When Fifty Henry Wine Bar closed last December, the neighborhood was promised that the “closure marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter” and that “a fresh and new dining experience” was coming. Finally, that time has come! In a couple of weeks or so, Jules, a pizzeria, will be opening at 50 Henry Street. Pictured are two of the team members behind Jules, Hallie Lahm and Julian DiChiara, who as of this afternoon were finishing up the DIY refurbishment on the space. We are loving the new blue paint on the exterior.

Julian, Chef at Henry’s End for 15 years, developed the menu. Colin McTigue is also a member of the team opening Jules. The menu is described as “New World/Old New York style smaller pies, akin to middle and late 20th century pizza served by immigrants and first generation Americans,” with a modern touch of “fun and creative seasonal toppings.” There will also be a full compliment of salads and a couple of shareable hot plates, large and small. And of course, a full bar with great wines, all “approach-ably priced for everyday dining.”

Follow Jules on Instagram @pizzeriajules.

Mad For Chicken may have flown the coop, but Alice’s Tea Cup won’t go down the rabbit hole; at least not anytime soon. As reported by Eater, the chain of whimsical tea-and-pastries shops, which has locations on the Upper East and West sides and in Brooklyn Heights, at 43 Hicks Street (corner of Middagh), and which was near to closure due to financial difficulties, has found a purchaser, led by Jeni He, who intends to keep all locations open and “plans to be faithful to the core concepts and brand.”

Charlie Mitchell (photo), whom the James Beard Foundation named Best Chef In New York, is leaving Clover Hill, 20 Columbia Place, the restaurant that, under his direction, earned Brooklyn Heights its first Michelin Star. According to Eater he will go to Saga, at 70 Pine Street in Manhattan’s Financial District. Since Michelin Stars are awarded to restaurants, not to individual chefs, we presume Clover Hill will keep its star unless and until a Michelin evaluator decides it is no longer worthy. We also presume Clover Hill’s remaining team will carry on, continuing to serve the dishes Chef Mitchell perfected, and perhaps adding some new ones.

Charlie Mitchell, chef of Brooklyn Heights’ very own Michelin-starred restaurant Clover Hill, was named Best Chef in New York by the James Beard Foundation last week, and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention it on BHB! The James Beard Awards were established to recognize “exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive” and “are among the nation’s most prestigious honors recognizing leaders in the culinary and food media industries”, according to their press release. They are named after the chef/author/personality/all-around food guy James Beard.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s iconic outdoor summer film series, Movies With A View presented by Pluto TV, is back for its 24th season. Movies will be shown every Thursday evening from July 11 to August 29 at Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Guests are invited to enjoy a free movie under the stars at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Each evening, the lawn opens at 5:00 PM on a first come, first serve basis, and the movie begins at sunset. This year’s lineup of free screenings is presented and sponsored by Pluto TV, who will be giving away movie night essentials during the pre-screening festivities.

• July 11: Past Lives (PG-13, 2023, 106 minutes) – This film follows Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, who are wrested apart after Nora’s family immigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny. Academy Award nominee for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. Directed by Celine Song, starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro.

• July 18: Pulp Fiction (R, 1994, 154 minutes) – The lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption in this cult favorite. Winner for Best Picture at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival, Academy Award winner for Best Original Screenplay, and Academy Award nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, and Best Editing. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, with a star-studded cast including John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, Harvey Keitel, Christopher Walken, Amanda Plummer, and Tim Roth.

• July 25: Mean Girls (PG-13, 2004, 97 minutes) – This teen comedy-drama favorite, follows Cady Heron (Lohan), a naïve teenager who transfers to an American high school after years of homeschooling in Africa. Heron quickly befriends two outcasts, with the trio forming a plan to exact revenge on Regina George (McAdams), the leader of an envied clique known as the Plastics. Winner of three MTV Movie Awards for Best Female Performance, Best On-Screen Team, and Breakthrough Female, and winner of Teen Choice Awards for Choice Movie Actress (Comedy), and Choice Movie Blush, along with several nominations. Directed by Mark Waters, screen-play by Tina fey, starring Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Lacey Chabert, and Amanda Seyfried.

• August 1: Creed (PG-13, 2015, 133 minutes) – The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed. Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actor. Directed by Ryan Coogler, starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, and Tessa Thompson.

• August 8: But I’m A Cheerleader (R, 1999, 85 minutes) – A naive teenager is sent to a reparative therapy camp when her parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian. There she falls in love with another girl. Directed by Jamie Babbit, starring Natasha Lyonne, Michelle Williams, Clea DuVall, RuPaul, and Melanie Lynsky.

• August 15: Bram Stroker’s Dracula (R, 1992, 128 minutes) – An adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Dracula won three Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, Best Sound Effects Editing, and Best Makeup. The centuries old vampire Count Dracula comes to England to seduce his barrister Jonathan Harker’s fiancée Mina Murray and inflict havoc in the foreign land. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starring Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves.

