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Coffee and Beeeer in Carroll Gardens
A reader sent in the photo above yesterday, with a subject line that reads “Beeeeer.” This is what he had to say: “They ain’t kidding. It looked like they had over a hundred varieties of beer. HUGE assortment. 414 court st, next to Capital One bank. Formerly: Snack Shop.” The name of the biz appears to be “First Place Provisions.” GMAP
05/24/2012 11:00 AM
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Info on a New Restaurant for Franklin Ave, ‘Mayfield’
I Love Franklin Ave has been following the progress of the new restaurant opening in the former Franklin Roadhouse space, near the corner of Prospect Place and Franklin Avenue, and now has some inside shots of how the construction is coming, as well as news that it will be named “Mayfield.” Here’s the scoop from the blog:
“Back in March, local residents and NYC culinary-scene veterans Jacques Belanger and Lev Gewirtzman made news with the announcement that they were taking over the former Franklin Roadhouse Space. Yesterday, they gave ILFA a tour of their new restaurant, which they’ve dubbed ‘Mayfield’ ‘in honor of Curtis,’ according to Lev. The interior already looks completely different than it once did. …Unlike at the Roadhouse, you’ll be able to sit at the bar, which will serve a full lineup of beer, wine, and liquor, and will include, between the kitchen and the booze, a raw bar. …the menu is far from settled, but they still plan to serve seasonal American fare in what Lev called an ‘everyday, casual’ setting, focused around the raw bar and whatever fresh produce comes their way. Whenever they open, I think it’s a safe bet that they’ll be hotly-anticipated, even in a budding foodie scene…”
The hope is for it to be completed by the end of the year.
A Look Inside Mayfield [I Love Franklin Ave] GMAP
Photo courtesy of I Love Franklin Ave
05/23/2012 12:00 PM
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Open and Shut
Park Slope
Finally! After a long battle with the surrounding neighborhood, Woodland (aka Prime Six) opened on Flatbush Avenue, reports Here’s Park Slope. Says HPS: “This is a new type of restaurant for the neighborhood: sprawling, multi-level, glamorous, pricey.” There are two floors which include a bar, a large backyard with an open grill, a lounge, and a private dining room. The menu is very meat heavy… you can see a copy over at HPS. The image above comes from the website as well. Also open in Park Slope: English-style Monro Pub now serving English brews at 5th Avenue between 11th and 12th Street, Banyo, a fancy shmancy Turkish bathrobes/textiles store at 421 7th Avenue, and Yogurberry on the corner of 5th and Prospect. The New Happy Taco joint on Park Place shuttered for good after a DOH shutdown.
Elsewhere
Italian restaurant Arthur on Smith starts serving lunch tomorrow in Carroll Gardens. And in Cobble Hill, the Ethiopian restaurant planned for the old Quercy space on Court Street opened up yesterday for dinner. A burger joint – Mark’s Gourmet Burgers – will open this summer on the corner of Waverly and Myrtle Avenue (the former Bechamel space) in Clinton Hill. Also on Myrtle, we noticed that Wicked Good Franks, which opened one year ago, closed up shop. Racked checks out the new Brooklyn Industries in Greenpoint on Manhattan Avenue. The store is made almost entirely of recycled materials – even the electricity is totally generated from wind power. And in Bed Stuy, Scratchbread Bakery now serves breakfast.
05/23/2012 11:30 AM
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Juliana’s: Still Coming to Dumbo, but When?
Patsy Grimaldi, who originally operated Grimaldi’s out of 19 Old Fulton, sold the pizzeria and its name to Frank Ciolli back in 1998, which moved its operations further down the block several months ago; in the meantime, Grimaldi said he was returning to his roots at 19 Old Fulton and would open a pizzeria there called Juliana’s. Reportedly, Grimaldi intended to open in March. However, the pizza legend’s return to his old haunt is still very much under construction, as can be seen via the photo on the jump.
Juliana’s Marks its Turf in Dumbo [Brownstoner] GMAP (more…)
05/23/2012 10:30 AM
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Brooklyn Crab Making Progress in Red Hook
Here’s a peek at the Brooklyn Crab construction happening in Red Hook. The owners are readying for a summer opening. So far we know there will be free shuttle service between the Carroll St subway station and Brookyln Crab, 18 holes of mini golf, corn hole, bocce, a giant deck overlooking the harbor, a seafood menu and a raw bar. Hard to go wrong with all that! No official opening date yet, but you can track the progress on Brooklyn Crab’s Facebook page. And check out a few more pictures after the jump.
