brooklynflea

Open for Biz

2009-07-03T15:02:05Z

In case you're wondering: YES, both Fleas are open as usual this weekend. We take our independence very seriously, and have a sense that some fireworks of the shopping and noshing variety are on tap in Fort Greene and under the Bridge.

Happy 4th!

Flea Bites

2009-07-02T19:39:36Z

Some nice new munchies are on their way to the Flea in the next few weeks. Figured we'd let you know about 'em on a slow week.

Brooklyn Brew Shop is Stephen and Erica's new beer homebrew-kit biz, which they're in essence launching at the Flea this Sunday under the Bridge (booth I1). They served up some tasty suds at the Madewell/Flea bash last week, with style and panache to boot. Looking for a well-designed, simple, compact way to brew your own beer at home in NYC (Brooklyn preferably of course)? Voila.

This Sunday also marks the Flea debut of the Green Pirate Community Juice Truck (right), which runs on biodiesel, serves up dee-lish fresh fruit and vegi juices, and generally has good vibes. Deborah and crew will be parked at Water + New Dock Street to greet you upon entering ze Flea--slurp.

Next Saturday (July 11) in Fort Greene you'll find Gerald Jerky in our food pod (the ricotta/chocolate/cupcake/cheese zone) for the first time. Already noticed by the Times dining blog at the Unfancy Food Show last week, cutie Rachel gets her grassfed beef from Dickson's Farmstand Meats upstate, dries it, and adds her own peppery blend to create morsel of dried yumminess. Artisanal beef jerky--who knew?

Then next Sunday (July 12) under the Bridge we continue our seaside food theme, adding Forrest's beer-battered fish tacos to the lobster roll-ice cream-popsicle-Choice Market equation. By our calculations, homemade guacamole + fresh-ground corn tortillas + sustainably fished cod = a nice addition to your Sunday shopping stroll. (We just checked our math, and we're correct!)

See you at the Flea you spoiled foodie.

Found by Susan Walker's Finds

2009-07-02T16:23:01Z

Our vendors are wacky, in the best way possible--that's Flea Allure 101.

Our pal Susan Walker ("sparklysusan" by email) is one such kook. She first did the Flea at the Dumbo Winter Pop-Up, and it stuck, as she's become a regular with one of the best mish-mashes of stuff--furniture, lamps, objects, jewelry, clothes, a bit of everything. New York magazine even took notice in their urban-hippie round-up this week, although they mentioned some other market she does sometimes. (The writeup does include equally worthy Flea staple Val's Kings County Salvage, to be fair.)

So Susan wanted to take us behind the scenes of a typical week in the life of a vendor. That stuff they setup for you doesn't just appear at the Flea every weekend; each vendor scours our Independent Nation day in-day out in search of things they love that they know you'll love too. It's an addiction for most of them, a huge bonus for Fleasters. Quite simple really.

Here's a visual tour through one of Susan's recent treasure hunts, at a church sale in Rhode Island (where she's also a Roller Derby gal), with the end result at the Flea. For those keeping score at home, she sold the printing trays, the white shelf, the needlepoints, the bed, and 5 pairs of lace curtains. Still got the drying rack, unicycle, small white chest, and pink nightstand. The ram horns, apparently, are not for sale.

Susan is under the Bridge pretty much every Sunday, including this weekend, normally in I10. You can also check out her eBay site.

Go Fetch Me An Asia Dog

2009-07-02T01:59:10Z

If there is one thing we've learned from the Flea, it's that we've got a set of real creative go-getters on our hands. And that's just the type of thing to make me wanna eat a dog. Asia Dog, that is.

Steve (left brain) and Melanie (right brain) make up what we know as Asia Dog. AD unintentionally started when Steve and Mel hosted a BBQ at their friend's bar (Trophy Bar) in Williamsburg. Turns out the BBQ was so delicious that they were asked back to do another. And the people came and they ate and they drank and they had a merry old time and now, they've done it every Tuesday since. Thee end. But not. Cause now we have them at the Flea.

