Less than 2 weeks left to see Anne Hathaway in Drag!

Okay, okay so The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park isn't in Brooklyn, you actually have to jump on the MTA and leave the borough to see the show (and try your luck at tickets) at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, but the word on the street is that it's worth it. Apparently Hathaway's outdoor Bard-debut is quite impressive as Viola in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. The comedy follows the romantic adventures of Viola and her twin Sebastian, both shipwrecked in the enchanted dukedom of Illyria. It's a time-honored story of cross-dressing and mistaken identity, all in the name of love. The production is directed by Tony Award winning Director Daniel Sullivan and has an impressive cast that also includes Raúl Esparza and Audra McDonald among many other Broadway greats.

You've got until July 12th to grab your blankets, sleeping bags, and umbrellas and head to Central Park to "camp" out for tickets. Performances of Twelfth Night are on Tuesday through Sunday evenings at 8pm. There is an added performance on Monday July 6th and no performance on Saturday July 4th. (There will be limited ticket distribution on July 9th, probably not the best day to take the chance). Tickets are FREE and are distributed at the Delacorte Theater beginning at 1pm on the day of the performance (closest entrances to the Delacorte are at 81st Street and Central Park West or 79th Street and Fifth Avenue).

You can get there as early as you'd like and the line is monitored by Public Theater staff beginning before or by 10AM on performance days. If you are a Shakespeare in the Park virgin, keep in mind they can be a little bit like the gestapo. . . .so don't even think about being sneaky because you won't get away with it! You are allotted 2 tickets per person based on availability and your whole party must arrive together to get on line. There are no saving places and if you leave for an extended period of time, (they do give you permission to use the restroom, phew!) you in turn forfeit your place on line. So bring a book, charge that blackberry, and pick up your take-out from Zabar's because it's gonna be a LONG morning! Have fun and Good Luck!

Panino'teca 275 is closing!

After 8 wonderful years of filling our bellies with delicious Italian tapas, owner India Ennis is closing Panino'teca 275 and moving to Beantown. This is the last weekend for us Brooklynites to enjoy her delicious cheese plates, paninis, bruschetta samplers, tramezzinis, taleggio prosciutto mac & cheese, and uovo al forno (fontina drenched baked eggs) in her beautiful restaurant and enchanting garden. I am a long time fan and former employee of Panino'teca 275 and I encourage you all to stop by this weekend to bid Miss India Ennis adieu and savor some incredible eats all washed down with some Italian vino, a yummy blood orange bellini, or if you're feeling dangerous, maybe even a negroni! Sunday night is the end of an era, one of the first restaurants to open on the now trendy Smith St. is closing it's doors. So get your butt down there this weekend and enjoy it while you still can! Buon Appetito!



Panino'teca 275
275 Smith St. btwn. Sackett and Degraw St.

Femi Kuti in Prospect Park TONIGHT!!!

Femi Kuti, award-winning Nigerian musician and son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, will be performing with his group, The Positive Force, tonight at 7pm at The Prospect Park Bandshell. He will be performing old favorites and songs off his new album, Day by Day, which continues to explore and push back the frontiers of Afrobeat. Like his father, Femi has shown a strong commitment to social and political causes throughout his career and his music takes us through the winding roads of the African paradox, "Why is such a rich continent inhabited by the world’s poorest people?…."

Afrobeat and Funk, live tonight in Prospect Park and mother nature just may cooperate with us this evening! And if not blue skies, then at least a dry evening so we can grab our loved ones and dance to the rhythm of Femi's tunes. The New York Times explains his music best, "thick, musky Afro-funk—a polyrhythmic elaboration on James Brown’s late-1960s sound—with lyrics that focus on government oppression and the problems of modern Africans.”

You can check out some of Femi Kuti's MySpace page by clicking HERE
More info can be found on Prospect Park's Celebrate Brooklyn Website by clicking HERE

Calexico is finally open!!!!

