Fresh Fanatic: A Preview

Finally!  Fresh Fanatic, an organic grocery store, will open in the long-empty retail space inside the Chocolate Factory building in Wallabout.

CHB got a sneak preview of the space on Wednesday morning as the groceries were being arranged on the shelves.

Owner Andrew Goldin lives in the building and has a degree in hospitality management.  That experience, combined with world travel to many of the globe's best markets, led to the unique experience that is to be Fresh Fanatic.  Goldin says that the store will eventually boast an impressive range of international foods - Thai, Japanese and even Russian.  They've already ordered bread from Germany.

Fresh and organic it will be, but Goldin promises it will be much less expensive than Whole Foods.  He also promises the most reasonable prices on prepared foods in the tri-state region.

Goldin's hospitality background has certainly influenced the store's features.  Already planned are a fresh pasta counter, sushi bar and an on-site nutritionist.  A seafood counter will feature a tank of live fish that can be killed and cleaned on-site by staff (lobster, crab and possibly tuna is planned for now).  Digital menu boards will display food facts throughout the store, and fresh produce, meat and a gigantic cheese dept round out the offerings.

I saw a little bit of everything going onto the shelves: organic, vegan, gluten-free and regular run-of-the-mill products as well.

The store will also sell garden plants and offer a 24-hour coffee window.

I am really excited to see how this place turns out.  Will it really be affordable?  Will the prepared food really be the best in the tri-state area?  If you live in Wallabout, you are in for a treat. (Or at the very least, a very unique shopping experience!)

As for me, I will probably stick to my little Associated on Waverly for my day-to-day grocery needs.  (A coworker and neighbor wondered aloud this morning if FF would be able to beat the 15-limes-for-a-dollar Associated special.) But if this place is a mini-Fairway with great service, I will be making regular stops.

Soft Opening: today or tomorrow Grand Opening: Tuesday, August 18

Fresh Fanatic 275 Park Ave @ Washington www.freshfanatic.com

Staying Healthy

CH resident and holistic health counselor  Elizabeth Lamb recently emailed me to extend a 20% discount on her services to CHB readers: I am a dedicated reader of the Clinton Hill blog and would like to offer a 20% discount to fellow readers/residents of the neighborhood.  I moved to Fort Greene two years ago from the Financial District and I’ve been overwhelmed by the friendliness of my neighbors and the sense of community here.  I’m a holistic health counselor and focus on simple, practical and inexpensive ways to get and stay healthy.    I help people to lose weight, manage stress and improve their overall health and wellbeing.  You can read more about me on my website: www.dandelionhealth.com

16 Year Old Charged With Pratt Student Assault

The Local has info on the first arrest in the beating of Pratt Student Eddy Sanchez.  The perp, 16-year-old Eugene Adams, lives on Bedford Ave. Hopefully, more arrests will follow.  I am glad to know the cops are making serious progress.

Mysterious Ft. Greene Park

Several months ago, a reader emailed me about the mysterious park across from BAM:

Hi Clinton Hill Blog! All summer, I walked to work past a seemingly lovely park at the corners of Ft Greene Place, Fulton Street, and Lafayette Ave. There's a few benches in there and I'd love to sit and read there. What's the deal with this park?  Who owns it? Why isn't it open? Thanks, Amelia

The park, officially called BAM park, has been a point of contention at least as far back as 2004, according to this Brooklyn Paper article.

I've never once seen it open - have you?  It would be nice to have a green space to sit and wait in while waiting for one of the busses that stops on the north side of the park.  (It would also be nice for a wedding!)

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?

CHB Reviews: Der Schwarze Kolner

Fort Greene's beer garden is open, on Fulton at South Oxford.  I checked it out last night.

On the summer's first true steamy day, Der Schwarze Kolner was perhaps even hotter on the inside than on the outside, despite large, open windows.  It was also loud -- we wondered if the bad acoustics were attributed to the lack of wall decor.  But the prices were not too bad- I had a fancy filtered wheat beer for... $5?... and a kielbasa on a toasted roll for $4.  Both were delicious.