When Steve isn't doing freelance visual production and display and when Melanie isn't doing kids fashion stuff, they're busy making their delicious toppings in preparation for the next day's Asia Dog extravaganza. The Friday night before the Flea, you can catch them up as late as 5 putting the finishing touches on their kimchi apples, Japanese curry, or Thai-style mango relish. Put these golden morsels on your choice of organic meat or veggie dogs. Mmm.

The last Tuesday in July, Asia Dog will celebrate their one-year anniversary at their inaugural joint at Trophy Bar. Go check them 'cause Steve will be unveiling some new recipes he has been working on. I would like to tell you it's our little secret and you will find out there, but Steve wouldn't tell me, so I guess WE will find out there. And hopefully that following Saturday at their usual spot in Fort Greene. (You can also get them to cater a party as Conde Nast is having them do. La Di Da.) Check it.

BFF Of The Week: Alexandra Hankovszky

2009-07-01T02:11:36Z

It's like I'm walking in the African grasslands and I spot a herd of beautiful zebra grazing nearby. And then my reverie is over and I realize it's just two hot chicks wearing the same dress at the Flea. As I was about to snap a shot of my prey, one turns around, armed with a taco, as if to say, "I know, right??!" It was the verbiage that got me. That and the dress. OK, and the taco. Meet Alexandra.

So, what do you do?
I'm an environmental attorney. God that sounds lame.

What do you wish you could say?
Actually? I don't think I could really be doing anything cooler.

If you were a vendor at the Flea, what would you sell?
Organic sex toys. Or compost heaps. One of the two.

What did you do this morning?
I woke up at 8 to go to work.

What are you doing later?
I'd really like to crash the MJ party someone was just talking about but I'm going to Floyd for beer and bocce.

What is your fondest memory of Michael Jackson?
What is that MJ record that when you unfolded the three panels, he was there laying down with like, a puma or a tiger, or something? When I was little, I would open it up in my bedroom and lie next to it and pretend he was my boyfriend. Sometimes we would make out a little bit. [Um, that was "Thriller!" --ed.]

Finish this sentence. Brooklyn is...
Brooklyn is better than yours.

Damn Alexandra. But thanks!

Finders/Keepers June 27/28

2009-06-30T14:37:28Z

Perfect scavenging weather at the Fleas, and the Hunt didn't last long (when does it anymore?). Earlybirds catch the Fleas!

Clockwise from upper left:
In a moment of clarity, Abby and Eric (right) from Crown Heights found the Boodles British Gin mirror at Sydney's Baxter's Bazaar booth in Fort Greene, where he unveils his treasure-seeking finds of the week. Sometimes it's giant metal cash registers, sometimes piles of century-old newspapers, sometimes vintage drinking tcotchkes. Eric and Abby "are gonna put it up," though they were slurring their words so it's hard to say really.

Reid and Karen (left) sauntered down to the Bridge from the East Village and promptly discovered the groovy lightbulb money clip in the always pretty Bonbon Oiseau booth. Deb (not pictured) makes gorgeous jewelry, money clips like this one, and hair adornments that fly out of her weekly FG and Bridge booths. C'est si bon!

Our Dumbo pal Rebecca (center) of Moontree Letterpress has branched out from her stationery base into these cute moss terrariums, which folks found Saturday and Sunday. She was a last-minute Hunt addition, so if you know the names of her winners feel free to pass 'em along.

Check back Friday at Noon for this week's items.

June 27/28 Slideshow

2009-06-29T15:15:46Z

Just a stunning suite of Fleas this weekend--the way they were meant to be really. Thanks for comin' out!

Scavenger Hunt Items: June 27 + 28

2009-06-26T16:00:36Z

One for Saturday, two for Sunday (last-minute straggler wanted to join the fun).

When you find one of the items above, which can be hidden in any vendor booth, it's yours, absolutely free! Then we post your photo with the generous vendor here on the blog on Monday. Only one winner per calendar month. Items posted every Friday around Noon.

Happy hunting!

