Root Stock & Quade: Open By May 1!

(Before I started grad school, I thought maybe I'd like to open a supercute flower shop in the 'nabe. But, not having a business plan or any experience running my own store, I decided to wait for an expert to take care of it. And here they are!)

On Friday -- one of those gorgeous spring days we've had recently -- I met up with John Rattigan, co-owner of Park Slope's Root Stock & Quade along with Kerry Quade. As I reported earlier, the duo are opening a branch of their flower-gardening business on Myrtle Avenue.

As it turns out, Rattigan is actually a two-time resident of the Hill (he lived in the 'nabe twenty years ago and currently lives on Washington Avenue). He and Quade originally came upon the Myrtle Avenue space while trying to find a vase for a job they were working on. At the time, the storefront hosted a one-hour photo and chair rental service (along with other random rigmarole), and the two marveled at what poor shape the storefront was in. Soon after, Rattigan noticed a For Rent sign in the window. The landlord happened to be inside, and Rattigan signed the lease soon after. "It was the easiest thing ever," he says, in comparison to negotiating his lease for the Park Slope outpost. "A snap!"

The lease was signed on February 13, and they plan on being open by May 1.

The shop will be offering garden design, full service floral design for weddings and events, retail, indoor and outdoor plants (herbs, perennials, shrubs, etc) and flowers by the bunch and the stem. Come fall, they hope to offer the occasional class on window boxes and basic houseplant care (note: can I sign up now for the latter?).

The storefront, an ice cream parlor in the 1940s, will incorporate as many traditional elements as possible. "I really want to make the space correct for the building and the neighborhood, and fill it with cool, modern stuff," Rattigan explains. He was able to salvage the old tile flooring and hopes to frame some old photos of the building, along with some of the vintage wallpaper he came across during renovations. He tells me that the new store will be a "vibey" place with cool music.

Rattigan is a huge fan of the energy in Clinton Hill. "I love the mixed vibe," he says. "There's no malaise. People here are always doing something or fixing something. And MARP is so 'together!'

"I love Maggie Brown -- I'm always there! -- and my favorite is A Bistro. I love everything about it," he gushes. "And Castro's! I've heard people come from New Jersey to eat there!"

Rattigan is prepared for the inevitable backlash on pricepoints at the store, but stresses that high quality plants and flowers (ie non-refrigerated!) aren't inexpensive. They're also extending a 10% discount on all plant purchases to Brooklyn Botanic Gardens members. RS&Q won't be the go-to place for every day things, at least for me, but I know I'll welcome the opportunity to swing by for a small bouquet after a pedi at PBB.

Root Stock & Quade 471 Myrtle Ave (bt Washington and Hall) http://rootstockquade.com/

Liquor and Wine on Grand

On a walk yesterday, I happened by the liquor store on Greene and Grand. I had remembered someone telling me several months ago that the place had really improved and was offering some good stuff. I stopped in to look around. I'm no wine connoisseur but I did find one bottle of this tasty white wine that I've been buying at Gnarly Vines:

I'm not even sure this place has a name and it's definitely not of the breed of new yuppie wine shops. But if you live nearby, service is friendly and selection seems decent.

Room Design at RePop

Since moving into my apartment four years ago, I've had a difficult time finding a good arrangement for my bedroom. When I mentioned it to the RePop guys, they told me they'd be starting a room design service for just this reason. In addition to curating their amazing shop, they're expanding to help clients create and arrange rooms in their homes. They're fixing to help clients curate their homes, based on what kind of vibe customers are looking for. They'll not only rearrange furniture, but search for the perfect vintage pieces. Realizing it was probably time to upgrade my mismatched bedroom set, I agreed to give them a try.

I told them I wanted a more midcentury, warm vibe, but had no idea where to start.

A few weeks later (after I had painted), they sent me off for the day and styled all of the new pieces they had picked out for me (many of which I didn't see ahead of time).

Before:

After:

They also installed some vintage wallpaper in my entryway.

Before:

After:

Fees for installation are pretty reasonable, and after spending DAYS painting the bedroom by myself, it was pretty sweet to leave the house for the day and come back later to a brand new apartment!

RePop 68 Washington Ave (bt Park and Flushing) 718-260-8032

HOLY FLEA!