Not bad for being open for just a few days (dude!  cash only, again!).  But before I'd go back, a ceiling fan would be nice -- that is, if summer is here to stay,

Der Schwarze Kolner 710 Fulton St (nr Greene)

The Latest Assaults

The Local has info on a particular brutal assult that happened on Grand Ave last week.  From what they reported, it sounds like a Pratt student may have been beaten severely and had his cell phone stolen.  We live in one of the world's largest cities, and I know that crome and muggings happen.  But it's the sheer brutality about incidents like this that turns the stomach, especially if it was a completely random crime. A photo emailed to the Local and uploaded to the post shows that someone taped a sign to the sidewalk saying, "This is NOT alright.  --The Neighborhood." And I agree.  The Local has also posted surveillance video of the suspects, trying to use the victim's ATM card.  Do you know those men?  If so, call the cops.

This afternoon, a neighbor spotted a bloodied young man on Washington, near the library.  He had just been beaten up, and some passers by had just called the cops for him.  No other info on that yet.

Be villigant, and watch out for your neighbors.  If you see an assult taking place, call the cops immediately.

Gross Met Meat

Awhile back on CHB, we received several complaints about the state of fresh produce at the Met on Fulton Street (see here).  All's been quiet in the last 1.5 years until last week when I received a horror story about a meat purchase: After what happened at the Met on Fulton last weekend I felt obligated to send you a message as a warning to your other readers.  We all know how about the rotten produce and terrible service but they reached a new low last weekend.  I went to buy some chicken and as usual I bought the Murray's organic chicken.  It was 3 days before the use by date but when I brought it home it was completely spoiled.  It clearly had not been properly refrigerated.  There were also about 5 stickers on the back of the package which makes me think they knew it was spoiled and lowered the price accordingly, or perhaps they altered the sell by date and put it out there regardless.  Nothing would surprise me at that place.  The scariest part was when I brought it back nobody at the store was the slightest bit surprised.  Apparently it had happened before and they had done nothing about it.  They gave my money back but that's not really the point.  Bad produce is one thing but spoiled chicken is unsafe and unacceptable.

Anyone else have meat problems at the Met?  If many of you have, probably cause for alarm.  How prevalent is spoiled meat in the supermarket industry?

Friday Photo

(Myrtle Ave)

Another Local Bike Shop

Like many industries in the 'hood, it seems like we've gone from desert to oasis.  Case on point: bike shops.  Bicycle Station has moved from Prospect Heights to Wallabout, while Bespoke opened a few months ago on Lafayette in Fort Greene. A reader recently emailed me endorsing an east-side bike shop:

I ride a bicycle...I think bicycles are the most efficient means of transportation in the city...And bike shops should be our hero's.  All too often we walk into bike shops and are met with cocky owners and mechanics who once realize you're not REALLY going to spend any money ignore you or give you some lip.  I take pride in my purchasing power as should everyone when penny pinching becomes the standard...anyway...Lit Fuse Cyclery is located on Willoughby and Walworth right across from the Home Depot...The owners there are the most down to earth guys I've ever met...It's the only shop that has couches everywhere to just hang out...and they can fix any bike you can possibly get your hands on...not to mention if you hang out while they fix your bike they'll most times coach you on proper bicycle repair and SHOW you what's right and wrong...that may seem counterproductive on their part but these guys aren't in it for the money...they are all about self sustaining and believe in empowering everyone to fix their own rides they've invested money in...like I said...they actually care...

Bike shops come and go....and these guys don't deserve to go.  If you ride a bike you should stop in yourself.

The services are cheap...product installations are almost free...and they have all the cool stuff you need...fenders, baskets, accessories, etc.

Has anyone checked out Lit Fuse?  If so, is it as heavenly as my tipster reports?  Anyone with a bike on the eastern end of the 'hood might want to check it out.  Per their website, they also rent bikes, which is pretty cool.  Not sure if any of the other local shops offer this service - and what a great thing to do locally when you have out of town guests visiting!

Trash Timing: There are Rules!

A reader recently emailed me about a nuisance I have long noticed but never realized was a fine-able action: placing trash on the curb too early in the day: I've just moved back to Clinton Hill, which has some of the most beautiful streets in the entire city. But they are less than lovely on the days before trash pickup. On pleasant summer afternoons and early evenings we have to walk past, and try not to look at, bags of trash put out on sidewalks much earlier than they need to be. The day before recycling pickup is the worst, since so much of the trash is in clear plastic bags, or in bundles, or just loose.