The much anticipated Calexico Carne Asada has finally opened on Union St. in Carroll Gardens!!! The Mexican food cart owned and operated by 3 brothers from Southern California who are "obsessed with bringing high quality Mexican cuisine to the streets of New York" now have a store front in Brooklyn. Their amazing Mexican Food Truck has been blessing lower Manhattan with affordable quality tacos, quesadilla, burritos, and tortas at two locations in Soho for over a year now. They have been named top street vendor in New York City at the 2008 Vendy Awards and even Martha Stewart is a fan! (you can watch the YouTube clip of the boys being interviewed on her TV show on their website)

I stopped in today and sampled two tacos from their temporary menu. After living in Los Angeles for 4 years, it takes a lot to impress me with yummy Mexican goodness, but I have to say these boys have got it down! The tacos will only run you $3 each, and in addition to their famed carne asada, they also have veggie options. I opted for a tofu asada taco and a black bean taco with guacamole. Totally delicious and worth the walk over the BQE! The menu will expand in the coming weeks as will their hours (they stay open till about 3pm right now, or until they run out of food). Other menu highlights include: Anson Mills Grits with pork or tofu for $8, and a salad with mixed greens, grilled corn, cucumber, avocado, radish, fresh goat cheese, toasted sesame seeds, all tossed in a sherry vinagrette for $7! Finally edible, delicious and healthy Mexican food comes to Brooklyn!


Calexico
122 Union St. btwn Hicks and Columbia
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 488-8226

Calling all Performers! Grand Army Plaza Needs You!!!

The Grand Army Plaza Coalition is looking to make Grand Army Plaza into an entertainment destination this summer. If you are in a band, dance troupe, choir, theater group, improv team, orchestra, or if you are a circus performer, belly dancer, stilt walker, whatever it is that's your specialty, show off your talents and share them with Brooklyn!!! There is no pay, but the chance to perform in front of hundreds of people this summer and get some borough recognition. And like the old saying goes, work begets work. . . . and who knows? You may even get discovered!

For more information and to submit your act, contact talent@prospectpark.org

Calling All Brooklyn Photographers!!! Show Your Borough Pride!!!

Pingg, a new and quickly growing online invitation, e-card and event management company, today announced a call for submissions for its first ever photography competition. The subject matter: Brooklyn. The folks over at pingg are encouraging all photographers, from amateurs to pros, who love Brooklyn to submit their work. They are looking for original shots illustrating the architectural beauty and iconic imagery of the borough. Anyone, regardless of skill level, can enter. So grab that camera and start exploring Brooklyn and let that creativity shine!

Winners of the contest will have their work featured in a new pingg collection of online invitations and e-cards dedicated entirely to the unique character and charm of Brooklyn. The collection will be part of the Designer Series, a curated gallery of original art. Current Designer Series contributors include Martha Stewart, award-winning photographer Ben Watts and cutting edge graffiti artist Erni Vales. One grand prize winner will receive a Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR digital camera pack that includes a camera case and a one gigabyte xD card – a retail value of $450. And all finalists will have their image placed within pingg’s Brooklyn-themed gallery and will be available for pingg users to send free online invitations and e-cards. As an added bonus, the artist’s name will be embedded within the image and accompanied by their bio and a link to their website. Who doesn't love some free PR?

More information on the contest rules is available HERE. The deadline for submissions is July 14th. That gives you 3 weeks to get those creative juices flowing and get to work! It's time to show off that Brooklyn pride!

3-2-1 Launch Party at the Bell House

Join The Brooklyn Beat at the Bell House (149 7th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues in Gowanus, Brooklyn) this coming Monday night, June 29th at 7 PM for a FREE Night of Rock celebrating the launch of two new local Brooklyn-based businesses - King Killer Studios, xtrapulp, and the 4-year anniversary of a third local business – Realty Collective.

The evening will feature 5 bands, tacos by Calexico (first 50 tacos are free!), and a free raffle. That's right, show up and you can win stuff. Stuff!! Will be raffled!!

What else have you got to do on a Monday night other than keep it local and go bananas at a raffle?

You will raise the devil horns to these bands:

Wounded Buffalo Theory
Kabona Zombies
Mike Hunchback and the Weird Fantasy Band
CONDO
In Musth
DJ sets by Robot Hot Dog

More info about the event is available on facebook

Coney Island Mermaid Parade!!!

