest room 'for just one moment'. I can't possibly sanitize this story for you, so going any further is a little difficult.

Favorite Clinton Hill Hangout: My favorite restaurant is Zaytoons, those guys make some good schwarma!

What do you hope opens in the neighborhood? A Belgian mussel joint. They always have the best beers . . . and with a pot of moules - they're perfect.