• August 22: The American President (PG-13, 1995, 114 minutes) A widowed U.S. President running for reelection and an environmental lobbyist fall in love. It’s all above-board, but “politics is perception,” and sparks fly anyway. Nominated for Academy Award Best Music and Original Music or Comedy Score. Directed by Rob Reiner, starring Michael Douglas, Annette Benning, Martin Sheen, and Michael J. Fox.

• August: 29: Public Choice – The public is invited to vote for their favorite movie, from three iconic titles: Spy Kids (PG, 2001, 88 minutes), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (PG, 2023, 99 minutes), or School of Rock (PG-13, 2003, 108 minutes). Voting will open in early August online at brooklynbridgepark.org, and the winning title announced at the August 22 movie.

It’s that time, for our annual list of ten people or groups of people living or working in Brooklyn Heights, who made an impact on our neighborhood, the city, the country, or the world this year. With input from everyone at BHB, here in no particular order (actually after the first three groups, alphabetically listed), are The Ten.

The Youth Volunteers of The Service Collective

The Service Collective, a volunteer organization, was founded in late 2022 by local parents Amanda Jones and Sarah Robertson to foster community service for local youths. Since then, more than 1,000 kids and teens have volunteered for TSC’s many projects serving the needs of Brooklyn. These civic-minded cuties have organized book drives for Brooklyn Book Bodega, worked at the St. Ann’s Food Pantry and CHiPs soup kitchen, grocery shopped for the homebound, gardened at Red Hook Farms, cleaned up Cadman Plaza Park, prepared fresh food and filled the community fridge, and so much more. They prove day in and day out that the kids are alright!

Photos courtesy The Service Collective.

Small Business Owners/Landlords Who Helped New Businesses to Open in Brooklyn Heights

These long standing local small business owners helped usher in three new businesses to the neighborhood and relocate a beloved non-profit store to Montague Street. Each new tenant has credited their landlords as being instrumental in opening their new locations. The landlords have also expressed their intent to find the right tenant, not the highest paying tenant, to enhance the community. They sure got it right. The neighborhood has been beyond excited about the openings of each of these new locations.

Tony Bates, owner of Bentley’s Shoes at 144 Montague St. leased his upstairs space to Brooklyn Poets. Jason Koo, owner of Brooklyn Poets, told BHB, “Tony just seemed like someone who’s community-minded and not looking to make a quick buck. He wanted someone who’s going to be in the space for a while and doing good things in the space.”

Jim and Terri Montemarano, after closing Cranberry’s at 44 Henry St., leased the space to Poppy’s, causing a level of excitement the neighborhood hasn’t seen in a while. Jamie Erickson, owner of Poppy’s (see below), has said that Jim’s understanding of how tough the food business can be was key to the deal being made.

Tony Magliaccio, chef and owner of Noodle Pudding at 38 Henry St., leased the old Jack the Horse Tavern space at 66 Hicks St. to Inga’s Bar. “We have an awesome landlord, so thankful to be working with him,” said Sean Rembold, owner of Inga’s Bar. Sounds like a match made in Chef heaven.

Chris and Thomas Calfa, owners of Lassen & Hennigs, leased the lower level at 137 Montague St. to Brooklyn Women’s Exchange, when it was forced to vacate its space on Pierrepont Street. BWE President Ann Aurigemma told the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, “Thomas knew before we knew that we needed to be on Montague Street, but the remarkable thing is that he and his brother Chris worked with us to make it happen.” The Calfa brothers also reportedly turned down other higher paying tenants in favor of BWE, a beloved and historically important organization.

Kudos to these stalwarts of Brooklyn Heights!

From left clockwise: Tony Bates (photo by Mary Kim for BHB), Chef Tony Migliaccio (photo by Johnny Fogg courtesy heated.medium.com), Jim and Terri Montemarano (photo courtesy Jim), Chris and Thomas Calfa with BWE President Ann Aurigemma (photo courtesy Mary Frost for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle).

The Volunteers of Brooklyn Women’s Exchange

The Brooklyn Women’s Exchange was founded in 1854 as a small sewing school and storefront to “help women care for their families and earn income without having to work in a factory or other dangerous environment.” Today, BWE remains a volunteer run organization that “stands at the forefront of the American crafts movement, representing hundreds of craftspeople from Brooklyn and across the country.” In its new and gorgeous space on Montague Street, volunteers work to display and sell the beautifully handmade work of independent crafters, including jewelry, knit sweaters, linens, home decor, and holiday items for every season. BWE also helped spruce up that area of Montague Street to the benefit of the entire business district. Thanks to the volunteers for keeping this historical organization thriving!

Photos courtesy Brooklyn Women’s Exchange.

