Provisions: OPEN

/

From the Greene Grape: img_8296.JPG

Fresh Fish and Meat . . . Finally.

If you've walked by the new Greene Grape Provisions store at the corner of South Portland and Fulton, you know we are serving fresh coffee and espresso drinks and are getting daily deliveries of fresh pastries from Balthazar and bread from Il Forno. We also have pantry essentials like olive oil, vinegar, spices and dry pasta.

As of January 22, our fish and meat counters are open. The fish counter will have organic Atlantic salmon, shrimp, scallops, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, escolar, tilapia, arctic char, mahi-mahi and skate, all from Wild Edibles. Rob our fishmonger will be available to advise on your fish purchase, suggest preparations and clean your shrimp. The meat counter will feature filet mignon, New York strip steak, rib eye steak, organic Bell & Evans chicken, pork chops, ground meat and sausages. Come and meet Paul the butcher and let him know what else you'd like to see.

At the wine store we'll be pouring a fish-friendly white AND red and you'll receive 5% off your wine purchase by bringing in a Provisions receipt for $10 or more.

We apologize for the slow roll-out but we want to perfect each aspect of the store one department at a time. You've waited this long, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, and you deserve the best. We have a lot more service-oriented surprises in store so hang in there . . . we promise it will be worth it.

Cheers! FFGG (The Fine Folks @ The Greene Grape)

img_8309.JPG

(photos by Melanie Flood)

Holy crap. Look at that bread. And salmon. OMG. (drool)

High-End Grocers are Everywhere (EVEN ON FULTON!)

/

Oh boy, people. We're on the cusp of an insane explosion...of chi chi grocers! So far, we have:

  • Fresh Garden (Fulton and Lafayette - TriLaFu!) -- They have a nice flower selection, thank GOD:

chb-11.jpg

  • L'Epicerie (Vanderbilt south of DeKalb): Allegedly cranky service, but also allegedly offering amazing dinners now
  • Karrots (Myrtle at Clinton): A little too crunchy for my personal taste

Soon, we'll have:

  • Provisions, a gourmet grocery from the fine folks at the Greene Grape (Fulton at St. Portland):

chb-10.jpg

  • Union Market, at the corner of Fulton and Rockwell [BK Paper]
  • Choice Market's new place on Greene near Grand:

chb-15.jpg

  • AND... (drumroll)...GREEN PLANET, to open at 969 Fulton (between Washington and St. James). All I know is that it'll sell "organic food, health food and juices."

chb-13.jpg

Do you think they'll be successful?

And finally, just a shout-out to the slightly dank but decently-stocked Associated on Waverly between Lafayette and Greene, which has been increasing their inventory of organic foods and "green" cleaning supplies. Plus, the staff is so friendly!

Jewelry Trunk Show @ RePop

/

picture-4.png On Saturday, Dec. 15 there will be an exclusive showing of Ellie's newest jewelry and her limited- edition aquariums, terrariums and keepsake boxes. Back in the midwest they do tupperware parties, well here at RePOP it's all about jewels and gifts! Come lounge in a wonderful vintage atmosphere as Ellie delights everyone with her new merchandise perfect for the season exclusively at RePOP! Festive music and refreshments will be served to all guests! We'll have a grande time. Hope you can make it!

10% off all RePOP furnishings, lighting, and collectibles offered to all guests.

DATE: Dec. 15 TIME: 12:30 - 5pm LOCATION: RePOP 95% Recycled 68 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

A Good Cause at Addy & Ferro

/

Now through Thursday, December 20th Bring in a new unwrapped hard cover children’s book to Addy & Ferro to be given as a holiday gift to Children in a Brooklyn Shelter. Each donation will yield a Good Will coupon, and should you decide to make a purchase, receive 30% of each item for each book donated. Good Will coupon can be used on all merchandise (full priced and sale) and is to be used at the time of donation, it can’'t be saved for a later date.

