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The New Wave: The New Regular

By Filed Under: New Wave Tagged With: , , ,

There were a lot of crappy things that went down in 2016 that made us all too eager for the fresh start of a new year. Last year especially was marked by a lot of loss — artists, thinkers, political optimism, faith in humanity. . . The small business world in Park Slope was not an exception, as many stores and restaurants on Fifth and Seventh Avenues — some having been neighborhood fixtures for more than a decade — shuttered permanently. It’s sad when a much-loved business unexpectedly announces that it will close, especially if it was your regular joint (RIP Gorilla Coffee). After all, it’s not just the coffee or the sandwich or the convenience that goes away; it’s also the familiar faces behind the counters and bars. The upside — there’s always an upside — is that vacancies always end up getting filled. Just as we all notice when a storefront goes dark, we also feel that excited curiosity when the windows are subsequently lined in butcher paper, permits go up, and rumors start to buzz about who is next up to bat. And who knows? There’s always the possibility that whatever steps in next may become your new regular spot. Check out our list of promising new businesses, and then decide for yourself if any of them might be your new go-to in 2017.

 

Coffee Shops:

Blue Bottle Coffee 203 7th Avenue bluebottlecoffee.com Blue Bottle Coffee has expanded their famous pour-over empire to a new lovely tree-lined corner on Seventh Avenue just a couple blocks away from the park. This will be their third Brooklyn location, which they thoughtfully tailored to Park Slope’s youngest generation by designating outdoor stroller parking and offering high chairs. Patrons will be able to enjoy a full breakfast and lunch menu in addition to their regular menu of coffee and espresso drinks.

Uptown Roasters 355 7th Avenue uptownroasters.com A neighborhood favorite in Harlem, Uptown Roasters will open their second location further down Seventh Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets. Dan Hildebrand and his wife have used their coffee sales to facilitate better wages for Peruvian farmers from whom they source their beans. The new 1500-square-foot space will provide even more opportunity for community building, as they have big plans to use it for local events, tastings, and talks.

Also check out: Everyman Espresso 162 5th Avenue

 

Retail:

Lucky Rubber Ducky 194-196 7th Avenue tarzianwest.com With Good Footing having migrated to a new location, Judy Kow, owner of Tarzian West, seized the opportunity — and the adjacent space — to expand her specialty kitchenware store. The new landlord loved Tarzian West so much that she approached Kow about taking over the storefront. The extra room has now enabled the business to respond to increasing demand from their loyal customer base for more merchandise. Their product line has now expanded beyond the kitchen to the rest of the home to include linens, lighting, throws, and more in a spacious and well curated shop.

Father Figure fatherfigure.com This crowd-funded fashion line was born and grown here in Park Slope by former Google employee Andrew Bentley. After becoming a new dad, Bently identified a need from millennial fathers for fashionable and functional clothing and parenting accessories. The collection is designed to “keep babies comfortable and dads looking good.” Customers can shop the locally owned, made-in-the-USA apparel online.

Also check out: Libra 1304 8th Avenue

 

 

Food & Drink:

Gnarley Eats 447 7th Avenue gnarleyeats.com Does a burger, fries, and drink for under $15 exist in our neighborhood? Now it does. Not only can you score a sloppy cheeseburger, buttermilk-fried chicken burger, wings, tater tots and a slew of other savory delights here, but you can top off the meal with what is already becoming their signature dessert dish: rolled ice cream.

Salzy 505 5th Avenue salzybar.com Looking for some laid-back, grown-up fun? This new cocktail bar and live music venue is already a hit with the late-night crowd. Salzy serves quality craft cocktails but leaves out pretention. The warm service, inviting vibes, and solid tunes make this newcomer feel like an old neighborhood standby already. Owned and operated by comedian Jennifer Salzman, the bar also features live comedy and musical acts, placing it a notch above a regular old watering hole, but with the same comfort and approachability.

Los Nopales 191 5th Avenue There’s never been a lack of Tex-Mex in the Slope. Unfortunately, if you wanted a taste of real-deal Mexican tacos or quesadillas, you were better off heading much further south to Sunset Park. Hopefully that will all change with Los Nopales opening in the old Bierkraft space on Fifth Avenue, which promises to feature “authentic Mexican spices and condiments” on their menu.

