Despite a losing a few local businesses recently, others are expanding hours and services! A reader reports that Desserts by Michael Allen, the cozy and delicious cafe and dessert space on Fulton, has extended their weekday hours until 10pm! Now we can satisfy that sweet tooth (and enjoy the WiFi) a little later into the evening.
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)
The Local reports today that the manager of the Adelphi Station (11238) Post Office will be on hand at tonight's Community Board 2* meeting. This grand place (sarcasm) was one of my earliest posts on this blog, and I don't think things have changed much. Actually, they have. When I revisited that post just now, I saw that the hours used to be 8-5. NOW, they're 9-5, making is even harder to go pick up a package (as one is often forced to do). In fact, yesterday I had to come in late to work in order to pick up my wedding invitations. I hadn't received them yet and when I asked, the vendor tracked the shipment and informed me that they had been waiting at 11238 since May 5. Do you think I received a package slip? Of course not.
The line was long, as usual, but a staffmember yelled out (unpleasantly) that whoever had a package pickup should proceed to his window. So sorry for having to use your as a storage unit for my packages. Trust me, it's not by choice!
Of course, the guy who waited on me (oddly wearing a snazzy suit and tie - the manager?), was pissy with me for not having the tracking number on hand for him. I explained that my vendor had tracked the package for me and handed him my license. He acted as though it was somehow my fault that I did not have the package slip I NEVER RECEIVED, making his life more difficult. Miraculously, the woman in the back located the package in less than a minute.
I may try to go to this, but if any of you go, please weigh in on how it went.
*For those of you who asked why the parking regulations are not changing south of Fulton - Fulton is the border for CB2 (according to the map I received in the mail for CB2), who is behind the change. I believe you should check with CB6 or CB8, one of which is probably your CB.
BK Library PowerUp winner Jessica Stockton Bagnulo and business partner Rebecca Fitting are close to closing in on a Fort Greene locale for their indie bookstore! For now, they are looking for neighborhood investors to help supplement traditional loans, funding models and their PowerUp award winnings. More info here and here on CHB, plus check out The Greenlight Bookstore blog.
Additionally, check out this recent profile on local food editor Emily Takoudes, written by Ms. Bagnulo on the Local, here.
We were tipped off by General Greene back in February about a new bike shop slated to open on Lafayette near Fulton, and now Bespoke Bicycles is open for business!
The Lafayette spot was the first one owner Cassidy Vare checked out, which now features some gorgeous retro-style bikes in its front window.
"We're a full-service shop, so we offer repairs, tuneups, bikes and accessories," explains Vare. "Our focus is on commuting, errands and city bikes, so most of what we offer is on the practical, every-day end of the spectrum."
Vare also hopes to expand his business to include used bikes in the near future. Also, stay tuned for an interview feature about Cassidy and his city cycling suggestions!
Bespoke Bicycles 64-B Lafayette Ave 718-643-6816 http://www.bespoke-bicycles.com/
It's Spa Week, which means that salons and spas across the city are offering discounts and special services. Here's an overview of some of the neighborhood's spas, their Spa Week specials, and recommendations:
Polish Bar of Brooklyn 470 Myrtle Avenue (718) 622-5363 and 641 Vanderbilt Avenue (718) 783-5363 www.polishbarbrooklyn.com
My favorite place to get a mani/pedi in the neighborhood (owner Tricialee always tells me what the hottest new polish colors are), PBB has opened a second shop in Prospect Heights! I checked it out this evening and the pedi seating is gorgeous. Had one of my favs- the lavender mint gel pedi and a mani.
CHB Recommends: Any fancy pedi - the scrubs smell amazing!
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Cynergy Spa 87 Fort Greene Place Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.403.9242 www.cynergyspa.com
For the month of April, offering White Sugar Body Polish, $100 Also named "Best Spa for Couples" in 208 by Citysearch!
CHB Recommends: Couple's Special - massage, down time and strawberries and champagne
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Body By Brooklyn 275 Park Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 (718) 923-9400 www.bodybybrooklyn.com
CHB Recommends: using the eucalyptus-infused sauna followed by a dip in the freezing plunge pool! Amazing.
