Big Weekend in Southeastern Clinton Hill
There was lots of activity on the Clinton Hill stretch of Fulton this weekend. The weekend started with a bang—literally—as someone was shot at the Putnam Candy Store early on Friday evening. (And if you think it was over candy, we’ve got a bridge to sell you.) On Saturday night, the new locavore food shop…
There was lots of activity on the Clinton Hill stretch of Fulton this weekend. The weekend started with a bang—literally—as someone was shot at the Putnam Candy Store early on Friday evening. (And if you think it was over candy, we’ve got a bridge to sell you.) On Saturday night, the new locavore food shop at 920 Fulton called Brooklyn Victory Garden opened its doors. On Sunday, the Fort Greene Hill Food Co-op crew gathered at their new headquarters at Putnam and Downing, a few doors down from the Putnam Candy Store, for a group cleaning effort.
It’s a process, it’s okay. I had a thirsty and exhausted kid hanging off me, which always makes shopping a little fraught anyways. This weekend is crazy for us… but we’ll be back. I’m intrigued by your craft goods selection also.
Best,
H
Hey Heather.
I had a feeling that was you. (I follow this blog – it’s been great to meet the personalities behind the comments.)
First of all, I’m sorry your 1st impression of us wasn’t stellar, to say the least. We live right around the corner from our shop. The last thing we want to do is alienate our neighbors. Also, I personally try to make sure we’re on top of customer service in our store, since it can be lacking in the majority of establishments in NYC. I try to enthusiastically interest our customers in our local philosophy, avoid lecturing (I’m allergic to food snobs) and keep it light. The reaction from everyone who has come in so far has been outstandingly positive.
Our meats are all fresh cut from our supplier every time we place an order. If we receive any stock that is frozen, we’ll let you know and offer a discount on those cuts. (Actually, we did just receive an order of Flatiron Steak & Filet Mignon that was previously frozen, as that was all that was available – and those cuts are 20% off.)
You’re a mom, so please allow me to parallel this store to being our newborn. We’re not getting much sleep. We need to tend to it’s needs 24/7 and there’s ALWAYS something to do…like finish the website.
We can’t afford to buy the same bulk that the larger stores do, and we can’t speak for the pricing of the other stores or their suppliers. My wife struggles to keep prices low, yet fair to the farmers, entreprenuers, artists (and us, so we can pay the rent). And we don’t buy in bulk like the larger stores do, so we can’t offer rock bottom pricing. I meant to be informative, not rude on that point.
Today (10/29), we are again offering a 25% off all our meats. I invite you to come on back and let us try to charm you into keeping it as local as possible (right up the street, that is).
Tom & Tess
info@brooklynvictorygarden.com
Tinarina, Fresh direct carries that brand of beef, but it’s frozen, or previously frozen. Is BVG carrying it fresh or defrosted?
Um, just curious. It IS amazing beef either way, and I am thrilled to have a source up the street… or, I could be.
Hey, Tom, I was the cranky person today who came in and asked you why the chickens were $17. I’m not even opposed to paying that much, but I don’t think the pricing is competitive with Provisions and Choice… eh, but what do I know? True, I bought I humanely raised (and probably previously frozen, but that’s okay) chicken at Provisions — brand is Free Bird — today for $2.99, a pound, but, eh.)
Anyways, what I didn’t appreciate, was being told that “there’s a grocery store down the street, if I don’t like what we have” when I mentioned that the pricing seemed high. I really wasn’t trying to be obnoxious. I think your prices for beef are competitive. But, honestly, it’s like this: I could support Fresh Direct, which employs hundreds of people (and, strangely I consider that sort of important), or I could support you. And either way, I’d be buying the same products.
At this point? Fresh Direct? They’re nice to me. You guys, not so much.
Seriously, I would love to support you guys, but I was a little taken aback today by the ‘tude. When I’m shopping locally I don’t need lectures about why I need to buy $17 chickens to do so. Provisions sold me one for $12. With no lecture.
Also, I know it’s hard to keep in stock and maintain, but produce would probably help your inventory.
I tried to find something on your website to send you a note about this privately, but there’s nothing. So, uh. Sorry. Anyways, it is what it is. Good luck!
Hey Heather. I’m Tom, one half of BVG. Our store is focused on supporting local farmers, artists, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, etc.
Our chickens are $3.99/lb, and as of right now, our whole chickens are between 3.5 & 4.5 lbs. (Side note: Bo Bo chickens don’t remove the head & feet, so if you ever think about making stock, etc. that may be of interest to you). We’ll expand what we carry soon, but since we just opened, our heads are still spinning while we test out inventory.
Today (10/25), we’re offering an opening/get-to-know-us special: 30% off all our meats and poultry. We cooked the chicken the other night with just a little salt & pepper, & it was the most tender, juicy one I’ve had in a while. And it made for great leftover sandwiches.
Hope to see you.
yeah *rob* needs to get a life. how many times can one loser post to a blog per day?
rob you are so pathetic- anything you don’t know about (which is most things) instantly becomes a reflection of some yuppie disease that surrounds you. if you don’t like it quit posting to a blog dedicated to 2million dollar brownstones and other things inherently “yuppie”. god you are so annoying.
do they have shootings at the candy store near the Park Slope Food Coop?
there was also a major car crash at Gates and Classon and a shooting on Franklin and Lafayette Saturday night