Beer in Brooklyn?

A little over a month ago, permission was given by NY governor Andrew Cuomo for stores to sell alcoholic beverages “for takeout from the licensed premises or delivered to the customer’s residence.”    According to NYC Brewers Guild Ann Reilly, the NY State Liquor Authority responded to the challenge COVID-19 is posing for these businesses and substantially relaxed takeaway, to-go and packaging regulations.

One such brewery is Brooklyn’s Threes Brewing which is “aspir[ing] to connect people to each other over good beer.”  Since COVID-19 is preventing that possibility within the brewery’s bars, they are still committed to their customers in their homes.  They can buy beer for “delivery, shipping or no touch pick-up.”

Threes Brewing CEO and co-founder Joshua Stylman reported that because of what’s been happening, he had to lay off the majority of his staff.  Those who remained took a dip in salaries.  The work that is being done however is same-day delivery in New York City and shipping throughout New York State. Pickup is also available.

The NYC Brewers Guild is now regularly updating their website with information on what local breweries are allowed to do in real time.

Local Eateries Partner with the LEE Initiative

Chef Greg Baxtrom of Brooklyn’s Olmsted restaurant discusses how his partnership with The LEE Initiative is assisting his working since the Covid-19 outbreak.

Kindness in the time of COVID-19

There is a worldwide crisis.  Coronavirus.  COVID-19.   Call it what you will.  But while we are all scared and practicing social distancing and taking care of ourselves as best we can, we are faced with a choice:  will we be kind or selfish?  Look at what we can do for others (while being safe) or make like it’s not our problem?

Here in Crown Heights, some people are really focused on what they can do for others.  One example is the restaurant, The Bergen which recently began giving out free meals to children and their families in the local community.  Thanks to Ty Brown who owns the restaurant, these individuals are getting food.  And while his business is down, he is able to give out this free food thanks to generous donations from local New Yorkers.

Initially the restaurant was delivery free brown-bag lunches for school children but once schools closed they found another way to help.

There is always a way to help. No matter what the situation. It’s just a matter of choice.

Generosity in Greenpoint

These are hard times.  Really tough financially, emotionally, physically and more.  But then at other times you get to see the true kindness, the selfless actions, the people – even though they too are going through their own set of very harsh challenges – are reaching out to others and saying ‘here, let me help.’

That is what local Brooklyn landlord Mario Salerno is doing. He owns approximately 80 apartments and has told his tenants (around 200 in all) that he is waiving rend for the month of April as he just “wants everybody to be healthy.”

One of his tenants described him as “Superman…a wonderful man,” relating how she has been out of work since she had to close down her hair salon.  Even though Salerno is taking a big hit he explained:

“it was more important for people's health and worrying about who could put food on whose table. I say don't worry about paying me, worry about your neighbor and worry about your family."

One of his tenants said she's been out of work since she was ordered to shut down her hair salon. "He's Superman. He's a wonderful man," Kaitlyn Guteski told NBC New York. "It's a game-changer."

Then there are eateries which have just begun offering “pay what you want” and free meals and drinks.  There are at least three restaurants offering free food.  Brooklyn Sweet Spot is one of them which is giving out free lunch meals to adults and children on Friday. A couple in Greenpoint is trying to offer some help to those restaurant workers who have lost their jobs by giving them free meals as well.

Getting Out and About

It’s a beautiful day so why not get out and about in Kensington, Brooklyn?  Get rid of some of your tension and head out for a beautiful hike around some local neighborhoods.

There are a variety of local companies offering guided hiking trails including Gray Fox Guiding, Salt Marsh Trails, and Dead Horse Bay.  Book these and enjoy an opportunity to bike, hike and even do some yoga.  Check out Marine Park with the family.  Kids can see all different types of birds, crabs and tons of wildlife; parents can go hiking and grandparents can just relax in the sun at this waterfront park.

For a really challenging hike there is the outstanding Williamsburg Bridge Pedestrian Path.  Allegedly designed with inspiration from the Eiffel Tower, the bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and one of the last ones that was built to be used by horse and carriage.

Brooklyn Bridge Park: Possible Construction

Constructing a new space in Brooklyn Bridge Park – at the Fulton Ferry Landing Pier – is back on the agenda.  Last year the project – under the auspices of Starling Architecture – was presented to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) but not accepted due to fears that it would block downtown Manhattan as well as the surrounding waterfront.