Atlantic Social 673 Atlantic Avenue Having closed both Pork Slope and Thistle Hill Tavern, the Three Kings Restaurant Group is already onto their next venture: an “old style New York tavern” occupying the 7,000-square-foot space. Their largest endeavor yet, the restaurant will seat up to 250 and feature and an eclectic menu by Chef Dale Talde, a cozy fireplace, and a game room.

Also check out: Mis Grill 370 5th Avenue Pig Beach Burger 480 Union Street Momo Ramen 78 5th Avenue Nargis Café 155 5th Avenue

 

Community:

FemGYN 175 7th Avenue femgynwellness.com This women’s walk-in clinic opened back in May and is making female-focused healthcare affordable and accessible. Services offered include contraceptives, breast cancer screening, annual exams, specialist referrals, and more. Given the uncertain fate of the Affordable Care Act and threats to defund family planning organizations, FemGYN couldn’t have come at a better time.

Park Slope Reading Circle & Storytelling Garden 431 6th Avenue bklynlibrary.org/locations/parkslope Thanks to funding from Brad Lander’s Participatory Budget, construction of this public reading circle adjacent to the Park Slope branch of the Brooklyn Public Library is underway. The addition will provide a safe and beautiful space to encourage outdoor reading and play and will feature an amphitheater, pathways, gardening spaces, a water fountain, and a statue of Knuffle Bunny. Who’s excited for spring?

The next New Wave is coming this Spring.  If you are a new business and want to be included, contact us at office@psreader.com

 

 

Park Slope Votes

By Filed Under: Community Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Every four years November acts as a pivotal month in our nation’s political calendar. The months of lively debate leading up to the election often cause tensions to flare in communities across America, and never has an election stirred up controversy and vitriol as much as this one has.

Yet, despite all of this, the majority of local residents seem squarely unified against a particular candidate in the running for the future President of the United States. It should not come as a surprise, that in a community as diverse and unique as Park Slope, that a certain resentment would be felt towards Donald Trump — a man who has distanced himself from nearly every minority group with reliably divisive rhetoric.

There are a number of Americans who admire Trump for saying what others won’t, and for not shying away from the more turbulent areas of conversation that most politicians avoid. But there are also those who find this mindset distasteful.

“I don’t like Donald Trump, especially for the Mexican people,” said Luis Correa, 64, local resident and taxi driver. “He speaks poorly of us.” Correa identifies as an Independent but he finds himself drawn towards Hillary Clinton, finding her likable and attentive. “She works for honest, hardworking people. She works for my community.”

For many, the upcoming election results are cause for concern, with supporters on both sides keeping their nominees aloft in the polls. But for Correa, the future is clear. “I’m not worried,” he said firmly, rapping his knuckles decisively against the top of his taxi cab. “Hillary Clinton will be our next president.”

img_9171Lizette Chaparro, 26, works for a non-profit affordable housing company and is a proud Democrat. She said that her party has “long championed the well being of the working class and has reached out to communities of color.” She plans on voting for Clinton come fall, “for obvious reasons.” She is genuinely a supporter of Clinton’s policies and calls her “the most experienced candidate running for office,” but she also is driven by a desire to “make sure Donald Trump doesn’t end up in the White House.”

Chaparro also praised Clinton for championing women’s rights. “As a future mother, I worry about equal pay and maternity leave,” Chaparro said. “If Hillary Clinton wins the White House she’ll do a lot for working women. She’s very focused on giving women equal rights and opportunity in the workplace.”

img_9165David Hoffer, 58, is a computer technician who has been a Democrat for his entire life. He believes in the Democratic party because “they seem to care more about people and want to truly do good for us.” He paused for a moment before admitting, “At least most of the time.”

Hoffer expressed his discontent with the current voting system in place. “It’s all gone digital. I know technology progresses, we all progress, but if you look at any other field where technology is a large component – there’s always going to be people who try to supersede the rules. It’s too easily hackable; it’s hard to challenge discrepancies.” Hoffer said frustration in the voting system is nothing new, referencing the Florida election recount of 2000 and the controversy over hanging chads, stating that gray areas such as this hamper true democracy.

