As we reported last October, Steve Levin, who represents our district in the City Council, has $1 million in discretionary funds that may be used to bankroll projects in the area. Back then he had a community meeting to solicit ideas; now he has a list of sixteen “viable” projects and is asking constituents to vote this week for up to five of these projects to receive funding. The top vote getters, totalling up to $1 million, will be funded. A list of projects on the ballot is here.

Of the projects listed, several would benefit Brooklyn Heights or the immediate area. One would provide funds for laptops and smartboards at MS 8, which serves local students. Another would improve lighting in the Atlantic Avenue access to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Two others would improve Cadman Plaza Park; one by rehabilitating a presently closed comfort station, and the other by installing weight-based fitness equipment.

To vote you must be a resident of the district and sixteen or older. You must vote in person at a designated polling place, and bring ID proving age and residence. These are the locations and hours of operation of the polling places in this area:

The Moxie Spot, 81 Atlantic Avenue (between Henry and Hicks), today (Monday, April 1) through Saturday, April 6, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Borough Hall, 289 Joralemon Street, Wednesday, April 3, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

PS 8, 37 Hicks Street (between Middagh and Poplar), Friday, April 5, 7:45 to 9:45 a.m.

101 Clark Street Community Room, 101 Clark Street (between Henry and Cadman Plaza West), Sunday, April 7, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/57000

Serious Eats peruses the cocktail specialties at Red Gravy, Saul Bolton’s acclaimed restaurant at 151 Atlantic Avenue that opened in December.

In Eats’ “First Look” column, beverage director Jesse Cason notes: “Italians have thirsts that match their appetite. They believe wine and spirits are integral to their enjoyment of their native cuisine. We like to think of our libations as enlivening to the palate, but also medicinal. Hopefully they will cure what ails you.”

Serious Eats adds, “The cocktails at Red Gravy bear in mind the Italian practice of consuming apertivi to stimulate the appetite, and digestivi to aid in digestion. You’ll recognize bottles of amari and herb-laced bitters behind the bar and in the cocktails: take, for example, the Whiskey Skiffer, a spin on a Boulevardier that’s made with Cynar, an artichoke-laced liqueur, instead of the traditional Campari for an extra-bitter punch.

More on Serious Eats.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55356

In a recent round-up of romantic Valentine’s Day dinner destinations, AM New York gives some love to Colonie at 127 Atlantic Avenue.

The newspaper offers: “A true neighborhood spot, Colonie is a great place for a romantic dinner date in Brooklyn. The five-course prix-fixe dinner includes oysters with blood orange, fennel and speck consommé mignonette and chocolate ganache with banana ice cream, peanut brittle and caramel. $95 per person.”

BHB’s own Karl Junkerfeld notes, “The opening of Colonie is a transformative event for Brooklyn Heights, which can rival any restaurant in the greater New York City area. Bravo!” (Image: Karl Junkersfeld)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/54856

Saul Bolton’s new eatery, Red Gravy, which opened at 151 Atlantic Avenue in December, got props from the Zagat Blog earlier this week. Now Gothamist weighs in, also offering some keen pics and the dinner menu.

Gothamist: “Chef Saul Bolton, the talented toque who runs Saul, one of the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Brooklyn, has opened a new joint in Brooklyn Heights called Red Gravy. The 75-seat trattoria is located in the space formerly occupied by Mezcal at 151 Atlantic Avenue, and it’s not a flashy affair. Exposed brick walls and wooden ceiling beams, simple chandeliers and a modest bar layout create a casual framework for Bolton’s seasonal Italian menu. Considering Bolton’s impeccable reputation and the lack of competition on this stretch of Atlantic, we’re not surprised to hear Red Gravy’s been mobbed.”

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/53867

Donald Rattner, founder of MODULE R—which opened a year ago at 141 Atlantic Avenue—is profiled in the latest issue of Brooklyn’s The L Magazine. Writer Kristin Iversen offers, “How can we exert some control over our spaces in the absence of oneiric home renovation? Enter MODULE R, a high-concept, modern design store.”

