It’s opening day for Am Thai Bistro, the new restaurant on Church Avenue, and if you’re not there right now, you should head over. What began this morning with a blessing from three monks from a monastery in Queens continues this evening, and the women behind the operation–Boonnum “Num” Thongngoen and Karnchana “Amy” Sasook–hope you will all stop by tonight to meet them, and taste samples from the menu.
“We’re doing more traditional Thai dishes here,” said Num, explaining that Am Thai Kitchen on McDonald Avenue in Kensington will continue to focus on a more Americanized Thai menu. Though there is an extensive menu already printed, she told us that they’ll continue to work on it for the first few months, to see what works and adjust what doesn’t.
Amy explained they’ll also have daily specials, such as the curried lobster that was one of many dishes shared this morning during a ceremony that not only involved monks blessing the restaurant, but also a wedding ceremony.
“Two for one,” as one of the monks happily explained.
Somsak Sakdanuphap, a chef at Am Thai Kitchen, and Hathaichanok Chamnarnkong had a twin crown called a “mongkhon faet” placed on their heads for good luck, with a thread connecting the two. The monks led several rituals and chants, and the ceremony, which Num explained would bring luck to the couple and to the restaurant, ended with a monk splashing holy water on all the guests and the restaurant, inside and out.
If there’s luck to be had, then really we’re the lucky ones. What they’ve done with the space, which was formerly the roti place In Between, is really nice, and this should give a good boost to an otherwise quiet stretch of Church Ave. Welcome to the neighborhood!
PAWSitive Veterinary currently has four cats who are looking for homes. There are two young littermates (about six months old) who are friendly, happy, and healthy who are looking for a home together. They also have two adult cats who are healthy but need some special attention (one has a balance disorder, and the other has an orthopedic condition).
If anyone is interested in adopting or fostering these cats, please let them know by emailing pawsitiveveterinary@gmail.com or calling 347-559-7729.
Ox Cart Tavern’s new brunch service starts at 11 am every Saturday and Sunday. Here are this weekend’s specials (which are available in addition to the regular menu).
Organic Eggs In a Hole, $11
2 organic eggs cooked in a bread basket and covered with cheddar cheese served with salad and Chipotle Sauce
Pineapple Stuffed French Toast, $11
served with whipped cream, butter and Vermont maple syrup
Argentinean Blood Sausage with 2 Organic Eggs, $12
served with fries and salad
Country Skillet or Veggie Country Skillet, $12
2 organic eggs any style, served over a casserole of red potatoes, scallion, sausage, peppers, sage, and ancho-guajillo chili powder (veggie option features tofu instead of sausage)
Corn Beef Hash with 2 Organic Poached Eggs, $13
served with salad (eggs are poached unless otherwise requested)
2 Organic Eggs or Thick Cut Bacon or Fresh Breakfast Sausage, $4
Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Butter and Raspberry Jam, $4
Biscuits as above, plus Sausage Gravy, $5
Then next weekend, remember you can watch the Giants in the Super Bowl at Ox Cart:
GO GIANTS! Kick-off with Kick-Ass OxTailgate Specials on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5th. Introducing EVIL OX WINGS — hotter than hell! — the newest of its now legendary hot wing selections. Watch the Superbowl on big screens with the sound on while enjoying specials, served all day long.
February event cancelled due to heat! Winter Jam 2012 at Prospect Park, scheduled for February 4, has been cancelled due to the crazy “winter” weather we’ve been having (see: daffodils).
“It is simply too warm to make snow, and the long-range weather forecasts and current ground temperatures make it extremely unlikely that snow could be made,” Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said in a written statement.
It’s been a weird year for winter weather around the country. Are you missing the snow?
LISTING: 0583
NEIGHBORHOOD: Fiske Terrace
ASKING PRICE: $845,000
BEDROOMS: 5
BATHROOMS: 3
HOUSE SIZE: 37′ x 31′ about 2,600 sq.ft.
LOT SIZE: 50′ x 100′ OPEN HOUSE:
Sunday, January 28
1 to 2pm
807 E 19th St
(between Glenwood Rd & Ave H)
The 70th Precinct Community Council held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, and here are some highlights from Deputy Inspector Eric Rodriguez’s presentation:
• There have been two shootings so far in 2012, both in the area of Newkirk and Flatbush. The most recent was on Tuesday on Flatbush and Ditmas, which a reader asked about–two people were injured, one the intended target and another a bystander, neither critically, and though the shooter has been identified, he hasn’t been picked up yet.