When asked about his thoughts on Trump as a presidential nominee, Hoffer could not help but laugh and respond, “Where to begin? I think he’s the biggest pathological liar and bigot there is. The fact that so many support him makes me wonder about our country.” For Hoffer, his vote is less a personal choice and more about choosing the lesser of two evils. “I’m not a big fan of Hillary, but choosing between the two? No question.”

riyana-dasguptaLocal graduate student Riyana Dasgupta, 23, believes that this election has “struck a chord with many people for a variety of reasons” and that it is much more than a popularity contest. “The presidential candidates’ policies and character brings out the morality of their supporters,” said Dasgupta. “And I think this election has a lot to do with morals, in addition to electing a new Commander-in-Chief.”

Dasgupta described Clinton and Trump diplomatically, stating that, “One of the candidates has well thought out policies, a solid temperament, and a positive character that can truly enact change in this country. The other candidate, however, has policies that have the potential to do more harm than good and a quick, haughty temperament.”

However Park Slope residents personally felt towards either candidate, each expressed encouragement in every American’s right to vote. “I would like to see more people, older and younger alike, come out and vote,” said Dasgupta. With support mounting on both sides, whether passionate or resigned, this election in particular will ride on the citizens who actively stand in line for the voting box come November 8th.

Slope Survey: Elise Long

By Filed Under: Slope Survey Tagged With: , , , , , ,

EliseHaitianArt1For our second Slope Survey—inspired by Marcel Proust and his eponymous questionnaire—we turned to longtime Park Slope resident and Founder/Director of Spoke the Hub Dancing, Elise Long.

What brought you to Park Slope?  I was living on the Lower East Side in the late 70s. My fiancé felt it was too unsafe and refused to join me there; maybe it was, but it was all I could afford. We then received a brunch invitation from friends renting a brownstone floor-through on Prospect Park West. It felt like a mansion, with stained glass windows and beautiful woodworking. It wasn’t much more expensive than my tiny, roach–infested hovel off Avenue A with the bathtub in the kitchen and toilet in the hall. Also, considering the amenities of Prospect Park, the library, Botanic Gardens, BAM, the Brooklyn Museum, and relatively cheap rents (yes!), our decision to cross the river was a no-brainer, a decision I’ve never regretted. What is your most memorable Park Slope moment? My most memorable moment in recent times, which happened to be in Park Slope, was that gorgeous blue-skyed morning of 9/11: first hearing the sirens, then watching the smoke and towers tumble from my roof, searching for lost friends, lining up (and being turned away) at Methodist Hospital where I tried to offer my rare O negative blood, and the following unsettling days and weeks. I was—and still am—grateful for my steadfast Park Slope community of friends and neighbors. A good day for you is … Minimal time on the computer! Describe your community superpower.  I think I’m pretty successful at bringing diverse communities together and persuading reluctant bodies of all ages onto dance floors to do the Brooklyn boogaloo. If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be? Less real estate offices and nail salons, please. That’s two things, but you get my drift. What do you think Park Slope will look like in 10 years? in 20 years?  How I’d like the neighborhood to look is different than how I think it will actually look. 4th Avenue will probably be like Park or Madison Avenue, flanked by a Grand Canyon of giant building complexes. But hopefully there’ll be more green spaces and mature trees to balance those concrete citadels. What were your childhood nicknames? I have always had to put up with “Carrot Top/Gingy/or Hey Red!” from strangers. My mom still calls me Leela, don’t ask me why.  What is your greatest extravagance? Orchestra seats at BAM every now and then. Or traveling around the world. I’m saving up for Bhutan.  If you couldn’t live in Park Slope or in Brooklyn, where would you go? I can’t imagine NOT living in Park Slope, but I spend a lot of time in Philly. I do love all the rivers, parks, history, and public art works gracing that fair city. I also feel like I could be the love child of Isaiah Zagar, the manic mosaic creator of the Magic Gardens, so maybe I have legitimate Philly DNA. Who is your hero, real or fictional? As a kid, Abe Lincoln was my imaginary “friend” and most-admired hero. We must’ve been studying the Civil War in school and he caught my imagination. I used to take him on imaginary tours around our house in California to show him modern day conveniences. I’d show him our kitchen faucets—wasn’t it amazing that we had hot running water on demand? I told him if you put a letter in the mailbox, it’d end up at Grandma’s house across the country in a few days. I demonstrated the use of zippers, telephones, washers and dryers, radios, and TV’s. He was very impressed, and I was pleased to impress him with all these modern day inventions and quality of life “things” we as a people had produced post-Reconstruction. After reading Team of Rivals as an adult, he became my hero all over again, but I no longer give him house tours.

