August 2009

Quickie: Birdies!

Yes, it’s been awhile but I think we’re all kind of in the mode of summer laziness. Likely won’t be much posts here until after Labor Day, but this cute little story is something I just had to post. How cute is that little baby falcon?!

Man Saves Baby Falcon From Being Bullied, Squashed – Daily Intel

Update: From commenter colormekatie – Just so you know, there’s another baby falcon in our neighborhood ( by driggs and humboldt) I saw it this morning being attacked by pigeons also! I was able to get the pigeons away but the falcon was so scared it hid in some bushes. Keep on the look out!

OMG – someone go save the other baby!

Category: News | Tags: | 6 Comments

Williamburg’s Illegal Urban Beekeepers: Breaking The Law For The Planet

Spent some time last week hanging out with East Williamsburg restauranteurs who are keeping illegal beehives in the Greenpoint area. Got a little video show & tell of them handling bees without protective bee suits! And believe it or not, they aren’t doing it all for the honey…

I will be harvesting close to 100lbs of honey with them this week. It’s their first harvest EVER. So it could get interesting. Hopefully, I won’t get stung!

Brooklyn’s Urban Beekeepers: Breaking The Law For The Planet (Part I) from SkeeterNYC on Vimeo.

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More Than a Sale

I received an email this week about a loft sale going on this Saturday that I think everyone should attend if they have the chance. This came to me via Briana from Unemployed Brooklyn. I feel this woman’s pain about the expenses of being in NY, losing ones job and trying to make ends meet. But to have to do it with a kid… well that just sucks even more. I’m sure if everyone just stopped by and bought a thing or two, it would help Melissa out and you’d get something you could likely use.

The point is that I applaud Melissa for being creative! She’s doing what she can to stay in the same place especially for her daughters sake who she’s told me loves her school.

Hello, All,

As many of you know, I’ve been out of work since being laid off from my job back in September. I’m working hard to find a new position (if any of you know of anything, please let me know!). I have a few promising possibilities on the horizon, but until something is set in stone and I have received a few months of salary, I’m afraid I’ll be floundering. Therefore, I’m trying my hardest to come up with creative ways to make a little cash. Many of you have already sent me job leads- a hearty thanks. Others have purchased some of my embroidered items- and a few of you have even purchased some of the canvases being shown at my solo art show currently on view at Spacecraft. Thanks!! Unfortunately, If my money-making skills prove futile, it may (very) soon be time for me to leave my apartment. Anevay is already leaving on Friday to stay with her grandparents for ten days, and may stay through August. If my situation proves too dire, my parents have offered to extend Anevay’s visit into something a little longer term while I figure things out here in NY, a thought which nearly kills me.

But it hasn’t come to this yet.

This Saturday I will be hosting a loft sale/party, and will be unloading as many of my things as I can. Those of you who have visited my place know that I have collections upon collections of… everything!

Some of the items:

Motherwell print (too many details for this particular email, but if interested, please ask): $650 or best offer
Futon sofa; sturdy, well-cushioned and in fantastic shape – not your average crappy futon: $250-300 or best offer
Amazing wood and cream pleather recliner (yes, PLEATHER)
Books, oh, so many of my beloved books (adult and kid))
Kitchen and cookware
Clothing, bags/purses, hats
Kids toys
Kids clothing
Kids Majar ‘Chick’ Chair
Art easel (wooden; for kids, with blackboard on opposite side)
Jewelry
CDs
TV
CD boombox

Oh, there are so many other things, a whole lifetime of stuff, really, ready to be passed on to you. I’ll also be selling some of my embroidered things. I may consider selling one of my favorite possessions – an amazing Emmi Whitehorse litho called Drift – it means a great deal to me, but I might be convinced. It was purchased for $1600. I already have one high bid on it from a dear friend…

Even if you’re not in a position to purchase anything, please come hang out for a bit. More than anything, I require the presence of your positive energy. In keeping with my poverty-stricken theme, this will be a BYOB party, and who knows, it may also turn into a bake sale (anyone wanting to contribute, let me know!). I’m thinking the start time will be 10, and will end around 7. If you’re interested in any particular item, please let me know and we’ll talk shop sooner than later.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to run over to Spacecraft (about a block away from my place, on Bedford Ave between S. 4 and S. 5th) to check out my art show, which is up for another little while. I can send you images/more info if you’re interested!

In the meanwhile, keep me in mind for jobs/opportunities. I’ve sent out an email appeal to close friends/family asking for micro-loans (to paid back in interest, with a contract!). If you’re currently in a situation to be able to do this, please let me know. Or, to my musician friends, perhaps you’d like to throw a benefit show? I’m sure there are many other great ideas I haven’t yet thought of.

Finally, thanks to all for your support. This is- hands down!!- the most difficult time in my life. Fortunately, I have amazing friends and family who have helped me keep it together well enough to show a brave face to my sweet Anevay! It helps, as well, to know that compared to some people who have been hit hard by the economy, that I’m actually one of the lucky ones…

Please spread the word!! More than anything, the flood of positive responses makes me HAPPY. Already, people are bringing cupcakes, and I plan on next Saturday being FUN!!!