• Because of that uptick in crime in that area, and because the old Impact Zone (roughly Albemarle-Parkside, E 18th-Bedford) hasn’t been broken up yet, some of the 47 new rookies for the Impact Zone have been moved to the area around Newkirk/Flatbush, so you will see more of a physical presence out there.
• Unfortunately, while the meeting was in progress last night, there was another report of shots fired, this time on Tennis Ct. Thankfully no one was injured, and the shooter was arrested.
• In more positive news, the 70th got three guns off the street on New Year’s Eve.
• Following several reports of home break-ins, three men were arrested while trying to break into an apartment in a building (which a few readers had mentioned). Turned out they were responsible for a string of such break-ins, and following the arrest, reports have decreased dramatically.
• As for car break-ins, DI Rodriguez repeated what he’s been saying on the subject for months now: He advises we not leave anything valuable in our cars.
• Watch out for mean dogs on the loose near the LIRR tracks. They’re reportedly attacking people’s pets, and though the 70th is working with the 60th Precinct and the MTA, and trying to get a liaison from Animal Care & Control to help, the dogs are cagey–police almost caught one on Wednesday, but it jumped a fence and got away–so call 911 if you see one.
• If you have a problem that the 70th can help with, you’re encouraged to reach out to them. Call Community Affairs at 718-851-5557. The Precinct goes over the issues every week, and they look at every one, no matter how small. And don’t be surprised if you get follow-up call from the Community Affairs officers, who often check back on issues to make sure things are going well.
• Finally, congratulations to Auxiliary Officer Peter Fradman, pictured above with DI Rodriguez, Officer Harrington, and Community Council President Edward Powell. He was honored this month for his 670 hours of volunteer work in a 6-month period–which is awesome, considering that Auxiliary Officers are required a minimum of 144 hours per year. Thank you for your hard work!
If you take the Q train at Cortelyou Road in the morning, you probably know Coffee, the man who stands in front of the station and tells you if the train is coming. Photographer and neighbor Tamara Staples took a beautiful portrait of him this past summer, and this week we learn more about the man, who tells the Brooklyn Paper that he drinks about 14 cups of coffee during the four hours he stands out there each morning.
“People give the tips — I never ask,” said Coffee, who lives at the Park Slope YMCA. “I really hope everybody makes the train.”
So if you don’t already, be sure to say hello and thanks the next time you see him.
This weekend, see the play In the Voice of Our Mothers at the East Midwood Jewish Center:
Intimate, powerful, and personal narratives of our Biblical matriarchs, told vividly as imagined by renowned playwright and director Carol Fox Prescott. Although based on Sacred Texts, the play transcends its setting while its characters become Everywoman, talking with her neighbors, confiding in her friends about real life challenges and day to day living. Sarah may be sharing her shifting feelings for Abraham and Isaac, and yes, even God, but she could just as easily be a woman of today, talking about her beloved—because life as we know it, with all of its subtleties and complications, happens again and again and again.
In The Voice of Our Mothers
East Midwood Jewish Center, 1625 Ocean Ave (between Aves K&L)
Saturday, January 28, 7:30pm
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
Reservations: 718-338-3800 or by email info@emjc.org
Set in Sheepshead Bay, playwright Erika Sheffer’s play Russian Transport “captures the complex layers of one very particular immigrant experience,” according to The New Group. In previews now, the show stars Janeane Garofalo and opens on Monday at The Acorn Theatre at at Theatre Row. With a play set in Brooklyn, having grown up in the borough, and now living in Ditmas Park, we asked Erika to share some thoughts about the place she calls home.
DP: Where in Brooklyn did you grow up, and why did you decide to settle in Ditmas Park?
ES: I lived in Boro Park until I was five and then moved to the Madison area. I went to Edward R. Murrow High School and was pretty familiar with Ditmas Park through my friends. The neighborhood was a lot different in the mid-nineties, but I fell in love with the architecture and space. When my husband and I were looking to buy a place, the proximity to the park, my family, and some wonderful restaurants made it the perfect spot.