The upscale boutique, dedicated to “modular, reconfigurable and customizable design,” was launched by architect Rattner, who was inspired to open the store after he was commissioned to design 30 identical modular prefabricated hotel cottages for an historic spa resort in West Virginia. He says, “This got me interested not only in modularity, but in any kind of creative product or system that accommodates reconfigurability, co-creativity and flexible design. When I discovered that no one in the design, retail or gallery sectors had thought to specialize in this body of work, I figured it was my duty to rectify the situation.”

L says that Rattner, who our Heather Quinlan profiled in 2010, feels the store benefits from “the architects, graphic designers and members of the creative class” who live in the area.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/52927

The U.K. Guardian: “At noon Friday the line for gas at the Shell station [on Atlantic Avenue] in Brooklyn Heights weaved around three blocks and stretched back for half a mile. ‘I’ve been here two and a half hours,’ said Brian Temporosa. ‘I’ve been empty for probably two days now. Luckily I haven’t run out yet but if I’m here for another 15 minutes, then yeah, I might.’ Krystyne Todaro traveled a quarter of a mile to the Shell station in two and a half hours. ‘This is the worst of what I’ve had to deal with so far, so I’m OK. It is what it is,’ she said. (Photo: Wayne, N.J., Flickr/Bbop18)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/51167

As Atlantic Avenue attempts to redefine itself as a burgeoning retail and foodie destination for local businesses and more upscale shopping, we’re not sure that the local BID had fast food in mind as consummate gentrification. We saw a sign today in the storefront at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Hicks Street promoting a “Coming Soon” Subway sandwich shop on the northern side of the street. Granted, its proximity to Long Island College Hospital could likely make it a hit with docs and patients.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49422

The Brooklyn Heights Association is circulating a poll on behalf of the Atlantic Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), asking area residents about the kind of businesses Atlantic Avenue needs “to be an even better neighborhood shopping street. The BID aims to bring in new businesses that will further enhance the mix of retail and variety of stores available in the community.”

Based on your feedback, Atlantic Avenue’s BID “will seek out the best possible tenants to fill vacant storefronts on the Avenue.” The online survey is here. In addition, a new website has been launched with updates on the avenue’s growing business and retail scene. Also follow on Facebook and Twitter. (Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49343

Brooklyn Heights Blog correspondents were out in force Sunday for Atlantic Antic, which spans one mile along Atlantic Avenue, from Hicks Street to Fourth Avenue. Despite an early afternoon shower and cool temps, Brooklynites came out by the thousands for the 38th-annual event. Many more pics below the jump. (Photos: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/48530

It was more than a year ago that neighborhood institution Sahadi’s petitioned to expand the gourmet & Middle Eastern food market at 187 Atlantic Avenue. Good things come to those who wait: Sahadi’s will close from September 17-23, as it begins an extensive expansion that will tie in three storefronts. Read more on the Brooklyn Heights blog here.

Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7829

In The New York Times’ extensive Tuesday preview of new restaurants opening throughout New York City this fall, Italian eatery Red Gravy—coming to 151 Atlantic Avenue at Clinton (after what appears to be a year’s delay)—gets a thumbs up from writer “Florence Fabricant.” Regarding the menu: “Saul Bolton’s take on Italian gives a serious nod to the south of the boot (sardines with caponata, bucatini con le sarde, spaghetti with eggplant, ricotta and basil, porgy alla pugliese). Ben Daitz, a partner and designer, is creating an Italian farmhouse seen through a Brooklyn lens.”

Bolton also operates Brooklyn’s The Vanderbilt at 570 Vanderbilt Avenue in Prospects Heights; and Botanica, 220 Conover Street, in Red Hook. New York magazine, Gothamist and The Brooklyn Paper have also heralded the coming of Red Gravy—with previews as far back as a year ago. Boy, talk about generating buzz.