Brooklyn Crab Construction Continues in Red Hook [Brownstoner]
Red Hook Getting Crabby [Brownstoner] GMAP (more…)
05/23/2012 10:00 AM
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New Italian Spot Opens in Speakeasy Space
A tipster noticed the paper down at the former Speakeasy restaurant on Waverly and Greene in Clinton Hill. He wasn’t sure of the name or if the new spot is officially open. We peeked in this morning and it looks like a nice bar and restaurant set-up with a kind of “old Brooklyn” vibe that’s popular these days. However, there’s no name posted and the internet revealed very little. Who can fill us in? UPDATE: We should read our own blog! As a commenter points out, we already reported back in February that the chef from Fiore in Williamsburg is doing an Italian thing here. Judging from one commenter who’s already been, it’s quite good too.
Clinton Hill’s the Speakeasy Calls it Quits [Brownstoner] GMAP
Details on a Forthcoming Italian Joint in Clinton Hill [Brownstoner]
05/22/2012 2:00 PM
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‘Crispy Mr. Chicken’ Announces Itself on 4th Avenue
Perhaps looking to fill the void that was created when the KFC on 4th Avenue closed in the fall so that it could be converted into a McDonalds, an awesome sign advertising “Crispy Mr. Chicken” has been on the front of 52 4th Avenue for more than a month now. The location is almost directly across the street from the former KFC and possible future McDonalds. Unfortunately for those looking to get their chicken fix, the work inside appears to be progressing slowly and there are no indications that the restaurant will be opening anytime soon. However, all hope is not lost: According to Department of Buildings records, there was a fried chicken biz operating in the same location from 1994 until 2010, before it was converted into a deli. Now that the deli’s gone, the chicken is free to range in all its glory. –By Evan Bleier
Blight at 4th Avenue Fast-Food Building [Brownstoner] GMAP
05/19/2012 11:00 AM
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Slope Beer Garden, Die Koelner Bierhalle, May Open Soon!
Park Slope might not be getting a Hooters anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean that the area isn’t going to be filling up with other new businesses. One such business, Die Koelner Bierhalle, is moving closer to opening its doors. Construction is still being done on the building’s interior, but the facade of the German-style beer hall is intact and looking just about ready for business. As previously reported on Brownstoner, the bar will have 30 German draft beers and will be run by the former manager of Der Schwarze Kölner in nearby Fort Greene. Located at 84 St. Marks Place, near the corner of 4th Avenue, the beer hall will offer bar-goers an alternative to nearby watering holes like the Cherry Tree and Pacific Standard. The bar’s website reports that it will be opening in Spring 2012, which means you should be able to say “Prost!” there sooner rather than later. –By Evan Bleier Update: Correct spelling of business name is now in place.
Beer Hall Opening in the North Slope [Brownstoner] GMAP
05/19/2012 9:28 AM
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Open and Shut
Park Slope
We spotted a fashion boutique open this week in the ground-floor space of condo-turned-rental 9 St. Johns. Here’s Park Slope shares a few details: “There’s no visible name to speak of and no online presence yet (and they weren’t open yesterday at 5), but with an advertised rent of $8K/month, it’s nice to see that it didn’t end up becoming a real estate office or Pearle Vision.” HPS also notes a few openings ’round the neighborhood: sandwich/salad/wrap joint Pure Bistro opened opened on 5th Avenue, near Warren, A Shoe Grows in Brooklyn is open on 7th, fro-yo joint Yogurberry will open this Friday at the corner of 5th and Prospect, and Aarpan Cuisine opened its doors at the old Mezcal’s space on 5th Avenue.
Williamsburg
An “artisanal snocone and sweets shop” going by the name of Handsome Dan’s Stand opened in the Williamsburg Mini Mall at 218 Bedford Avenue. Some flavor samples: thyme dream, rose pomegranate, and chili passion fruit. Grubstreet reports that Sweetleaf Coffee, a popular cafe in Long Island City, opened Monday at Kent Avenue and North 6th Street. The owners of the “Bukowski-homage whiskey den Post Office” will open a restaurant/bar at 141 Broadway in the South Burg. The menu will lean toward seafood. And finally the Brooklyn Paper sketches the scene at new bar Tender Trap, 245 South 1st Street between Roebling and Havemeyer streets. Over in Greenpoint, the Pie Corps will sell pie out of a store on Driggs Avenue at the beginning of June.