Addy & Ferro 672 Fulton Street (between South Elliot & South Portland St.) Brooklyn, NY 11217

(718) 246-2900

Store Hours Monday: closed Tuesday - Saturday: 12pm - 8pm Sunday: 12pm - 6pm

First Friday at RePop: Dec. 7

/

picture-5.png "I am not in love with decay. But I am in love with an object that has experienced some kind of existence." -Rico Lebrun

Sandra Rocha's work reveals some quiet, undeclared beauty in the mundane everyday scenery of life, to entice the viewer to contemplate what is otherwise overlooked. Whether a gritty street corner or a distressed chair, she extracts something extraordinary about the subject, emphasizing all of the imperfections and quirks that give it character.

The more recent work of urban scenery is a reaction to urban grit that is so much a part of the character of the city, however subversive and unaccepted. Given the current speed of gentrification and the erection of high-rise gleaming condos throughout the city, Rocha records these gritty pockets in the underbelly of the city.

Join us for this collection of reflective work, perfect for the holiday season. Artist reception and party is 7:30 - 11pm. Wine, refreshments and merriment served!

RePOP 95% Recycled 68 Washington Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11205 718-260-8032

*RePop is also stocked with creepy Santas, and will be offering year-end sales!

Local Gifting

/

Yes, the Union Square market is great for holiday shopping. This year, though, you can enjoy some similar gift-buying opportunities right here in the hood! Even better, and less crowded. Plus, support local artisans!
1. PEP Gallery:
Is it better to give or receive?
This holiday season PEP is transforming itself into the hippest, trendiest, most original boutique in Brooklyn. With ARTMART, PEP will be offering limited editions, multiples, and wearable art from some of our favorite artists. With tons of great pieces and prices starting at ten dollars you can do both! Runs Dec. 1-22, holiday reception Dec. 16.
2. Artisans Holiday Fair at Habana Outpost:
The Society for Clinton Hill is co-sponsoring a Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair with Habana Outpost at South Portland and Fulton Streets In Ft. Greene, Brooklyn.
Artisans will be displaying their works for sale from noon to 8 PM, Saturdays and Sundays,
December 1&2, 8&9, 15&16, and 22&23.
Come and meet and view the fare at the Fair while drinking hot chocolate! You'll find knit hats, scarves, jewelry, ceramics, and unusual gift items for everyone.
3. Still Hip Holiday Craft Fair:

picture-32.png

4. Brooklyn-Based Sampler:
Nicole Davis, who occasionally contributes here as Clintoncentric, is offering this unique gift sampler via Brooklyn Based, her e-newsletter of all things cool in the BK.)

Imagine a friend gave you a box filled with delicious-smelling skinnyskinny soap, ingenious holders for soft-boiled eggs called Egg Pants, gorgeous handmade jewelry by wabisabi brooklyn, a striking holiday letterpress card by Jezebel, retro buttons and magnets from Kate Black, and a cool card holder made from the sails of sail boats by Reiter8.

Nice friend right?

Now imagine that you also got at least 6 (6!) of the following in this box:

A beautiful tote bag with avalove’s hand-lithographed designs
a candy-colored diamond acrylic ring from by:AMT
copper and sterling jewelry by Joanne Tracy
a silkscreened notepad and collaged card by Fisk and Fern
a book of fabulous artwork by Robert Mars
a silkscreened onesie
a colorful kid’s skirt made by Fofolle
handmade cards that double as portraiture prints by Desira Pesta
keychains (made either by RePlayGround, 31 Corn Lane, or This is Swigg)
crocheted goods, like an Ezra’s Cousin scarflette or Alicia Kachmar’s adorable mitten ornaments
a fantastic denim clutch, bag or cuff by Wanett Clyde
pretty letterpress postcards by Erin Fae
a wire and gemstone ring from Kimmchi
hand-drawn accessories by Tilly Bloom

No you can’t pick which of those six items you get. But you know for sure you’re getting 11 awesome things… And don’t you like to be surprised? How fantastic is this friend of yours?

