Archive for ‘sweets’

Cake Camp at One Girl Cookies

By Tobey, 9 June, 2011, 1 Comment

Looking for something new and interesting to keep your tweens busy? Come check out Cake Camp at popular sweets cafe One Girl Cookie (68 Dean St. between Smith and Court). Designed for kids aged 11 to 15, it runs from 21 to 23 June from 5pm to 7pm and each day they’ll learn something new. The Schedule is:

Day 1: make batter, bake cake & prepare chocolate ganache filling Day 2: make buttercream, assemble cake & learn the art of buttercream flower making Day 3: frost & finish cake, then take it home and enjoy

The cost is $150 and all levels of bakers welcome. To sign up, give them a call 718-675-4996.

Opa! Greek Festival Hits Schermerhorn St.

By Tobey, 7 June, 2011, No Comment

Walking home from the subway this afternoon I was thrilled to see the annual Grecian Festival at Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in full swing. The fun will run through Sunday, 12 June on Schermerhorn St. right off Court, and in addition to the outrageously yummy gyros, plump with seasoned lamb, you’ll also find other Greek food and pastries, music, kids activities, dancers (Thursday and Friday at noon and on Saturday night) and a gift shop sale. It will begin at 11am until Friday and at 1pm Saturday and Sunday.

Vinzee’s, a Family Restaurant, Opens in Carroll Gardens

By Tobey, 31 May, 2011, No Comment

Walked past the brand new Vinzee’s Magic Fountain on Court St. and 1st Place this weekend and was told they opened their doors for business Friday, 27 May. I didn’t eat there, but it looked set up for kids and families–with balloons, plastic ketchup and mustard squeezers on the table and festive outfits for the staff. The menu is an elaborate version of McDonalds, with your basic burgers and specialties including the Al-a-Pastra with Pastrami, American Cheese, sauteed leek and honey mustard. I may have just thrown up a little in my mouth. Dogs are billed as German foot-long franks and in addition to the $5 hot dog, other choices comprise of the Relishious, Chili-Cazam and Carlito’s Wand with onions, cabbage, carrots, potato bits, parsley sauce, honey mustard and Parmesan cheese. Shake Shack it’s not. Also count on staples like personal pizzas, chicken sandwiches and tenders, and salads.
From what I can tell from the menu I absconded with, french fries are ordered on the side and you can choose from regular or sweet potato with toppings like cheese, bacon and chili. No booze to be found, but party hearty with an array of shakes, floats and egg creams. The prices seem a little boggling since I get the feeling everything is a la carte. A burger (no cheese) is $5.70, a salmon burger hits just over $13 and a pizza will cost you about $10. No mention of kid-sized portions. Now, since I haven’t actually eaten there, I can’t be sure, but would love some feedback from anyone who’s made their way in.

Governor’s Island Food & Beer Fest

By Tobey, 26 May, 2011, No Comment

As we mentioned yesterday, free ferries start running from Pier 6 to Governor’s Island this Saturday, 28 May. So why not take full advantage and get in on the Brewer’s PicNyc, a two-day celebration of street food, craft beer and music on Colonels’ Row. The festival runs 29-30 May and includes food vendors like Asia Dog, The Bistro Truck, Cup Cake Stop, East Village Meat Market, Gotham Artisinal Sodas, Kimchi Taco Truck and Luke’s Lobster. Beer will be provided by Brooklyn Brewery, Goose Island, Sixpoint and Two Brother’s. You can buy tickets here and kids 12 and under go free. Obviously, the vendors will charge separately for their food, which will run from $2 to $15.

One Last Brooklyn Bridge Park Update-Pier 6 Expanded

By Tobey, 25 May, 2011, 1 Comment

Wow, it’s been a big week for Brooklyn Bridge Park. I was just informed that this Saturday will also mark the opening of a new, 1.8-acre area at Pier 6 featuring three regulation-sized sand volleyball courts, two 15,000 square-foot lawns, and an expanded network of lighted pathways planted with an array of native plants and trees. In addition to Bark Hot Dogs, other concessions at the pier include Milk Truck, best known for its grilled cheese sandwiches and milkshakes, Blue Marble Ice Cream and Uncle Louie G’s Italian Ices. And, lo and behold! The free ferry service to Governor’s Island also starts on 28 May and will operate on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays through 25 September 25.