According to Sanitation regulations, it cannot be put out until 5 p.m. on the day before pickup, but that's still 4 hours before dark, spoiling the view for people coming home or going for a late-afternoon stroll.

According to a 311 operator, Sanitation will issue summonses for trash placed on sidewalks before 5 pm, but they obviously don't. I doubt if most people even know about the 5 pm rule (it used to be 8 pm during Daylight Saving time, and that should be reinstated). But the emphasis should be on consciousness raising and voluntary compliance in the interest of keeping the neighborhood beautiful.

I'm going to keep an eye out to see when the trash near me appears on the sidewalk.  What do you think?  Is 5pm too early?  I can see how having a later limit would be more difficult for large residential buildings (even though they create the biggest trash piles), but it would be nice to see (and smell) less leaky trash bags on a pleasant stroll.

CHB Reviews: Umi Nom

On Friday, Will and I hit up the new Umi Nom on DeKalb just past Classon.

I like that they've retained the old laundry sign and added their logo.

Will asked beforehand if I had made reservations, and I said, "Reservations in the neighborhood?  Nawww."  Heh.  Umi Nom does indeed take reservations and when we arrived, there was already a 15-20 minute wait for a table inside the narrow restaurant space.  Not a big deal, but not something I'm used to facing locally!

Umi Nom doesn't have a liquor license for now, so it's BYOB.  (Also, like many new restaurants, it's also cash only.  I've become accustomed to this, but it's still annoying.)

Will ran out to buy some wine, and we chilled out at the small bar in front waiting for our table.

We ended up being seated at the front window.

The menu is small plates, varied in price.  The waiter (who, by the way, was by far the friendliest waiter I have ever encountered in the neighborhood) recommended two plates per person, which range from around $5 to $13 (with one whole fish dish topping out at $21).  We decided on the spring rolls, the jalapeno lollipop wings, pad see ew, and the asian greens.

As a starter, the waiter brought us two complimentary fried crab won tons, which were delicious!

The spring rolls were giant, and came with a sweet / spicy sauce (spicier than the usual orange thai sauce).  The veggies were delicious, slathered in garlic and salt and some other seasonings we couldn't place.  The wings, though, were a bit bland.  They were covered in jalapeno slices and a deep fried coating, but didn't come with any sauce.  We ended up dipping them in the spring roll sauce.

For dessert, we went with the chocolate chili cake.  It was a little twist on the ubiquitous molten chocolate cake, with a little bit of chili spice and a fruity topping.

Before tip, the meal totaled about $48.

Pros: Excellent service, nice variety on menu, BYO (for now) Cons: On the expensive side, cash only (for now)

Umi Nom is located across from the projects and adjacent to fast food takeout with bulletproof glass.  Yet the place was packed.  We definitely felt like we were in the midst of an intriguing sociological crossroads.  (Sputnik and Rustik are both close by.)

Umi Nom 433 DeKalb Ave at Classon 718-789-8806

Is Bonita on DeKalb Closing?

A few weeks ago, it was announced that the original Bonita in Williamsburg would shut its doors.  Now Eater is reporting that the DeKalb location will also close (and might reopen as a Marlow and Sons). I am NOT pleased.

Local Pet Photographer Offering Neighborhood Discounts

As the owner of a small dog, I am a sucker for all things pet-related (and have not hidden this from our readers). So of course, when local pet photographer Scott Gordon emailed me about his very reasonably-priced pet portrait services, I jumped at the chance to take Marshmallow in for a session.

A chatty, amicable guy, Scott was exceedingly patient with Mallow, who refused to sit still for most of the time.  (She's deaf, which makes it difficult to tell her to "stay.")  When he saw that she needed a break, he took us on short strolls through his apartment and introduced us to his own dog, Tibet -- a large, friendly mutt who loves to play.

Scott, a native New Yorker, has lived in Clinton Hill for 15 years.  Originally lured to the area via a family connection, Scott is a dedicated resident who says he wouldn't want to live anywhere else.  "This is a beautiful neighborhood," he explained.  "Everyone says that when they come to visit.  And it's true!  You just don't say that about Williamsburg."

Since he's lived in the neighborhood for so long, I ask him about the changes he's seen.  "It's changed slowly," he says, "and not too much.  You wouldn't get out of the car 15 years later and say, 'This is a completely different neighborhood!'"