Love,

-Melissa

The sale is on Saturday, August 8th, from 10 AM – 7 PM, and is located at 315 Berry Street, Apt 208. (btn S. 3rd and S. 4 Streets)

Category: News | 3 Comments

Habitual Chicken Ritual is Back!

It’s baaaaack! The Habitat‘s annual Habitual Chicken Ritual Wing Contest is coming Tuesday August 25th and if you’re interested in competing, I suggest you stop by ASAP and let them know because last year those 12 spots filled up fast.

Habitual Chicken Ritual
Tuesday, August 25th 10pm
Most wings eaten in 10 minutes wins!!

Contest Rules:
Interested participants can submit their names at the bar (there is no limit on the amount of times you can submit your name)
One week prior to the event, 11 names will be drawn at random
There will be 12 contestants in total (11 new contestants plus last year’s champion who at 41 wings!!)
$5 to enter the contest which gets each participant the first 20 wings (wings eaten thereafter are free)
The contestant who eats the most wings in 10 minutes wins $100 cash and a trophy
Second prize is awarded $50
Each contestant receives a free t-shirt for participating
The contest will be filmed and a live feed will be ongoing during the entire event
Harpoon will be sponsoring the event and drafts will be $3 all night.

Check out the video of last years event for inspiration!

Category: News | 0 Comments

Habitual Chicken Ritual is Back!

It’s baaaaack! The Habitat‘s annual Habitual Chicken Ritual Wing Contest is coming Tuesday August 25th and if you’re interested in competing, I suggest you stop by ASAP and let them know because last year those 12 spots filled up fast.

Habitual Chicken Ritual
Tuesday, August 25th 10pm
Most wings eaten in 10 minutes wins!!

Contest Rules:
Interested participants can submit their names at the bar (there is no limit on the amount of times you can submit your name)
One week prior to the event, 11 names will be drawn at random
There will be 12 contestants in total (11 new contestants plus last year’s champion who at 41 wings!!)
$5 to enter the contest which gets each participant the first 20 wings (wings eaten thereafter are free)
The contestant who eats the most wings in 10 minutes wins $100 cash and a trophy
Second prize is awarded $50
Each contestant receives a free t-shirt for participating
The contest will be filmed and a live feed will be ongoing during the entire event
Harpoon will be sponsoring the event and drafts will be $3 all night.

Check out the video of last years event for inspiration!

Category: News | 0 Comments

Reality Chefs Revisited

Our humble Greenpoint has been home to some reality show goodness over the last couple of years, most notably with Camille Becerra from Paloma on Top Chef. But Paloma’s is gone and so is Camile, so where will we find our next reality show star to root for?

Not surprisingly, Cody Utzman is appearing on the August 11th episode of Chopped on the Food Network. Yeah, yeah come on we all know Cody and his Greenpoint empire trifecta of Brooklyn Label, Brooklyn Standard and Papacito’s. Now you can get all voyeuristic and view him on your boob tube!

Or if you’re so inclined t.b.d is hosting his premiere party Tuesday night where you can stalk him all up close and personal-like.

PREMIERE PARTY HOSTED BY CONTESTANT CODY UTZMAN

NEW YORK – Join Cody Utzman at t.b.d. Brooklyn to celebrate his appearance on Food Network’s dynamic series Chopped. On Tuesday, August 11th at 9 pm Utzman will treat guests to examples of his culinary prowess and drink specials in preparation for the 10pm airing of the episode “A Wish Upon a Starfruit” where Utzman, along with 3 other New York City chefs, competed for $10,000. As an added bonus, the world premiere screening of the 10 minute short film “The Chef, Part 1” will be presented directly after the closing credits.

Cody Utzman is the founder and owner of Greenpoint, Brooklynʼs successful Mexican street food restaurant, Papacitos, and what Time Out New York heralds as the neighborhoodʼs “bodega with a conscience,” The Brooklyn Standard. While Papacitos consistently uses the freshest ingredients to create a satisfying and diverse Mexican menu, The Standard brings Utzmanʼs commitment to quality and community by providing vegan/vegetarian foods, fresh baked and organic goods, and house-prepared specialties like hummus and kimchi to Greenpoint.

About the Show
Passion and expertise rule the kitchen on the fast-paced new series, Chopped. Hosted by Ted Allen (Food Detectives), the series challenges four up-and-coming chefs to turn a selection of everyday ingredients into an extraordinary three-course meal. After each course, a contestant gets “chopped” until the last man or woman left standing claims victory. Each week, a rotating panel of culinary elite judges including Alex Guarnaschelli, Aaron Sanchez, and Geoffrey Zakarian will decide whose dishes shine the brightest and award the winner $10,000.

t.b.d. Brooklyn
244 Franklin St.

