Nancy Lippincott

Winter in the city can be bleak, if not downright paralyzing, with those godforsaken frigid temperatures and icy wind gusts urging us to retreat back indoors. After the New Year, aren’t we all just waiting for the sidewalk cafes and outdoor markets to reopen? Don’t be fooled by the barren landscape—winter has brought a bumper crop of new businesses to Park Slope and the surrounding areas.

What does this latest wave of newcomers tell us about our neighborhood? The new merchants and restaurateurs are coming out of their shells—they’re exploring new corners of Brooklyn, adding more locations, and ditching their nine-to-fives in pursuit of their dreams of joining the bourgeoning ranks of our borough’s mercantile class. This growing economy of “makers” is set on doing it right; most are sourcing their products and ingredients from local purveyors, and some are even giving back to the community. While many of us are at home researching ways to self-induce hibernation, the movers and shakers of Brooklyn are stepping out of their comfort zones and making their dreams happen.

Now, if all this talk of blue-collar ambition and breaking out didn’t inspire you, here are several new reasons to explore the ‘hood this winter:

NewWave43-Mayfiled — Mayfield : photo by Maria Cobb

Mayfield
688 Franklin Ave | 347.318.3644 | mayfieldbk.com

Mayfield is a labor of love ten years in the making by Lev Gewirtzman and Jacques Belanger on Franklin Avenue—a long-awaited treat for the Prospect Heights and Crown Heights folk. Mayfield serves seasonal American Bistro fare with a touch of soul (as the name would hint) winning hearts with their spoon bread and collards. Mayfield covers all of the bases—looking to grab a bite and a cheap beer while you watch the Nets game? Order a Cuban sandwich ($14), LaBatt Blue ($4), and park yourself at the bar. Have a date to impress? The caliber and diversity of the menu lends itself well to a four-course meal—from oysters to dessert—complimented by a spirit-heavy craft cocktail list. Check out their $1 oyster happy hour every day from 5-6:30 p.m. and their drink happy hour (5-6:30 p.m. & 10-close) for discounted drinks.

Terroir
284 5th Ave | 718.832.WINE |wineisterroir.com

A wine habit can be a hard thing to support in this town if you’re on a modest budget like me. Marco Canora and Paul Grieco came to the rescue by expanding their bacchanalian empire to Park Slope, complete with their notorious happy hour—discounted glasses of wine all day until 7 p.m. and cheap eats from 5-7 p.m. What makes this incarnation fitting for Park Slope? Aside from the wine (ahem..see Brooklyn Central Pizza), they’ve incorporated some family-friendly features including wall-mounted stroller caddies. Don’t be shy about asking for a taste if you get lost in the encyclopedic selection; the knowledgeable and friendly staff will gladly offer a sample of something you can really sink your nose in to. Try the bonarda ($6) whose earthy, menthol notes pair dreamily with the deep fried lamb sausage and yogurt mint sauce ($4). Did I mention they are pouring FREE sherry during happy hour?!

Hiho Batik
184 5th Ave | 718.622.4446 | hihobatik.com

Hiho Batik transplanted from Miami to Brooklyn when founder Julia Silver Gordon partnered up with Robyn Stylman, a local mother of three and Park Slope native. Stylman left her career in publishing and social media to join Gordon in developing the new flagship location. This kid-centered boutique and workshop is business in the front, party in the back—literally. Shop the retail section where you can browse ready-made garments or head back to the art space and make your own (starting at $40). With its orgins traced to Indonesia, the process of batik uses wax and dies to produce a brightly colored, tie-dyed-esque look. Both kids and adults will have a blast flexing their creative muscles and getting messy. Feel free to drop in on an afternoon with the tots, or call ahead to arrange a private make-your-own party.

Bhoomki
158 5th Ave | 718.857.5245 | bhoomki.com

Sweatshops are out, eco-chic is in at Bhoomki, Fifth Avenue’s newest fair trade clothing boutique by Swati Argade. Bhoomki’s merchandise is ethically and sustainably sourced from international artisan collectives and local designers. While the shop caters mostly to a female clientele, there is a growing section of men’s apparel to keep the mister occupied while the missus gets her shop on.

Brooklyn Central Pizza
289 5th Ave | 347.725.4891 | brooklyncentralpizza.com

With the price of a slice averaging around $4 in these parts, why not bring a friend and enjoy a fresh wood-fired margherita ($11) lovingly prepared by the locivores at Brooklyn Central Pizza? (Though for the record, I made it through three-quarters of a pie by my lonesome.) Having opened in late October, the staff admits they’ve suffered the consequences of not having a liquor license for the first two months. What can we say…momma wants her wine! Luckily, by the time this article goes to press, you can all rest assured there will be beer and wine on tap (also locally-sourced), so you can have something to wash down the generous, unctuous globs of fresh mozzarella dripping from each fire-kissed slice.