Elsewhere
Eater digs up all the details about the Littleneck expansion in Gowanus. The new place, which will have a more land-based menu that its clam shack counterpart, is called The Pines. It should open early July. Also in Gowanus, GYFA notes that the sports bar 383 Bar and Grill and record store Sector Records have closed. The Irish Pub moving into 139 Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights will be called Custom House, says BHB. The tapas bar planned for awhile now by Vanderbilt Avenue’s Plan B, now named Cork will open next month in Prospect Heights.
05/16/2012 11:30 AM
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Open and Shut
Gowanus
Gowanus Your Face Off reports (and took the picture above) of a new restaurant coming from the Littleneck crew. They are renovating a space a few doors down from Littleneck Clam Shack (the old Tony’s bagel space) and plan to open it up in July. The food and drink concept isn’t yet set in stone, but GYFA guesses it’ll be a tapas bar.
Park Slope
Lots of shutters and openings this week in the Slope. First, a sad closing: the owners of Bob and Judy’s Coollectibles are moving to California and closing up shop in July, after 15 years in business. The knitting supply and gift shop Brooklyn Mercantile closed on 5th Avenue after a rent hike. Flatbush Avenue’s Carlton Park is now open, as well as Skylark Bar on 5th Avenue and 11th Street. Die Koelner Bierhalle, the beer hall at St Marks and 4th Avenue, is getting close.
Williamsburg + Greenpoint
My Moon, a once-Turkish restaurant at 184 North 10th Street, got a new chef who is experimenting with flavors from Barcelona, says the Brooklyn Paper. Grubstreet posts a slideshow of Beloved, a bar now open on Manhattan Avenue. Norman’s Sound & Vision is moving from St. Marks Place, in the East Village, to an undisclosed location of Williamsburg. And Gothamist tours Donna, a late night bar (with a food menu) open on Williamsburg’s southside, 27 Broadway.
Elsewhere
Dumbo NYC reviews Dumbo Kitchen and reports that the made-to-order sandwiches (named after building addresses in the neighborhood) are tasty. The Treats Truck opens this Saturday on Carroll Gardens with an opening day party on Saturday. A “halal Chinese and Afghani cuisine” restaurant is opening on Coney Island Avenue near Newkirk, writes Ditmas Park Corner. Bar and restaurant owners seek to open up a sports tavern on a previously troubled area of Rockwell Place in Downtown Brooklyn.
05/09/2012 11:30 AM
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Middle Eastern Restaurant Opens at 316 Court Street
Here’s a shot from the opening night this Sunday at Levant Brooklyn, the new Middle Eastern restaurant open at 316 Court Street in Cobble Hill. According to the Facebook page, the spot “specializes in Middle Eastern Mazzeh, Grills and Manakeesh (a cross between pita and pizza.)” Check out some pictures of the dishes at Pardon Me for Asking. It’s open for brunch and dinner, from 11am to 11pm every day of the week. GMAP
05/07/2012 2:00 PM
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There is no ‘War on Brunch’ in Williamsburg
For the past month or so, a couple newspapers owned by some Australian dude have been publishing stories about how there is a “War on Brunch” in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, a tet offensive that was reportedly launched at the behest of Community Board 1 because of residents complaining about how outdoor seating and people lined up outside cafes on weekends is clogging up sidewalk space. However, according to Tom Burrows, the chair of the Community Board 1 public safety committee, which covers sidewalk café permits in addition to criminal matters, “there is no war on brunch in Williamsburg and Greenpoint—this is a way of selling papers.” About a month-and-a-half ago, Burrows noted at a committee meeting that some residents were complaining about patrons of Five Leaves—which is located on the corner of Bedford and Nassau—taking up a lot of sidewalk space on weekends. However, Burrows wasn’t looking to target just one establishment and says, “this is not a war, it’s about everyone following the rules.” Burrows says the Department of Consumer Affairs should fairly enforce the law and, “I know everyone breaks the rules but, if that’s the case, then let’s get rid of the rules.” According to Mieszko Kalita, the owner of Beata Delicatessen and a small-business owner in Greenpoint for more than two decades, “the Brooklyn Paper published a story that was made up.” Kalita adds: “The people who want to change rules about sidewalk cafes can contact their elected officials….I’ve been in this business for 24 years and 5 days, and I understand that the neighborhood has changed greatly during that time.” There is, perhaps, a larger issue at play here, as there are several establishments in North Brooklyn that have outdoor seating without even having permits for them. Pictured above, a crowd outside Five Leaves yesterday; a manager who answered the phone at the establishment yesterday said he could not comment on the matter.