Today's weather was freeeeezing (and I think it got exponentially colder in the hour I was there). It didn't discourage the crowds, however. Holy CRAP was it crowded in there! The food vendors, especially the waffle place and Choice made bank, with long lines stretching halfway down the track field. I purposely left my wallet at home, but had I brought it, you bet I would have been in line for some warm food and drink. As well as walked out with a ton of gorgeous jewelry. I saw a lot of really great stuff, notably the jewelry and many of the t-shirt tables. Some of my personal favorites:

(drink and dream, above)

(lois aronow ceramics, above)

(lost the card for this place, but they do gorgeously reupholstered vintage chairs)

Was it just me, or was it a bit hard to navigate? I felt like I had trouble figuring out how to see everything.  A word of warning -- there are no dogs allowed.  Plenty of people carried their small dogs inside, but leave your giant pup at home.  I suppose I understand not wanting a bunch of pee and poop inside the flea, but it would be really nice to bring the dogs along.

It was strange to see so many hipsters out and about on Lafayette Ave.  A tip -- if you have a car, secure your street spot before the flea starts every Sunday.

(props to Jon Butler and Eric Demby for organizing!)

Brooklyn Flea Starts SUNDAY!

After months of waiting, Brooklyn finally has its own flea market.  Clinton Hill resident Brownstoner has set the whole thing up and it kicks off SUNDAY.  The market will be open every Sunday, rain or shine, from 10am-5pm at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School (Lafayette bt Clermont and Vanderbilt). Two hundred (!!!!) vendors have signed on, and vendor categories include vintage furniture and salvage, antiques and vintage clothing, records and music, new furniture and lighting, a Design*Sponge collective (featuring my personal friends Lena Corwin, Sesame Letterpress and others), new clothing, jewelry, bicycles (awesome!) and more.

I can't believe how lucky we'll be to have this resource in our 'hood!   So many of Brooklyn's coolest shops, vendors and artists have signed on.  I envision myself doing all of my Christmas shopping right here.

Market layout and a list of vendors can be found here.  NY Mag article on the flea here.

First Friday @ RePop: April 4

FIRST FRIDAY, April 4, 2008: "New York Evol Dog"

RePOP is pleased to announce the April exhibition featuring the fine art of New York Evol Dog. Based in Brooklyn New York Evol Dog is the working name of the duo made up of Lindsay Jones and Gautier Pellegrin, Having met on myspace during the summer of 2005 the two pursued a sustained and intense correspondence via that medium; in doing so they created a language made up of a choice of images, music and words that invaded each others reality. Through this pure interaction based solely on art, a love story started that they decided to pursue in the "real" world after having met one early morning of summer 2006. The duo now works together, creating dreamy collages from their collection of old images, pictures, engravings, etchings and objects. Artist reception is 7:30 - 11pm every First Friday of the month. So come on down to the Navy Yard, grab a glass of wine, mingle with the artist and get your vintage groove on. DATE: April 4 TIME: 7:30 - 11pm LOCATION: RePOP 95% Recycled MORE: 68 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

More on Thistle & Clover

I received a press release from one of the owners of Thistle and Clover a few days ago, just after my original post. Sounds like they have some cool stuff planned. For example: Thistle & Clover will produce 2 unique programs on a seasonal basis:

Tailored Events Nights: For these designer trunkshows cum meet-and-greets, Thistle & Clover will host neighbors, friends, and family in our storefront and back garden. Participating designers need not already have representation at Thistle & Clover, they may simply use the evening as an introduction to the Fort Greene clientele. Events will take place between 6-9PM.

Open Calls: Every quarter, Thistle & Clover will host a day of Open Calls, an opportunity for young, unrepresented designers to showcase their collections to the boutique. If selected, designers may sell their collection to Thistle & Clover on consignment, be featured on our website, and co-host a Tailored Event Night.

This is really awesome! What a great way for emerging designers to show their work! And count me in on that back garden action.

Thistle & Clover 221 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 (p)718.855.5577 (f)718.855.5533 www.thistleclover.com

Thistle & Clover

I was finally able to make it over to the old Beezu spot (221 DeKalb) to check out a reported new boutique. It was, as one tipster described it, "kind of like Stuart & Wright."

The clothing looked marginally less expensive (talking a tiny margin here), but they also carry some lotions and letterpress greeting cards (which will certainly allow me to pick up a few items and support a local store without breaking the bank).

The two women working were friendly and personable, available to customers and did not ignore me in favor of continuing a loud conversation on the phone. This in itself makes the shop so much more lovely than Beezu.