From left:
1. 1970s Boodles British Gin bar mirror. Vintage (Fort Greene/Saturday)

2. Money clip with lightbulb (cash not included!). New/handmade (Brooklyn Bridge/Sunday)

3. Moss terrarium with letterpressed care instructions. New/handmade (Brooklyn Bridge/Sunday)

WWD Flea

2009-06-25T15:25:05Z

Fashion bible Women's Wear Daily picked up the Flea+Madewell collaboration, cutely describing our hookup as a "summer share" in Soho and East Hampton. Thanks Rosemary! (Subscribers only on their website fyi.)

Frankly, the credit for this project goes to our smashing vintage-clothing vendors, who collect with reckless abandon every week just to clothe you in the coolest, most affordable duds. These folks literally criss-cross the country searching for the best stuff, which is the real reason why the Flea has become Fashion Central every weekend.

The list goes on and on: Jellyroll, White Dove, Used+Abused, Rough+Tumble, Papushka, Cherry Vintage, Rue St. Denis, Vintagepimps, Dulcinee, Joan Van Hees, Hairy Mary's, Angels+Warriors, Anodyne, Go Bang!, 3Free Design, Gentleman's Outfitters, Funky Fanny's, Estate of Art, Martine's Dream, Collecther, Marilyn Hitchcock, Kelsi Ammon...

Under the Brooklyn Bridge, Long Before The Flea

2009-06-25T13:05:49Z

Fleasters may be interested to see this photo of our new home under the Brooklyn Bridge which comes courtesy of our friends at the Fulton Ferry Landing Association. As you can see, it wasn't exactly a touristy hotspot back in the 1970s. The building you see in the spot where the market is now held was called the Purchase Building. Most recently it served as the headquarters for the Office of Emergency Management.

Bridge Flea's on a (Lobster) Roll

2009-06-24T20:00:50Z

The Flea under the Brooklyn Bridge has hit the ground running, with 100+ vendors dealing mostly in nice vintage and antique items, plus your favorite handmade and jewelry folks from Fort Greene. It has a different feel somehow, you kinda have to see it to know it.

Anyhoo, starting this Sunday you'll have a foolproof reason to stroll down to the waterfront this summer. Namely, lobster rolls. Fresh from Maine. Mayo or butter. Grilled Nissen buns.

The folks from the new Red Hook Lobster Pound (284 Van Brunt St. at Verona Pl.) truck up to Maine every week and bring back tons of fresh lobsters for Brooklynites to steam, suck, butter, etc. Now, they're bringing lobster rolls to the masses at the Bridge Flea--and after Senor and Mr. B's office tasting last month we know you're in for a treat. The real deal as they say.

Prices will be based on the market that week, but will likely hover in the $13-15 range. They'll also be slingin' Jonah crab claws, ready for your cracking and snacking pleasure.

And--why not?--we're re-introducing Fort Greene faves Choice Market (doing sushi in addition to their perfect pastries) and, well, pupusas. Plus ya got yer Stumptown Coffee, People's Pops, McClure's Pickles, Rick's Picks, Fine + Raw Chocolate, and Blue Marble Ice Cream.

Um, yum!

BFFs Of The Week: Brett Solomon and Allan Parker

2009-06-24T13:21:40Z

I spotted these two sporty gents debating pizza flavas at Pizza Moto. I thought I would lend 'em a hand with a recommendation since I just tore up one of those delicious white jammies. And then we got to talking. By the time it was over we had exchanged cards and promised to go dancing in midtown the next week. I love my BFFs. By the way? They also credit the Flea for bringing them together! Check below for the tale of romance and love separated by oceans and continents.

Where you from?
Sydney. But we moved to Park Slope 6 months ago.

Why?
B: I came first because I got a job at avaaz.org, an organization aimed at helping people voice and organize their critical issues online.
A: He saves the world.

What do you do, Allan?
I am a trend forecasting intern for the NY Retail Report, mainly for men's fashion and women's accessories.

What were you doing this morning?
B: Recovering from a hangover!
A: Working out.

Why are you guys here today?
B: We came to pick up a bedside lamp.
A: We are still looking to find unique items for our new apartment.
B: Beats the shit out of Crate and Barrel. You can quote me on that.