We at The Brooklyn Beat look forward to The Mermaid Parade every year as it marks the beginning of summer. And with the month of rain that we have had here in NYC, this parade seems like a fitting way to welcome in the sunshine (or at least have a ritual parade celebration in hopes that they sun gods will listen and eventually shine down on us).

The parade pays homage to the tradition of the Coney Island Mardi Gras parades of the very early 20th century, when Coney Island was the primary amusement destination for New Yorkers. The Coney Island Mermaid Parade as we know it began in 1983, when the first event of this kind was conceptualized and organized by Dick Zugin, known as the "Mayor of Coney Island" ( Zugin is also the founder of the non-profit arts group Coney Island USA). Today the event attracts thousands of spectators and participants and tons of lavish costumes, floats and antique automobiles. And in true Coney Island spirit, you can bet it is one heck of a freak show! There is an "under the sea theme" and every year a Fair King and Queen are crowned. There are tons of other awards as well in categories such as best mermaid, best neptune, best pull float, best motorized float, coolest convertible and best in show to name a few. And since it is technically legal in New York State for women to be topless in public (as long as it is not part of a business venture) you will most definitely see some ta-tas! Let the games begin!



This year's King Neptune will be Mr. Harvey Keitel and his Queen Mermaid Daphna. The fun all starts today, Saturday June 20th at 2pm rain or shine! Special appearances include The Uptown String Band from The Philadelphia Mummers Parade and Monster Truck ‘Blue Thunder’ will perform a parade prelude. Also be on the lookout for Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey’s Boom A Ring. For more info and directions click HERE

SABON: The Organic Secret Garden Event

The Brooklyn Beat is excited to announce that Sabon, our favorite fancy soap shop, is launching a new Organic Beauty Line. To celebrate the arrival of these new products, they are holding The Organic Secret Garden Event at their flagship store in Soho, 93 Spring St. (btwn. Broadway and Mercer) on Tuesday June 23rd from 7 to 9pm. The event will feature herbal body treatments, organic hors d' oeuvres by Food & Femininity, organic tea cocktails by Tavalon Tea, and an exclusive discount on Sabon Organic. The Sabon line originated with a bar of lavender soap created by a young couple in Israel back in 1974. Today the line has expanded to products for the body, home and soul using properties of the Dead Sea imbued with vital minerals and salts. Sabon's products deliver a sensory experience of healing to the body and are avilable in stores across Israel, Europe and America. If you have time on Tuesday, head on over to Soho and beg them to open a boutique in Brooklyn! Korres opened a location on Montague St., Sabon now it is your turn!

"Slutty Daywear": Judi Rosen Summer BlowUp Sale in Billyburg

Fashion Designer Judi Rosen, owner of legendary Nolita boutique The Good The Bad and The Ugly, designs for curvy women who have “big boobs, big butts, little waists.” The designer explains that she makes "clothes for people who like to be dressed up all the time -- but also like to be comfortable. You know, slutty daywear.” Rosen is best known for her trademark sexy high-waisted jeans which she insists will transform every woman's booty to look like a “ripe juicy peach” regardless of body type. And I mean really, who doesn't want that? Rosen's line is a favorite of tons of celebrities including Maggie Gyllenhaal, Fergie, Courtney Love, Eve, Gwen Stefani, and Christina Milian. Even Patricia Fields is a fan! Rosen's line can be a bit pricey, especially in this economic climate, but ladies we are in luck! Even the world of fashion is giving us a recession special. It's the Judi Rosen Summer BlowUp Sale, now through June 28th on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-7 at The Alley, 160 N. 6th St. between Bedford & Berry Sts. in Williamsburg. Her rockin' high-waisted jeans, catsuits, cigarette dresses, and silk rompers are all 70 percent off! You do not want to miss this sale!

H&M and Jimmy Choo: A Fashion Marriage Made in Heaven!