Christina D’Asaro, Founder of Spread Love Brooklyn 

Spread Love Brooklyn was an idea that came to Christina D’Asaro when she and her family moved to Brooklyn Heights a week before the Covid lockdowns. “As a native New Yorker, I always knew that New York has heart, and New Yorkers have the grit and determination to overcome any obstacle – but that year in particular, I couldn’t have been prouder to be a part of this incredible community. The way our local community came together to help neighbors and support one another was truly inspiring. While our lives had completely turned upside down – one thing remained – our ability to come together and spread love to those around us.” Christina began with a community toy drive with contactless drop off to support a local mutual aid group. Within the next few years, she collected thousands of toys in her apartment and SLB was officially born. With the help of Councilmember Lincoln Restler and partnering with The Service Collective, SLB moved to Borough Hall. SLB has also organized food and clothing drives and worked with CHiPS, Mixteca, Team TLC and more. Gratitude for Christina, a true New Yorker!

Christina D’Asaro with Councilmember Lincoln Restler (photo courtesy The Service Collective).

Abdul Elenani and Akram Nassir, Co-Owners of Al Badawi

Abdul Elenani and Akram Nassir (also owner of Yemen Cafe) opened Al Badawi, Brooklyn Heights’ first Palestinian restaurant, to great fanfare in 2021. The restaurant has been written up in the New Yorker, Eater, and the New York Times, which named Al Badawi’s pistachio bread one of 25 most memorable dishes in 2022. Since opening, Al Badawi has been spreading the love, Palestinian style, and bringing people near and far to dine on Atlantic Avenue. In a recent Instagram post, Al Badawi posted a note from a customer that said, “Sending love, peace and solidarity from a Jewish Israeli neighbor. Thank you for your Chanukah message at such a difficult time. Praying for safety and wellbeing to your loved ones.” Al Badawi posted its own message in response, “If we all embraced the spirit of love and respect towards one another, the world would know harmony and unity. As Muslims, we are guided by the principle of loving our neighbors, extending kindness across all colors, races, and faiths. Let’s strive for a world where mutual respect and understanding are the foundation of our interactions. Together, we can create a world free from division and filled with compassion.” Thank you for the great food and the kindness, Al Badawi.

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Jamie Erickson, Owner and Creative Director of Poppy’s

The neighborhood collectively mourned the closing of Cranberry’s in 2020 and wrung our hands for three years over what could possibly replace Cranberry’s. Then came Jamie Erickson and Poppy’s. What an incredible transformation of the space Jamie and her team accomplished. In record time too, it seemed like. And what crowds Poppy’s drew to its soft, then grand opening, and everyday since. The neighborhood just loves the heavenly pastries, prepared foods and beautifully curated home goods at Poppy’s. Thank you Jamie for saving us from despair over that empty space on Henry Street!

Photos courtesy Jamie Erickson.

Derrick Faulcon and Zewiditu Jewel, Owners of Cloudy Donut Co.

Derrick Faulcon and Zewiditu (pronounced Zody-2) are owners of Cloudy Donut Co., the first Black-owned food business in Brooklyn Heights, which celebrated its one year anniversary at 14 Columbia Place this October. Since opening its doors in Willowtown, Cloudy Donuts has turned a quiet, off-the-beaten-path block into a sensational, buzzy, Instagram and Tik Tok-worthy destination, where people from all over the City and beyond come for the donuts, the vibe, and the uplifting energy of its owners. That the donuts are 100% vegan seems almost besides the point, but they are indeed delicious. No wonder the crowds keep coming. Wishing continued success to Derrick and Zewiditu!

Photos courtesy Cloudy Donut Co.

Jenny Jackson, Author of Best Selling Novel – Pineapple Street

Jenny Jackson‘s first novel, Pineapple Street, dropped in March and it has been nothing short of a sensation. Pineapple Street is a New York Times bestseller and has been chosen as a best book of the year by Time Magazine, NPR, USA Today, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & County, Vogue, BBC and more. The novel has been described by Book of the Month as “Rife with the indulgent pleasures of life among New York’s one-percenters, Pineapple Street is a smart escapist novel that sparkles with wit. It’s about the peculiar unknowability of someone else’s family, the miles between the haves and have-nots and everything in between, and the insanity of first love.” That the book is set in Brooklyn Heights and makes references to all the businesses you know and frequent make it all the more fun to read. If you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for?

Photo by Sarah Shatz, courtesy Jenny Jackson.

Rabbi Serge Lippe, Brooklyn Heights Synagogue

Last year, Rabbi Serge Lippe celebrated 25 years as the spiritual leader of Brooklyn Heights Synagogue. His impact on BHS and our broader community is immeasurable. Rabbi Serge served as president of the Brooklyn Heights Interfaith Clergy Association, initiated the annual Iftar with members of Dawood Mosque on State Street, helped develop the annual MLK, Jr. weekend with local churches, and so much more. The synagogue also credits Rabbi Lippe for tremendous growth in its membership, the expansion of its physical space, and creating BHS’s own well-regarded preschool. According to BHS’s Silver Celebration message, “Rabbi Lippe has officiated the brises, namings, b’nei mitzvah and confirmation of scores of our children and students. He has officiated numerous weddings and been by the side of our families for so many funerals and bereavements.” BHS couldn’t ask for a better leader. Congrats to Rabbi Lippe!

 Photo by Mary Kim for BHB.