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Nu Yu Day Spa 43 Clifton Pl Brooklyn, NY 11238 (718) 783-2616 www.nuyudayspa.com
CHB Recommends: Nu Glow Facial -the calm interior and an attentive staff make this facial a home run
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'Cure Beauty Bar
921 Fulton St.
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718 622 7100
www.curebk.com
For Spa Week, offering: Basic Facial $50.00 Paraffin Mani & Pedi $50.00 30 Min Reflexology $50.00
CHB Recommends: Brow shaping and pedicures in this chic space
When it rains, it pours! This past wknd, I noticed a new storefront and awning on Fulton between St. James and Cambridge - it's another new veterinary office!
No signage regarding when it's opening, or who the vets are. Like the signage and branding they have going on.
They do have a website as well, though there's no information. (UPDATE 3.26: LOTS OF INFO ON THE SITE NOW!)
Part of me wonders how many vet offices we can accommodate in the area. Then again, having to get a cranky cat in a carrier every year, I can attest that the closer the vet is, the better.
BrooklynCares Veterinary Clinic 944 Fulton Street 718-738-5500
Now that I am cohabitating, it is obvious that we will need a storage unit. (Amazing how an apartment so big for one person suddenly seems so small for two!) Being that I'm #40 on the in-building storage waiting list, we have to go elsewhere. Please post your recommendations (and warnings). Who has the best prices? Climate control?
Thanks, neighbors!
When Jessica Wolvek was growing up, she never saw a wedding in her future, because she knew she was gay, and the possibility of a woman marrying another woman was not a possibility in that era. Ironically enough, she now makes the wedding dreams of (mostly) heterosexual women happen as a floral designer, producing the floral arrangements for their weddings and receptions. She gained her expertise in floral design when she was living in Japan in the early ‘90s, teaching English as a Second Language. As it happened, a national floral design champion lived in the same town, and Jessica was given the opportunity to study the art of floral design (ikebana) with her. When she moved to San Francisco after her stint in Japan, she managed to hone her skills working for a highly recognized floral designer there. When she returned to her hometown of Brooklyn, she started experimenting with doing floral design for her friends’ weddings, When she received standing ovations at the weddings for her work, she realized she could make a go of starting her own floral design business. She started her business, FLEURS, three years ago, after many years of working very unhappily in NYC government. She runs Fleurs from her beautiful Bed-Stuy brownstone. Jessica finds it extremely fulfilling to work closely with brides making their special day become a reality. And, her impossible dream has come true for herself – Jessica will be having her own wedding after all. She will be marrying (of course not legally) her long-time partner this June, the ceremony will be taking place at Fire Island.
You can see example of Jessica’s work, the press she has received, and get contact information at her website: www.fleursnyc.com.
Myrtle Minutes is reporting that the Walgreens on Myrtle is finally open! Hallelujah! Everyone make a mad dash for greeting cards, shampoo, prescriptions and sunscreen.
In Clinton Hill proper, I've located two xmas tree lots and one location to buy other xmas-related plant stuff. I visited all three this weekend to check on prices, quality and offerings: 1. Clinton Ave at Lafayette, in front of Cadman Church:
The overall selection here is very good. I usually visit this lot since it's closest to me, and because they often offer a variety of tree types. This is the only lot in the area that I've seen white pine/scotch pine longer-needle trees.
They have all sizes, and the trees are very robust.
It's not cheap, however. These babies are priced at $10/foot. If you have a fancy brownstone apartment and are looking to wow, this might be your best bet.
Also selling: wreaths, holiday berry bunches, maple syrup, pine branch bunches
2. Myrtle Ave between Washington and Hall:
The tree selection is large, but not as high quality as lot #1. However, the lot has a large staff on hand and is offering free local delivery! If you're looking for a tree with a little more "character," this is your place. They even have a few "Charlie Brown" style pines. Plus, you can't beat the price (ranging from $10-70). Due to the economic climate, I gave this one a try this year (even though it's a much farther walk -- though I suppose I could have asked for delivery!). I was able to pick up a fairly tall tree (6+ feet) for just $30! It's not as big around, but it fits nicely in the corner of my apartment.
Also selling: wreaths
3. Root Stock & Quade, Myrtle between Washington and Hall:
Don't want to deal with the hassle of getting a tree, or don't have the room? Root Stock & Quade is offering lots of holiday goodies for the home. Pine bunches in a variety of types will provide delicious seasonal scents, and pine garland ($12/yard) will look lovely draped on the mantle.