Thanks to Blogatize and Twitter, The Brooklyn Beat has just gotten wind of some super exciting news! Jimmy Choo will be collaborating with H&M to bring his couture line of stunning shoes and bags to selected H&M stores. H&M, Hennes & Mauritz AB, was founded in Sweden 1947 and came to the United States in 2000 when it opened its doors on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue. There are now over 100 stores in the USA and the company's business concept remains the same, to offer fashion and quality at the best price. The Jimmy Choo collection will be available from November 14 in around 200 stores across the world. This is the first time that H&M is collaborating with an accessories brand, and according to the company's press release made public today, they claim that "to celebrate Jimmy Choo will extend its design vision for this collection to women’s clothing to complement the accessories. Further exciting news is that this collaboration includes a men’s collection of shoes, bags and accessories." (Read the entire press release HERE) We are ecstatic about this news and know that the line will most definitely hit NYC! H&M's past collaborations with world-class designers like Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, and Viktor & Rolf were exciting enough, but now Jimmy Choo! OMG!!!!! Carrie Bradshaw would have been proud.

"Twilight Tour" in Prospect Park

Looking for something different to do this summer? The folks at Prospect Park are giving us a unique way to spend our sweaty Thursday evenings this August with their Twilight Tour. The evening starts with sophisticated wine, cheese and conversation at the Audubon Center at the Boathouse. Once you are feeling relaxed from all the vino, you then tour the Park’s majestic Lullwater on their electric boat, the Independence. But the real fun starts after the boat ride when one of the Audubon naturalists leads you on an evening Bat Walk. Romantic and spooky, a winning combination! The Twilight Tour takes place August 6, 13, 20, 27 from 6:30-8:45pm and the cost is $30. August may seem far away, but this tour fills up fast! Reservations required, limited availability. Call (718) 287-3400, ext. 102. Enjoy!

"Who are the People in Your Neighborhood?"

After this past weekend's shenanigans, I decided that no blog about Brooklyn would be complete without dedicating some of its content to the people that you meet in your neighborhood. The infamous Sesame Street song kept replaying in mind, so I looked it up on YouTube, watched it for inspiration and sat down to write. . . .if you need a refresher, click HERE

Brooklyn is full of unique characters which is what makes it such a wonderful place to live. Every day we meet new folks in the city, some we just pass on the street, and others approach us (or vise versa) and long conversations ensue. You just never know who you will start chatting with, and thanks to the anonymity of NYC, sometimes we find lifelong friends and others we will never see again.

So here's a little anecdote about the character my friend Laura and I met at La Mancha on Atlantic Ave. Saturday night. We had just finished enjoying some delicious homemade sangria and scallops smothered in manchego, talking and catching up at the bar. I had just finished telling Laura how I always attract crazy people, they just flock to me, like I give off this "I'm crazy too, come talk to me" kind of scent. Literally 30 seconds after I finished uttering this statement, this older gentleman approaches us (and by older I mean in his seventies) and says, "Were you guys just talking about e Harmony?" And big mouth me says, "No, we weren't talking about e Harmony, why do you want to talk about e Harmony? I mean I know what it is if you have questions."

And that was the trigger, I opened up a can of worms that could no longer be sealed shut. He starts telling us that he joined e Harmony after his wife passed away and how difficult it had been for him to get back into the game after being married for forty years. At the beginning I was actually interested in talking to him despite the smell of his breath, seriously it was repulsive (so bad that we were literally gagging on the walk home) I mean I felt bad for the guy, he was lonely and clearly wanted someone to listen to his story. But the more I allowed him to talk, the more I realized that he was just a fruit. I was egging him on (half curious, half sangria induced) nonetheless to keep talking, it's not everyday that a seventy year old man talks to you about internet dating. So here is what we learned.

Date one. Upper West Side Jazz Club. CIA agent. Woman goes to the bathroom and leaves purse open. He sees a gun lying in her purse. He is scared. They have sex anyway. There is no date number two with this woman, he is freaked out by her existence.

Date two. Bachelorette number two comes over to his apartment in Brooklyn. She has a respirator. She tells him she needs to get laid. She says she misses sex. They have sex with the respirator. He is scared that she is going to die during the act and he doesn't want to be accused of killing her since they just met. She lives. She leaves. No date number two with respirator woman.