José Rolón a/k/a nycgaydad

With hundred of thousands of followers on Instagram and Tik Tok, José Rolón a/k/a @nycgaydad, is much more than an influencer. He is an inspiration, a real life study in courage and perseverance. Plus he’s funny as all get out. If you don’t follow @nycgaydad, you’re missing out on some of the funniest, most heart-warming, and inspiring content on social media. Many people know José’s story of suddenly becoming a single dad with a toddler and twins on the way, when his husband Tim Merrell passed away in 2013. Watching him raise his adorable and equally funny kids, Avery and twins London and Lilah, with so much love, fortitude, and most of all, humor, is simply life-affirming. As a bonus, José’s partner, Thomas Curcio, joined the family a year ago, to the absolute delight of their social media audience. José isn’t just a content creator, he’s also a sought after wedding planner, a board member of Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and an active member of the PS8 PTA. We’re so lucky to have José and his family in our neighborhood!

Left: José Rolón with Thomas Curcio, Lilah, London, and Avery. Top Right: José’s husband Timothy Merrell with newborn Avery (photos courtesy José Rolón).

Lastly, there have been some harrowing accidents and people in need of emergency help in Brooklyn Heights this year. Heaps of gratitude go out to EMS workers, FDNY and other emergency responders who work to save lives while we look on and hope for safety for all. Mister Roger’s mom was right. In times of tragedy, look for the helpers. Thank you emergency workers!

Here’s to a healthy, happy and more peaceful New Year for all!

Brooklyn Paper reports that the Happy Days Diner space at 148 Montague St. will be taken over by the owner of Fort Greene’s Margot, Kip Green.

Margot serves entrées such as “branzino, broccoli di ciccio, pimentón” for $38 and “skirt steak, miso, black trumpets” for $47.

“If the new venue is anything like Green’s other restaurants, it’s likely to be more upscale than Happy Days Diner” is the understatement of the year.

Read the full story at Brooklyn Paper.

Photo: Mary Kim for BHB

Want to get a jump on Black Friday shopping, and enjoy some Danish delicacies and drinks as well? The Danish Seamen’s Church, 102 Willow Street (near Clark) will hold its annual Christmas Fair, or Julmarked, this coming weekend, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM both Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19.

Shop unique Scandinavian designs, knitwear, gift items, holiday ornaments, Danish candy, and traditional food products for the Christmas Dinner at the annual Danish Christmas Fair. Or bite into delicious “æbleskiver” (puffed apple pancakes) – a traditional Christmas treat that all Danes give out at any social gathering through the holidays, and sip on hot glögg – the Danish take on mulled wine. It’s served in our covered, cozy backyard at the Danish Seamen’s Church.

The Fair promises “hygge overload.”

Image: public domain.

The wait is over! Poppy’s is open in the old Cranberry’s space at 48 Henry Street.

Soft opening is this weekend: Friday 8 am – 2 pm
Saturday and Sunday 8 am – 4 pm.

Grand opening is Tuesday, Nov. 7th, 8 am – 7 pm to start.

About opening her second location in Brooklyn Heights, Poppy’s owner and creative director Jamie Erickson shared,

We are so beyond thrilled to finally open our doors in Brooklyn Heights. After our soft opening today, we can certainly feel the love and we can’t wait to nourish this community daily.

I suppose we could have a debate, but I’d win: there’s really nothing more Fall than Halloween in Brooklyn Heights. And with a world going sideways, we need community, small humans and canines in costumes, Fall lovers and spectators, pumpkins, homemade treats and gratitude in this harvest home. This Saturday, October 28th, is shaping up for a good dose of all of those things in the neighborhood. 

Now, there are many options, but I’m partial to at least part of the day being spent at Plymouth Church’s historic Yankee Fair. It’s back post-pandemic!  Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 75 Hicks Street, with Orange Street closed off for kid rides and booths.

I’ll be there early slinging Roebling Lattes and Promenade Fogs—my fancy names for toting along my beloved milk frother to top off standard church coffee and tea with foam—at my booth—Brooklyn Loaves + Dishes.  Stop by if you want to talk neighborhood stuff and nosh on magic bars and poppy seed bread between visits to the book sale, vintage clothing, history tours, chili lunch, sing-alongs and pumpkin crafts.

BloomAgainBklyn will be there spreading flowers and joy too! 

Profits go to Heifer International for world food relief so track down your Venmo password.

Alas, my kids have outgrown the BHA’s annual Brooklyn Heights Halloween Parade, which also kicks off on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Clark Street, traveling down the Promenade. Don’t miss it! Please indulge me a little Parade nostalgia—a personal Eras Tour—starting with my #1 favorite family costume creation: 

a homemade Empire State Building and Miss Liberty circa 2000.

It was an innocent time.

Little did we know the next Halloween, we’d need Batman or something,.. anything…to carry us through Gotham’s darkest days.