Now here’s the kicker: all of these items are made or designed here in Brooklyn, by artists, designers and crafters who hail from Bed-Stuy, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Ditmas Park, East New York, Fort Greene, Greenpoint, Kensington, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Sunset Park, Williamsburg, and Windsor Terrace, and whose work is available at fabulous boutiques like Spring in Dumbo, Rare Device in Park Slope, the Brooklyn Indie Market, or online at that one-stop-shop for handmade goods, Etsy.

This box is so Brooklyn, it’s even wrapped in Brooklyn maps and lined with The Brooklyn Paper (there’s also a map of the future Brooklyn Greenway and a Zagat’s guide to BK restos inside).

Here’s the other kicker: It’s $20 (plus shipping), an incredible value for one-of-a-kind work made by your gifted neighbors, curated by Brooklyn Based, and sold by The Sampler, a San Francisco company whose founder Marie Kare came up with this brilliant idea of mailing boxes filled with the wares of indie businesses to spread the word about their work. This month they began a series of Samplers called City Samplers, packed with goods native to one place. It launched with their hometown, and Brooklyn Based happened to call at the right moment and propose a box filled with goodies made by Brooklynites.

Fort Greene contributors include:
25 totes from avalove ( www.avalove.etsy.com)
25 prints and cards by Desira Pesta ( www.desirapesta.com)
100 eggpants by Liz Kinnmark (www.designglut.com)

picture-4.png

(more posts to come regarding gifting)

Checking Out Barking Brown

/

I stopped into Barking Brown on Saturday morning while running errands to check them out.  The store is filled with VERY reasonably priced goods -- knit hats, cool tote bags, jewelry and t-shirts.  If you need some affordable holiday gifts for the trendy people in your life, I suggest checking them out. Plus, they were actually open around 10 am!  On a Saturday!  Big ups for the convenience factor.

Barking Brown 468 Myrtle Ave (bt Washington + Hall)

Website's still not working, though.

Sale at Still Hip!

/

shreddot.gif GET RED THIS BLACK FRIDAY!!! Still Hip is having it's first official sale! On November 23rd, black Friday, you can get 20% off everything with a red dot! Any item in the shop over 3 months will be on sale.

VOTE FOR STILL HIP! Was it you? Well it was some super cool customer that nominated us for City Search's 'best of' list and now we want to win! So get out there and vote...

New Store on Myrtle: Barking Brown

/

Informants have told me that there's a new fashion shop on Myrtle next to Polish Bar called Barking Brown. I'll check it out this week. Is the leather goods store opened by Pratt grads that was mentioned on Myrtle Minutes? Ah, yes, and it seems the store will be fully up and running as of Friday!

(Word has it there are some cute knit hats in the window.)

Gnarly Vines: Grand Opening Party!

/

outside of gnarly vinesI admit, it's taken me awhile to get over to Gnarly Vines. But man, is it NICE in there! The space is enormous -- much bigger than I anticipated -- but is long and narrow, giving the store a cozy feel. nice displayStore owner Brian was ultra-friendly and recommended some great bottles for me.

dsc_0011.jpg

Check out their Grand Opening party this Thursday from 6-10pm! picture-5.png

picture-6.png

picture-7.png

Also note: CSA members receive 10% off purchases!

New Hours, Free Wine at Blue Bass

/

Blue Bass is now staying open until 9 every Wednesday. From 6-9 pm they'll be serving wine and offering 10% off of everything in the store. They also have new hours: Thurs - Mon 12-7 Tuesday closed Wednesday 12-9

wednesdaywinetilnine.JPG

I picked up an amazing vintage handbag at Blue Bass last year and I receive compliments on it every time I bring it out. Definitely stop in!

Third Annual Bed-Stuy Alive!