Date three. He takes bachelorette number three to dinner in Park Slope. Over dinner she tells him that she is a sex addict and is into kinky things. She suggests they go to Babeland, a new sex toy shop on Bergen St. They go in, she chooses a vibrator with a remote control. He purchases it. She goes to the bathroom and inserts it. She gives him the remote control and tells him to have fun with it while she walks in front of him the whole walk back to his apartment in Brooklyn Heights. He starts messing with levels, one through ten. She goes crazy while walking. In public, just a few steps ahead. Once again, there was no date number two.

As we sat there and listened my jaw dropped. At this point I am disgusted and realize that he is just a dirty old man and I turn to the bartender for help. He makes the "this man is crazy" gesture with his hand and kindly drops the check. We pay and exit the bar.

What did I learn from this encounter? One, that everyone internet dates (or tries it), young and old. Two, when you are seventy years old, you don't waste time! Ah! Only in New York kids, only in New York!

Jennifer Aniston and Bette Midler in Greenpoint!

Thanks to Brooklyn Based, The Brooklyn Beat got wind of more NYC movie making news. Tomorrow Freeman up to Ash Street in Greenpoint will be shut down for a Fourth of July parade scene for Jennifer Aniston's new movie Bounty Hunter. It's being directed by Andy Tennant (Hitch, Sweet Home Alabama and Ever After) and also stars sexy Scottish actor Gerard Butler. It is supposed to be some kind of remake of Fool's Gold (another one of Andy's films), where a couple who used to be married reunite thanks to a big adventure that involves seeking treasure. . . . . but this time guy is actually hunting down his wife, who has skipped bail, and there's no gold involved. . . . . .hmmmm. . . . . . romantic comedy at its finest? I mean does Jennifer Aniston really need to make ANOTHER romantic comedy this year? She just wrapped The Baster here in NYC! OK, maybe I am being a bit harsh, I really do love the Greek Friends alumnus with all my heart, I'm just saying. . . . so if you are in Greenpoint tomorrow, try and catch a glimpse of the star and also keep your eyes open for Bette Midler, she will be appearing in a cameo role on a float in the parade! I love me some Bette Midler! Rumor has it there will also be a car chase and a van explosion. . . . . so exciting! Let's hope it doesn't scare the gentrified mix of Polish neighbors and hipsters in the hood! So be warned Brooklynites, Hollywood is coming to town tomorrow, be ready!

Photos from the Ft.Greene Garden Walk!

I went to the Ft. Greene Garden Walk yesterday and took some amazing photos! Green Spaces on Flatbush Ave, a work space collective located in a progressive 45,000 sq. ft. building known as The Mex (where small, green entrepreneurs share resources and ideas) was a very impressive space! An amazing new type of work environment that makes standard white-walled flourescent lit cubicles seem like a visit to the dentist's office to have a cavity filled. Also impressive was the Irondale Theater where there was an indoor garden installation done by a local artist. Here are some of the photos, enjoy!

Random Saturday Night Fireworks in Brooklyn

As I walked home from dinner at La Mancha with my friend Laura, we were giggling over the character we had just met at the bar (more on him tomorrow. . . . .) then as soon as we entered my apartment, we heard a loud boom! Laura turned to me and said, "Are those gunshots or fireworks?" Thinking positive I pronounced, "Fireworks?" and then we ran (more like full sprinted. . . not so easy after consuming a full pitcher of sangria in heels) to the river to check them out. And yes it was true, the beginning of fireworks season is here in NYC (it turns out they were being set off at the South Street Seaport to celebrate Children's Day). So here's some photos and a quick video in case you missed it! Here's to the beginning of summer!