05/07/2012 10:00 AM
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Reshuffle on Fulton for Habana Outpost Expansion
Yesterday the Local reported that Habana Outpost is expanding on Fulton Street, but not without a bit of shuffling involved. Community Board Two’s Permits Committee heard a permit for Habana-to-Go, a 24-hour takeout spot that also serves alcohol. The owner plans to open in the Not Ray’s Pizza space this summer. The menu will be a scaled-down version of the Habana Outpost menu, similar to the Manhattan Habana To-Go location. The owner told CB2 he doesn’t plan to operate a rowdy bar, rather a “Get-’em-in, get-’em-out” joint. As for the move, Not Ray’s Pizza will shuffle from South Portland Avenue to a larger space two doors away, Go Greene Hardware. And Go Greene Hardware will relocate across Fulton Street into the empty building next to Habana Outpost. CB2 unanimously approved Habana’s proposed liquor licence.
Panel Approves First Step in Habana Outpost Expansion Plan [The Local] GMAP
05/04/2012 2:00 PM
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Kimchi Grill Finally Opens on Washington Ave. Today
Kimchi Grill, the brick and mortar location for the popular Kimchee Taco Truck, should open today. Plans have been in place for the restaurant since March of last year. Says the New York Times: “It’s up to [chef] Michael Calderon to cook the creative Korean fare: dishes like kimchi quesadillas, ssam buns with spicy pork or beef, and barbecued beef burritos. The truck still runs.” Earlier this afternoon the paper was still up on the windows but a construction worker told us it should be open by 4 or 5pm. Let us know if you stop by and the place is ready for biz. GMAP Update: A tipster tells us: Kimchi Grill is open and delicious! Tacos were terrific, as expected. A bit bigger than the truck’s tacos. Menu was in three sections: Tacos, Burritos, Bowls, all with the following options: Grilled Korean BBQ Short Rib, Seared Spicy Pork, Korean Fried, Chicken, Tofu Edamame Falafel. An interior picture after the jump. (more…)
05/03/2012 2:00 PM
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Gowanus Dance Parties Get Legit
The Brooklyn Paper reports that the once-illegal Gowanus dance parties at The Brooklyn Yard now have the blessing of Community Board Six. CB6 recommended a liquor licence for the outdoor parties, now called the Gowanus Grove, held every Sunday with local food vendors and music. Last year the parties stayed open until 8pm and beer was served, but the owners never went before the Community Board. The year before that, the dance parties were operating without liquor or sound licences and were shut down by the landlord. This year, the Gowanus Grove has new promoters, will hold dance parties until 9pm on Sundays, and serve food and beer. No word yet on the website when Sunday parties pick back up.
Gowanus-Side Dance Parties will Return this Summer [Brooklyn Paper]
Photo via
05/02/2012 2:00 PM
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Open and Shut
Carroll Gardens
We noticed that the 16 Handles signage, which caused quite a stir in the neighborhood, was replaced with something less garish. But this signage looks temporary, so who knows! And Pardon Me for Asking wonders if Vinzee’s Magic Fountain, the burger joint on Court Street, is kaput. The hours were erratic and now neighbors noticed its not open at all.
Park Slope
The expansion of Zito’s Sandwich Shop is confirmed for the Coney Island Boardwalk! Here’s Park Slope talked to the owner, who signed a three year lease to open a 140-square-foot sandwich stand right near Luna Park, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Flea favorite People’s Pops opened its brick and mortar storefront at 808 Union Street with five types of ice pops and two shave ice flavors on hand. The Pink Berry construction site on 7th Avenue was slapped with a Stop Work Order. Happy Taco, at the intersection of Park, 7th, and Flatbush Avenue, was shuttered by the DOH. Grab Specialty foods opened with a new name (The Plougman) and new management. And Casa Ventura opened in a (possibly cursed) storefront on the corner of 7th Avenue and 3rd Street. Here’s Park Slope gave the place a thumbs up: “Judging by the food, decor, and service, all signs point to us having a real winner on our hands here.”