/

Just received this info about an awesome week-long Bed-Stuy event! THIRD ANNUAL BED STUY ALIVE! TASTE, STRUT, TOUR, KNOW Festive Celebration Honoring Brooklyn’s Culturally Enriched Neighborhood Village Wide Affair Encourages Economic Empowerment & Community Pride

In the spirit of Kwanza principle Ujaama (cooperative economics), Community Board 3 in association with the Brownstoners of Bedford Stuyvesant Inc., Bedford Stuyvesant Artists’ Association (BeSaa), Bridge Street Development Corporation and Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation encourages New York to support the 3rd Annual Bed Stuy Alive! Taste, Strut, Tour Know. This festive event, which runs from Saturday, October 13 – Saturday, October 20, celebrates Bedford Stuyvesant’s vibrant business, cultural and artistic communities while promoting pride among its residents. picture-2.png

picture-1.png

First Fridays at RePop: October 5

/

picture-3.png On October 5th from 7:30 - 11pm RePOP invites you to join us at the shop for our First Friday group show entitled Under All The Rocks We Have Ever Found featuring the mixed media works of husband and wife duo Amy Michelle Asher & Arian Gimbutas.

With Amy working primarily in tar and Arian in bleach (combinined with oil and ink), both artists explore the vastness of space and light. The colors they are able to discover within two such contrasting mediums is at once haunting and astounding. This particular collection, all created within the last year, offers a beautiful entrance into the fall season with an adornment of abstract landscapes, illustrative renderings and unique musings.

The shop will be open for business on this special evening offering a first hand glimpse at Asher and Gimbutas' collection. Come down to the Navy Yard and enjoy a wonderful social event with complimentary wine, snacks and 10% off all merchandise.

New arrivals include: American Folk Art from the 1930's - 1950's, Vintage Stamp Collections, Antique Chemistry Beakers and Wares, the stunning new jewelry collection from Miss Ellie, a pluthera of fantastic furnishings and lighting from the mid-century and beyond, vintage house dresses from the 50's and 60's and just in time for Halloween......a new crazed doll baby assortment!

RePOP 95% Recycled 68 Washington Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11205 718-260-8032

Gnarley Vines: OPEN

/

A few of you have mentioned this in the comments, and I haven't yet stopped by. BUT, they're hosting a FREE wine tasting tonight! Please join Gnarly Vines for the first of many free winemaker tasting events: Wednesday, October 3rd from 6-8pm at Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue (between Carlton and Adelphi). Chrystal Clifton of Brewer-Clifton and Palmina Wineries will be pouring the following spectacular, handcrafted, small-production wines made by her, her husband Steve and their partner Greg Brewer:

2006 Palmina Malvasia Bianca, Larner Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley (187 cases produced) 2005 Palmina Dolcetto, Santa Barbara County 2005 Brewer-Clifton, Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills (576 cases produced) 2005 Melville, Estate-Verna's Syrah, Santa Barbara County (2864 cases produced)

Their grand opening party is slated for November, and they hope to have several events lined up, including wine-food pairings with local restaurants. Welcome!

Myrtle Minutes has a great article about Gnarley Vines here.

Quincy Ave Block Association Sale

/

Whoops! I've been so busy today I forgot to post. Anyway, the Quincy Ave. Block Assoc. is having a killer stoop sale this weekend. Looks like a good one. Cheap iPods!!!

We have a limited number of 40GB iPods - YES MORE THAN ONE - in mint condition at our annual STOOP SALE on Quincy Street in Bed Stuy. We’ve also got iPod accessories, a Playstation 2 with dozens of games, DVDs, books, artwork, jewelry, rugs, household items and more gadgets and electronics than you would believe. Where: 778 Quincy St Between Malcolm X & Patchen Ave 11221

When: 10am-5pm Saturday 9/22 & Sunday 9/23 (Rain Date 10/6-10/7)

Subway - J/Z to Gates, walk three blocks up Quincy Bus - B46 to Quincy or B52 to Gates

Check our inventory online here.