“My question is, what is different now?” asked Moshe Victor Keinig, a retired architect who spends a lot of time in New York. “Much as this new construction would give, I’m concerned about what it would take away.  Once you start diminishing the importance of historic landmarks such as these by accepting this kind of construction, you bring the entire stature of New York into question,” Keinig argued.

There has however, been one significant difference since the original proposal was put on the table back in April 2019. If approved, the structure will be able to preserve the current pier sightlines by using slimmer supports and eradicate the 11-foot-tall hydraulic window walls and roof system.

“I guess if Starling Architecture is able to commit to these changes then we won’t have the problem of the obstruction.  I also like the idea of the new white, yellow and green color scheme and the retractable fabric awning and central bar,”  Moshe Victor Keinig conceded.  “It is so  important for all cities to be able to maintain their historic presence and much of this is architecture,” he added.

A Fresh Start

Many people make new year’s resolutions at the beginning of each calendar year.  That can often feature healthy choices. Here we see how various local community organizations combined their efforts “to get a jumpstart” by offering families healthy food options.

Brooklyn’s Bash: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ

If you haven’t already gotten your tickets for the upcoming local Beer, Bourbon & BBQ festival, stop everything now and do so!  Happening this Saturday at the Brooklyn EXPO Center, located at 72 Noble Street, this year is set to be Bigger and Better than ever!

Now celebrating an entire decade of festivities, the 10^th annual festival has a lot on its plate this year.  Every guest (VIP or general) will receive a souvenir glass and bag but for the VIP ticket you will also get access to the Beast Cage and Shrine of Swine whereby you can enjoy whole hogs in each session.  As well, you will be able to sample 15+ Southern Style BBQ dishes in an unlimited amount until 2pm! Smoked meats include those that are less likely to be seen on your typical BBQ menu like: alligator, bison, lamb and longhorn rounds! A real meat lover’s treat.

In addition, there will be Brewmasters and Pit Masters’ seminars (at the Tasting Theater) and an opportunity to rock out to all the DJs. For all you brave foodies, make sure you take part in the Bacon Eating Contest as well. All in all, it’s a great way to spend an evening

Gearing Up for New Year’s!

New Year’s Eve (and day!) is approaching so here we take a brief look at what is happening in and around our locality.

Getting the party started early is a joint venture between EBK Events and JRG Entertainment happening tomorrow night! Get your glad rags and dancing shoes on for The End of a Decade Masquerade Ball. With VIP guest appearances including Eric Adams (Brooklyn Borough President) and Yvette Clark (US Representative), Caribbean-infused complimentary appetizers and more, this event is not to be missed!

If you don’t want to spoil their foray into New Year’s, they can wait til 31st December and celebrate at the Le Crocodile, Wythe Hotel with a New Year’s Eve Dinner. Watch the ball drop and then check out the Lemon’s after-party where Boy Michi will be hosting a disco-inspired fete!

If you want to take a trip down memory lane or at least go back to how things were a century ago, there is the aptly themed Roaring 20s Party. Take a cab over to Bushwick and get your place at the Brooklyn Cider House before 10pm when the party starts. With a DJ and ball drop Times Square screening this dress up party will have you boogeying the night away til 2am! Cost $100.

And if you are up for doing anything the next day, why not bring in 2020 with the ever popular Coney Island Polar Bear Club swim? Come on down to Stillwell Avenue’s Boardwalk at 1pm donning warm clothes and old boots. Suggested donation of at least $25 for the benefit of the Coney Island community (and New York Aquarium). It really is a must-see (at least one time in your life) for locals and all swimmers will be given free admission to the New York Aquarium too.

Christmas: A Brighter Brooklyn

A bunch of local police officers have taken on a beautiful Christmas tradition over the last few years. Thanks to them, almost 100 kids will have their holiday season brightened with some wonderful Christmas gifts like other – more privileged – kids take for granted each year.

For those who happened to be at the Spring Creek (Gateway Drive)’s Target earlier this month, they would likely have bumped into some NYPD officers chaperoning kids from underprivileged families enjoying a much deserved shopping spree. One local 9 year old reported how he got a Mario Hot Wheel an other exciting gadgets. As Officer Sherry Levan-Lewis said:

“It’s an amazing, amazing experience as this is my first time and I’m so excited. Some children may not get the opportunity to go into a toy store. I love this and I’m sure the children are ecstatic about it and their hearts are beating really fast, as mine is.”

With $150 per kid, it really will be a brighter Brooklyn Christmas!