Elsewhere
Ditmas Park Corner notes that Lark Cafe will move into 1007 Church Avenue (next to the AM Thai Bistro) and serve Stumptown coffee, pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads come June. Lost City reports good news that Leske’s Bakery, the last Scandinavian bake shop in Bay Ridge that closed last year, will reopen in the same location this month. Greenwood Heights residents worry about the massive beer garden under construction on 7th Avenue. The joint has not applied for a liquor licence from the Community Board yet. The cursed storefront corner of Dumbo which once housed Choice and The Gallery is now Dumbo Kitchen. It serves pizza and sandwiches. Carol’s Daughters, a successful bath and body shop from Fort Greene, closed its flagship location at 1 South Elliott Place. Says Patch: “The closure marked the departure of a key black-owned and operated business from the traditionally African-American brownstone-lined streets of Fort Greene.” And Eater wonders if popular Spanish chef Jose Andres is planning a restaurant somewhere in Brooklyn.
05/02/2012 11:30 AM
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A Tour of the Wythe Hotel, Open Today
Today is the grand opening of Williamsburg’s Wythe Hotel, the $32 million dollar project to transform a historic industrial building into an upscale hotel. It’s also the grand opening of Andrew Tarlow’s highly anticipated restaurant on the ground-floor, named Reynards. The 72 hotel rooms come in eight different variations, outfitted with locally-made furniture, custom wallpaper from Flavor Paper, 13-feet high exposed ceilings, and exposed brick. Rates range from $179-$495. Some of the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, which have pretty fantastic views of the skyline. Rooms without views of Manhattan look out onto artwork commission by the hotel, painted on the neighboring building. The upper-floor hotel units, sixth floor bar/outdoor terrace, and downstairs movie theater will finish construction in about a month. (The restaurant, bar, and theater will be open to hotel guests and the public.) The restaurant will focus on seasonal cuisine and “whole-animal, wood-fired cooking.” There are two large dining areas and outdoor seating, which connects to an outdoor terrace outside a private events room. Click through for the full tour and more details!
Wythe Hotel [Main Site]
Wythe Hotel Opening May 1st for Sure [Brownstoner] GMAP (more…)
05/01/2012 2:45 PM
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Hooters in Park Slope? Residents Say ‘Fuggedaboutit!’
Well now! “A move by Hooters to open near the new Nets arena has gone bust so far — but brownstone Brooklyn is melting down at the very thought of the risque restaurant invading their neighborhood. Hooters reps have been trolling through the stroller-friendly neighborhoods of Prospect Heights and Park Slope for a possible storefront — but local moms say they are ready for battle.” So begins a Daily News story about how Hooters, which has three other outposts in the city but none in Brooklyn, has been on the hunt for a space to open in Park Slope or Prospect Heights, near Barclays Center. The North Flatbush Business Improvement District says Hooters ain’t gonna happen in the ‘hood. But let’s have some more quotes from Park Slope residents! “Phoebe McGraw, 62 — who has lived on Bergen St. for more than four decades — described the eatery as ‘trash traffic.’ ‘From here they’ll go to strip joints,’ she said. ‘It’s heartbreaking. They’re destroying something special.’”
BOUNCED! Brooklyn Folks Around Nets’ New Home Say Bra Humbug to Hooters [NY Daily News]
Photo by Elitist Czar
05/01/2012 11:00 AM
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Smoked Meats/Sandwich Shop Opening in Carroll Gardens
Back in mid-2009, a health-conscious restaurant called Olga’s that specialized in kosher products opened on southern Smith Street, near the corner of Third Place, but it will soon be replaced, as Grub Street noted, with HBH, a shop selling “smoked meats and gourmet sandwiches.” A reader sent in the photo above of new signage on the door last week, but the business’s Facebook page gives little indication of when it will be up and running.
HBH Gourmet Sandwiches [Facebook] GMAP
Kosher Eatery Olga’s on Smith Becoming Porktastic HBH Meats [Grub Street]
04/30/2012 12:00 PM
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Nu Hotel’s Outdoor Cafe Opens May 1st
Tuesday, May 1st will be the opening date of the Nu Hotel’s 416-square-foot sidewalk cafe. The hotel first applied for the license last summer. No word yet on the menu or concept of the cafe and bar, but a press release from Nu Hotel says the chefs are “designing a unique tapas menu for lunch and dinner at the café.” The bar will feature signature cocktails on a rotating menu. Once open, this will be one of the largest sidewalk cafes in the borough. May Day cocktails on the house?
Nu Hotel Looks to Take it Outside [Brownstoner] GMAP
04/26/2012 2:00 PM
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adam_dahill
May 21, 2012 | 02:16 PM