Immerse Yourself in Atlantic Ave This Weekend (Or-FREE BEER)

By Tobey, 19 May, 2011, 1 Comment

Atlantic Ave. is kind of the stepsister of the neighborhood. Overshadowed by busy Smith St. and burgeoning Court St., many don’t see the understated charms Atlantic has to offer. Sure, Barney’s Co-op tends to steal the thunder, but there are other local faves–like Anglophile The ChipShop, newcomer Colonie and Middle Eastern cafe Waterfalls. So why not reacquaint yourself with this happening block and join The Total Atlantic Immersion, this Saturday, 21 May from noon to 6pm. Sponsored by Brooklyn Based and Brooklyn Brewery, you’ll be able to get up to 20 percent off at selected shops and complimentary half pints of Brooklyn Brewery beer at Last Exit, Roebling Inn, The Brazen Head and Waterfront Ale House by picking up a free immersion card, which will be handed out that day starting at 11am at Nunu Chocolates (529 Atlantic Ave. bet. 3rd & 4th Ave.) and at noon at The Brazen Head (228 Atlantic). Some participating stores include Steven Alan, Callalilai, Urban Outfitters, and Jonathan Adler, while restaurants and bars offering specials include Two 8 Two Bar and Burger, Rothschild’s and Sosta.

Brooklyn Farmacy News and Summer Hours

By Tobey, 10 May, 2011, No Comment

Amazing what a year can do. Just last spring we were wondering when the newly renovated Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain would open to the public in Cobble Hill for egg creams, organic ice cream treats and general merriment (helped along by the crew of Discovery Channel’s Construction Intervention). Today, most folks in the neighborhood will tell you what an amazing spot it is to sit, play some Monopoly, grab a sundae and hang with the family. So it was a joy to hear the sweet shop will be open for new warm weather hours as follows: Monday to Thursday: 11am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday: 10am to 11pm and Sundays: 10am to 10pm. In addition, you can help yourself to free wireless AND they’re now serving lunch. The “Grumble Grumble Grilled Cheese” made its debut this month with sharp cheddar cheese and multi-grain bread from Caputo’s Bakery. Served as a special with tomato soup and an egg cream, or solo with a crisp deli pickle from Ric’s Picks you may want to bring your laptop and park it for a while.

Pierrepont Playground Egg Hunt Moved to Sunday

By Tobey, 22 April, 2011, No Comment

Just a quick heads up to let you know the Pierrepont Playground Egg Hunt has been moved from tomorrow, 23 April to Sunday, 24 April for rain. So come join the egg hunting, photo taking, face painting and music making by Jon Sampson as well as a bake sale to benefit the Brooklyn Heights Playground Committee.

Easter Egg Hunts in South Brooklyn

By Tobey, 19 April, 2011, 2 Comments

This is a big week. I know because not only are my kids home from school. but parking (street cleaning) regulations are suspended from today through Friday, 22 April for observance of Passover, Holy Thursday and Good Friday, then again on the following Monday and Tuesday, 25 and 26 April for observance of Passover again. And, of course, Sunday is Easter, so here’s a few egg hunts in the hood if you want to bring the kiddies, courtesy of A Child Grows in Brooklyn. We also included Brooklyn Bridge Park’s free Spring Fling in the list (not actually an egg hunt).

Spring Egg Hunt at Pierrepont Playground- Saturday, April 23rd: 10 am SHARP
Candy, treats, bake sale, face painters, balloons and good friends have made this an annual tradition for many families! This year they will have access to the grassy area towards the promenade for the 4 and under crowd. Professional photographer and neighborhood dad Geoff Cardillo will be available to take portraits of the kids in their Spring best. Photos will be available for purchase via a website after the hunt. All proceeds will benefit the Brooklyn Heights Playground Committee.
Details: Located at Pierrepont St. and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. (In case of rain please check our web site at www.bhplaygrounds.org for updates). The rain date is Sunday, April 24th.