Brownstoner reported in February that a liquor license permit was posted on the door of what was formerly Mezcals in the location. Gravy is expected to start flowing in late October or early November. (Photo: Brownstoner)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/47131

Streetwear sneaker brand and skate shoes retailer Supra has leased a shop at 288 Atlantic Avenue near Smith Street in Boerum Hill, according to real estate firm CPEX, which rented the space. Brownstoner reports that the store The Southern Cali-based company also has a store at 4 Prince Street in SoHo. The store flanks nearby Lululemon Athletica, Brooklyn Industries, Brooklyn Tattoo and Brooklyn Heights Bike Shoppe.

Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7758

Local toy & home curiosity boutique MODULE R, dedicated to “modular, reconfigurable & customizable modern design,” which opened last December at 141 Atlantic Avenue, got some props from Melissa Liebling-Goldberg, women’s editorial director at high-end clothier & home website Gilt.com (and former style director at People).

Racked.com has been asking New York shopping & fashion gurus to share their fave hidden shopping gems. Liebling-Goldberg names MODULE R as her go-to destination for men’s gifts. She writes: “For my puzzle addict brother-in-law, a clock with puzzle pieces that can be rearranged into myriad configurations on the wall. For my 15-month-old nephew, it’s mobiles and stacking toys from Sweden. And for my architect husband, I could basically blindfold myself and turn in a circle pointing and he’d like whatever I landed on. The store isn’t small and it’s filled floor to ceiling (really, don’t forget to look up) with unique items that would look as nice in your home as they would in a gift bag going to friends. Even better is its proximity to Colonie for a drink and snack post-shopping spree.”

(Photo: Racked.com)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45489

Out of the Closet Thrift Store has opened its newest location in Boerum Hill, at 475 Atlantic Avenue. The destination benefits the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Regional Director Adam Ouderkirk tells DNAInfo.com that the shop will work in the community with other AIDS agencies to provide testing, information and treatment in the borough.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation was founded in 1987 by a group of men in Los Angeles who saw their friends dying of AIDS in the streets and in the hallways of hospitals. They wanted to provide a place to die with dignity and sponsored California legislation that enabled creation of the first licensed HIV/AIDS facility for the terminally ill in that state. Today the Foundation is the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medication in the U.S., according to their website. They also provide medicine and advocacy to people in 22 countries.

Out of the Closet was created to benefit the foundation. Community members donate clothing and accessories and for every item sold, 96 cents of each dollar benefits AIDS prevention and advocacy programs and services. There are several branches in San Francisco and Los Angeles, plus stores in Miami, Amsterdam… and now Brooklyn.

Ouderkirk tells DNAInfo, “We want the Brooklyn community to really own the store and feel that its theirs.” There will be free and confidential HIV testing every day in the store, plus a pharmacy that provides HIV medications.

According to Ouderkirk, while the Brooklyn borough has the third-highest AIDS/HIV rates after Manhattan and the Bronx, it also offers the fewest amount of services.
“Brooklyn was an important place for us to be. And being near the Atlantic Terminal, hopefully people from all over Brooklyn will have access to the store and its services.”

The store’s manager is Carlos Cartayas, who is known as “Peanut.” He says, “We have had several boxes of clothes donated from L.A. but none so far from the Brooklyn. I don’t think people know we’re here yet.” To donate, call 718-614-5949 or drop off clothes any weekday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m at 475 Atlantic Avenue.

Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7638

Renovation took longer than planned, but the restaurant on the north side of Atlantic Avenue between Clinton and Henry streets was back in business this evening. The chalkboard sign’s message: “Join Us For Dinner–Reopening Tonight.”

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/43775

DNAinfo.com New York reports that thefts include cash from a bag deliberately set up in a police sting, as well as a cell phone from a woman’s purse, according to sources and court documents.

So far, the store has declined to cooperate with the recommended policy. “Trader Joe’s, since they’ve opened, haven’t seem too concerned with what’s going on inside the store,” a police source told DNA. “They seem to have the attitude of whatever happens, happens.”

To combat the rash of larcenies, the precinct has increased foot patrol in front of the store and implemented a series of sting operations. A spokesperson for Trader Joe’s confirmed that the store does not have surveillance cameras within the facility, according to DNA.

Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7238