Halloween of 2001 was somber. Our homemade Batmobile had a flag license plate. Neighbors flooded local firehouses, reeling from September 11th losses, with donated candy and community warmth. We paraded our wagons and Batmans and Barbies, princesses, pirates and Power Rangers, ghouls, dinosaurs and puppies to pay respects to the real superheroes–our first responders.

And our community somehow carried on. 

Young neighbors at the Hicks Street Firehouse–October 31, 2001.

Until eventually, we were able to gaze upwards again.

This Saturday, with so many choices, how about a circuit of the neighborhood? You could stop in at Plymouth’s Yankee Fair for your latte, pick up a HandMade Booth knit cap or one of my vintage NYC subway map ornaments made while watching messed up news this week (and if we’re honest, mostly by my husband James, a local architect and waaaaay more skillful with the Modge Podge).

Get an early look at the trunks of vintage jewelry donated for this year’s sale and then stroll to the Promenade for the BHA Parade at 11 a.m. and down to the event-filled Montague BID Open Streets for games and demonstrations. Then make your way back to Plymouth for a community lunch of pulled pork and vegan chili, and an Underground Railroad history tour.

Or, start at the Parade, linger on Montague Open Streets and come by Yankee Fair in the afternoon in time for Raymond Trapp and his jazzy friends to warm you up at the 2 p.m. community singalong. I hear they’re playing Sweet Caroline! Watch kids bounce away the sugar. Or grab a last minute costume at the Underground Thrift Store. By then, the Trinkets and Treasures booth may have gone half price and the book sellers will be begging you to fill a bag on the cheap.

At Brooklyn Loaves + Dishes, I’ll sell you my famous Kentucky Derby pie—bipartisan this year with Brooklyn and Kentucky bourbon—for your Thanksgiving (they freeze well!) And, you can shop the frozen food aisle for dinner—applesauce, pesto from basil grown in Red Hook, holy bread pudding with bourbon sauce, French commando onion soup and Uncle Frankie’s Beef Bourguignon.

I’ll give you an ice pack so you can finish off your late afternoon along Montague Street, maybe even ending at the Cocktail Co-op at Clinton and Henry for an adult beverage from a local merchant.

Yankee Fair has been building tradition in Brooklyn Heights for years.

Check out these vintage posters.

I’ll throw in a free latte or pretzel rod if you mention this post! For the healthy eaters, I adorned some with dark chocolate, chia and hemp seeds, so no excuses.

Or try a sample of  Brooklyn Granola– because we are all a bit sweet and a bit salty, sometimes nutty, sometimes nutritious— and all mixed into this together.

Whatever you do this weekend, soak in Brooklyn Heights at Halloween. I’ll see you out there. I’m grateful for our community of warmth where we stand together, in the toughest days, costumed up as needed, and counting on each other.

Follow the Brooklyn Heights Blog and follow me at Insta: kostercaroline75 and X: @aikenkoster © 2023 Caroline Aiken Koster. All rights reserved.

Update: Open Streets is cancelled for tomorrow (Saturday, September 23) because of forecast rain. Like last Saturday, there will be a Giant Game Zone for kids, from noon until 5:00 between Henry and Hicks, and there will be an adults only Cocktail Co-Op on Montague just east of Henry from noon until 6:00. Want to get some exercise and have fun at the same time? Between Clinton and Henry, from 1:00 to 3:00, the Elite Bklyn Jumpers will offer lessons in Double Dutch rope jumping; great for both kids and adults. For a musical interlude, catch The Larry Simon Duo between Henry and Hicks from 1:00 to 3:00. From noon to 2:00 the Free Art Dude will be wandering Montague from Clinton to Hicks, giving out free postcard sized samples of great art. He’s an art teacher, so he’ll probably be glad to answer any questions you may have about art. There’s more information here.

Like last Saturday, there will be a Giant Game Zone for kids, from noon until 5:00 between Henry and Hicks, and there will be an adults only Cocktail Co-Op on Montague just east of Henry from noon until 6:00. From noon to 4:00 between Henry and Hicks The Service Collective, which maintains the Brooklyn Heights Community Fridge, will let you know how you can help and give you the opportunity to make a magnet to display on the Fridge. Want to get with it on composting? From 1:00 to 4:00 between Henry and Hicks you can learn about the City’s composting program, get a free one gallon container to store your kitchen scraps and, if your building doesn’t already have one, order one of those big brown, wheeled containers from which the Sanitation Department will collect your building’s scraps. From 4:00 to 5:00 the “[y]outh music sensation JAW will present “a set of cover and original rock the likes of which you’ve never heard before.” To top off the day’s festivities, go to the grand opening of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 128 Montague (corner of Henry), at 6:00, where you can “[e]njoy professional performances, dance party, live music and refreshments in their studio.” There’s more information here.