They've only been open for a week -- check it out!

Thistle & Clover 221 DeKalb Ave (nr Adelphi) 718-855-5577 www.thistleclover.com

Easter Weekend Super Sale @ RePop!

Dealers, Designers and Loyal Clients,

You are exclusively invited to engage in great savings this weekend at RePOP! Sale begins Friday, March 21 at 11 am and will carry on until the end of Easter Sunday. 10% off of all extraordinary smalls and lighting. 20% off of our fabulous furniture!

Going design crazy and just can't stop? Enjoy one of a kind items like a stainless steel and leather vanity desk as well as mid-century modern loveseats and chairs by Milo Baughman and Arthur Moser!

Take an additional 20% off of marked price! Our Price: $400 - $1200

Whether it's bisque doll parts, shrunken heads, taxidermy or jewelry you're after you'll be sure to find that something unique to astound a friend or up the ante on your collection. Take a seat on the Miller K- Wire, have a peek in our barristers full of chemistry gems, art deco projectors and trinkets and grab a treasure!

All smalls, decoratives and jewels are 10% off!

Seating and more!

Going design crazy and just can't stop? Enjoy one of a kind items like a stainless steel and leather vanity desk as well as mid-century modern loveseats and chairs by Milo Baughman and Arthur Moser!

Take an additional 20% off of marked price! Our Price: $400 - $1200

All new stunning case pieces Made In Denmark and constructed of teak, from credenzas, desks, coffee tables, end tables and lounge chairs designed by Omann Junn and others. Off set these great items with mod lighting and unique decoratives!

Take an additional 20% off all marked prices! Our Price: $225 - 950

We're full to the brim with great, stylish finds, so come and get it while the getting's good. Celebrate the resurrection of your vintage spirit at 68 Washington Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11205!!

Happy Easter!

Fulton Ave Food Survey

(Sorry for my delay this morning!) One of CHB's readers is looking into opening a food shop on Fulton, and she'd love to know what you all think.  If you have a few minutes, please answer her survey.

This is an opportunity to express your opinions and share thoughts and ideas for the Fulton area to an entrepreneur who's willing to listen.  Please help her out!

First Friday at RePop: March 7

FIRST FRIDAY MARCH 7: Paper Cut Theatre / art by CHRISTINE YOUNG

RePOP is pleased to announce the March exhibition featuring the fine art of Christine Young. Christine Young creates darkly imaginative, beautifully unusual images of placidly content characters in their imposed worlds. Suspended from chains, submerged underwater, or displayed in dollhouses, her figures are a melding of fairy tale, circus, and punk sensibilities. Her collages are detailed constructions of paper, glue, and charcoal which draw heavily on the creepy and romantic experience of the world. These aspects continually present themselves in her dreamlike images, which draw inspiration from the works of Poe, Bukowski, Tom Waits, Tim Burton, and Jan Svankmajer. Her work has been shown in London, New York, Los Angeles, and New Mexico, and has been represented by the punk-cabaret duo, The Dresden Dolls.

Join us for an evening of wine, food and art! Also enjoy a 10% discount on all RePOP goods with mention of this invitation.

68 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

478 Myrtle

478 Myrtle (bt Washington and Hall) has been under renovation for awhile.  Looks like the space will be home to a selection of homeopathy (apparently they're affiliated with the BIH).   Despite the Grand Opening signs, shelves inside are completely empty.

Progress on Root Stock & Quade

Apartment Therapy (one of my favorite blogs!) has some additional info on the opening of Root Stock & Quade on Myrtle Ave (my original post here).  Looks like they're facing a mad rush to open as scheduled, but they plan on maintaining the historic feel of the storefront.

Bag Sale at Still Hip!

From the Still Hip website:

A great time to stock up on bagfuls of goodies!

Still Hip Brooklyn 283 Grand Ave.

Gluten-Free Suggestions Wanted

Received this email from a reader, who coincidentally went to the same high school as I did (small world!): I have a quick question to ask - I've been trying to read the blog for any suggestions on gluten-free food/ideas in the FG/CH area. I've been diagnosed with Celiacs for over four years now, and it's been really tough to find gluten-free products in the area. I know of the organic food store on Myrtle (Karrots), and the Met on Fulton is hit or miss (but they seem to have the GF beer), and the Associated on Myrtle carries a small selection. Any chance you could make a request/post about it in an upcoming blog entry?

