Bed-Stuy Blog

My Corner of The World

By Ricky Lee | July 2, 2009

July 2009

Here is an iPhone view from where I sit, drink, think, eat, and sleep; my recently acquired home here in Southwest Bedford Stuyvesant. It is from this cozy vantage point that I gaze upon and watch the world and my new neighbors go by (pass me by?). I’m new here myself. New to the ‘hood, as some might say. New to this blog as well. In the coming weeks I will share with you my strange world and my experiences here. Some true. Some less so. You can be the judge. I will meet and introduce you to some of the new friends, and, perhaps, foes that I come across during my everyday existence here in this proudly historic, elegant, rapidly changing, and supremely fascinating, often maligned and misunderstood, neck of the woods. I’ll have conversations on streets and stoops, in ballrooms and while sitting on banquettes. I’ll pop into and report on new and old school shops, restaurants, and watering holes, and live to tell. Pleased to meet you. Hopefully, you’ll feel the same. Happy 4th of July! More to come soon…

Topics: Architecture, Art and Artists, Beauty, Bed-Stuy, Bed-Stuy Mysteries | 2 Comments »

New Spot on Broadway: Athom Café

By The Changeling | July 2, 2009

Athom Café is a tiny eatery on Broadway between Malcolm X Boulevard and Dekalb Avenue (the area of the hood that I like to call “Bed-Wick”). It’s is only about a month or so old and it probably would’ve taken me another several months before I stumbled upon the place, but thanks to the folks over at the blog Young, Broke and Hungry and an email tip from a reader, I found out about the little French café sooner rather than later. Be sure to click over to the Young, Broke and Hungry blog to check out their review of Athom.

I stopped by for a bite one Saturday, and I was lucky enough to meet the owner, Jerome. He’s a cool guy. He’s originally from Paris but he’s no newbie to the restaurant game in Bed-Stuy; he was once a manager at Tiny Cup Café and before that he worked at Solomon’s Porch.

Athom doesn’t have a logo or anything on the window yet (you really have to keep your eyes open to spot the place), but Jerome showed me some of the designs he’s thinking about using in the window. Hopefully he’ll get his sign in place soon.

The menu has a nice selection of items. There are fresh baked items like muffins, scones, croissants, bagels and cookies as well as oatmeal, pancakes, omelettes, sandwiches and salads. The baked goods are all around $2 and the omelettes (served with home fries), sandwiches and salads range from $6-$8. I got an iced tea and a smoked turkey with fontina and roasted peppers. I loved it! I’d probably be a daily visitor to this place if it weren’t so far away from my home. Those of you living in the Broadway area are very lucky to have this place nearby.

Has anyone else visited Athom Café yet? How would you rate it?

Athom Café
1096 Broadway (bet. Malcolm X Blvd & Dekalb Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11221
Ph. (646) 881-5834
Athomcafe@yahoo.com
Open 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

Topics: Bed-Stuy, Bedford Stuyvesant, Food, New Businesses | 3 Comments »

July Events in Herbert Von King Park

By Alexa11221 | July 1, 2009

It’s the time of year for performances and other events in the parks! Click on the title of the event for more info.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

CityParks Concerts: Kiki Sheard & Keith Wonderboy Johnson

7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

CityParks Concerts: MC Lyte

7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

MC Lyte

Thursday, July 16, 2009

CityParks Concerts: Chico DeBarge

7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

CityParks Theater: God Is Not an American

8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

CityParks Theater: God Is Not an American

8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

CityParks Theater: Chisa Hutchinson’s Dirt Rich

8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Friday, July 24, 2009

CityParks Theater: Essential Shakespeare: I Dream a Little Dream

8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

CityParks Theater: Essential Shakespeare: I Dream a Little Dream

8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Topics: Bed-Stuy, Bedford Stuyvesant, Community Events, Music, Theatre | No Comments »

July Events at Our Neighborhood’s Public Libraries

By The Changeling | July 1, 2009

All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Please be advised that programs are subject to change, therefore we suggest calling ahead.