Scott does pet portraits out of his home, or will travel to your abode for a special session.  As a discount for his neighbors, he is offering a 20% discount for CH residents on portraits done in his home studio!

If you have some done, let us know and we can feature them on the blog.  Here are some of Mallow's shots:

Scott Gordon Photography www.sgordonphoto.com

Help Find Laika This Weekend

The owners of Laika the dog (who was stolen from outside the Greene Grape) are arranging search parties this weekend, and are providing food and drink to those who want to help out. Here is the info:

Many people have asked us what they can do to help find Laika. We would like to invite you to help search with us on Saturday. We plan to search at three different times of the day, with lots of flyers and asking lots of people on Fulton, Myrtle and Atlantic Ave Mall.

Beers, food and AC available all day at our house. We meet there first then go out in co-ordinated gangs.

Please let us know which search party you would like to join us on. Our aim is to have a little fun while we do this:

10am 2pm 5pm

Bring bikes, scooters and roller-blades, we will have 100s of posters to distribute.

Thank you --

Natalie Clark Barratt natalie@nowhereland.com t - 917 853 7830

For more info, visit the website that has been set up to document leads and information.

Lunch With Tillie: Mojito

I guess I should’ve realized a place named Mojito doesn’t exactly scream “family fun”! Greetings, fellow Clinton Hillers and surrounding-area denizens. It’s Tillie’s sidekick Van (I guess she’s the star since her name is in the headline) documenting another one of our lunchtime expeditions. This time, we hit Mojito, the Cuban restaurant on Washington between Flushing and Park avenues. And it didn’t exactly work out to be the best of choices for me and the Tillster, but I’ll get into that. First, let me tell you how we ended up there.

On our previous trips, we had gone to a few spots on Myrtle Avenue and another on Vanderbilt. But when mapping out our next destination, I decided that Tillie should get in touch with her Brooklyn roots—particularly, that Wallabout, South of the Navy Yard side of her that comes from me. (Actually, I’m from Mobile, Alabama, but when I moved to BK a few years ago, I used to live directly across from the Navy Yard, next to the Sweet’N Low factory. Shout out to 38 Cumberland Street!)

Anyway, I know that area is starting to really take off with new restaurants, shops and a grocery store opening soon. I picked an old standby for us to go to, Mojito, which has been around for a few years. I had only been there a couple of times, but Tillie’s mom and I (and lil’ T) just popped in a couple of weeks ago one evening for some drinks and empanadas. I took a quick glance at the lunch menu, which I’m prone to do nowadays, and had it in the back of my mind to come back since we had such a pleasant experience.

So on this day, after doing some shoe shopping at the Fulton Street Mall (for Tillie, not me), we hopped on the B61 bus from downtown and made our way to the restaurant. Tillie and I had been out for a little while, and I almost thought of just heading home, but we stuck it out. I had food and a bottle for her, so how bad could things be?

We got in the restaurant and were told we could sit anywhere. The place was roomy enough, so we grabbed a little two-top with space around us and I asked for a high chair. I set Tillie up and while I was doing that, we received our cigar box with the toast and dipping sauce in it, along with the menu.

Let me interrupt myself here, because from this point on, my attitude shifts from optimistic to “ehh” about the place.

After getting the toast, it was at least five minutes or so before the waitress came back to our table. I saw her hitting other tables multiple times before coming to ours. When she did arrive, the first thing I ordered was a glass of water, which I needed after munching on dry toast! With that request made, I went for the pollo varadero—grilled chicken with onions and peppers with a citrus flavor, served with saffron rice and black beans. This lunch special also came with a soup (chicken potato) and a soda. Little did I know that it would be a while again before I saw the waitress!

Anyway, as I was waiting (mainly for that elusive glass of water), I prepared Tillie’s stash of goodies for her, led by the fresh cherries I sliced up for her. From the moment I gave her the first one, she developed this ravenous appetite for them the likes of which I hadn’t seen before! I didn’t want to dump them all out on a plate for her, so I was giving them to her a few at a time. I was afraid she was going to bite her hand off thinking it was a cherry!

My soup arrived, which at least had some moisture for me to partake of, then two bites in, the water—water, at last!—and the soda, then the main course. It was a lot to take in at once with trying to handle the cherry-eating machine that was Tillie, too. Then my waitress was off yet again, not to be seen or heard from until I asked to have my leftovers wrapped up and get the check.