Category: News | 0 Comments

Reality Chefs Revisited

Our humble Greenpoint has been home to some reality show goodness over the last couple of years, most notably with Camille Becerra from Paloma on Top Chef. But Paloma’s is gone and so is Camile, so where will we find our next reality show star to root for?

Not surprisingly, Cody Utzman is appearing on the August 11th episode of Chopped on the Food Network. Yeah, yeah come on we all know Cody and his Greenpoint empire trifecta of Brooklyn Label, Brooklyn Standard and Papacito’s. Now you can get all voyeuristic and view him on your boob tube!

Or if you’re so inclined t.b.d is hosting his premiere party Tuesday night where you can stalk him all up close and personal-like.

PREMIERE PARTY HOSTED BY CONTESTANT CODY UTZMAN

NEW YORK – Join Cody Utzman at t.b.d. Brooklyn to celebrate his appearance on Food Network’s dynamic series Chopped. On Tuesday, August 11th at 9 pm Utzman will treat guests to examples of his culinary prowess and drink specials in preparation for the 10pm airing of the episode “A Wish Upon a Starfruit” where Utzman, along with 3 other New York City chefs, competed for $10,000. As an added bonus, the world premiere screening of the 10 minute short film “The Chef, Part 1” will be presented directly after the closing credits.

Cody Utzman is the founder and owner of Greenpoint, Brooklynʼs successful Mexican street food restaurant, Papacitos, and what Time Out New York heralds as the neighborhoodʼs “bodega with a conscience,” The Brooklyn Standard. While Papacitos consistently uses the freshest ingredients to create a satisfying and diverse Mexican menu, The Standard brings Utzmanʼs commitment to quality and community by providing vegan/vegetarian foods, fresh baked and organic goods, and house-prepared specialties like hummus and kimchi to Greenpoint.

About the Show
Passion and expertise rule the kitchen on the fast-paced new series, Chopped. Hosted by Ted Allen (Food Detectives), the series challenges four up-and-coming chefs to turn a selection of everyday ingredients into an extraordinary three-course meal. After each course, a contestant gets “chopped” until the last man or woman left standing claims victory. Each week, a rotating panel of culinary elite judges including Alex Guarnaschelli, Aaron Sanchez, and Geoffrey Zakarian will decide whose dishes shine the brightest and award the winner $10,000.

t.b.d. Brooklyn
244 Franklin St.

Category: News | 0 Comments

Brunch at Papacitos

I recently gathered a few Greenpoint ladies to help me test Papacitos’ new brunch menu. Close to ten of us strolled into the backyard on a hot weekend afternoon and in the next couple hours we filled the table with food and chatter. I requested everyone order something different so I could dig my fork into their plate and there was little disappointment as I circled the table and tasted pickled cactus, spiced tilapia fillet, mesca cake, soyrizo, and stuffed peppers. Each plate was specific in taste and presentation with portions too generous for a person to finish without belching out a food baby.

I chatted with owner and chef Cody about his inspirations behind the menu and he mentions it’s Mexican food with a twist, playing with ingredients as wide and varied as cinnamon-almond milk syrup and vegan crème while staying true to Mexican cuisine. With brunch a popular means to celebrate the morning after, these wholesome dishes will have you leaving with a satisfied grin and a belly filled to the brim. Now on with the delicious details:

I tried the Mole ‘n Eggs which comprises of eggs that were poached to perfection (a slight stab with the fork gets the yolk bleeding) in mole sauce with shredded beef and pickled cactus salad that ended up being a bit too sour for me to adjust. As a whole it was a pleasurable mixture of gooey, chewy and crunchy sour that when accompanied by crispy chalupas makes for a colorful and tasty combo.

My favorite (although I only had one bite) would have to be the poached eggs with white corn polenta, which incorporates shredded pork with green chili sauce and roasted peppers. It’s rich and saucy and there’s something about mixing runny yolk and grits that hits a warm and comforting spot.

Next in the favorites line is the vegan tamale with Soyrizo, which despite being a tad too spicy for my low tolerance reverted my skepticism of anything deemed imitation meat. The roasted eggplant-tahini chile sauce was a beautiful shade of orange and the tamale was balanced between crisp and thick. The single bite I took was flavorful and inspiring enough for me to go buy a pack of soyrizo and try making this at home.

The thought of eating fish as the first meal was off putting but the two people who ordered fish taco salad nearly finished the plate and both agreed it was a damn good meal. I took a hesitant bite of the fish, which had a crispy and salty skin and I can only imagine it blended well with the pickled cabbage and cheese. The dish also includes black beans and sliced jalapenos, which cannot be tolerated on my end but seems to be a winner for others.

With this in note, test the brunch menu, especially with a group of fabulous kick ass Greenpoint ladies and return with a report (I’ve officially pseudo-mockingly christened a new Facebook group called Greenpoint Girls Group, which will meet for monthly brunches. Look for us and join if you so care.)

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