across the park

Just In From Bizarre-o World

The New York Observer published an article today depicting PLG as yet another Brooklyn neighborhood being gentrified.  Unfortunately, the writer's exploration of PLG seems inexcusably limited.

We  quote:

Though there are a couple of relatively polished Caribbean-themed eateries scattered along Flatbush, by all appearances, one would be hard-pressed to find a skim latte or brunch on Sundays. Lime, presumably a new arrival, sticks out like a sore thumb with its sleek black exterior and neon green sign.

The writer seems to have bypassed Lincoln Rd. completely, missing the presence of Enduro and K-Dog.  That's a HUGE omission for anyone attempting to describe the neighborhood.  The writer also talks about street names that seem to have nothing to do with PLG, referencing Kensington and locations that we can only assume are not in PLG.

The article also includes rants that, unfortunately, amount to over-generalizations about neighborhood development, including the ubiquitous "changes do not present any benefits to longtime residents."  Generalizing as such is complete BS.

Come back to PLG, NY Observer.  You missed a lot.

Done and done: 185 Ocean Ave

We're back after an unannounced holiday break.  Even Brownstoner missed us.

This is the last photo we took of 185 Ocean Ave.  At this time the entire house is no more.  For now, all we can do is wait and see what the developer plops in its place.

Step Too Cafe

What was Brooklyn & Slim has become Step Too Cafe.  Based on the images on the sign, our best guess is that Step Too maintain the space as a bar.

However, we need someone to explain the name.  "Step Two" we would understand, like the step following one.  "Step To" we also would understand, like stepping towards something.  We're not sure how "Step Too" should be interpreted - step also?  Perhaps the word "too" has additional meaning for the new proprietors.

We need help.

Does anyone know when this place is supposed to open?

New Development Rises on Crooke Ave

Speaking of new developments, this building is getting filled out on Crooke Ave near the Parade Grounds.  Compared to the other new construction in the neighborhood, this one is a sculpture.

In our humble opinion, a building like this wouldn't be so bad as the new 185 Ocean Ave.  It could be much, much, much worse.

State Senator Eric Adams Hosts Open House

Subway Coming to PLG

Last week we posted about a vacant storefront that we misidentified as being on the corner of Flatbush and Chester Ct.  It is actually on the corner of Flatbush and Beekman, one block closer to Lincoln Rd.  A commenter, who spoke to the workmen in the space, confirmed that the storefront will soon be home to a Subway.

After pondering the imminent Subway for a day or two, we've come to think that having a Subway in the nabe won't be such a bad thing.  At first we were disappointed that a big chain was coming in, but we'll admit it: we like Subway.  The veggie burger thing thing that they have is quite good, and some Subways even have full blown salads.  For us, Subway is not a bad option when in a pinch.

Subway will not be an addition to the nabe along the lines of K-Dog or Enduro, but anything that's not a nail or hair salon is a welcome addition.

Bomb Scare?

Sometime last week someone left a suitcase on the corner of Washington and Lefferts.

NYPD took the incident seriously.  As you can see from the attached photo, the intersection was roped off.  People were not permitted to approach Washington from any direction.

Once NYPD determined that the suitcase posed no threat, life went back to normal.  And, if the suitcase had a tag on it, NYPD probably returned it to the owner.

Ray Kelly to make local appearance

We just received this message from a reader:

The 71st Precinct would like to invite the people of PLG to a Community Outreach with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, on Thursday, Dec 13th at 7:00 PM, in the auditorium at DownState Hospital (450 Clarkson Ave., just East of New York Avenue).

Enjoy.

Carribbean Sweet Hand - Indeed

When we last posted about Carribbean Sweet Hand, a kind reader helped mitigate our confusion surrounding the name.  Turns out that telling someone that they have a sweet hand is the same as telling them that they can cook well.

Schooled us.

We tried CSH a couple of times and found it to be run of the mill Carribbean.  But then we ducked in the other day when we were really in the mood for doubles.  Though CSH does not yet have doubles, we were pleasantly surprised when we tried a cheese roll (or was it a cheese stick?  If you ask for it they'll know what you are talking about).

It's a baked (or maybe fried...) thing of pastry-ish bread that has cheese on the inside - the consistency of the cheese is similar to provolone.  But the cheese is seasoned with curry and other good stuff.  It's quite delicious.

Also available are beef sticks - the same thing but with beef instead of cheese.  We can only vouch for the cheese stick, which was damn good.  Well worth the $2.

185 Ocean Ave. One Step Closer to Biting the Dust

A construction fence went up around 185 Ocean Ave. last week, indicating that the house is slowly moving towards its demise.  Still, we have received very few details about what will be built in its place - as we've said before, it had better not be some ugly piece of shit.

In case the new owner of 185 Ocean is reading, it would be wonderful if you could share what you have in mind to build on this lot.  Yes, we'll scrutinize, but if you can lend any assurance that your building will not look like this - but more like this - we would greatly appreciate it.