Henry St. between Sackett and Union St. becomes "Citizens of Pozzallo Way"

Having a street renamed after you is a huge honor and today, The Society of the Citizens of Pozzallo will receive the recognition they deserve when Henry St. between Sackett and Union Street will become "Citizens of Pozzallo Way". The organization, founded in 1919 and named after the Sicilian city of Pozzallo, the only coastal city in its province of Ragusa, was originally intended to promote fellowship and friendship among its members and to educate them on American ideals in order to transition them to the American way of life and American citizenship. Through the years the organization has provided assistance to the poor and underprivileged by promoting the advancement of education and by contributing to other organized institutions of science and medical research.

On my way to work yesterday, I saw the city prepping for the ceremony that will take place today, Friday June 12th on Henry St. in Carroll Gardens. As I walked by, I was able to capture this photo of two of the society's members proudly holding their new street sign before it becomes a part of Brooklyn. What a great way to visibly pay tribute collectively to a group of individuals whose society has been housed on the block for almost 90 years. A true symbol of community and honoring the American Dream. Congratulations Citizens of Pozzallo! It's about time, you deserve it!

Brooklyn Flea under the Brooklyn Bridge

The famous Brooklyn Flea, held year-round in Fort Greene on Saturdays and in a storefront on Front St. in DUMBO on Sundays, is opening it's outdoor summer location this coming Sunday June 14th from 11am-6pm under the Brooklyn Bridge on the city's beautiful riverfront.

The Brooklyn Bridge Flea will feature 100+ vendors of vintage furniture, clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as new jewelry, art and crafts by local artisans, plus delicious food, all with amazing views of the beautiful bridge and Manhattan skyline. According to Erin Demby from Brooklyn Flea, a new addition to the yummy goodies this summer will be coffee brewed by Stumptown Coffee Roasters and beginning June 28th, lobster rolls from newly opened Red Hook Lobster Pound. A New-England girl at heart, I can't even explain how excited the thought of yummy lobster salad on a buttery hot dog bun while browsing the market makes me. . . . . .I am salivating at the thought! And since I am also a self-proclaimed caffeine addict and huge fan of Stumptown Coffee (have been ever since I first tried it in Portland, Oregon a few years ago at their original location) I am ecstatic that Duane Sorenson is bringing his strong fair-trade brews to the waterfront. It all starts this Sunday rain or shine.

Directions, vendor lists/sign-up as well as blogs and more info on the Brooklyn Flea can be found on their website by clicking HERE

Butter By Nadia Sample Sale

Nadia Tarr, former modern dancer and costume designer who has collaborated with many dance companies through the years, is the creator of Butter, a clothing line that moves well and looks amazing on all women, regardless of body type. The one-size-fits-all signature wrap dress that made her famous comes in soft cotton jersey, as well as in satin and in various lengths. It's a miracle dress that can be worn at least twelve different ways! You are getting 12 original looks for the price of one and luckily for people like me who are not creative enough to figure out how to wrap the dress properly to master all of the styles, Nadia has created various videos on her website that serve as instructional guides on how to DIY. She also caters to brides-to-be with her bridal collection of both bridal wrap gowns and bridesmaid dresses. Finally a bridesmaid dress that you can wear again and in so many different ways!

The wrap dresses and her collection can be a bit pricey, but we Brooklynites are in luck because Nadia will be holding a sample sale next weekend at House of Butter in Red Hook. The Sample Sale Extravaganza will take place Saturday June 13th from 11-7 and Sunday June 14th from 11-5. House of Butter is located at 405 Van Brunt St. Brooklyn, NY 11231. All info on her collections, sample sale info, press, and instructional videos can be found by clicking HERE. Mark your calendars, you do not want to miss this sale! It's a one stop shop for all of your summer BBQ, cocktail party, and wedding dress needs! Hope to see you there!

Ft. Greene Garden Walk

Looking for a special way to be one with nature and ring in the summer? Jump aboard the 12th Annual Fort Greene Garden Walk. On Sunday, June 14th from 11AM - 5PM, enjoy a self-guided tour through 10 private gardens, 3 community gardens and a commercial rooftop. Special features include live music, exhibits, a stop at Green Spaces, a "work space collective where small, green entrepreneurs share resources and ideas," the Irondale Theater, where "full-time artists have a commitment to making plays and education programs that are socially relevant, challenge the status quo, and inspire fresh perspectives in our audiences," and the garden of long-time Fort Greene resident known as "The Godmother of Jazz", Betty Carter, who's garden features a beautiful weeping cherry tree.