DP: In what ways has the borough been an influence on your work?
ES: I remember being a kid and wishing I was from Manhattan. This was well before Brooklyn was the place to be. We were pretty much bridge and tunnel (especially out where I grew up). Anyway, I finally got an apartment in Manhattan, lived there for six months, hated it and quickly came back home. I’ve lived all over the borough. Brooklyn is just who I am. The rhythm, the pace, and the local specificity finds its way into most of what I write. Russian Transport is a very local play. It’s about a family running a struggling car service and the upheaval that occurs when an uncle from Russia comes to stay.
DP: What’s a typical day in your life like?
ES: If I’m on a deadline, I usually write first thing in the morning, then maybe walk the dog. (She’s very patient.) When the weather is nice, I ride my bike to Grand Army Plaza and work there. I’m a homebody, so unless I have specific errands to run, or have to go to work at my part-time job, I usually don’t whip out the MetroCard. As long as the day involves time with my husband and dog, I’d say it’s a success.
DP: What is Ditmas Park’s best kept secret?
ES: The fact that Ox Cart delivers! Sometimes you need the burger to come to you.
DP: What can look forward to from you in the future?
ES: I’m working on a new play right now, so what’s next is probably a couple of months of tearing my hair out while I try to turn my first draft into my next draft. I also have a vacation in the works, which is the most exciting thing to report!
Russian Transport runs from January 30 through March 10, with performances Monday-Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday-Friday at 8pm, and Saturday at 2 and 8pm. For more information and tickets, visit The New Group website.
Robert Popkoff, Library Information Supervisor for the Cortelyou Branch, reports that it will reopen to the public with “two new self-check machines and a book return slot which will allow customers to borrow and return items more quickly. We also installed a new HVAC system and boiler to ensure that the branch is comfortable for us all.”
Expect book-themed drinks, a raffle, tote bags, and music. “Tasteful and not too loud, of course,” the group says. “We are library representatives, after all.”
For Valentine’s Day, why not treat your loved one to a locally grown fig tree? Sycamore Flower Shop is selling 17 local fig cuttings for $20 each. They look great in a sunny window (many have baby figs already on them) and can be planted in the ground in the spring and turn into a real fig tree. 100% of the purchase price from the first three cuttings will go to the Flatbush CommUNITY Garden.
The fig cuttings came from Nelson Ryland’s backyard, which he has renamed Flatbush Fig Farm.
“Flatbush Fig Farm is our attempt to involve our children in starting a business,” Nelson says. “The result is we spend time together getting messy, making stuff, and the kids earn their allowance.”
When they first sold fig trees last year, they donated $150 to the Flatbush CommUNITY Garden. “Our goal this year is to raise some money for a local organization we like…and for my boys to earn some Lego money.”
The cuttings are taken from fig trees in the family’s backyard and are propagated in a jar of water for six weeks.
“Sam, age 3, and Jack, age 5, climbed up a ladder and helped bring the cuttings to the kitchen,” Nelson explains. “They also change the water once a week.”
They have two unknown varieties, which they’ve named Flatbush White and Flatbush Dark. These cuttings will usually produce figs the first year if they’re planted properly.
How do you help ensure your fig cutting will become a tree? Nelson includes these care guidelines, which makes it seem pretty foolproof:
Keep cutting in a warm sunny window, changing the water weekly. If your cutting has baby figs they will usually drop after a few weeks–this is sad but normal. The plant needs to focus on growing roots.
After the threat of frost passes, usually early May (USDA Hardiness Zone 7a/6b), the cutting is ready to be planted outdoors directly into the ground or a 14-inch wide (or larger) pot. Dig a large hole 1-2 feet wide and deep. Mix lightweight soil mix with the native soil. Set 2 to 4 inches deeper than the root line. Plant if possible a few feet from your foundation on the southeast corner. Water will settle the soil firmly around the roots. Do not apply fertilizer at planting time.
Your cutting may lose some leaves as it adjusts to the outdoors. It will grow new leaves and usually produces figs at the end of the first season. Insulate base over the winter with leaves or straw.
Flatbush Fig Farm plans to have young fig trees available in late May in case these cuttings sell out.