Kent Towers

With an abundance of light, green space and community amenities, the towers on Kent Avenue, Brooklyn are becoming a fabulous architectural landscape site. Architectural firm ODA is the brains behind this development taking a step away from classic New York residential towers.

In this Williamsburg project designs, most units come out as corner apartments. This is a fascinating way to please everyone since usually the four corner apartments are the most expensive due to their popularity. So ODA solves that issue.

“ODA is relatively new in the architectural playing field,” said Olivia McCormick who has long dabbled in architecture and interior design, mainly for her family and friends. “And that’s what makes its success and recognition so impressive. It’s designs are somewhat off the beaten track but they are gaining popularity at incredible speed.”

Corner apartments in this particular venue are even more welcome given the location – right alongside the waterfront. As such every unit is subject to incredible views that almost seep into their apartments.

“When I first saw the design and then thereafter the actual tower,” reminisces retired architect Moshe Victor Keinig, I was blown away. ODA really knows what they are doing. I would love to one day purchase a unit at the towers,” he added.

Who could blame him? With views of the east river, Williamsburg bridge and areas of Downtown Manhattan these really will be prime locations. The towers take up four addresses from 416-420 Kent Avenue. The first one on 416 is now finished and each one will have more than 20 stories with over 850 units. Affordable housing will comprise 20 percent of this (those will be the only ones not in the corner status).

New York Festival for Motherless Brooklyn

At the recent 2019 New York Film Festival premiere of Motherless Brooklyn, Ed Norton spoke to Emerson Unger about the movie.  It tells the story of lonely private detective Lionel Essrog (whom Norton plays) and his life with Tourette Syndrome and how he tries to solve the murder of his mentor and one friend, Frank Minna (played by Bruce Willis).

Kensington: One of NY’s “Best Kept Secrets?”

Why do people choose to live in Kensington, Brooklyn? According to 264Webster.com, the area is Brooklyn’s “best kept secret [providing] a balanced setting fit for all, nestled in New York City’s most beloved borough.” Here we take a look at some of the reasons why this might be true.

First, in recent news it was found that at 264 Webster Avenue (just off of Ocean Parkway), an apartment complex has been described as one of the “hottest” buildings in New York. A report from Property Shark found it to have been one of 2019’s top 15 best selling buildings between January and June. In sales it came in at number 8, securing the sale of 37 deals in six months at a $614,000 median unit price. the building has recently added some attractive amenities including a gym, spa for pets and rooftop terrace with outdoor showers.

With a population of just under 58,000, Kings County Kensington features many eateries, green space and an above average education system. A couple of years ago local resident Mimi O’Connor decided to buy in Kensington too. Of her search to find a place to live she explained:

“We ended up in Kensington, just south of Park Slope and Windsor Terrace, in a compact three-bedroom attached house with a porch and a small concrete-paved space in back. I had passed through, but did not know the area well. Now that I’m here, there are many reasons why I love my new home base, but that’s different from why I chose to live here in the first place.”

Her reasons became: the schools in District 15; the house prices (a listing of $497 from Streeteasy per square foot – less than half of Gowanus and Park Slope); the many public transportation options in particular, the subway; an ability to own some outdoor space; and ultimately the fact that they loved Brooklyn for its familiarity, architecture and that all the basics are on their doorstep.

Local Business Events

The MREA Business Planning Clinic is taking place in just a few days’ time (October 21st at Leonard’s Palazzo on Northern Boulevard). This event (from 9am to 1pm) is free for anyone interested in starting their own real estate company or want to develop an existing one.

Team Leader Michael Brown is the host. Click here for more information.

Bringing Muslim Culture to Brooklyn

Muslim artist Brooklyner Nsenga Knight has found that historically, Brooklyn has lacked any real Muslim culture. Some years ago – equipped with her research grant – she went to the Brooklyn Historical Society looking for available information on Muslims in Brooklyn. She found hardly anything. The East Flatbush-raised Knight explained:

“They’re missing a lot of stuff. There were hardly any images of Muslims in their archives. They didn’t have that many images of black people. The archive of Brooklyn isn’t necessarily representing Brooklyn.”

Thankfully since then there have been some major developments in the expression of Muslim information and culture in Brooklyn. Much of this can be attributed to the work the Brooklyn Historical Society’s oral historians did. They went around the area and conducted interviews with dozens of Muslims in an effort to “fill the gaping cultural hole in [the museum’s] archives.”