A complete itinerary, map pick-up, and ticket info can be found on the Brownstone Brooklyn Garden District's website (BBGD). Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 on the day of the tour and regardless of unpredictable NYC weather, the event will take place rain or shine. Sounds like a great way to spend your Sunday Funday. Explore Fort Greene, feel eco-cool, and burn some brunch calories power walking through the neighborhood. Sign me up!

Big Fat Greek Food Festvial

Just in time for the opening weekend of Nia Vardalos' new Big Fat Greek Film, "My Life in Ruins" (in theaters June 5th), St. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Brooklyn Heights is holding their 32nd Annual Greek Festival. As I am a proud Greek American gal, you know I will be there ready to drink some ouzo, eat some baklava, and break some plates in the streets of Brooklyn. I actually met the priest, Father John, on Court St the other day and he is very excited about this year's feast. He encourages all you Brooklynites to come on down! Schermerhorn St. will be closed off from Boerum Place to Court St. and on Friday and Saturday nights there will be a live Greek band playing traditional Greek folk music and dancing in the streets! And since we Greeks know how to party, the festival will remain open until 1am on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Menu highlights to look out for include lamb and chicken souvlaki, pastichio: Greek "lasagna" with ground beef, bechamel sauce, cheese and pasta, loukaniko: Greek sausage, spanakopeta: spinach and feta cheese pie wrapped in buttery fillo dough, and loukoumades: fried dough balls soaked in honey and topped with cinnamon and sugar, to name a few delectable signature dishes! There will also be pony rides, games, clowns and face-painting for the kids as well as an Agora flea market to do some shopping.

The Greek Festival runs from June 1st- June 7th and the festival hours are: Monday- Thursday 11 AM- 9PM, Friday 11 AM- 1AM, Saturday 1 PM-1AM, and Sunday 1 PM-4 PM.
St Constantine and Helen Cathedral is located at 64 Schermerhorn St. Brooklyn, NY 11201

Brooklyn International Film Festival

Okay, so we missed the kickoff party at The Delancey last night, but we are in luck because there are tons of other events running alongside the 12th annual Brooklyn International Film Festival beginning tomorrow June 5th through June 14th at The Brooklyn Heights Cinema.

The theme of the 2009 Festival is Open Source and a record number of 2,770 films from 110 different countries were submitted this year. The festival line-up was announced May 15th and will include 114 Films, all will be screened twice. There's also a kid's film fest and tons of special events including the opening night after party at The powerHouse Arena featuring Stella Beer, Smartwater, and finger food will be served. Admission is Free with Opening Night Pass, $25.

For screening times, tickets, and more info click on the website link HERE

I am pumped! Hope to see you there!

Kevin Smith shoots on Atlantic Ave!

So thanks to following Kevin Smith on Twitter (fyi @ThatKevinSmith is his Twitter name) I found out that yesterday, June 1st, began the first day of shooting for Smith's new film A Couple of Dicks, slated to be released in 2010. Smith tweeted, "Wrapped Day One on A Couple of Dicks without being one or sucking one. Bruce & Tracy are so good together, you'd think this was the sequel." And thanks to The Brooklyn Bugle, I found out that today they would be shooting on Atlantic Ave. between Court and Clinton St. in Cobble Hill. Naturally I was running late to my kickboxing class this morning and I completely forgot to bring my camera with me, but I stalked the set to and from class searching for a glimpse of Mr. Smith but alas was unsuccessful. After showering and looking up the film on imdb, I headed back to set hoping to possibly see either Tracy Morgan or Bruce Willis exiting their trailers. Unfortunately they had wrapped and all that remained were two trailers (they cleaned up and got the hell out of there fast!). The film also stars Seann William Scott and Adam Brody among many others. Keep you eyes peeled as they will be filming all over the city in the coming weeks. Click on this link to read an interview with the director and watch a video interview from SlashFilm.com