This morning at about 7:30am, Manhattan-bound Q train service was stopped when a passenger on a train at Beverley Road was reported to be unconscious. The MTA tells us that the person, whose identity they know but would not release, died of natural causes. Our thoughts go out to their family and friends.
While local Manhattan-bound service was disrupted, commuters were instructed to double back to an express stop and take the B train instead. Though the Cortelyou Road platform was quite crowded at about 9:30am, communication by that hour was good at all the stops I visited along the line this morning, with an MTA employee standing by the turnstiles to tell people where to go.
Service has been restored at this time, with Q trains running in both directions.
There are two dance workshops for kids on Sunday, January 29 at Latin Fever Dance Studio on Corelyou Road. The flyer above describes the hip hop workshop for ages 9-17 which will run from 2-3:30pm. Prior to that class, there will be a ballet/hip hop workshop for the younger set, ages 3-5, taught by Jazmin Salley. For more information, call 718-693-2488.
Here’s the schedule of meetings from Community Board 14 for the month of February:
Thursday, February 2, 7pm Joint Executive & Community Environment Committee CB14 District Office, 810 East 16th Street
1. Report on Zone Green Text Amendment: Proposed Zoning Amendments seeking to change the Zoning Resolution to allow for the construction and retrofitting of Green Building features, such as Energy-efficient building walls, sun control devices, solar energy systems, and rooftop equipment and greenhouses–Lish Whitson, New York City Department of City Planning
2. Other business
Monday, February 13, 7:30pm Regular Monthly Meeting of Community Board 14 PS 249, Caton Avenue and Marlborough Road
A G E N D A
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. MINUTES
3. DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT
4. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: a) Report from the Nominating Committee b) Nominations from the Floor c) Report on Zone Green Text Amendment
5. TOPICAL COMMITTEES – REPORTS AND ITEMS: a)Human Services b) Transportation c) Education, Libraries and Cultural Affairs d) Community Environment e)Public Safety f) Youth Services
6. SPECIAL COMMITTEES – REPORTS AND ITEMS: g) Task Force on the Revitalization of the Junction Area
7. PUBLIC SESSION: If you would like to speak during the public portion of the board meeting, please call the CB14 District Office at 718-859-6357 to register for time. You may also register to speak on the evening of the meeting.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Monday, February 27, 7pm Youth Services Committee CB14 District Office, 810 East 16th Street
1. Continuation of planning for Community Board 14’s Fifth Annual Youth Conference
2. Other business
When you have a craving for some comforting noodles, where do you go? We have some diverse options on Cortelyou, but I’d love to hear if you’ve got a favorite that’s not included here.
Kumo Sushi (1406 Cortelyou Rd) has more than just California rolls. The veggie yaki udon (pictured above) is packed with vegetables like broccoli, baby corn, and asparagus, and though a little overpriced at $9, you get a lot of noodles, and they’ll fill you up.
Purple Yam (1314 Cortelyou Rd) has the Philippine chicken soup for the soul with its pancit bihon. Lots of rice noodles and a little broth, it’s got both chicken and pork, and adds crunch and green with baby bok choy. It will cure what ails you for $12.
Cafe Tibet (1510 Cortelyou Rd) has a lot of things I want to try, but I always end up with the beef Thukpa, a soup packed with egg-based noodles and topped with vegetables and slices of beef. Add their ubiquitous spicy sauce, and it’s a warm winter bargain at $7.75.
It’s too soon to know if Winter Jam NYC 2012 will have any natural snow on the ground, but they’ll make sure there is plenty of the machine-made stuff so you can enjoy winter sports in Prospect Park. The free annual festival takes place the first Saturday of February (the one weekend the Q train work is taking a break).
You can try out winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding for the first time, right in our backyard. Equipment is provided at no cost, or bring your own. More experienced skiers and snowboarders can register to compete in the Prospect Park Jam, hosted by Red Bull.
There will also be some vendors selling snacks at the Pride of New York Winter Market, a Zagat Warming Lounge, and information about NY state ski resorts.