But it wasn’t just our waitress, NO ONE in the restaurant ever came around to check on us: How’s everything? Anything to drink? Aww, what a cute baby! Nothing at all. We were pretty much ignored, which is pretty impressive because I’d think a guy with a baby would stand out among the other patrons!

I have to admit, though, that while the service and welcoming atmosphere was lacking, the food wasn’t: The flavors were exploding in my mouth! I mashed up some beans and rice for Tillie to take a bite of, in between her cherry scarfing, and she seemed to feel the same way, too. It might’ve been one of the best lunchtime meals I’ve eaten around the ‘hood.

But as great as the food was (and cheap, too: My mini-feast was only 10 bucks!), I wouldn’t recommend going there for lunch with a baby. It’s the first time I felt that “Oh great, a baby” vibe, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. But don’t worry about us: Tillie and I will keep plugging away!

Friday Photo

(Square Root Cafe, Myrtle Ave)

New Pequena Location to Open on Vanderbilt Ave

Pequena, the tiny (duh) but delicious Mexican eatery in Fort Greene will open a second location on Vanderbilt Avenue, just south of Atlantic!

The restaurant will open in place of the Barrette bar, which just closed recently on Vanderbilt (at Bergen) in Prospect Heights. The owners are behind the local empire responsible for the original Pequena, Maggie Brown, Olea and Moe's.

Not sure when it will be opening (I actually called them to ask and the woman who answered said, "I have no idea!"), but they have already painted the outside yellow.  Here's hoping they'll be open before summer is over.

Technically Prospect Heights, but still walkable for the southern part of the neighborhood.

(Thanks, Russell, for this tip!)

Brooklyn Brew Shop

Recently, I spoke with Erica and Stephen, the insanely nice brain children behind Brooklyn Brew Shop - a do-it-yourself beer brewing operation. They are spreading the gospel of the home brew from right down the street in Prospect Heights, and I implore them to preach on.  They're putting the craft back into craft beer, and the inspiration for their booze based endeavor is multi-faceted; Erica's family tradition, a 7 week jaunt in Europe and a New Yorker article about Dog Fish Head helped them take the plunge towards experimentation with hops.

Their philosophy caters directly towards the modern day Brooklynite, or any other borough dweller for that matter.  BBS offers attractive 1 or 5 gallon kits that will enhance the decor of any corner in your apartment, and it will fit no matter the size of your domicile.  They provide detailed instructions with every kit that allow even first time brewers to approach the task with confidence.  Currently, they have a lineup of two beers to create: Grapefruit Honey Ale and Chocolate Maple Porter.  I was lucky enough to sample their Blueberry Red Ale, which is still in experimental stages of development, and I must say that if anyone could convert me to fruity beers it is this talented twosome.  For those who are more experienced with the art of libation making, BBS offers a plethora of special yeasts, grains and fermentables and hops to keep the creative process alive and well.

In terms of taste, they favor beers of the Belgium persuasion.  Ommegang, brewed in Cooperstown, NY, is a favorite of theirs.  Their current flavor offerings are a little off the beaten path, but Erica and Stephen have high hopes for much more unorthodox brews.  This includes a Lobster Beer, brewed with Lobster shells and inspried by an Irish Oyster Stout, and a Bourbon Dubbel that will be brewed in a bourbon barrel.  The excitement with which they told me about their beer hopes and dreams was contagoius and a real pleasure.

You will see this power couple at the Brooklyn Flea on both Saturdays and Sundays selling their goods; I suggest giving them a visit.  You can also place orders on their website for pick up at the Flea.

The Brooklyn Brew Shop deserves your attention.  They offer you an experience that others in the city do not and it is an experience that you can be proud of.  Also, lest we forget, good beer ain't too shabby.

www.brooklynbrewshop.com

Making Sense of the New Parking Rules

I canvassed several streets Sunday morning on my way to the Y to see if there was a rhyme or reason to the new reduced parking regulations. Thankfully, there does seem to be a logical system.  Based on my walking route, it seems that Lafayette and streets south will be cleaned on a Monday-Tuesday schedule, while north of Lafayette will be Thursday - Friday.  East of Cambridge gets cleaned earlier.

I haven't canvassed the northern neighborhood yet - any idea what the divisions are there?