The Business of Gentrification

By Filed Under: Friends & Neighbors Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Gentrification: the process of replacing the poor population of a neighborhood with the affluent and reorienting the district along upscale lines.

When most of us think of gentrification, we not only mean that wealthier people are moving and displacing lower income people in specific neighborhoods, but we are often indirectly saying “white people are coming to replace a black neighborhood”. People joke that you know when a neighborhood is gentrifying when the first cupcake place opens, or when there are competing coffee shops serving pour overs. One friend marks it with the introduction of a Thai restaurant. Regardless, the businesses that arrive and thrive can signify a lot about your neighborhood.

Artwork by Daniel McCann

Before I start, I want to communicate two disclaimers:

1. As someone who moved to Brooklyn from Manhattan only a few years ago with my husband, both of us having full time jobs and holding graduate degrees, I identify as one of the gentrifiers.

2. A full comprehensive look at evolving businesses in Brooklyn would take several hundred pages. My handpicked few are merely a reflection of my personal taste.

Realizing the repercussions of our choices, specifically where we spend our money, many of us have strong opinions and loyalty about where we eat and drink. But it’s not so simple to make decisions along race, class, or even “how long have you been here” lines, as many new businesses are black-owned and historic shops not always are. And where does supporting female or small businesses play into the equation?

One place this intersectionality has shown its complex face is Prospect Lefferts Garden.

Take for example, Blessings Herbs & Coffee on Flatbush. The owner Lilian Bonafina, an Italian woman, opened the establishment two years ago after living in the neighborhood for x years. All the employees, including the co-owner, live in the neighborhood as well, and while other businesses have shut down and had to move out of the area, they have recently renovated and expanded to include a backyard space and will soon be open for dinner. The reason, in my opinion, is obvious: They know you there, and the customer loyalty has paid off. Lily knows everyone and on any afternoon is handling plates, talking to my son marking how much he’s grown, and quickly bagging up food when it rains.

Other places, like Delroy’s Café and Wine Bar and 65 Fen, a wine store and restaurant on Fenmore, also benefit from this street cred. Michel Campbell opened the wine shop seven years ago, and with its success followed with a wine bar two years later. He’s lived in the city 34 years, but doesn’t see the neighborhood as a gentrification project. When I asked him if he was feeling threatened by the new businesses he responded “You never feel secure, but I’m not threatened. I have knowledge as I’m entrenched in the neighborhood and have rent lower than most.” He talks specifically about the rise of stores and restaurants selling alcohol on Flatbush, but connects it to the state liquor authority needing more funds, not gentrification. Michael knows what wines I like and how to make my family feel at home.

But not all new businesses have found it so easy to build customer loyalty. Andy Charles, the owner of Greenhouse Café was forced to move his family out of the neighborhood from the economic pressures from his business. While Andy is Dominican and fits right into the predominantly Caribbean neighborhood, he’s only moved in about three years ago from East New York. “I would hang out in this neighborhood and that was the inspiration (to opening the business). I should have moved in earlier.”

There’s an important distinction between community driven growth versus corporate driven growth. Beforeitsgone.co is a great new social media site dedicated to fighting gentrification in Brooklyn, and explains many of the nuances in detail. When the community asks for establishments to stay open longer or to offer more diverse food options, residents respond very different than if a corporate chain tries to take roots in the area. This can explain the success of Parkside, a new brick side pizza oven restaurant, which attracts families, couples, and regulars. It filled a sore need for an upscale, but laid back cocktail place and has lived up to its expectations.

So where does that leave us: those who identify as political, and recognize that being new to a neighborhood means an opportunity for us to make choices that could be a drop in the bucket of the future of our borough? I’ve noticed most long term residents in Prospect Lefferts Garden will ask questions about the owners, supporting small business entrepreneurs from within the community.  We also frequent spots that hire local residents, and that don’t play dirty with other businesses.

For me, it means touching base with the locals who have history there to hear the spots they want to support, and to keep asking the hard questions. And to hold off on my cravings for a cupcake or Thai food until I’m in the city next time.