Banhmigos
178 Lincoln Pl | 718.399.3812

Introducing your friendly neighborhood banh mi shop! Because everyone knows you have to nail the bread to make a killer Vietnamese sandwich, Banhmigos has entrusted its secret bread recipe into the hands of a local bakery. The extra effort has not gone unappreciated. Purists will love Da B ($6.50) the traditional combo of ham, liver pâté, and ground pork, but be sure to try some of their specialty inventions like Da Pam ($6.50), a chicken flavor-infused tofu option for vegetarians. Head over soon, because for a brief window of time they are offering $1 off all sandwiches and $0.50 off bubble teas and spring rolls. Cash only.

The Pines
284 3rd Ave | 718.596.6560 | thepinesbrooklyn.com

The newest project from Aaron Lefkove and Andy Curtin of Littleneck, The Pines is bringing inventive, unapologetic, and expertly executed cuisine to Gowanus. The menu updates regularly, but guests can expect to see dishes featuring specialty ingredients like the wagyu coulotte steak with celtuce, smoked tomato and abalone mushrooms ($32) and nose-to-tail offerings such as the pici with pork trotter, tomato, and pecorino ($19). The shabby-chic décor and off-the-beaten-path setting on Third Avenue makes this a great place to slip away for a special dining experience in a charming setting. After dinner, dip out to the back patio with your honey and roast some s’mores over the fire pit.

Belleville
330-332 5th St | 718.832.9777 | bellevillebistro.com

Belleville is the newest restaurant you didn’t know opened — except maybe if you the saw large “Under New Management” sign. Misleading, actually, because while the manager is in fact the same, the new owners, Sonia and Dan Gicquels, moved directly from Paris to Park Slope to breathe new life into this once ho-hum French bistro on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fifth Street. The couple had a long-time dream of opening their own restaurant, and according to Sonia, our humble little neck of the woods made them feel immediately at home. As they are about to be new parents, the Gicquels have a special interest in making this new incarnation kid friendly. Families will feel at ease in a non-fussy atmosphere, and francophiles will enjoy the authentic French bistro classics. And while most of the new menu features locally sourced ingredients, they make an unabashed exception for their croissants, which are flown in from France. Have you tasted a REAL French croissant? It’s kind of totally worth the massive carbon footprint.

Norman & Jules Toy Shop
158 7th Ave | 347.987.3323

Park Slope natives Courtney Ebner and Avi Kravitz have traded in their marketing and design careers to pursue their collective dream of opening a toy store. The concept of Norman & Jules was created when the couple had their first child and wanted better options than the usual department store findings. Here you’ll find plenty of well-designed, made-to-last children’s toys. Not only are most of toys educational, but they are also ethically and sustainably manufactured, with a percentage of the shop’s sales donated to the March of Dimes.

Landhaus
808 Union St | 917.679.7842 | thelandhaus.com

If eating seasonally means artisan popsicles in the summer and maple bacon sticks in the winter, sign me up! These regulars on the summer outdoor market circuit have migrated south for the winter in the People’s Pops space on Union Street. Their “farm to sandwich” fare will have you licking your fingers and fighting over that last bite of their grass-fed short rib sandwich ($8). Get it while it lasts, though, because with spring will come the changing of the guard.

ALSO NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

HAMILTON’S
2826 Fort Hamilton Pkwy | 718 .438.0488
Windsor Terrace/Kensington residents rejoice with the opening of this new neighborhood restaurant serving small plates and 18 beers on tap.

POPPY
217 5th Ave | poppynyc.com
With the opening of her second location of the Nolita boutique, native Park Sloper Leslie McKeown brings it back to her home turf with an inventory curated to the more grown-up yet equally fashion-conscious tastes of her new clientele.

DAVID’S TEA
234 7th Ave | 718.788.2495 | davidstea.com
Put down the co ee and check out the selection of artisan teas at the latest branch of this Canadian franchise.

LA CASA ARTESANAL
512 5th Ave | 718.369.2009
South American home goods, cra s, jewelry, and imports by Roberto Lopez of El Milagro

BROOKLYN ROCK
454 Dean St.
Handmade, witty Brooklyn T-shirts.

BEYGL
291 5th Ave | 718.788.1741 | beyglparkslope.com
This new bagel joint stays true to the old method of handrolling and water-boiling, using only the nest, locally sourced ingredients resulting in chewy, hot-out-of-the-oven goodness t for toasters and non-toasters alike.

JAI DEE
420 7th Ave | 718.832.1611 | jaideeny.com
No longer Wantana Siam, Jai Dee is also serving up a comparable version of ai. What’s the verdict, folks?

CRESPELLA CAFFE
1658 8th Ave | crespellabk.com
Second location serving salad, panini, yadda, yadda…Stumptown and crêpes! Stumptown and crêpes!