After an August long hiatus, Open Streets Montague, presented by the Montague BID, will be back this Saturday, September 9, and will continue each Saturday through September and October. This Saturday will feature a back to school party with lots of activities for kids and parents on the blocks between Clinton and Henry and between Henry and Hicks from noon until 4:00 PM. Kids can also enjoy “Giant Games” from noon until 5:00 between Henry and Hicks. Adults needn’t feel left out. There will be an adults only “Cocktail Corral” on the portion of Montague between Henry and Clinton closest to Henry from noon until 6:00. No need to wait for the sun to cross the yard arm to buy and enjoy your favorite concoction (your correspondent will have a Margarita in memory of Jimmy Buffett) from a local restaurant. More info here.

Last night, Georgian restaurant Chama Mama had its soft opening on Montague St., and it proved to be a fantastic new dining option that we can all be excited about. At prime dinner time, almost every table and bar seat was taken. The hostess remarked that the staff was surprised by the turnout, since they hadn’t announced the soft opening date publicly. If you build a new restaurant, Brooklyn Heights will come.

The wait for the opening was long, but the space has been renovated beautifully, with an open kitchen and an expansive dining room that gives every party enough space and privacy to talk, without hearing other people’s conversations. The music was ambient and unintrusive. Even with a full house, you won’t have to shout to be heard by your dining companions.

The dishes? Hard to pronounce, but delicious! Our server said that the Imeruli Khachapuri (sort of like a naan but melt-in-your-mouth soft and with cheese inside) was a must, and she was right. The Adjapsandalit (ratatouille but Georgian), Taste of Georgia (a medley of chunky dips served with bread and salty string cheese), and the Georgian Salad (how do they make a tomato and cucumber salad this interesting?) were huge hits at our table. The wine list is exclusively Georgian wines.

The service? There was plenty of staff making sure everyone was having a perfect meal. Plus, they all looked as excited as the diners to be there.

Apologies for no photos of the food, but Chama Mama does a much better job showcasing their dishes, as you can see in their Instagram feed.

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Starting next week’ish, Chama Mama (121 Montague St.) will be open for lunch, brunch and dinner.

Check out menus and more info on the Chama Mama website and follow on Instagram @chamamamanyc.

…and we all scream because Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is coming to the neighborhood, per Brooklyn Bridge Parents.

Van Leeuwen already has three shops nearby, in Boerum Hill, Prospect Heights, and Park Slope, but now scoops will be just a short walk away, at the old Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory/Ample Hills spot on the Fulton Ferry Landing.

Offering both dairy and vegan ice cream, Van Leeuwen began operating out of a yellow truck in New York City in 2008. Their mission: “To make good ice cream that makes you feel good. Because a life without anything good is bad.”

Facts, as the kids say. I can enthusiastically vouch that Cookies and Cream Caramel Swirl and Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb (both vegan) made me feel good. And Hazelnut Fudge Cookie made me feel fantastic.

Enjoy…

Beannachtaí Lá Fhéile Pádraig (Blessings of St. Patrick’s Day). You can be sure of a lively time this evening at The Custom House, 139 Montague Stret (between Clinton and Henry) or at O’Keefe’s Bar & Grill, 62 Court Stret (between Joralemon and Livingston).

If you missed Theater 2020’s free reading of David Fuller’s The B’ard last Wednesday, there will be another free reading this Saturday afternoon, March 18, starting at 2:00 PM and lasting one hour, at the Brooklyn Heights Library, 286 Cadman Plaza West. No reservations are required.

On Saturday evening, at 7:30, Voices in the Heights will present a concert featuring KJ Denhert and ilyAIMY “all the way from Baltimore” at the McKinney Chapel of the First Unitarian Church, 121 Pierrepont Street (between Monroe Place and Clinton Street). “And yes, Dan will be baking those incredible desserts for your intermission pleasure.” You may attend in person or on line; tickets are available here.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you of my wife’s talk, with discussion, at St. Ann’s Church on Sunday afternoon, March 19, from 1:00 to 2:30. While the topic is the history of the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange, you will also learn much about the history of women’s work in Brooklyn and about Brooklyn Heights’ social and real estate history. It’s free, and no reservations are required.

Soon, you can stand in line at 8:00 a.m. for your croissants and return at 8:00 p.m. for supper at L’Appartement 4f. Emma Orlow at Eater reports that the French bakery will transform into a French bistro serving small plates and wine in the evening. The bistro will operate under a different name, yet to be chosen, and serve 25 seats.

Photo by Mudari Creative (mudaricreative.com), courtesy L’Appartement 4f.

NYC Parks thinks someone should! Here’s their press release in full:

NYC Parks has released a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for the operation, maintenance, and development of a new café at Cadman Plaza Park in Downtown Brooklyn. Cadman Plaza serves as a focal point for the entire Brooklyn Heights community and is an ideal location for a new café. The park is frequented by families, joggers, and dog-walkers, as well as commuters and local employees. The RFP offers a unique opportunity for a prospective proposer to transform an existing building into a brand-new café.