FOR ADULTS

Computer Basics Class
Learn basic skills. No experience necessary.
Wednesday, Jul 1, 11 AM
Saratoga Library, 8 Thomas S. Boyland, 718.573.5224

Chess
Tuesdays, Jul 7 & 14, 6:30 PM
Saratoga Library, 8 Thomas S. Boyland, 718.573.5224

Library Databases Class
Learn to find information online using library databases.
Mondays, Jul 6 & 27, 2:15 PM
Bedford Library, 496 Franklin Avenue, 718.623.0012

Resume Writing
Learn to write a resume using Microsoft Word.
Wednesday, Jul 15, 11 AM
Saratoga Library, 8 Thomas S. Boyland, 718.573.5224

FOR TEENS

Rock Band Battle
A two-day video game battle! Win prizes and see the top scores posted to the library’s MySpace page.
Wednesday, Jul 1, 4 PM
Thursday, Jul 2, 4 PM
Saratoga Library, 8 Thomas S. Boyland, 718.573.5224

For more info on the many events, exhibitions and programs offered by the Brooklyn Public Library, click here to enter the library’s blog, No Shush Zone.

Topics: Bed-Stuy, Bedford Stuyvesant, For Kids, Libraries | No Comments »

A Visit to Le Sucre Coffee & Jazz Lounge

By The Changeling | June 30, 2009

Le Sucre Coffee and Jazz Lounge opened earlier this year, but it took me awhile drop by this cozy spot on Dekalb just off of Bedford Avenue. On the day I visited, both owners, Max and Jean, were there.

Once inside you’re immediately greeted by a mural of Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. Now everyone knows that Sonny Rollins is a thousand times better than Bird, but I told Max that I wouldn’t hold it against him. It’s a gorgeous mural. I forgot to ask who the artist was. I guess I’ll ask the next time I drop by.

The place was filled with art when I visited. They were preparing for an art show.

This is a view of the back room and the backyard.

Roses from the nearby church grow over the fence and into Le Sucre’s backyard.

There’s plenty of seating out back. Max said that they do BBQs on Sunday afternoons and they’re hoping to start a tapas menu soon.

I had originally ordered a sandwich that they didn’t have, but Fredricka, the woman who was preparing the food that day, suggested that I try a favorite–the curry chicken panini. They have a several sandwiches and salads–your standard cafe fare. I purchased the panini and a slice of carrot cake for ten bucks. Both were delicious. I’ll definitely be back.

Le Sucre Coffee Jazz Lounge
520 Dekalb Avenue (between Skillman and Bedford)
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 636-2000

* I have yet to get over to Colador Cafe just around the corner. I’ll be heading there soon.

Topics: Bed-Stuy, Bedford Stuyvesant, Food, New Businesses | 3 Comments »

Free Foreclosure Webinar Series

By The Changeling | June 30, 2009

Bridge Street Development Corporation (BSDC) cordially invites those who are interested in learning about “What to Expect When Facing Foreclosure” to participate in the launch of a FREE educational Webinar Series from the privacy and comfort of their home or office, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm on Tuesday, June 30th. The Webinar Series will provide you with very important information on what could occur if you, or someone you know, is facing this difficult situation of foreclosure.

BSDC has scheduled a series of Webinars on the following topics, in the following weeks including:

Wednesday, July 15 – 6:30-8:00 pm “Making Home Affordable: The Obama Plan”

Tuesday, August 11 – 6:30-8:00 pm “Overview of Loan Workout Options”

Tuesday, September 15 – 6:30 – 8:00 pm “Safeguarding Your New Home”

Tuesday, October 13 - 6:30-8:00 PM – “Surprising Facts Apartment Renters Should Know About Foreclosure.”

BSDC has created a program that will educate the Central Brooklyn communities about avoiding foreclosures. The goal of this campaign is to provide a resource that the residents of the community can rely upon for up-to-date information to help homeowners prevent their homes from going into foreclosure. For homeowners that are currently in foreclosure, counselors from Bridge Street Development Corporation will work with the mortgage companies and the homeowners to find the best possible solution. The Webinar Series is an added resource to educate and inform residents to “Know the Steps, Know the Options, Know Your Rights!”

Please join us for this FREE educational Webinar from the privacy and comfort of your home or office. To register please visit www.knowthefactsdontloseyourhome.org or call 718-636-7596 x 14.

Topics: Bed-Stuy, Bedford Stuyvesant, Money and Finance | No Comments »

Question of the Day: Propane Tanks

By The Changeling | June 29, 2009

Now that we’ve seen the sun three days in a row, it’s time to think about firing up the grill. Does anyone know where in the neighborhood one can exchange propane tanks for a grill/BBQ? The Bed-Stuy Home Depot doesn’t do it (SURPRISE!). We heard that Lowe’s does, but they’re too far away (we don’t have a car). Are there any other places in the neighborhood (or nearby in Clinton Hill) that do?

Topics: Bed-Stuy, Bedford Stuyvesant | 3 Comments »