Also available are mini poinsettias ($6) and mini potted pine trees ($12). Plus, being potted, they can last for months or years (provided you can keep them alive).
Also selling: tree ornaments and pine-scented candles
Tree locations outside CH boundaries:
Any more to report?
After waiting months and months, Choice Market's first offshoot is open.
The inside is fairly spacious (meaning lots of room to walk around, unlike the cozily cramped Choice Market). They're selling lots of fresh stuff! Kinda reminded me of a (very) mini Fairway:
And my favorite section:
Lots of fresh herbs! Yay!
(Choice Greene is Located on Greene Ave at Grand Ave)
Non-profit e-hub Idealist.com offers a podcast on the formation of the new Fort Greene CSA: Real Food and the Fort Greene, Brooklyn CSA
In recent years, communities across the five boroughs have become more concerned with eating "locally" and developing a sustainable food system for all New York City residents. Community Supported Agriculture--the model of pairing groups of community residents with small local farms--continues to gain in popularity all over the city as an alternative to supermarket shopping. But how exactly does CSA work? What does membership in a CSA model mean for community residents?
In the latest Idealist.org Community Podcast, guest contributor Cambra Moniz-Edwards follows Fort Greene CSA Coordinator Jen Datka as she explains the ins and outs of one of Brooklyn's newest CSAs. For more information on CSAs in the five boroughs, and on developing a sustainable agriculture system in New York City, visit JustFood.org.
A few weeks ago, a reader emailed to tell me there was a new coffee shop on Fulton about a block from Outpost. When I went looking, though, I couldn't find it! Maybe that's because I was looking east, instead of west. Brownstoner posted about Desserts by Michael Allen last week, and this must be the place the reader was talking about. It's at 1015 Fulton, between Downing and Grand.
I made it my first stop on a walking/photo trip Sunday afternoon, and it was absolutely wonderful. The woman behind the counter couldn't have been friendlier, and the interior is warm and inviting. I met owner Michael Allen, too.
The blackboard menus were announcing that holiday catering orders are being taken now, and they had some wonderful gingerbread houses on display.
I took a custard cup and a mini-cheese cake to go (the cake was AMAZING).
Also received these comments from a reader, which I thought I'd share:
"The mini (gratis) madeleines were yummy (and I'm not a huge madeleine fan) and the eclair - was one of the tastiest I've had anywhere. The croissants (plain and chocolate) looked perfect (will have to try them, um tomorrow!) and they also had soups."
Also, THEY HAVE BREAD.
Reader/photographer David noticed a new shopping store on Myrtle near Hall and sent me this photo:
I'm intrigued, for many reasons:
I had a business breakfast on Smith Street and saw another Sandbox, so it's clearly a chain (new chain?). There was once a different shipping/mailbox store on Myrtle but it was never open (and closed awhile back).
Myrtle Minutes offers more info, plus a coupon!
Received a blog post notice from the fine floral/plant gurus at Root Stock and Quade on Myrtle. It seems their Park Slope headquarters were damaged in a fire, and they're making Myrtle their official home base. Sad to hear about the original store, but nice to know they'll be investing even more into their gorgeous Clinton Hill shop!
Maybe it's just not open yet. But the deli that's taking the place of shuttered 1001 Affairs Florist was closed a few Sundays ago.
They have grill. Great.
Anyone seen it open yet? If so, there is nothing "super" about a deli closed on weekends.
(Fulton at Cambridge)
A week or so ago while walking down Greene, I noticed a new storefront on Franklin and Greene.
From the outside, it looked like a regular boutique.
Inside, jewelry and accessories share the storefront with a photo studio! Clinton Hill residents and studio owners Antoine and Cherie Gray are offering boutique shopping, along with family portraits, wedding photography, headshots for entertainers and actors, children's portraits and more.
They have a new blog up as well, advertising current specials. Looks like a pretty sweet deal for headshots!
Many of you have added me as a friend on Facebook. However, now you can become a fan of CHB on Facebook, too! I set up a CHB page here.
Clinton Hill Blog published from 2006 - 2010. Please enjoy these archives - a love letter to the neighborhood.
