It’s more user-friendly than the DOH’s own site, but it’s not particularly extensive either–a quick glance at our neighborhood, and you can see it’s missing places like Mimi’s, Purple Yam, and quite a bit on Coney Island Ave. They say they’ll be updating it periodically, however.

Following a couple recent closures in our area, it seems that there’s a real difference of opinion about these letter grades. I know this will just stir that pot again, but for those who put stock into these grades, here’s an easy option for finding out what they are.… Read the rest

This Saturday, March 3, the Flatbush Farm Share CSA will present a free community meal through the Flatbush Reformed Church Bread for the Journey Hot Meals Program:

Our CSA farmers, from the Farm at Miller’s Crossing and Hepworth Farms, are donating veggies and fruit and we have a crew of expert cooks volunteering their time to prepare the meal.

We will have a Flatbush Farm Share info table, with summer 2012 sign ups and authorized EBT screenings. The meal’s theme is: The Local Food Economy–Affordable for All! So, in addition to eating local, we hope to facilitate some information sharing on the topic through guest tables.

Community Meal from Flatbush Farm Share CSA
Saturday, March 3, 12-2pm
Flatbush Reformed Church, gym (corner of Church & Flatbush)
Please RVSP by Thursday March 1 to Outreach@flatbushfarmshare.com if you plan to attend.… Read the rest

We are doing 4 wines with small plate pairings for $35. Our guest pourer will be Elena from Vias Imports and she will be able to answer any question you have about Italian wines!!!

And the upcoming tastings:

3/7 – Grandma’s Sherry
3/14 – Ronald Reagan’s Wines
3/21 – Organic & Biodynamic Wines
3/28 – Belgian Craft Beers
4/4 – Burgundy
4/11 – Wines of the Revolution

Call 718-856-8888 for reservations.… Read the rest

Rumors have been swirling for some time that Qathra’s Yasser “Max” Habib would be taking over the lease of the former Whisk space on Newkirk Avenue, and as of last week, it’s finally a done deal. He signed the lease and already has big plans for the new space, which he’s named Milk and Honey Cafe.

They’re already in there working on the space, and when I stopped in yesterday Max told me he’s aiming to open in a couple of months. He hopes to have a full kitchen in the basement, menu items that will appeal to kids, and the same great coffee that you’ve come to expect from his Cortelyou Road space (which will remain open–and which will soon have a revamped back patio).

If you’ve got experience in web design, he’s looking for someone to help with the new cafe’s website–stop by Qathra or email qathracafe@yahoo.com.

The loss of Josh Rubin and the cafe he created is still incredibly difficult for the entire community, but having something new in that space, from someone who’s already created something great in the neighborhood, is an uplifting note after all the tragedy. We look forward to seeing what Max … Read the rest

Bloody Mary or Mimosa, $4.50

German Pancake, $10.50
Large oven-baked pancake, served with lemon, powdered sugar and strawberries

Strawberry Stuffed French Toast, $10.50
served with whipped cream, butter and Vermont maple syrup

Eggs Benedict, $11.50
A classic, 2 organic poached eggs with Canadian bacon, English muffin & Hollandaise sauce, served with fries and salad

Country Skillet or Veggie Country Skillet, $11.50
2 organic eggs any style, served over a casserole of red potatoes, sausage, roasted tomatillos, scallions, red peppers, mushrooms and pepperjack cheese (veggie option features tofu instead of sausage)

Corn Beef Hash with 2 Organic Poached Eggs, $11.50
served with salad (eggs are poached unless otherwise requested)

Fruit Salad with Mint, $4
Melon, pineapple, oranges, strawberries, cucumber and grapes served with mint

2 Organic Eggs or Thick Cut Bacon or Fresh Breakfast Sausage, $4

Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Butter and Fruit Jam, $4

Biscuits as above, plus Sausage Gravy, $5… Read the rest

But like anything that’s free in this town, it’s going to draw a crowd–last year’s event had nearly 2,000 visitors–so they advise you to get their early.

You can vote on your favorite for the People’s Choice Award, and there’s a Judges’ Award as well, both handed out at 7pm by Borough President Marty Markowitz. Go get ‘em, 773!… Read the rest

The headline says it all. The footage in question, via Jest, starts at 1:52.… Read the rest

Congratulations to The Castello Plan, which is celebrating its second anniversary this week. Ben sends this note of thanks to the community, and invites everyone to share a complimentary glass of champagne and snacks this Saturday, February 25 at 10pm.… Read the rest

The temperature got above 50 degrees today and flowers have been in bloom for weeks, so it seems almost okay to start choosing iced drinks over hot ones. The Thai iced coffee at the new Am Thai Bistro (1003 Church Ave, between E 10th and Stratford) is as sweet and tasty as it is pretty. It’s available in any weather, but it would make a nice treat after a walk around the neighborhood on a warm day like today.… Read the rest

Tomorrow is the first night of The Castello Plan Beer and Wine Festival, and they’re starting out with naturally fermented wines. Taste four natural wines for $35, 8pm, Wednesday, February 22. Call 718-856-8888 to reserve your spot.… Read the rest