Urban Meadow’s Second Annual Spring Egg Hunt – Saturday, April 23rd: 10:30 am SHARP
For little ones (0 to 4), the hunt will take place at the Urban Meadow. For big kids (5 and up), the hunt will be at Mother Cabrini Park, the playground next door to the Meadow. Both hunts start promptly at 10:30, so get a basket and be on time! After, you can enjoy some baked goods, coffee, face painting and meet a real bunny. This free event is open to all and brought to you by the members of the
Urban Meadow, local businesses and neighbors like you. Thank you!
Details: The Meadow is at the Corner of President and Van Brunt Streets Brooklyn, NY, 11231

Eggs-Travaganza Easter Egg Hunt at Brooklyn Children’s Museum- Saturday, April 23rd: 9 – 11 am (hunt starts promptly at 9:30 am) and 12:30- 3:30 pm for Rabbit
Scout out eggs in the Children’s Museum’s Garden: will they hold prizes, treats or golden tickets? There will be a special area for ages 3 and under. (Please remember to bring your own basket.) After the hunt, join everyone in a private craft area for more family fun. Then Beatrix Potter’s favorite rabbit “Peter” will make a special appearance at Brooklyn Children’s Museum from 12:30-3:30 pm. You will hear about the magical world of Peter Rabbit and his friends in Mr. McGregors’ Garden during lively book readings. Enjoy fun family crafts, and have your picture taken with Mr. Rabbit himself! Free with Museum admission, photos available at an additional fee. All ages
Details: Egg Hunt: Members $5, Non Members $12, children under 1 are free. Ticket sales begin March 17, either in person at our admissions desk, email sales to specialevents@brooklynkids.org, or via phone at 718-735-4400×127. Ticket price includes Museum admission for the day. 145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Avenue), Brooklyn. Call (718) 735-4400 or visit www.brooklynkids.org for more info.

Spring Fling at Brooklyn Bridge Park- Saturday, April 23, 10:30 a.m.– 1 p.m.
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, in partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Park, will kick-off the 2011 programming season with the 6th Annual Spring Fling. This celebration of spring will feature Easter Bunny, AudraRox!, and Butterfly Boogie with the Wildlife Theater Company. Spot some birds with Brooklyn birdwatcher, Carolyn Murphy. Come to Pier 1 for an egg toss, egg roll, a duck race, and other games to get your feet moving! Beautiful Earth Group will also be on site to make solar power bead necklaces. Karma Kids Yoga will also be there to help you practice your yoga poses and Transit Museum, Brooklyn Public Library and Moxie Spot will host activity tables. Game prizes provided by Jacques Torres Chocolate. 10:30-11:30 – Wildlife Theater Company’s Butterfly Boogie 10:30-12:30 – Storytelling 10:30-11:00; 11:30-12:00 – Birdwatching (max 30 people) 12:00-1:00 – AudraRox! Games and activities throughout the event!
Details: Visit The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy for more details. At Pier 1.

Easter Egg Hunt EGGstravaganza – Saturday, April 23, 2-6 pm
DonnaDivine Productions will host this egg hunt with crafts, face painting, raffles, refreshments, games and receive a free spring family portrait. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Details: $25 for 4 people and $5 per additional family member. Email info@donnadivine.com for payment instructions. Prospect Park.

Grace Church Festival Eucharist and Egg Hunt- Sunday, April 24th: 10:30 am
The Parish Choir sings and there is an Easter egg hunt after the service.
Details: Grace Church is at 254 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Steve’s Ice Cream Joins the Mix

By Tobey, 30 March, 2011, 1 Comment

Yes Bococalander’s, another artisanal ice cream shop is coming to these parts. Just in time for Spring, Steve’s Ice Cream is getting ready to open in the old Blue Marble space over the next few weeks. The company, which is being resurrected after closing shop in the 90′s, has partnered with a few other Brooklyn foodie faves to make it a BK family affair. Salvatore Bklyn is supplying the ricotta in the strawberry ricotta ice cream, Kombucha Brooklyn’s fermented tea is the base for a kombucha sorbet, and Plowshares coffee will be mixed in the coffee-cinnamon ice cream–though you can expect 16 flavors to be rotated into the store seasonally. According to The Village Voice, the ice cream will sell for $4-$4.50 for a four-ounce scoop and have more of a culinary feel–with homemade cones, hot fudge and whipped cream. As I’m sure I mentioned before, just a few years ago I had to schlep to Haagen-Dazs (Montague St.) or Baskin Robins (Bergen St. or Court St.) to get my kids a scoop on a hot day. I used to stare at the Ben & Jerry’s shuttered storefront on Atlantic with longing. Now, we’ve got more than a handful of options–with other newcomers like Van Leeuwen, Blue Marble, Karloff and Van Leeuwen, Blue Marble, Karloff in the mix. Will all these folks be able to share in the hoity-toity frozen dessert boom? Or will our children insist on the $1.50 Mr. Softie. Only summer will tell.