YOGURT: In case you haven’t noticed, Park Slope has become the preferred breeding ground for the froyo species. Here’s this season’s newest spawn:
YOGURTLAND 207 7th Ave
PEARL GATE FROYO 482 5th Ave
RED MANGO 276 Flatbush Ave

Have you opened a new business or spotted a new face in the Park Slope, South Slope, or Prospect Heights area? Send your tip to office@psreader.com

It’s Friday morning yoga, and my fellow classmates and I are congregating in the waiting room at Spoke the Hub. The toddler dance class before us lets out, and for a few chaotic moments, we are overtaken by a swarm of excited 3-year-olds that seem to swim through us in the mosaic-tiled fishbowl.

Dolores, our instructor, motions us into the multi-purpose studio space. The setting isn’t quite what you would expect from your typical yoga class — there are no mats, my classmates are mostly over 40, and we are all seated on folding chairs. We’re all here to participate in the gentle, restorative practice of Chair Yoga. It’s just one of the classes in Spoke the Hub’s “Move for Life” program, an initiative designed to get everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, acquainted with an active lifestyle.

There are currently over 20 yoga studios in Park Slope alone, but decades before downward dog and ashtanga became part of the American vernacular, Elise Long was here, a pioneer exploring a frontier devoid of gyrotonics and morning vinyassa. Despite the constant stream of new fitness trends and health fads, Long’s message has been simple and consistent throughout — move your body.

Long first came to New York in the 1970s after college and began her professional career under the guidance of the renowned Irmgard Bartenief. She started off in the no man’s land between Avenue A and B on the Lower East Side until she was invited to visit Park Slope by some friends who would soon become her business partners. “I said okay, let’s do the calculation here. I’m paying for this shithole, and I’m scared, and no one will come visit me. Or I could pay 50 cents to take a subway ride and live in a mansion by a park. Okay, I’m gone!”

From there, a movement for movement was born. Long and her partners set up shop in a loft space in the former Polish Social Club building. By 1985, they found their permanent home in the Gowanus Arts Building, a 15,000-square-foot “artist’s habitat” on Douglass Street, and in 1995, they expanded to a second location on Union Street.

In the Park Slope of 1979, there was only one other studio offering the traditional spread of dance lessons. Long’s new collective in Gowanus would teach more than just tap dancing. It would serve as a conduit of creative energy to the local community, and in fact, that is where the name Spoke the Hub originated. “This is your hub.” She points to her core then stretches out her arms. “These are the spokes, and it’s about exchange from the inner to the outer.”

When Long interacts with her students, she’s teaching lessons that go beyond choreography. The same enthusiasm and seemingly infinite reserve of energy displayed by Long is reflected in the expressiveness of her young protégées. “I feel like the people who move regularly, they find joy in movement. They don’t do it just because they want to be thin. They do it because it brings them joy, and they keep it up because it’s an important part of their lives. They are the most vibrant people around at any age.”

Here in stroller central, there is an obvious market for children’s classes, but Long suspects the people in most need of her resources are the adults. “Who doesn’t have back problems these days? Everyone has back problems now, and it’s because of this —” She points to the giant iMac on her desk and knowingly glares over at me with raised eyebrows and a toothy smile.

I become aware of my slumped posture. She’s right. How many hours have we all spent literally hunched over our laptops? According to a 2011 study, 80 percent of us are desk-bound throughout the day. “At a certain point, my Type-A, big-brained, white-collar men need to move! It’s not just for gym rats, it’s the white-collar, academic businessmen with high-stress jobs. This population needs fitness help, but often they are embarrassed. You should see them come in [she mimics someone with arms crossed and shoulders up to their ears]. Eventually we have them dancing.”

This morning’s chair yoga class was (thankfully) far from a Wall Street hoedown, but the message was the same. Even if we are stuck at our desks for the majority of the day, there are still ways to engage our bodies that don’t involve complicated poses or reaching our target heart rates.

Perhaps this is the greatest strength of Long and her talented team — bringing movement to the lives of the habitually sedentary in a trusting, nonjudgmental environment … maybe with some good-intentioned teasing. Long has recognized the need for movement in everyone’s life, no matter their age, weight, or gender. She adamantly believes the benefits of an active life extend beyond the physical. “I think when you are more active, you get more fearless, you have more courage to try things.”

Starting this fall, Spoke the Hub will be offering classes tailored specifically to the needs of all of us sequestered to our seated lives in front of the computer. The program will include something for everyone, be it prenatal yoga to low-intensity dance classes for seniors, as Elise quips, “As long as you’re not on a gurney we can get you moving.”

Spoke the Hub’s Fall Session runs from September 10 until February 3. For details on class schedules and locations, visit www.spokethehub.org

Nancy Lippincott

Out of Their Shells

ALSO NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

Part of the Solution: Spoke the Hub