Ideas? I'd also suggest:

• Green Planet (Fulton at Washington)
• Fresh Garden (Fulton and Lafayette)
• Provisions (Fulton at S. Portland)

(More info on these places here.)

The Met Scrambles for Some Cred

After all these comments on the Met on Fulton, I'm sure glad that it's not the closest grocery store to me! Looks like the opening of Green Planet (and maybe some of the remarks here on the interwebs) have the Met trying to make themselves look better. This just in from reader Rachel:

I found this really interesting: Met Foods now has a painted sign on their window claiming “Largest fresh organic products in the area.” I went in to see if there were, in fact, any fresh organic products and was hard-pressed to find any (just the usual half-rotten produce they usually carry). It’s clearly a reaction to the threat of all the discerning customers shopping at Green Planet, but why lie? I find it very fitting that the bunny painted next to the sign looks more like a giant rat…

Heh. It actually does kinda look like a rat!

Green Planet: Photos and Stuff

Despite the snow (and this is nothing, considering I'm from Buffalo), I purposely got off the C train on the Washington end.  So far, I'm pleased with what I saw.

The highlight of the store, as many have commented, is the very full bulk section in the back!

They seem to have everything here from dried fruit to beans to organic candies.

They also have a juice bar:

I tried a 16 oz Blueberry + Creme shake.  It was made with some sort of blueberry protein mix, low fat vanilla soy milk and an organic banana, for $3.99 (no tax!).  Not dirt cheap, but seemingly reasonable.

They have a lot of "normal" organic stuff that I'd buy regularly, like Amy's Organic soups and Kashi cereal.

Looks like pretty reasonable prices on both -- average to slightly lower than average.

They also have a crapload of vitamins.

Personally, I hate swallowing big pills. I stick to an Advil-sized multivitamin and a C chewable, personally.  But maybe you guys are into this stuff.

I didn't take a pic of the produce section, since my camera battery was dying.  It looked kind of small to me, but at least there's one in there!

Conclusion: Green Planet seems to be an ideal mix of the super hippie-dippie organic stuff, as well as the more mainstream organic stuff, and prices seem fairly reasonable.  Staff seemed nice, too.  Plus, the hours are AMAZING (8am to 10pm!!!).  I'll probably hit up my Waverly Associated for the basics.  But for me, this'll be a great place to stop for a smoothie while taking a walk, loading up on dried fruit and stopping in for snacks when Associated is closed (ahem, Sunday evenings!).  You could probably do a lot of your basic grocery shopping there -- they have dairy, pastas, condiments, etc.

(Green Planet is on Fulton St. at Washington Ave)

Garden + Flower Shop Coming to CH!!!

It looks like my prayers are finally about to be answered.  While I know there are far more practical needs for the neighborhood (cheese shop, bookstore, etc), I've been pining for a really pretty flower / plant shop since moving to the neighborhood. Today, I received word that Root Stock & Quade (who already have a well-established Park Slope outpost) will be opening a store on Myrtle in the old one-hour photo place next to Move With Grace (Myrtle near Hall)!!!!!!  If this place is anything like Sprout Home in Williamsburg or GRDN in Boerum Hill, I am going to be one happy patron.

Looks like they also do garden design and event florals!

Stuart + Wright SAMPLE SALE

Just received this in the mail:

Folks, it's time to check out some of the prettiest clothing around and maybe actually afford a piece or two.

(85 Lafayette Ave.)

Wegmans Clarifications

Just a few bullet points on my earlier post about Wegmans to clarify my opinions:

• I SUPPORT the preservation of Admiral's Row
• The new locally-owned stores opening look amazing, and many of us will shop there (OMGfishandbreadatProvisions!)
• These same stores are not nearby the public housing residents and many of them are selling specialty, more expensive items (instead of things like paper towels and basic cereal)
• The point of the supermarket in the Navy Yard is to serve these populations, as they do not have a store nearby for basic necessities
• The politicos are pretty much set on providing a comprehensive supermarket in the Navy Yard for these populations
• If our neighborhood will HAVE to be home to a new supermarket, why not work with local officials to bring a GOOD store in, that serves ALL populations of the neighborhood, offers reasonable prices, is a company dedicated to the neighborhoods they operate out of and that provides quality job opps for locals?
• High-end grocers are not serving the public housing populations (which is fine, but point being those residents have needs that need to be met)

To all those who emailed me about Wegmans, I will send out an email this weekend!