Yes, indeed! We have the Brooklyn Book Festival, with Children’s Day on Saturday, October 1 and Festival Day on Sunday, October 2. Also on Sunday we have the Atlantic Antic. For dance enthusiasts, and for those who would like to learn more about dance, and perhaps try some steps, the Mark Morris Dance Group will be at the Harbor View Lawn on Pier One, Brooklyn Bridge Park on Saturday afternoon from 2:00 to 5:00. Starting at 2:00 and at 4:00 the group will perform dances, including excerpts from “Dancing Honeymoon” (photo). Between 3:00 and 4:00 members or the MMDG will conduct an “adaptive dance workshop.” The workshop

is open to everyone and does not require any previous dance experience. It will include a teaching artist demonstrating from a seated position to welcome all levels of mobility to experience this class. The lawn is ADA accessible via the promenade around the pier.

This event is free, and no advance registration is required.

Besides fireworks, what’s synonymous with summer and the Fourth of July? Barbeque!  Tonight Chef Dimitri Likourentzos and General Manager of Park Plaza Diner is thrilled to host a “soft launch” of Brooklyn Barbeque.

“We’ll be having a limited menu starting from 5:00 pm until closing, 10:00 pm. Full bar available. And we have an exciting, brand new BBQ menu that will be featuring some panini presses and some new things…that’s in addition to what we [served] at Park Plaza.”

Brooklyn Heights’ Park Plaza Diner is a beloved family-owned business that has anchored Pineapple Walk’s retail for the better part of four decades. But, what’s lesser-known is that Chef Dimitri is a 1996 graduate of the esteemed Culinary Institute of America. And, in addition to taking over the business from his brother Nick, he is constantly working on his craft.

Between 2015 through 2018 Dimitri traveled to Georgia, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee among others seeking knowledge from the best pit masters he could find. With the installation of a smoker in the diner’s kitchen in 2019, Dimitri added BBQ to the diner’s menu. And dang was it good! His original plan was to open Brooklyn BBQ in 2020. But, Covid put the kibosh on his dream. Dimitri was happy to report the diner has recovered from the pandemic-related losses and now it’s full steam ahead!

“I’ve been working on it to eventually have this beautiful day where I finally get to have a real-deal BBQ restaurant in this location.”

Brooklyn BBQ is co-located with Park Plaza Diner on Pineapple Walk. The new restaurant has covered outdoor dining and took over what was the diner’s private back room. Dimitri designed and built most of the space himself including the hand-pouring of the bar’s concrete countertops. Brooklyn BBQ will operate as a completely separate entity from Park Plaza.  As such, the diner will no longer serve BBQ but still has lots of traditional and delicious fare.

Open Streets Montague, sponsored by Montague Street BID and the Brooklyn Heights Association, returns this Saturday, June 18 from noon to 7:00 PM. All parked cars must be moved from Montague before then; an emergency lane will be open during the event. There will be music (see photo from last Saturday’s Open Streets), games and activities for kids, and, again, a “pastry happy hour” from 2:00 to 5:00 at Blank Street Coffee, 147 Montague. There’s a schedule of activities here.

Open Streets Montague, sponsored by Montague Street BID and the Brooklyn Heights Association, returns this Saturday, June 11 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. All parked cars must be moved from Montague before then; an emergency lane will be open during the event. There will be music, dancing, games and activities for kids, and a “pastry happy hour” from 2:00 to 5:00 at Blank Street Coffee, 147 Montague. There will also be a “Grand Opening” of the Olive & Garlic Gourmet Deli at 141 Montague at 12:30. There’s a schedule of activities here.

Remsen Street between Clinton and Henry will be an Open Street Mondays through Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:00 PM through July. This is primarily to provide for outdoor activities by children from the three religious institutions along this block.

Open Streets Montague, sponsored by Montague Street BID and the Brooklyn Heights Association, returns this Saturday, June 4 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. All parked cars must be moved from Montague before then; an emergency lane will be open during the event. There will be music, dancing, games and activities for kids, and a “pastry happy hour” from 2:00 to 5:00 at Blank Street Coffee. There’s a schedule of activities here.

Inga’s Bar, at 66 Hicks Street (corner of Cranberry) opened in March and has already received a glowing review from New York Times restaurant critic Pete Wells, who praises the innovative and delicious dishes emerging from its kitchen. He even lauds the cheeseburger, which your correspondent has enjoyed, calling it “a very good and unpretentious one” and noting that “the pickles are made on site.” The on line Times review, linked above, has a slide show of many of the kitchen’s creations. It also has a link to Mary Kim’s BHB story about 66 Hicks’ previous tenant, Jack the Horse Tavern, many of whose devotees, including your correspondent, may now find a home-away-from-home at Inga’s.

I went to Inga’s at five this (Wednesday) afternoon, its opening time, to congratulate the chef and owner, Sean Rembold, with whom I had enjoyed a conversation about our common loyalty to the Mets during my previous visit, without realizing who he was. He brought his floor and kitchen staffs together for a champagne toast (photo above) in celebration of their joint effort that had produced the Times review.

After last week’s cancellation because of rain, Open Streets Montague is back for this Saturday, May 14. Rain is expected, mostly from early morning until about 1:00 PM, but it shouldn’t be anything like last Saturday’s washout. Fortunately, the events don’t start until about 1:00, as shown on this schedule provided by the Montague Street BID. Note in particular L’Appartement 4F’s ribbon cutting on their Montague Street store, between Henry and Hicks, scheduled for 1:00 PM.