This resulted in the assemblage of 54 oral histories, totaling 100+ hours of audio – all which was published for the public. Along with immigrants from Pakistan, Morocco, Trinidad and Tobago (among other places), many of the interviewees were born and raised in Brooklyn and hail from various religious sects such as the Nation of Islam, Shiite and Sunni. They have now substantially filled the gap

IFP Week 2019

Two days ago saw the beginning of the 41^st annual IFP Festival. The Independent Filmmaker Project seeks to “foster the development, production and promotion of hundreds of feature and documentary films a year.”  It is the “largest and longest running not-for-profit dedicated to independent film,” and is dedicated to the indie filmmaker.

Taking place in Brooklyn, some of the events that are taking place until 19^th September include:

1.       Screening: The Report (CIA agents’ interrogation following 9/11 attacks)

2.       New Voices! Reading Series Sponsored by Sagindie

3.       Screening: Knock Down the House (four women taking on the establishment)

4.       Screening: American Factory

This week long event has been lauded as being the “premiere place to meet bold talent and learn about exciting projects through curated meetings with 150 new feature, documentary, series and VR projects from over 22 countries.”

Citizens For A Better Community

2019 Children’s Entertainment. The Artistic Talents Show with Producer Melvin Isaac, blessings from: Rev Doctor Brenda Lyken, Father Gopaul and many others.  Featuring the following vendors: FDNY, East Flatbush Villages Inc., Brooklyn Voter Alliance (Census 2020), Candice Reid of the Dept. of Health, Sharon Pence of Healthy Homes Program, Astascend Latoya Jones of the East Flatbush Community Partnership Program Public School Charter among many others.

There were also many generous donors for this event and elected officials in attendance.

“You’re Hungry Again?” Kids and Summer!

how many times have your kids just sensed you were nearby and said “mommy I’m hungry” during the seemingly endless summer vacation?  Thankfully, Brooklyn Public Library has that covered.  Well, at least some of it. Children and teenagers can get a free lunch meal Monday through Friday.  So that’s a start!

Other free stuff to do locally is happening at The Plaza, primarily on Mondays.  Located at 300 Ashland, on the first Monday of each month you can join a high intensity interval training workout.  The Chelsea Piers BK Burn  is a core-tightening workout utilizing strength exercises and cardio.  On the second Monday of each month, try out the Bollywood star dance.  BollyX is a great way to unleash the star in you! On the third Mondays there is a great way to sweat and have fun with the Beyoncé Dance Workshop. So if you want to get moving and in shape this summer, The Plaza is the place to do it.

For other fun stuff that don’t include strutting your stuff take your families to Albee Square for movie showings. And next Sunday go have fun at the BK Block Party.

You don’t have to spend a fortune in the summer.  You just have to plan well.

Local Culture

Each year on the last weekend of July, Governors Island is home to the New York City Poetry Festival.  For two days, 14,000 people enjoy the poetry of 250 poets.  Only July 27^th and 28^th, starting at 11am (and ending the first day at 7pm and the second at 5pm), this spectacular event is free and open to the public. 

Some of the big names this year include:

1.      Chen Chen (currently a Jacob Ziskind Poet-in-Residence at Brandeis University);

2.      Dorothea Lasky (currently an Assistant Professor of Poetry at Columbia University’s School of the Arts)

3.      Lynn Melnick (currently teaches poetry at Columbia University and the 92Y, and works with saferLIT)

Mark your calendars for September 6 – 8 for a cultural connection closer to home.  Launched by Marsha Massiah of The Idea Room Corp., this unprecedented festival seeks to “deliver a product that truly reflects the dynamic relationship between the borough of Brooklyn and its Caribbean inhabitants and the unique personality.”

Brooklyn’s Books

Books have not necessarily been synonymous with Brooklyn historically. But things can change and with the summer upon us, why not use this opportunity to encourage our kids to get off their devices and open a book?

Brooklyn’s Public Library has a wonderful summer reading program.  Developed in an effort to encourage young readers to take advantage of the library and not stop their reading once school is out, this year’s theme is “Universe of Stories.”  According to CEO and President of Brooklyn Public Library, Linda Johnson said:

“Being away from school over those months really can result in children losing some of the skills they’ve gained over the school (year), so we are here with our librarians and our staff helping children read all summer long and giving the incentives to read all summer long.”

Brooklyn’s Public Library is doing more than just encouraging kids to read over the summer.  It recently revealed design plans of its smallest (and newest) addition: the Adams Street Library in DUMBO.  This will be the first new branch of the library in 36 years.  Featuring a meeting room, multipurpose space and different sections for adults, teens and children, as well as suggestions put out by community members.