What are your plans for later?
A: One of our best friends just arrived from Sydney so we will be taking him out to a Patio Party.

What the hell is a Patio Party?
B: You know, like a party outside on a deck.
That makes sense.

OK. Finish this sentence: Brooklyn is...
B: All the richer for its immigrants.
A: My new home.

B: One more thing. We always say that the Brooklyn Flea brought us together. Because a few months ago, when I had arrived and Allan was still in Sydney, I came to the Flea to do some more home shopping. I then went to a cafe around the corner, sat next to this guy and realized he was Australian. Turns out he owns a trend forecasting company, I tell him about Allan, and next thing I know, Allan is on his way here to meet me! True story! Thank you Flea!

Aw! Isn't that freaking cute?! Thanks Brett and Allan!

Flea Markets Flopping in Coney, Threatened in Chelsea

2009-06-23T19:16:31Z

For those of you interested in keeping up with flea market gossip in the New York City area, today was a big news day: First, the NY Post ran an article about Thor Equities' failed attempt at starting a market in Coney Island: "Sitt's ads for his "Flea by the Sea" are a stretch even by propaganda standards, as the pictures on this page show. Sitt's tented flea market, shown as two rows of striped tents crammed with happy visitors, so far consists of a single, thinly-populated tent even though the "festival" started on May 15." Then The Observer broke the news that developer who bought the property that houses the Antiques Garage at 112 West 25th Street in Manhattan has recently filed plans for a 29-story hotel on the site. "It's news to me," said Alan Boss, whose lease requires that the developer give him three months notice before kicking him out. Interesting times in the flea market business.

Madewell + The Flea: We Match!

2009-06-23T17:00:42Z

The Flea is steppin' it up.

In perhaps our highest-profile collaboration to date, this week two Madewell shops in Soho and East Hampton will begin featuring a section of vintage clothing and accessories curated from Flea vendors. The Madewell gals scoured the market over the past month and handpicked pieces from our fabulous vintage vendors, and they'll be back to re-stock the sections throughout the summer. Each shop will display info about the Flea in the section, which in the Soho store will be located inside a funky wooden structure made of tree branches. (How Flea!)

The partnership will kick off with an in-store party at the Madewell Soho Broadway shop this Thursday evening (invite at right) featuring yummy Flea food vendors you know and love: Red Hook pupusas, Nunu Chocolates, Salvatore Bklyn cannolis and cheeses--and new Flea foodie (starting this Saturday) Brooklyn Brew Shop's "Madewell Microbrew" brewed specially for the event. Best of all, you're invited!

See you at the Flea (at Madewell)!

Brooklyn Flea + Madewell
Thursday, June 25
6-8pm
Madewell Soho, 486 Broadway (at Broome St.)
212.226.6954

Finders/Keepers June 20/21

2009-06-23T12:00:18Z

Rainy day didn't stop the Hunt--then again what would?

Diana, Juan, and Eduardo, all from Clinton Hill (woot!), found the amber glass candlesticks in the always pleasing City Owl booth. Proprietress Ashley isn't pictured (she's the shutterbug), but her melange of metal industrial stuff, tabletops, and urban salvage all in an 8x8 is one of our finest '09 additions. The Owl sleeps (or not) in E38 Saturdays; check the Friday layout for their spot under the Bridge Sundays.

This fine lady (her name's on the way) scored the balsam-fir pillow from the Old Village Hall booth, which made its debut on Sunday under the Bridge. Scott (right) and Erica live in the East Village and upstate, where they have two shops in Andes, NY, Old Village Hall and Delaware Trading Post. Scott designs and silkscreens fabrics for upholstering chairs and pillows (that's Myrna Loy from The Thin Man on the pillow above), also designs interiors for shops and restaurants. They're a great coupla folks, hope to have 'em back soon.

Peggy Ram is her name, and she was at the Flea from New Jersey with her two daughters from Manhattan. (Thanks Kyle!)

Check back Friday at Noon for this week's items.