Winter Jam NYC
Saturday, February 4, 11am to 4pm
Prospect Park Long Meadow (by the Picnic House)
Here’s a cool idea from the crew at 773 Lounge: They’ll be hosting a Valentine’s Vendor Fair, where you can have a drink and shop for your loved ones at the same time. It’s happening on Saturday, February 11 from 6-10pm.
Tomorrow night is the monthly Community Council meeting for the 70th Precinct. It’s a good opportunity to meet your local officers and discuss any concerns (car break-ins, iPhone thefts, etc.) that you may have.
70th Precinct Community Council Meeting
Wednesday, January 25 at 7:30pm
Community Room of United Cerebral Palsy 175 Lawrence Avenue, between Ocean Parkway and Seton Place
Church Avenue’s new Thai restaurant, Am Thai Bistro, is having its grand opening celebration this Friday, January 27. Stop by 1003 Church Ave near East 10th Street to give alms to the monks at 10:30am, and then head back between 6pm and midnight for an evening celebration.
If you’ve passed by the space recently, you can see how fast it’s coming along, as you can see in the photo to the left that neighbor Meema took over the weekend. You can also sneak a peek at the interior in a series of photos on their Facebook page.
As you know, this is the second location from the same people at Am Thai Kitchen on McDonald Ave in Kensington, so you can expect much of the same menu, though the Bistro will feature some Caribbean fusion dishes, such as “roti massaman,” or grilled roti served with chicken in massasman curry.
Nummy and Amy from Am Thai (pictured to the right with me and Melissa Skolnick from the Church Ave BID) have been popping up everywhere to announce the opening, so if you haven’t met them yet, you will soon. Most recently they visited the Uncover Church Avenue art show opening at the Flatbush Library (the show, by the way, runs through February 24), supplying guests with a spread of appetizers. They’re very excited to be a part of the community, so be sure to stop by and give them a warm welcome.
Since you’ll have the song stuck in your head until Saturday now anyway, may as well learn how exactly you do the hustle at Latin Fever Dance Studio on January 28. Call 718-693-2488 for more info.
Do you need to prepare for a karate tournament but you're not sure what to do? In this video we tell you the best way to get ready for a karate tournament. […]
Well, we had two lovely days of a snow-filled park, and now spring seems to have returned. A two-day winter, truly a sign of global weirding. I wonder if we'll get any winter this year. Anyway, the first day of the snow had a completely unfrozen lake, but the second day had the frozen lake and felt quite winterish. So here are some pictures of winter in […]
January 19, 2012 Dylan Fitzwater, Editor Nevada Union Nevada City, CA As students, we are told that we are being made into an “informed citizenry” capable of maintaining a vibrant democracy. Indeed, we are told that we must give up most of our constitutional rights in the name of achieving this goal. We are compelled […]
A lot has happend in the past 10 months (yes, it's been nearly a year since I last posted -- I have no excuse *hangs head in shame*). Here's the biggest news: In August, I got married. Here I am walking down a Montana gravel road with my lovely bridesmaids. We're on our way to the ceremony.photo by Josh GageHoly sh*t! I am married. I have a hu […]
Some cool shows happening this week in and around the city, including a mix of the traditional and progressive. The twangy DeLorean Sisters are banjo-ing it up at Union Hall on Saturday, and local indie folk-rockers Lucinda Black Bear take the stage at Union Pool Wednesday. Strongly suggest checking out at least one of these […]
Need tips on weight loss for kids? Urban Martial Arts' Dr. Robyn shows you how to broach the topic of weight loss for kids without affecting their self-esteem. […]
Over the last few months, Sara Watkins has given a few virtual high fives to San Diego Americana band The Howls on Twitter. This Friday, Watkins will give the band much more as she plays with them at their CD release party at The Casbah. While this isn’t the first release from the band, Rocky […]
I emerge from my winter cocoon to view the snow outside the window.The emptiness of the fridge, has forced me to venture out into the weather, which was a bit charming. Joining me are the many other early morning Park slope Food Coop shoppers. This is the hour of the wiseman. For anybody with any […]
When we Levys travel, we like to focus on just one thing, like our recent food trip to Philly or the history-heavy vacation my fiance and I took in Moscow […]
Here's what separates the winners from the losers when it comes to weight loss. If you want to lose the last 10 pounds once and for all, read this post. […]
Set in Sheepshead Bay, playwright 