DoorDash, the food delivery service, opened a “Ghost Kitchen” in Downtown Brooklyn that will be used by a number of restaurants for dine-in, delivery and pickup in the area. What’s a “Ghost Kitchen“? It’s basically a shared kitchen facility that is used by multiple restaurant brands to make their food without having to set up and run their own storefront. So, for example, the same place preparing your DOMODOMO sushi order will also be working on someone else’s Pies-N-Thighs chicken biscuits, or whatever Little Caesar thinks is pizza. It’s all the same!

DoorDash partnered with Nimbus, a ghost kitchen startup, to open the facility. It will also be open for dine-in service as well, but only fits 20 people? might as well pick up and eat at MetroTech or Cadman Plaza. The DoorDash Kitchen haunts 383 Bridge Street, so if you see a restaurant pop up in your delivery app of choice with that address, you’re seeing a ghost!

For a mere $25 you can stand on the roof and enjoy one cocktail on ice while admiring “incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.” Should you not have come with adequate winter clothing, “1 Hotels partnered with Moose Knuckles to provide luxury coats for visitors to borrow for their time outside.” If you want to go first class, get together with some friends and get a “VIP Table” – $200 or $50 per person – carved from ice, with ice sofas and stools. Along with your cocktail you’ll get “a caviar amuse-bouche, sustainably sourced from Pearl Street Caviar.”

Should this all sound a bit over the top sybaritic, know that

1 Hotels has also partnered with Oceanic Global, a non-profit aimed to protect the oceans. A percentage of proceeds from The Polar Lounge will benefit Oceanic Global’s educational programs and industry solutions.

Of course, if you want to skip the freezing rooftop, you can simply contribute to Oceanic Global directly.

Once again your correspondent’s wife has been busy surveying the ‘hood while he can’t. Today she found Felice, the restaurant that took over the site of the former Giulia/Heights Café (and for those with long memories, the Promenade Restaurant) at 84 Montague Street (corner of Hicks), open for business, and got this shot of its fancy new outdoor dining enclosures. Here is their website and menu.

Prices are, as expected, on the steep side, but not astronomical. The cheapest appetizer, bruschetta, is $13. Calamari, always a favorite of ours, is only available with fried baby artichokes, at $21. I’m confused by what’s under the heading “Taglieri,” described as “Chef’s Selection of Imported Cheeses & Cured Meats”; in other words, an Italian charcuterie. “[A] selection of 2″ is priced at $27. I presume that means two meats and two cheeses, not one of each. One of 3 costs $35. Several veggie additions are available at $5 each. Assuming the plates are large enough to feed two, the prices aren’t that exorbitant.

Salads are all on the expensive side, and I’m disappointed not to find a Caesar; perhaps unknown in Tuscany. In pasta entrees I find an old favorite, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, at $24; not much more than I recall paying for it at the late, great Queen. Lasagne Traditionale is $26. Oh, yes, there’s “L’Hamburger” at $23, described as “short-rib blend, taleggio cheese, bacon, red onion confit, pickle, tomato, hand-cut French fries.” With all that, it ought to be worth it. If you’re still hungry I’ll let you peruse desserts (“Dolci” and “Gelati e Sorbetti”) yourself.

Photo: Martha Foley

Your neighborhood blog is always excited to announce new local businesses. Here are two new cafés, one open and one soon to be open.

Sippy Café, “your neighborhood coffee shop with an Asian twist,” is now open at 153 Remsen St., the space formerly occupied by Blossom Poke Bowl. On the menu are all of the expected coffee and tea drinks, plus Sippy specials such as “black sesame latte,” “strawberry matcha latte,” and “maple hojicha latte.” Also on the menu are Asian-inspired sandwiches such as the “kani tamago” and “spicy tuna.” Check out their menu here and their Instagram account. This is the second location for this #womenownedbusiness, the first having opened in Greenpoint early this year.

Café Diem Eatery, slated to open early 2022, will be serving coffee and food for dine in and take away. Their work-in-progress website announces that espresso, bahn mi sandwiches, and gelato will be served. The location at 79 Atlantic Avenue was last home to Heights Apothecary, a space that had remained vacant for many years going almost as far back as when The Moxie Spot closed down next door in 2014.

Chanukah, or Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, begins on sundown Sunday, November 28. Two local ceremonies will note its beginning. On Wednesday, December 1 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Chabad of DUMBO will carve an ice menorah, with lighting at 5:30. There will also be “arts and crafts and food.” Admission is free, but those wishing to attend are asked to register in advance, and a $20 donation per family is appreciated.

On Thursday, December 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Chabad of Brooklyn Heights will present the annual lighting of the giant menorah in the park near Borough Hall (see photo by Kathryn Kirk). There will be music, Chanukah gelt (chocolate coins), and donuts. All is free.